READ, LIRE, LEE, Y.A.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

The Official SAT Study Guide, Second Edition

Bibliographic Information: The College Board. (2009). The official SAT study guide, second edition. New York: CollegeBoard
ISBN: 978-087-447-852-5

Plot Summary: This updated study guide is jam packed with tips and tricks for any student to improve their overall SAT score. This study guide is broken down into five sections that are each dedicated to analyzing one particular part of the SAT exam. Part I features an introduction and description of the SAT's. Part II includes a close look at the critical reading section of the SAT's and focuses on passage-based reading. Part III studies the writing section of the SAT's and reviews the mechanics of proper writing. Part IV is a mathematics section and includes a review on subjects like: numbers and operations, algebra, and several others. The final section Part V, offers ten full practice tests with answer keys that put the already learned lessons, tips, and tricks into play.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: SAT study guides: essential for any high school student's future success!

Information About the Publisher: The College Board was originally formed by 12 colleges and universities in 1900 as a way to standardize the process of students being tested and applying to different universities (collegeboard.org, 2012). The College Board was eventually replaced by the SAT's and has been reviewed and reformatted since its inception (collegeboard.org, 2012). Currently CollegeBoard works hard to provide services to children in K-12 all geared towards making the path to college easier (collegeboard.org, 2012).

CollegeBoard interacts with over seven million students and parents, in a 180 countries and territories, and through over 900 colleges and universities (collegeboard.org, 2012). CollegeBoard believes in making college possible through financial, academic, and mentorship support (collegeboard.org, 2012).

Genre: Nonfiction

Subgenre: Study Guide

Curriculum Ties: Could tie into SAT prep courses offered in school.

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).

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.

collegeboard.org. (2012). About us. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://about.collegeboard.org/

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). The official SAT study guide, second edition. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave App.

cover art: http://freeebooksearch.net/the-official-sat-study-guide-2nd-edition

Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began

Bibliographic Information: Spiegelman, A. (1991). Maus II: A survivor's tale: And here my troubles began. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN: 978-0-679-72977-8

Plot Summary: Art Spiegelman draws a parallel story in this graphic novel between his father's last years in the Holocaust and his father's present day life. Spiegelman begins the story with him and his wife staying with some friends in Vermont. He then learns that his father's wife has left him, leaving him all alone and sick in his Catskills vacation home. Spiegelman decides to go and check in on his father, Vladek, even though he would greatly prefer not to. Spiegelman and his wife, Françoise, drive over to visit his father and spend a tense weekend trying to get along. Spiegelman decides to take advantage of being there and asks his father to tell him more about his time in the concentration camps. Spiegelman intends to write a book of his father's experiences and wants to capture the hardships his father endured. Spiegelman perfectly captures the difficulty of living with a survivor and the possibility that perhaps his father may not have survived after all.

Critical Evaluation: Spiegelman's style of dialogue in Maus II speaks volumes about the characters and their experiences. Vladek's accent and English skills are translated in the way in which the dialogue is formatted. Often Vladek speaks with his functions of speech out of order asking his son questions like, "Why to tell?? This wasn't her business" (37) and "Well...Come! We have now to carry up my storm windows to put in" (103). Spiegelman is able to convey the fact that his father, who used his English skills to survive during the Holocaust, continues to use words to the best of his abilities. Vladek's dialogue with his son may be a constant reminder to Spiegelman of the experience that his father survived. The words that Vladek uses to describe his experience are a reminder of the deals he had to make, the solutions he had to find, and the necessity of putting himself first in order to survive. In this way, all the recordings that Spiegelman took of his father are a constant reminder of his inability to truly comprehend what his father and mother experienced. This realization has affected Spiegelman's life as his thoughts and feelings bleed into the dialogue of his characters in Maus II. The dialogue of Maus II is a powerful tool that describes several layers of loss, survival, and constant sorrow. Vladek's words not only carry the story but give shape to it; a dark shadow that will forever loom in Spiegelman's presence.

Reader’s Annotation: Surviving traumatic events is sometimes only half the battle.

Information About the Author: Art Spiegelman was born in Stockholm, Sweden on February 15, 1948 (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). His parents were Vladek and Anja Spiegelman, both survivors of the Holocaust (Spiegelman, 2012). Both Maus I and Maus II are dedicated to telling their stories of survival, their loses, and great hardship (Spiegelman, 2012). Though born in Sweden, Spiegelman grew up in Rego Park, New York (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). He later enrolled in a university in New York but was unable to complete his studies due to a breakdown (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). Spiegelman then joined the Topps Gum Co. where he stayed for 20 years (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). Spiegelman worked on a variety of art related projects with the company (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). He did not end up writing Maus I and Maus II until years later (1986 and 1991 respectively). Maus II earned Spiegelman a Special Pulitzer Prize in 1992 (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012). Spiegelman currently lives with his wife and children in Manhattan (jewishvirtuallibrary.org, 2012).

Spiegelman's other great works are: "Bazooka Joe" comics, "Garbage Pail Kids," "Cabbage Patch Kids," and founded the magazine RAW (Real Art Works) in 1990 (gradesaver.com, 2012).

Genre: Historical

Subgenre: Europe, World War II and the Holocaust

Curriculum Ties: Can be worked into a lesson on the Holocaust, Nazi Germany, and World War II. Can also be used to discuss the way in which graphic novels capture history.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What do the different animal identities say about the characters in this story?
2). Is it easier or harder to deal with the brutality of the Holocaust when it is in a graphic novel format?
3). What does Spiegelman mean by writing that the story is even about the "children who somehow survive even the survivors?"

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

Challenge Issues: This book is a gruesome account of the Holocaust. 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.

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 chose this graphic novel because of Art Spiegelman's intense and honest allegorical representation of his father's experience in the Holocaust. Teen readers will be able to learn the impact of Hitler's regime while analyzing the art and images that Spiegelman chose to use to express the different players and roles in World War II.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Maus II. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone App.

gradesaver.com. (2012). Biography of Art Spiegelman. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.gradesaver.com/author/art-spiegelman/

jewishvirtuallibrary.org. (2012). Art Spiegelman. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Spiegelman.html

cover art: http://kaymcgriff.edublogs.org/2011/09/20/maus-ii-by-art-spiegelman/

Mass Effect 2

Bibliographic Information: Bioware. (2010). Mass effect 2. United States: Electronic Arts (EA).

EA Mass Effect 2
Game Website

Plot Summary: Mass Effect 2, is a game made for Xbox 360, Play Station 3, and Microsoft Windows and is the second installment in the Mass Effect series. The story continues when humans, using an ancient technology called Mass Relays, have begun to explore the galaxy. They find that the galaxy is governed by a council of the three most powerful alien nations. Soon after venturing out into the galaxies, human colonies begin to disappear without a trace. Commander Shepard, the protagonist, is brought back to life by the Illusive Man and given the task of finding out what happened to the colonies. Commander Shepard finds that the Collectors, enslaved by reapers (an ancient machine alien race that has previously wiped the galaxy clean of life on several occasions), are taking them for their own experiments. On orders from the Illusive Man, Commander Shepard travels through the Omega-4 relay to the collectors base, where humans are being dismembered for their DNA. Commander Shepard must then decide whether or not to destroy the Reaper Scion; either way the events signal the return of The Reapers, and the possible end of life in our galaxy.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Will Commander Shepard be able to save humankind from an ancient machine alien race?

Information About the Maker: Bioware, a division of Electronic Arts (EA), is located in Edmond, Canada and is dedicated to making a variety of role-playing games that will keep their customers hooked and interested (bioware.com, 2012). Bioware is the proud to have produced the following games: Baldur's Gate™, Neverwinter Nights™, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™, Jade Empire™, Mass Effect™, and Dragon Age™ (bioware.com, 2012).

Bioware's newest installment in the Mass Effect series, Mass Effect 3, has been met with high praise (bioware.com, 2012).

Mass Effect 2 Game Trailer

Genre: Video game

Subgenre: Science fiction role playing game (RPG) and First Shooter

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: ESBR*: M (for Mature, 17+) (eagames.com, 2012)
*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please visit the ESBR Website for more information.

Challenge Issues: This game includes strong language, blood, drug references, violence, and some sexual themes. If this game was challenged, I would use the following items to defend it:

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 video game in the titles you selected?: I included this game in my collection because it is geared towards older teens (17+). I think that this will provide teens an option that is not "kiddish" and will be challenging. This game also offers science fiction lovers something of interest. I also got the inspiration to add this game to my collection from the Caroll County Public Library in Windsor, Maryland who owns a large video game collection.

Reference Page:

bioware.com. (2012). About. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.bioware.com/about

cover art: http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Mass_Effect_2

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland

Bibliographic Information: Gust, Inc. (2012). Atelier Meruru: The apprentice of Arland. Japan: NIS America, Inc.

PS3 Game Site - Atelier Meruru:
The Apprentice of Arland

NIS America Website - Atelier Meruru:
The Apprentice or Aland

Plot Summary: Meruru, the princess of Arls, forces her way into being Totori's, the alchemist, apprentice. Meruru does this as a means of helping her land be prosperous once again. Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland is the last game in the popular Atelier series. Teens will be able to step into Meruru's shoes and determine the fate of the land through a series of different game decisions.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Meruru dreams of using alchemy to change the fate of her land. Will she be able to??

Information About the Maker: Gust CO., Ltd is a Japanese game developer. Information is not provided in English by reliable sources. Here is the Gust Co, Ltd website: Gust Co., Ltd.

Atelier Meruru: The Apprentice of Arland
Game Trailer

Genre: Video game

Subgenre: Manga-style Role Playing Game (RPG)

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: N/

Reading Level/Interest Age: ESBR*: Teen (13 & up) (ps3.com, 2012)

*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please see the ESBR Website for more information.

Challenge Issues: May include some suggestive themes, including the use of alcohol. If this item was challenged, I would the following arguments as my defense:

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 video game in the titles you selected?: I chose this video game because of its role playing aspects. Teens who are interested in manga will be excited to be able to create their own reality and society in this game. Much like the SIMS games, Atelier Meruru allows teens to control the outcome of their digital worlds. This will allow teens to take a look at the result of their actions and decisions when playing. I also got the inspiration to add this game to my collection from the Caroll County Public Library in Windsor, Maryland who owns a large video game collection.

Reference Page:

ps3.com. (2012). Atelier Meruru. The apprentice of Arland. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://us.playstation.com/games-and-media/games/atelier-meruru-the-apprentice-of-arland-ps3.html

cover art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelier_Meruru:_The_Apprentice_of_Arland

Dance Central 2

Bibliographic Information: Harmonix Music Systems. (2010). Dance central 2. Massachusetts: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.

Plot Summary: Dance Central 2 is the second installment in the Dance Central game series. Made for XBox 360 and Wii, this game provides hours of entertainment and exercise that can benefit any teen. Essentially a sensor picks up the players body movements and gives a rating depending on how true to the dance moves the player is. This game also has a two player setting. It also offers a variety of challenges and song choices (Dance Central 2 Song List); but mostly sticks to pop music. Dance Central 2 has been rated "T" for teen due to some strong song lyrics.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Get ready to dance the day away with Dance Central 2!

Information About the Maker: Harmonix is an independent game development studio that also created the Rock Band games (Harmonix.com, 2012). They are also the original developers of Guitar Hero (Harmonix.com, 2012). Harmonix prides itself for its hardworking, fun atmosphere that is carefully assembling tomorrow's big game hits (Harmonix.com, 2012).

Dance Central 2 - Behind the Scenes

Genre: Video game

Subgenre: Fitness, Dancing

Curriculum Ties: Can be used during a physical education class.

Booktalking Ideas: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: ESRB*: Teen (13 and up) (marketplace.xbox.com, 2012)
*Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESBR) is a nonprofit, self-regulatory entity that assigns ratings to video games and phone applications so that the consumer will have a better idea of the product's intended audience. Please visit the ESBR Website for more information.

Challenge Issues: Some lyrics may be too strong for some teens. I would use the following items to defend this video game:

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 video game in the titles you selected?: I included this video game because it combines two very important factors: popular hits and exercise. This video game will motivate teens to get off the couch and dance the night away. This is very important, especially with the current high children's and teen's obesity rate. I also got the inspiration to add this game to my collection from the Caroll County Public Library in Windsor, Maryland who owns a large video game collection.

Reference Page:

harmonix.com. (2012). About. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.harmonixmusic.com/about

marketplace.xbox.com. (2012). Dance central 2. Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Dance-Central-2/66acd000-77fe-1000-9115-d802373307d2?nosplash=1

cover art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_Central_2

Friday, August 3, 2012

Seizure

Bibliographic Information: Reichs, K. Seizure. (2011). New York: Razorbill. ISBN: 978-1-59514-394-5

Plot Summary: In this second installment of the "Virals Series," Tory Brennan's pack, "the virals" is in danger of being disbanded if a solution is not found in the very near future. Tory and her fellow friends, learn that the institution that their parents work in may be shut down which would force "the pack" to be separated. In a stroke of desperation, Tory decides to seek out the mythical treasure of Anne Bonny, a historical female pirate; in order to save their parents' jobs. Tory and her gang set out on several adventures that involve breaking and entering, theft, dealing with questionable characters, and a jail break. They soon find that they may not be the only ones hunting down the coveted lost treasure and find that they must watch their every step.

Critical Evaluation: The theme of "the wolf pack" is further developed in this novel. The virals (Tory, Hi, Shelton, and Ben) must learn to develop their pack strengths as they are continually tested by a number of factors. Reichs also defines the role of each "viral" as she shows Tory also realizing that she has unconsciously been given the role as the "alpha." Tory takes this knowledge and works hard throughout the novel to motivate her "pack" to work together in order to save the institution their parents work in. The pack realizes that if the institution is shut down then that they will be forced to move away from each other. This knowledge lends a sense of urgency to everything the "virals" do from that point out; a factor that helps to further strengthen their relationship. Reichs makes a point of giving the characters the ability to mentally connect (under great amounts of stress and panic) in order to demonstrate how deep their ties run. This "wolf pack" will only continue to improve as they are challenged by great obstacles that they must solve together.

Reader’s Annotation: Buried treasure does not stay buried forever and may come at a high cost.

Information About the Author: Kathy Reichs, originally Kathleen Joan Tolle, was born on July 7, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois (notablebiographies.com, 2012). She grew up in a religious Catholic family and spent most of her time within her own neighborhood (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Reichs married at the young age of 19 to Paul Reichs, an attorney and Marine captain (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Reichs then attended American University for her undergraduate studies (anthropology) and Northwestern for her PhD (skeletal biology) (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Reichs then accepted a teaching position at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Reichs' career as a forensic anthropologist inspired her novels (being an author is her second career) (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Her novels have been inspired by details of her many cases (notablebiographies.com, 2012). Reichs now splits her times between North Carolina and Quebec, Montreal (notablebiographies.com, 2012). She has worked with a variety of government agencies (including the FBI) and is highly sought after for her expertise (notablebiographies.com, 2012).

The "Virals Series" is Reichs' first forage into the YA scene. She has received great reviews and plans to continue the series. Some of Reichs' other works: Deja Dead (1997), I'd Kill for That (2005), Death du Jour (1999), Deadly Decisions (2000), No Rest for the Dead (2011), and many, many others (Reichs, 2012). Reichs has released about one novel every year since 1997 (notablebiographies.com, 2012).

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

Subgenre: Paranormal Powers, Exploration

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What is important about Tory's relationship with Coop?
2). How does Tory become the alpha "viral?"

Reading Level/Interest Age: Lexile Reading Level: 480/ YA (Follett's Titlewave, 2012)

Challenge Issues: Does include some violence and 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).

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?: This book is an action packed adventure, mystery, suspense, and horror and science fiction book. It is a great addition to my collection and will be sure to attract reluctant readers who may want some suspense to keep reading interesting.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave. 2012. Virals. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave iPhone App.

notablebiographies.com. (2012). Kathy Reichs biography. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2007-Pu-Z/Reichs-Kathleen-J.html

Reichs, K. (2012). Books. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from http://kathyreichs.com/category/books-by-kathy-reichs/

cover art: http://serious-insanity.blogspot.com/2012/03/book-review-seizure-virals-2-by-kathy.html

Virals

Bibliographic Information: Reichs, K. (2010). Virals. New York: Razorbill.
ISBN: 978-1-59514-342-6

Plot Summary: Due to the loss of her mother, Tory Brennan has recently moved in with her father, Kit Howard, who she has never met before. Tory's father lives on a secluded island off of the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. It isn't long before she has made friends with three other boys (Ben, Hi, and Shelton) who also live on the secluded island. Before they know it, Tory and her friends are running through the island discovering all its crooks and crannies. Tory and her gang stumble upon an old dog tag and skeleton and vow to break into the institute to find out who the person was. In the process, Tory and her gang run into a secret testing lab where they find a wolf-dog pup and decide to set it free. Their decision sets off a strange series of events in which the gang falls sick and starts noticing strange, supernatural changes. The adventure only begins there when the gang realizes they must use their newly found powers to solve a years old murder and mystery. The powers, though, may not be enough to keep Tory and her friends safe!

Tory Brennan, the niece of the forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, is no stranger to adventure and rises to lead her group of friends through danger and adventure.

Critical Evaluation: Reichs chooses to connect her new YA character to her widely known character, Temperance Brennan. This sets the setting for the Virals series and directly influences Tory as a character. Although Tory has recently learned that she is related to Temperance Brennan, she still shares many of the same characteristics with her aunt- they are both brilliant, straight talking, no fuss characters. Reichs choice to do this builds almost a bridge between her two different realities and expands her characters' universes. This also helps to explain why Tory, a young 14 year old, is able to handle all her different adventures and mysteries since she is related to such an adventurous and intelligent aunt. This extension of Reichs' universe gives a more complex depth to Tory's story and also sets the bar of what to expect from both Tory and her storyline. Some may also argue that connecting the two realities from her big selling Temperance Brennan with her new Tory Brennan series really limits and predetermines the plot of the Virals series.

Reader’s Annotation: Being in the wrong place at the wrong time changes everything for Tory and her friends

Interview with Kathy Reichs

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

Subgenre: Biological Experiments, Paranormal Powers

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What transformations have Tory and her friends experienced?
2). Was it right for them to take Coop?

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

Challenge Issues: Some themes of violence, murder, and recklessness. 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.

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?: Virals is the first novel in the Virals series and begins the story of Tory Brennan, the young niece sleuth of the famed forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan. This book will attract mystery lovers and keep young readers hooked as they work to solve the mystery.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave. (2012). Virals. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave App.

notablebiographies.com. (2012). Kathy Reichs biography. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2007-Pu-Z/Reichs-Kathleen-J.html

Reichs, K. (2012). Books. Retrieved August 3, 2012 from http://kathyreichs.com/category/books-by-kathy-reichs/

cover art: http://fine-nelsogno.blogspot.com/2011/04/virals-di-kathy-reichs.html

Pages

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Friday, August 3, 2012