The Fame

Bibliographic Information: Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta). The fame. Herbert, V. Santa Monica: Interscope Records

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: Lady Gaga's first release, The Fame, rushed onto the scene offering bouncy dance tunes that were only overshadowed by Gaga's often outrageous costumes and clothing. Lady Gaga's CD with titles like, "Papparazi," "The Fame," "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich,"and "Starstruck" all deal with the possibility of being consumed with fame and all the riches and attention that come with it. With very direct lines like "I can't help myself I'm addicted to a life of material" (The Fame), Gaga makes it very clear that she's here for fame and nothing less.
Along with fame, Gaga is very interested in matters of the heart; as well as having a good time. With tunes like "Just Dance" and "Starstruck," Gaga mixes a collection of images; intermingling her need for attention, love, and fame. All of Gaga's hits are heady and reminiscent of an age of decadence in which consequences do not exist.Through The Fame, Gaga creates an image of life as a stage and a party that is only waiting to begin.  

Lady Gaga's First Release, "Just Dance"

Reader’s Annotation: Lady Gaga's first release, The Fame, offers a Pandora's box of decadence, dance tunes, and glitz that is sure to speak to anyone with dreams of living a life of fame.

Information About the Artist: Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, Lady Gaga rose to fame when she was discovered by Akon in 2007 (biography.com, 2012). Before being discovered, Lady Gaga participated in several acts throughout New York, working hard to hone her skill (biography.com, 2012). In 2005, she was briefly picked up by Def Jam Records only to be dropped a mere month later (biography.com, 2012). Refusing to be discouraged, Lady Gaga continued to work on her act starting her own burlesque show called "Lady Gaga and the Starlight Review" (biography.com, 2012). In 2007, she was hired by Interscope Records as a songwriter (biography.com, 2012). This turned out to be the fortuitous spot where she was discovered by Akon (biography.com, 2012).

Since The Fame in 2008, Lady Gaga has released:The Fame Monster in 2009, Born this Way in 2011, and Born this Way Remix in 2011 (billboard.com, 2012). Gaga only continues to become more unique as her pop hits continue to receive huge recognition.

Genre: Pop (amazon.com, 2012)

Curriculum Ties: Discussion on contemporary music.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Why is Lady Gaga so preoccupied with fame in her first CD?
2). What kind of young woman does Lady Gaga portray?
3). What are her dreams and goals?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15 +

Challenge Issues: Suggestive song lyrics that include images of drugs, sex, and recklessness. I would use the following items to defend this CD 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 CD in the titles you selected?: I chose this music selection due to its high energy tunes. Lady Gaga also represents to teens a beacon of fearless individuality. Teens can benefit from coming in contact with fearless and unapologetic role models that teach both self-acceptance and the acceptance of others.

Reference Page:

amazon.com.  (2012).  The fame.  Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/The-Fame-Lady-Gaga/dp/B001GM28HO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341883533&sr=8-1&keywords=the+fame

billboard.com.  (2012).  Lady Gaga: Albums. Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.billboard.com/artist/lady-gaga/discography/albums/1003999#/artist/lady-gaga/discography/albums/1003999

biography.com  (2012).  Lady Gaga biography.  Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.biography.com/people/lady-gaga-481598