AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make

Bibliographic Information: Vitkus, J.  (2005).  AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-style lo-Budget projects to make.  New York : Stewart, Tabori & Chang.
ISBN: 978-1-58479-465-1

Plot Summary: AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make offers independently minded teens fun and new exciting craft ideas that they can complete with items they already own. This book will teach teens how to transform old items (unused jeans, tshirts, bottle caps, etc.) into fun new items that are ready for every day wear and use (jean skirt, tshirt run, bottle cap pendants and magnets etc.). The book is broken down into items to wear, items to make for the home, and gifts. Teens will be attracted by the bright pictures and simplified tutorials with plenty of explanations and definitions.

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: Time to get crafty with these fun modern craft ideas.

Information About the Author: Jessica Vitkus received her B.A in English from Columbia University in 1988 (linkedin.com, 2012). She currently works for Animal Planet. She has previously worked on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), MTV (a variety of shows), "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?," The Daily Show, Martha Stewart, and many others (linkedin.com, 2012). She may have received inspiration to write AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make after working as a magazine writer/producer/crafter with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make Book Preview

Genre: Nonfiction

Subgenre: Arts & Crafts
 

Curriculum Ties: Could tie into a craft day or art class.

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.

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 I think it is important to provide teens with an outlet for artistic expression. Many teens are participating in DIY and crafting projects recently due to the great success of the social media site, Pinterest.

Reference Page:

Follett's Titlewave.  (2012).   AlternaCrafts: 20+ hi-style lo-budget projects to make.  Retrieved August 4, 2012 from Follett's Titlewave App. 
 
linkedin.com.  (2012).  Jessica Vitkus.  Retrieved August 4, 2012 from http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jessica-vitkus/5/ba/4a9

Cover art: AlternaCrafts: 20+ Hi-Style Lo-Budget Projects to Make