READ, LIRE, LEE, Y.A.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

New Moon

Bibliographic Information: Meyer, S. (2006). New moon. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.
ISBN: 978-0316075657

Plot Summary: Bella is finally with her one true love, Edward. The Cullen's decide to throw Bella an 18th birthday party as a way to welcome her to the family and to acknowledge her relationship with Edward. In the process of opening a gift, Bella accidentally gets a paper cut. This sets off a chain of events in which Edward is forced to protect her from getting attacked from a suddenly blood thirsty Jasper. Fearing for Bella's life, Edward shuns Bella and moves away with the entire Cullen family as a way to protect her. This leaves Bella in an intense state of catatonia and suicidal. Through a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications Edward comes to believe that Bella is dead and vows to end his existence. Bella must race against time in order to save the vampire she loves.

Critical Evaluation: New Moon pulled much inspiration from William Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet. Stephanie Meyer creates a parallel story between her tale and that of Shakespeare's. Edward and Bella come from two different "houses," or worlds, that do not believe they should be together. Bella and Edward, much like Romeo and Juliet, ignore their families and proceed to fall further in love. Both stories then experience game changing difficulties (Romeo killing Juliet's cousin, Bella slicing her finger and exposing Jasper to her blood) which force the young lovers to be apart. Then through several misunderstandings both male characters, Romeo and Edward, come to believe that their beloveds have passed away in their absences. Both characters then decide to take their grief into their hands and end their suffering by committing some form of suicide. This, though, is where both stories diverge. The classic Romeo and Juliet ends in tragedy, whereas Bella and Edward's story ends with an uplifting role reversal and solution. This choice to diverge from the classic tragedy not only gives the book more ample space to explore its own identity but also allows the story to continue on.

Reader’s Annotation: Bella must look beyond her depression to save the one she loves.

Information About the Author: Stephenie Meyer, born Stephenie Morgan, was born on December 24, 1973 to a Mormon family in Hartford, Connecticut (biography.com, 2012). Her family then relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where she grew up (biography.com, 2012). Being the eldest of six siblings, Meyer helped her parents with her younger brothers and sisters (biography.com, 2012). Meyer received a National Merit Scholarship and attended Brigham University to study English literature (biography.com, 2012). She reconnected with an old friend who she married a year after reconnecting (biography.com, 2012). After graduating, Meyer chose to be a stay at home mom to three boys (biography.com, 2012).

Meyer states that she got the inspiration to write Twilight from a very vivid dream she had which she shortly after converted into an outline and then a 500 page manuscript (Meyer, 2012). Meyer has also written: New Moon, Eclipse, and her adult novel, Host.

Genre: Romance, Adventure, Fantasy

Subgenre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires

Curriculum Ties: Can be used to discuss teen love, the vampire myth, and coping skills.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Are teens capable of experiencing true love?
2). Does this book emulate aspects of Shakespeare's, Romeo and Juliet?

Reading Level/Interest Age: YA/ Lexile Reading Level: 690 (Follett's Titlewave, 2012). Grades 9 & up (Follett Titlewave (School Library Journal), 2012).

Challenge Issues: This book features vampires, violence, and suicidal tendencies. 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).

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.

biography.com. (2012). Stephenie Meyer biography. Retrieved August 2, 2012 from http://www.biography.com/people/stephenie-meyer-456668?page=1

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). New Moon. Retrieved August 2, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave app.

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). New Moon (School Library Journal). Retrieved August 2, 2012 from Follett Titlewave app.

Meyer, S. (2012). Bio. Retrieved August 2, 2012 from http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/bio.html

cover art: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/newmoon.html

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Twilight

Bibliographic Information: Meyer, S. (2005). Twilight. New York: Little, Brown, and Company.
ISBN: 978-0-316-16017-9

Plot Summary: Seventeen year old Isabella "Bella" Swan moves to Forks, Washington with her father so that her mother can begin her life with her new husband in Florida. Bella is not happy with the move and sees nothing positive about living somewhere where it rains all the time. Bella enrolls into the local high school and immediately notices the Cullens (Alice, Edward, Emmett, Jasper and Rosalie Hale) five coldly beautiful siblings that were all at some point adopted by the same couple, Carlisle and Esme Cullen. Bella is intrigued by the attractive siblings and is surprised to find that Edward is in her Biology class. Bella gets the sense that Edward does not like her and makes an effort to avoid her. It is not until he leaves school for several days, returns, and saves her from a van that Bella learns the truth about Edward. From that point on Bella is caught in a strange world where her safety is always in question, but her strengthening emotions for Edward stop her from walking away forever.

Critical Evaluation: Stephenie Meyer transformed the vampire lore into a new modern concept. This rewriting of the old tales has give the Twilight story ample room to rewrite what it means to be a vampire. Edward, in a way, becomes a beautiful object (glittering in the sun) that Bella knows may hurt her but that she cannot walk away from. Meyers choice to allow her vampires to walk day has given them a much more human spin then characters like Dracula or even Anne Rice's vampires. This ability to exist within the human world, during day light hours (as long as there is no direct sun) transforms being a vampire from a dark prison to one simply dictated by a thirst for blood. This shift in abilities makes being a vampire an attractive quality to Bella who does not see it as an end but rather as a beginning to a fantasy life with Edward. All in all, changing the traditional meaning of what it is to be a vampire both gives this novel more space to move, but also diminishes the role of the vampire as a vampire (at least in the classic sense).

Reader’s Annotation: Bella knows Edwards secret but cannot walk away as she falls deeper and deeper in love.

Interview with Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Subgenre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires

Curriculum Ties: Could be used in a discussion of myths and vampires.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Is Bella old enough to know what she wants?
2). Does a sparkling vampire destroy the vampire myth or enrich it?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 720/YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012), grades 9-12 (Booklist starred, Follett Tittlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: This book includes vampires which may cause challenges. I would use the following items if this book 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.

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?: I included this book because vampires are currently a teen favorite. I think that the combination of romance, fantasy, and vampires will attract readers of all levels.

Reference Page:

biography.com. (2012). Stephenie Meyer biography. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.biography.com/people/stephenie-meyer-456668?page=1

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Twilight (Booklist starred review). Retrieved August 1, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave app.

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Twilight. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone App.

Meyer, S. (2012). Bio. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/bio.html

cover art: http://bestsellers.about.com/od/bookfilmlistsbyauthor/tp/Stephenie_Meyer_Books.htm

Batman: Year One

Bibliographic Information: Miller, F. (2005). Batman: year one. Illustrated by David Mazzucchelli. New York: DC Comics, ISBN: 978-1-40120-752-6

Plot Summary: Batman: Year One is a parallel story of two outcasts making their way in the rough and corrupted city of Gotham. James Gordon, a failed Lieutenant, has been transferred to Gotham because of some unmentioned failing at his last post. He finds himself having to deal with a dirty commissioner, twisted cops, and a city rampant with crime. Bruce Wayne, a local millionaire, is returning to Gotham after years of being away. Now in his mid-twenties, Wayne is ready to make his mark on the city and rid it of all the garbage. In the process of changing how the city is run, Wayne makes enemies with Selena, the soon to be Catwoman, the police department, and the local criminals. Wayne and Gordon find that they may be fighting on the same side of the battle to save Gotham.

Critical Evaluation: David Mazzucchelli's illustrations in Batman: Year One create a dark and intense tone for the overall story. From the cover (which features an almost black silhouette of Batman that is set against a deep red maroon background) to the story ending page (which features a black and white batman lunging at the reader) the illustrations convey a message of stark confrontation and animalistic intent. These are also elements of Bruce Wayne's transformation from a carousing millionaire to bat vigilante that can be seen from chapter to chapter. Wayne reaches deep down into the dark jagged corners of his past and pulls out the strength and darkness he needs to stand up to both past and present adversaries. The dark colors, shadowy settings, and lighting mark his transformation from broken young man to weapon. By embodying the dark rage that Wayne feels in his heart he is able to push himself forward and become the dark hero that the city of Gotham desperately needs.

Reader’s Annotation: Before Bruce Wayne could sweep Gotham free of crime, Bruce Wayne had to learn to be Batman.

Information About the Author: Frank Miller was born January 27, 1957 in Olney, Maryland but grew up in Montpelier, Vermont (tribute.ca, 2012). Miller has worked on the following comics: Marvel's Spectacular Spider-man, Daredevil, Batman: Year One, and his most famous piece: Batman- The Dark Knight Returns (tribute.ca, 2012). Miller also created the character Elektra and created several different Elektra-related comics (tribute.ca, 2012). He also worked on the comics: Ronin, Robocop 2 and 3, Hard Boiled and Bad Boy (tribute.ca, 2012).

Miller has also worked as a director when his comic Sin City was adapted into a film in 2005 (tribute.ca, 2012). Miller was very involved and only approved the proposal after many revisions were made (tribute.ca, 2012). Miller wanted to ensure that the adaption was as true as possible to the comic (tribute.ca, 2012). He has directed several other movies since then (tribute.ca, 2012).

Batman: Year One trailer

Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Horror, and Suspense, Adventure, Graphic Novel

Subgenre: Super Heroes, Heroism

Curriculum Ties: Can be incorporated into an art lesson on graphic novel history and characters.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What does the bat mean to Bruce Wayne?
2). Can Bruce Wayne ever truly avenge his parents?
3). Is James Gordon a good or bad character?

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

Challenge Issues: This graphic novel feature images of violence and promiscuity. I would use the following items to defend it if needed:

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 graphic novel in the titles you selected?: I included this item in my collection because it a great pick for reluctant readers. The combinations of text, graphics, and intense plotline will interest readers that may not usually be interested in reading lengthier works.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Batman: year one. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from Follett'sTitlewave iPhone app.

tribute.ca. (2012). Frank Miller biography. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.tribute.ca/people/frank-miller/14302/

Cover art: http://cmro.travis-starnes.com/blog/tag/comic-list/

Friday, July 27, 2012

Matched

Bibliographic Information: Condie, Allyson Braithwaite. (2010). Matched. New York: Penguin Audio
ISBN: 978-0-14-242863-4

Plot Summary: Cassia lives in a world where everything is decided, planned, and dictated by an organization called "The Society." Everything is decided for Cassia, from what she wears, eats, and does everyday to who she marries, or is "matched" to. Cassia, like most people of her community, sees nothing wrong with the way in which things are run, and even accepts her grandfather's eventual and assigned death date at the age of 80.

Cassia has recently reached the age of 17, the age of being matched to her future husband. She attends her ball and learns that she is among the lucky few to be matched to someone in their own town; she is matched to her best friend, Xander. Along with the matching, each person is given a sort of data card that holds further details on the person they have been matched to. When Cassia decides to take another look at Xander's details, even though she knows him, she is surprised to see Xander's face disappear only to be replaced by the face of another young man, Ky. Cassia is suddenly met with so many questions about who really is her "perfect match, doubts about the future, and does not know where to turn. She is told that she can talk to her grandfather about what has happened but is only met with more confusing ideas about whether or not to accept her assigned future.

Soon Cassia is set off in a tailspin of emotions and rebellion in which she must decide to ignore the new face she has accidentally seen or continue a happy, and prescribed, life with Xander.

Critical Evaluation: Poetry, particularly Dylan Thomas' poems, is a recurring motif of rebellion and hope within Matched. Beginning with the poem that Cassia secretly receives from her deathbound grandfather to the poem she receives from Ky upon the hill. The powerful words of poetry are what incite Cassia to pursue the things that feel right, the love that she feels she wants the most. It's the words of Dylan Thomas', "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night" that urge her not to accept the way things are and to struggle to see the world for what it really is. Cassia acknowledges that she has never heard words like those of Thomas but still understands their urgency and their message to not accept "the dying of the light." This poem incites the emotion of fighting till the end, of continuing on even if the ending isn't victorious, of not being stopped by the obstacles ahead, of never laying down in defeat. Cassia and Ky, and even Cassia's grandfather, understand this message and are able to see "The Society's" world for the controlling and sneaky ruling power that it is. Cassia's simple act of even having the poetry, of learning to write, of loving Ky are all acts of rebellion in which Cassia is able to "rage, rage against the dying of the light" as she defies the controlling world she lives in.

Reader’s Annotation: Cassie lives a life of acceptance, until an unexpected face forces her to realize that there may be more options in life than ever known before.

Information About the Author: Ally Condie is currently a fulltime writer (Condie, 2012). She spends her time writing, managing her websites and blogs, and spending with her husband and children (Condie, 2012). Prior to writing fulltime, she was an English teacher (Condie, 2012). Condie still keeps her licenses current in case she ever has to teach again (Condie, 2012).

She is currently working on the third book, Reached, from her Matched Trilogy (Condie, 2012). Crossed is the second book in the Matched Trilogy (Condie, 2012). Condie was featured in the YALSA’s 2011 Teens’ Top Ten for her book Matched (Condie, 2012). She has also been featuredin other top literature journals like Kirkus Review and Publisher's Weekly (Condie, 2012).

The Matched Trilogy Official Site

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction

Subgenre: Utopia/Dystopia, Politics

Curriculum Ties: Could tie into a discussion on future societies and technology.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Although Cassia world is "perfect" does it offer the perfect life?
2). Why is Cassia so drawn to Ky?
3). What does it mean to have a "taste of everything and a meal of nothing?"

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 680/ YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012). Grades 9-12 (Follett Titlewave, 2012).

Challenge Issues: No challenge issues seem to exist in this book.

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?: I included this title because it offers a very interesting perspective of what future life could be like. It also plays with the idea of what life would be like if it was completely designed for each person. Teenagers will be able to understand Cassia's struggle as she is forced to live within the rules or face the serious consequences of not conforming to "The Society's" demands.

Reference Page:

Condie, A. (2012) Author bio. Retrieved July 27, 2012 from http://www.allysoncondie.com/bio/

Follett's Titlewave. Matched. Retrieved July 27, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone App.

cover art: sfaudio.com

Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Lost Boy: A Foster Child's Search for the Love of a Family

Bibliographic Information: Pelzer, D. (1997). The lost boy: A foster child's search for the love of a family. Florida: Health Communications. ISBN: 978-1558745155

Plot Summary: The Lost Boy... is a retelling of one man's, Dave Pelzer, experience in the foster system from the ages of 12-18. The story begins with a heartwrenching recollection of Pelzer's time beneath his mother's abusive rule and constant maltreatment. Pelzer lives through constant mistreatment, while his father passively attempts to stop his mother, but gives up in order to "keep the peace." It is never quite stated why, but Pelzer's mother hates him beyond reason and makes sure to let Pelzer know every day. The story truly begins when Pelzer is finally taking into custody and made a ward of the court. Pelzer then lives through a couple of different foster homes, never quite feeling at home. Pelzer's situation finally culminates with a serious run in with the law and an eventual change in future plans. Pelzer's journey speaks to a young boy and man searching for a place to call home.

Critical Evaluation: A reoccurring motif in Pelzer's book, and life, is the stripping and rejection of his identity as a person. Pelzer's abusive mother seems incapable of referring to Pelzer as "David" or "Dave," always referring to him as "The Boy" or "It." She feels it necessary to strip him of his name, or individual identity, in order to justify treating Pelzer as a form of garbage. By removing Pelzer's identity, Pelzer's mother removes any reason to feel sympathy or remorse for her actions. In essense, if Pelzer is not quite a person then she is able to treat him as she would a microwave or vacuum. This refusal to acknowledge Pelzer as a human being creates the distance she needs to play her "games" and terrorize Pelzer. Pelzer, on the other hand, does not begin to regain his identity until he meets a series of loving foster home figures that remind him that he is allowed to feel, enjoy, and run around. Pelzer can be seen always struggling with the reoccurring image of the "It;" the ever persistent feeling that his happiness and new found existence will be taken from him. All in all, Pelzer's tie to his identify (in name, clothing, personal space) marks the difference between being an abandoned teen and becoming a developed man.

Reader’s Annotation: One boy's search for love and acceptance takes him on a wild journey that many often do not survive.

Information About the Author: Dave Pelzer grew up being terribly abused by an alcoholic mother (Pelzer, 2012). Pelzer never understood why his mother hated so much but had to endure her wrath in order to survive (Pelzer, 2012). Pelzer is finally saved at the age of 12 when school figures finally interceded on his behalf (Pelzer, 2012). At the time of discovery, the Pelzer abuse case proved to the the worst in recorded U.S history (Pelzer, 2012). Pelzer then went on to become a ward of the state and experienced a variety of different foster homes (Pelzer, 2012). Pelzer then enlisted in the Air Force where he worked doing midair refuel (Pelzer, 2012). Pelzer went on to receive several medals and commendations for his works from the state of California to the President of the United States (Pelzer, 2012) Pelzer is dedicated to helping others.

Pelzer has also written: A Child Called "It," A Man Names Dave, Help Yourself, The Privilege of Youth, Help Yourself for Teens, Moving Forward (Pelzer: Books, 2012). Pelzer plans on continuing to write books and spread his experiences in order to help others come to terms with their own.

A trailer for The Lost Boy...

Genre: Non-fiction, Crossover, Contemporary

Subgenre: Homelessness and Foster Living Arrangements, Mental Illness

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into a section on mental health and relationships.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Why does Pelzer's mother find it necessary to refer to Pelzer as "The Boy?"
2). Is Pelzer's delinquency a product of his environment?
3). Does this book give a fair presentation of foster homes?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 720/AD (Follett's Titlewave, 2012).
Adult to YA crossover (bookbrowse.com, 2012).

Challenge Issues: This book includes violence, abuse, and some crime. I would use the following items if this book 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.

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?: In The Lost Boy... Pelzer closely examines his own life experiences with both verbal and mental abuse. These experiences are important to share with teens because it helps them differentiate between healthy and toxic relationships. This type of controversial literature allows teens to understand complex topics without directly experiencing them.

Reference Page:

bookbrowse.com. (2012). Adult to YA crossovers: The lost boy... Retrieved August 3, 2012 from http://www.bookbrowse.com/browse/index.cfm?fuseaction=books category_number=128&start_id=153&order=p

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). The lost boy... Retrieved August 3, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone app.

Pelzer, D. (2012). About. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.davepelzer.com/about.html

Pelser, D. (2012). Books. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.davepelzer.com/books.html

cover art: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-lost-boy-id-1558745157.aspx

My Sister's Keeper

Bibliographic Information: Picoult, J. My sister's keeper. New York: Atria Books. ISBN: 978-0743454537

Plot Summary: Thirteen year old Anna loves her older sister, Kate, but has never known a life in which Kate's needs did not rule her every move and breathing moment. Kate has had leukemia since a young age and relies on Anna, a child born as an exact bone marrow match, to supplement her health with healthy bone marrow, blood transfusions, and a variety of other operations and tests. Anna has never had a problem, until she reaches the age of thirteen and decides to sue her family for her medical emancipation.

Anna's decisions throws her family into a panicked disorder pitting mom against daughter. It is not until the truth comes out about why Anna is demanding her medical emancipation that her family begins to understand why she refuses to back down. In the midst of the court chaos, an unimaginable twist of fate teaches Anna's family that sometimes the things that blindside us the most are the things we never see coming.

Critical Evaluation: *SPOILER ALERT*

Picoult employs the use of irony in this book in a way the leaves readers enraged. The entire story seems to revolve around the uncertain future of the older sister, Kate, making it appear that her life is only moments from possibly ending. Picoult builds the story, adds drama, and emotion as a family struggles to deal with the possible loss of Kate who they have worked so hard to keep alive. The loss is only further magnified by the resistance Anna shows in continuing to participate in keeping Kate alive. It all seems like it's going to end with Kate's eventual death; an ending the makes sense given the hard struggle that has been keeping Kate alive. The court's ruling in favor of Anna's health emancipation seems only to seal Kate's fate. The reader is only given what feels like seconds to adjust to the cold hard truth that Kate's life is over when Anna has her tragic accident, changing Kate's life forever. Picoult employs this ironic twist of fate without apology, forcing the reader to deal with the fact that life is often so uncertain that endings come nearly out of nowhere. This ironic twist also forces the reader to reexamine the ever changing course of life.

Reader’s Annotation: A sister's love is one of the most powerful things in the world. Anna is forced to decide whether or not she is willing to give up her life for her sister's.

Information About the Author: Picoult was born in 1966 in New York on Long Island (Picoult FAQ, 2012). She's always dreamed of being a writer and being able to provide for her family (Picoult FAQ, 2012). She studied creative writing at Princeton University (Picoult FAQ, 2012). Alice Hoffman is one of her idols and finds the following three works to be her favorite: Gone With the Wind, The Great Gatsby, and The Sun Also Rises (Picoult FAQ, 2012).

Picoult has also written (information pulled directly from jodiepicoult.com): Songs of the Humpback Whale (1992), Harvesting the Heart (1994), Picture Perfect (1995), Mercy (1996), The Pact (1998), Keeping Faith (1999), Plain Truth (2000), Salem Falls (2001), Perfect Match (2002), Second Glance (2003), My Sister's Keeper(2004), Vanishing Acts (2005), The Tenth Circle (2006) Nineteen Minutes (2007), Change of Heart (2008), Handle With Care (2009), House Rules (2010), and SING YOU HOME (2011), and LONE WOLF (Picoult Books, 2012).

My Sister's Keeper Website

Genre: Contemporary

Subgenre: Death and Deadly Disease, Personal Convictions

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into a lesson on cancer and how it affects families and communities.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Is Anna and Kate's mom, Sara, the villain in this story?
2). Is Anna correct to ask for her medical emancipation?
3). Was it morally correct to subject Anna to so many medical tests for Kate?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Adult to YA crossover (browsebook.com, 2012)

Challenge Issues: This book deals with death and illness and may be considered to serious for teens. I will defend it with the following items:

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.

browsebook.com. (2012). My sister's keeper: Adult to YA. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from http://www.bookbrowse.com/

browse/index.cfm?fuseaction=
books&category_number=128&start_id=97&order=p

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). My sister's keeper. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone app.

Picoult, J. (2012). Books. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from http://jodipicoult.com/jodi-picoult-books.html

Picoult, J. (2012). FAQs: Jodi answers 10 terrifying questions. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from http://jodipicoult.com/faqs-booktopia.html

cover art: http://jodipicoult.com/my-sisters-keeper.html

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Boy Meets Boy

Bibliographic Information: Levithan, D. (2003). Boy Meets Boy. New York: Alfred A. Knopf
ISBN: 978-0375832994

Plot Summary: Paul, a gay high school sophomore, lives in a world where he is loved and accepted for who he is. Paul spends his days hanging out with his best friend, Joni, dealing with school drama, and trying to understand his past relationships. Paul recognizes his luck as he spends time with his friend, Tony, who is also gay and comes from a strict religious family. Tony, unlike Paul, must hide who he is and exists on the fringes of Paul's reality.

Paul's world suddenly changes when Noah, a new boy at school, unexpectedly comes into his life and challenges the way in which he views love and being in a relationship. Paul must learn to recognize what he wants, while paving the way for his friend Tony who is also struggling to come into his own.

This novel offers a complex story of being true to one's own feelings, finding what is right amidst the chaos, and really appreciating what one has before it is gone.

Critical Evaluation: Levithan creates an almost magical world in Boy Meets Boy by emphasizing the whimsical nature of the novel's setting. From the way in which Noah's room is arranged to the "Death Ball" that the students put on for the school, the entire world of Boy Meets Boy vibrates with an uncommon air of acceptance, whimsy, and congruency. Every detail that Levithan chooses to describe Paul's world, from Infinite Darlene to Tony's slowly accepting parents, paints the picture of a world that is far more socially developed than the present world we exist in. In Paul's world no one questions that the quarterback is a crossdressing student who plays football and sashays through school in miniskirts, no one questions Paul's romantic indecisions and conflicting feelings when he is met by the decision of having two boys he may love, and absolutely no one questions the fact that Paul loves boys at all. Levithan uses the setting and its characters to send out a powerful message of love, inclusion, and how things could be if people were accepted as simply being who they are and who they wish to be.

Reader’s Annotation: Paul, an openly gay teen, must learn how to make things right after several relationship blunders that may dictate the rest of his high school experience.

Information About the Author: David Levithan does not enjoy writing biographies about himself and has disclosed little to no information about his life (Levithan, 2012). . Besides the following facts; Levithan was born in 1972, graduated from Brown in 1994, and published his first book in 2003, Boy Meets Boy (Levithan, 2012). Levithan, though, does love to talk about his book and shares much details about why he wrote certain books, including Boy Meets Boy (Levithan, 2012).

Levithan began Boy Meets Boy as a Valentine's story for his friend (Levithan, 2012). It then developed far beyond that, becoming a book he would wish to read (Levithan, 2012). Levithan wanted Boy Meets Boy to be be about characters that do not deal with the usual challenges of being outcasted, bullying, or being related to someone who is gay (Levithan, 2012). Levithan wanted to create a story of hope, an expectation of how the world should be and where we should be in terms of LGBT acceptance (Levithan, 2012).

Levithan has also written: The Realm of Possibility (2004), Are We There Yet (2005), Wide Awake (2006), Love is the Higher Law (2009), Will Grayson, Will Grayson with John Green (2010), and many other books (Levithan, 2012).

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Subgenre: Humorous Romance, Sexual Identity

Curriculum Ties: Can tie into a discussion on LGBT rights, bullying and community presence.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Why do all of Paul's friends tell him that he's so lucky to be himself?
2). What does Tony's experience show about community support of individuality and sexuality?

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level 730/YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: This book contains LGBT themes and characters. 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.

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Boy meets boy. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from Follet's Titlewave iPhone App.

Levithan, D. (2012). About David Levithan. Retrieved July 26, 2012 from http://www.davidlevithan.com/about_davidlevithan.html

cover art: http://jodysparks.com/tag/boy-meets-boy/

Pages

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Tuesday, July 24, 2012