Enchanted. By Alethea Kontis. Harcourt, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-547-64570-4
Author Bio: Alethea Kontis was born in Vermont, but currently lives in Florida. She is a huge fan of fairy tales and considers herself a princess. Kontis has written numerous fantasy books and sleeps with a cuddly teddy bear named Charlie.
Genre: Fantasy; Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 770 HL
Plot Summary: Sunday Woodcutter is the youngest daughter of a large family and often escapes to the woods to find quiet so that she can write in her journal. In her journal, she likes to write about her family and their many escapades and antics. While in the woods one day she meets a talking frog and they become friends. Though her kiss does not immediately turn the frog back into a human, she finds that she truly enjoys his company and ultimately falls in love with him. Then a raging storm hits, her godmother comes for a visit, and her mother has her doing chores and taking lessons from her godmother from sunup to sundown. When Sunday finally manages to make it back into the woods, her frog is gone and her heart feels as if it has shattered. Despite her sadness, Sunday is forced to attend a royal party at the castle where she meets the prince and magical events begin to transform her life.
Critical Evaluation: Kontis uses fanciful, magical imagery throughout this book, drawing the reader into a world of magic and reality at the same time. For example, when Sunday is sitting in the woods writing in her journal she sees an ordinary looking from. However, the scene becomes magical when the frog begins talking to her as if he is human. She produces a similar effect when with hyperbole which is also found throughout the book. At one point, Sunday is dancing with the prince’s cousin and finds that “the warmth radiating” from his hands is “like sunshine on her cold bones.” Through the use of this hyperbole, the reader is able to feel exactly how Sunday feels. Each of the characters have a depth to them which allows the reader to feel as if they know them personally, especially the main characters Sunday and Rumbold. Additionally, Kontis does a remarkable job of interweaving scenes from classic fairy tales into the story such as Cinderella losing her shoe, the giant climbing down the beanstalk, and even Sleeping Beauty falling asleep and causing everyone else to fall asleep around her. Kontis cleverly weaves a classic tale of love, betrayal, and heartache and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat to find out what could possibly happen next.
Reader's Annotation: Sunday seems like an ordinary teenage girl and is not surprised when she kisses a talking frog and nothing happens. However, her world is about to change when her Aunt Joy comes for a visit and says that she is going to teach Sunday how to spin gold out of wool.
Curriculum Ties: Fantasy, Mash-ups
Book Talk Ideas: What do Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Pirate King all have in common?
Challenge Issues: none
Challenge Issue Resources: N/A
Why Chosen: This book was chosen because it was recommended as a YALSA top ten choice, has one multiple awards, and turned out to be an enchanting read.
Additional Info: This book is the first in a series. The other books are titled Hero and Dearest.
Author Bio: Alethea Kontis was born in Vermont, but currently lives in Florida. She is a huge fan of fairy tales and considers herself a princess. Kontis has written numerous fantasy books and sleeps with a cuddly teddy bear named Charlie.
Genre: Fantasy; Fairy Tales
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 770 HL
Plot Summary: Sunday Woodcutter is the youngest daughter of a large family and often escapes to the woods to find quiet so that she can write in her journal. In her journal, she likes to write about her family and their many escapades and antics. While in the woods one day she meets a talking frog and they become friends. Though her kiss does not immediately turn the frog back into a human, she finds that she truly enjoys his company and ultimately falls in love with him. Then a raging storm hits, her godmother comes for a visit, and her mother has her doing chores and taking lessons from her godmother from sunup to sundown. When Sunday finally manages to make it back into the woods, her frog is gone and her heart feels as if it has shattered. Despite her sadness, Sunday is forced to attend a royal party at the castle where she meets the prince and magical events begin to transform her life.
Critical Evaluation: Kontis uses fanciful, magical imagery throughout this book, drawing the reader into a world of magic and reality at the same time. For example, when Sunday is sitting in the woods writing in her journal she sees an ordinary looking from. However, the scene becomes magical when the frog begins talking to her as if he is human. She produces a similar effect when with hyperbole which is also found throughout the book. At one point, Sunday is dancing with the prince’s cousin and finds that “the warmth radiating” from his hands is “like sunshine on her cold bones.” Through the use of this hyperbole, the reader is able to feel exactly how Sunday feels. Each of the characters have a depth to them which allows the reader to feel as if they know them personally, especially the main characters Sunday and Rumbold. Additionally, Kontis does a remarkable job of interweaving scenes from classic fairy tales into the story such as Cinderella losing her shoe, the giant climbing down the beanstalk, and even Sleeping Beauty falling asleep and causing everyone else to fall asleep around her. Kontis cleverly weaves a classic tale of love, betrayal, and heartache and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat to find out what could possibly happen next.
Reader's Annotation: Sunday seems like an ordinary teenage girl and is not surprised when she kisses a talking frog and nothing happens. However, her world is about to change when her Aunt Joy comes for a visit and says that she is going to teach Sunday how to spin gold out of wool.
Curriculum Ties: Fantasy, Mash-ups
Book Talk Ideas: What do Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Pirate King all have in common?
Challenge Issues: none
Challenge Issue Resources: N/A
Why Chosen: This book was chosen because it was recommended as a YALSA top ten choice, has one multiple awards, and turned out to be an enchanting read.
Additional Info: This book is the first in a series. The other books are titled Hero and Dearest.
The 5th Wave. By Rick Yancey. Speak, 2013. ISBN: 978-0-399-16241-1
Author Bio: Rick Yancey is the award winning author of 15 novels. He was born and raised in Florida, moved around a bit as an adult, but is now back in his home state. During his college years, Rick attempted going to law school to become a lawyer like his father, but soon found that this was not his calling. After writing some screenplays during his free time, Ricks wife encouraged him to turn one of them into a book. He did, published it, and eventually quit his day job to become a full time writer.
Genre: Science Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 690 HL
Plot Summary: It all started with a blackout. Everything that ran by electricity or motor died and would not run again. Many people died. Then there was a type of plague which spread through the air killing billions, including Cassie’s mother. After the plague, Cassie and her father decided to take her little brother Sammy into the woods where there was a type of refuge camp. What were they all afraid of? Aliens. The ships could be seen in the sky, taunting them, causing them to wonder when aliens were going to strike next and how. Little did they know that they aliens were already among them, pretending to be humans. The world was in a panic, trying to decipher who was friend and who was foe. When Cassie ends up on her own, she arms herself with two guns and stuffs her backpack with as much as she can carry. It’s now up to her to somehow survive against all odds and rescue little Sammy, if he's still alive.
Critical Evaluation: Who would have thought that aliens were inhabiting the bodies of humans everywhere? Rick Yancey for one. Yancey weaves an intriguing, believable tale of suspense. It is a story of survival, deception, and ultimately love in varying aspects. The effect of metaphor is used in the story to make one feel as if they too are being hunted. For example, in chapter 21 when Cassie is fleeing the soldiers she compares their running speed to that of “a couple of cheetahs.” Imagery is also used quite effectively in phrases such as “the hot smell of gunpowder. Wisps of smoke curling out of the barrack windows.” As the story progresses, Cassie is challenged time after time and her character grows in maturity and wisdom. Other characters also begin to take shape and find depth, such as Ben and Evan, as they too are challenged to become someone they did not think possible. In a world where the “right” side seems obvious, both boys must choose at some point which side they are on and how they are going to continue on with their lives and the choices they have had to make. Yancey does a remarkable job of bringing these characters to life and drawing the reader into the drama. He even has the reader questioning themselves as to who to believe, which shows how powerfully he writes.
Reader's Annotation: How do you know who to trust when the enemy looks just like everyone else? Cassie is all alone, armed with an M-16, a teddy bear, and gut instinct about who to trust and who to kill.
Curriculum Ties: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Survival Stories
Book Talk Ideas: Do aliens exist and if they do, will we be able to tell the difference between an alien and a human?
Challenge Issues: violence
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was required reading for my class. I chose to include it because it fascinated me and will consequently be enjoyed by many others.
Additional Info: This book is the first of a trilogy and has also been turned into a feature film. The other books in this trilogy are titled The Infinite and The Last Star.
The Body of Christopher Creed. By Carol Plum-Ucci. Harcourt, 2008. ISBN: 978-0-15-202388-1
Author Bio: Carol grew up on the island of Brigantine, New Jersey in a funeral home. After receiving a master's degree from Rutgers University, Carol became a ghost writer and is now a full fledged author under her own name. She has won numerous professional awards and enjoys traveling across the country to visit conventions and classrooms.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 720 HL
Plot Summary: Torey Adams has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a spot on the basketball team at school. When Christopher Creed turns up missing, Torey is unfazed at first, but then begins to question Christopher’s disappearance. Some are saying that Christopher ran away, others that he was murdered, and still others that Christopher had committed suicide. After secretly reading Christopher’s last note to his mother, Torey has even more questions and seeks out his childhood friend Ali. As Ali and Torey renew their friendship, Torey begins to find out about all of the secrets Ali, Christopher, and Ali’s boyfriend are hiding. Soon the three find themselves trying to uncover the truth about Christopher’s disappearance, while simultaneously trying to avoid jail themselves. In the meantime, Torey’s friends begin doubting Torey’s loyalty to them and asking him to choose between them and Ali. What exactly happened to Christopher Creed? That is the million dollar question everyone is trying to answer.
Critical Evaluation: The story starts out sounding like a typical story about a teenager who has had to change schools because he got into some trouble at his old school. As the story progresses, however, Plum-Ucci adds a variety of twists and turns which subtly change the story into a mysterious adventure. One finds oneself questioning the suspects right along with the main character. Plum-Ucci does a fabulous job of creating emotion and placing the reader in the story. For example, in the story she creates a feeling of suspense, when Torey bends down to look into a hole, by writing “I was afraid to stick my right eye up to it. Something could reach out and fling itself at me. A hand, a finger bone.” Each of the main characters are believable and Plum-Ucci has truly captured how teens talk and act. She uses slang, a few curse words, and even stereotypes of lower class kids to capture the teen world and make the story realistic. The suspense, secrets, and unexpected events keep this story interesting and the down to earth qualities of the characters make the reader root for the underdog and hope for the best.
Reader's Annotation: Christopher has disappeared and everybody thinks he's dead. Is it a case of murder, suicide, or quite possibly something else?
Curriculum Ties: Peer pressure
Book Talk Ideas: When a friend from childhood needs your help, how do you choose between your current friends and your childhood friend?
Challenge Issues: smoking, suicide, sex
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was required reading for my class. I chose to include it because it is an award winning novel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Additional Info: There is a sequel to this book titled Following Christopher Creed.
Author Bio: Carol grew up on the island of Brigantine, New Jersey in a funeral home. After receiving a master's degree from Rutgers University, Carol became a ghost writer and is now a full fledged author under her own name. She has won numerous professional awards and enjoys traveling across the country to visit conventions and classrooms.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 720 HL
Plot Summary: Torey Adams has great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a spot on the basketball team at school. When Christopher Creed turns up missing, Torey is unfazed at first, but then begins to question Christopher’s disappearance. Some are saying that Christopher ran away, others that he was murdered, and still others that Christopher had committed suicide. After secretly reading Christopher’s last note to his mother, Torey has even more questions and seeks out his childhood friend Ali. As Ali and Torey renew their friendship, Torey begins to find out about all of the secrets Ali, Christopher, and Ali’s boyfriend are hiding. Soon the three find themselves trying to uncover the truth about Christopher’s disappearance, while simultaneously trying to avoid jail themselves. In the meantime, Torey’s friends begin doubting Torey’s loyalty to them and asking him to choose between them and Ali. What exactly happened to Christopher Creed? That is the million dollar question everyone is trying to answer.
Critical Evaluation: The story starts out sounding like a typical story about a teenager who has had to change schools because he got into some trouble at his old school. As the story progresses, however, Plum-Ucci adds a variety of twists and turns which subtly change the story into a mysterious adventure. One finds oneself questioning the suspects right along with the main character. Plum-Ucci does a fabulous job of creating emotion and placing the reader in the story. For example, in the story she creates a feeling of suspense, when Torey bends down to look into a hole, by writing “I was afraid to stick my right eye up to it. Something could reach out and fling itself at me. A hand, a finger bone.” Each of the main characters are believable and Plum-Ucci has truly captured how teens talk and act. She uses slang, a few curse words, and even stereotypes of lower class kids to capture the teen world and make the story realistic. The suspense, secrets, and unexpected events keep this story interesting and the down to earth qualities of the characters make the reader root for the underdog and hope for the best.
Reader's Annotation: Christopher has disappeared and everybody thinks he's dead. Is it a case of murder, suicide, or quite possibly something else?
Curriculum Ties: Peer pressure
Book Talk Ideas: When a friend from childhood needs your help, how do you choose between your current friends and your childhood friend?
Challenge Issues: smoking, suicide, sex
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was required reading for my class. I chose to include it because it is an award winning novel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Additional Info: There is a sequel to this book titled Following Christopher Creed.
American Born Chinese. By Gene Luen Yang. Square Fish, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-312-38448-7
Author Bio: Gene Luen Yang has been making comics and graphic novels since the fifth grade. Aside from drawing cartoons, he teaches creative writing at Hamline University and was chosen in 2016 as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 530 GN
Plot Summary: Three characters, three completely different lives. A monkey king, born of a rock wants to rule all. When he attempts to attend a prestigious dinner party, the attendees laugh him out of the place. Infuriated, the monkey king learns and masters kung fu and its many disciplines. However, this does not get him anywhere except trapped under a rock. Jin, a young Chinese-American boy, befriends an immigrant boy from Taiwan and the two become best friends. As they grow older though, Jin often becomes embarrassed and frustrated with his friend because of his un-American talk and behavior. Danny, a typical American teenager, is popular at his high school, plays basketball, and is loving life when his Chinese cousin arrives to spend a few months with Danny. His cousin attends school with him, and consistently embarrasses Danny with his stereotypical broken English and Chinese demeanor. What do these three characters have in common?
Critical Evaluation: Using elements of magic, common stereotypes, and teen feelings of finding their identity, Gene Luen Yang takes three seemingly unrelated stories and intricately ties them together in an unexpected twist. The story is cleverly aided by comic book style pictures, which add astounding details to the story. Yang’s picture of Danny’s cousin Chin-Kee is especially stereotypical, with his squinty eyes, buck teeth, and yellowish tint to his skin. “Peter,” the bully, is also stereotyped in the way he is drawn as pudgy, large, and not too bright. Magic is detailed throughout the monkey king’s story as he masters kung fu and flies on a cloud, transforms into a giant, and even carves his name onto a pillar which turns out to be the finger of a hand. Jin is searching for his own identity and at one point adds blond curls to his natural dark hair in order to fit in, typical of many teens who change their look to see what they like best. At first it is difficult to tell how these three stories are related and why they are all in the same book. However, Yang elegantly brings them all together in the end to teach the reader a lesson. This is a unique story which brings racism and stereotypes to light, using creative images and an imaginative plot.
Reader's Annotation: Jin is a Chinese-American boy, Danny is an American boy, and the monkey king is, well, a monkey. What could these three characters possibly have in common?
Curriculum Ties: Asian American, Coming of Age, Identity, Organization (writing), Prejudice & Racism
Book Talk Ideas: When you can't change your heritage, how do you become who you desire to be?
Challenge Issues: Stereotypes, Racism
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was required reading for my class, but is a great example of graphic novels. The book has won two awards.
Author Bio: Gene Luen Yang has been making comics and graphic novels since the fifth grade. Aside from drawing cartoons, he teaches creative writing at Hamline University and was chosen in 2016 as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
Genre: Graphic Novel
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 530 GN
Plot Summary: Three characters, three completely different lives. A monkey king, born of a rock wants to rule all. When he attempts to attend a prestigious dinner party, the attendees laugh him out of the place. Infuriated, the monkey king learns and masters kung fu and its many disciplines. However, this does not get him anywhere except trapped under a rock. Jin, a young Chinese-American boy, befriends an immigrant boy from Taiwan and the two become best friends. As they grow older though, Jin often becomes embarrassed and frustrated with his friend because of his un-American talk and behavior. Danny, a typical American teenager, is popular at his high school, plays basketball, and is loving life when his Chinese cousin arrives to spend a few months with Danny. His cousin attends school with him, and consistently embarrasses Danny with his stereotypical broken English and Chinese demeanor. What do these three characters have in common?
Critical Evaluation: Using elements of magic, common stereotypes, and teen feelings of finding their identity, Gene Luen Yang takes three seemingly unrelated stories and intricately ties them together in an unexpected twist. The story is cleverly aided by comic book style pictures, which add astounding details to the story. Yang’s picture of Danny’s cousin Chin-Kee is especially stereotypical, with his squinty eyes, buck teeth, and yellowish tint to his skin. “Peter,” the bully, is also stereotyped in the way he is drawn as pudgy, large, and not too bright. Magic is detailed throughout the monkey king’s story as he masters kung fu and flies on a cloud, transforms into a giant, and even carves his name onto a pillar which turns out to be the finger of a hand. Jin is searching for his own identity and at one point adds blond curls to his natural dark hair in order to fit in, typical of many teens who change their look to see what they like best. At first it is difficult to tell how these three stories are related and why they are all in the same book. However, Yang elegantly brings them all together in the end to teach the reader a lesson. This is a unique story which brings racism and stereotypes to light, using creative images and an imaginative plot.
Reader's Annotation: Jin is a Chinese-American boy, Danny is an American boy, and the monkey king is, well, a monkey. What could these three characters possibly have in common?
Curriculum Ties: Asian American, Coming of Age, Identity, Organization (writing), Prejudice & Racism
Book Talk Ideas: When you can't change your heritage, how do you become who you desire to be?
Challenge Issues: Stereotypes, Racism
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was required reading for my class, but is a great example of graphic novels. The book has won two awards.
The Diviners. By Libba Bray. Little, Brown (2012). ISBN: 978-0-316-12611-3
Author Bio: Libba Bray currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family, considers herself originally from Texas, but was actually born in Montgomery, Alabama. After recovering from a serious car accident as a young adult, Libba attended the University of Texas at Austin, and upon graduation set off for New York. She has written eight popular novels, one of which was a Printz Award winner and considers writing a great outlet for getting you through the tough times in life.
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 730 HL
Plot Summary: Evie loves drinking, causing trouble, and having fun but when she refuses to apologize to one of the local rich boys, her parents put her on a train bound for New York City. In New York she is to be the ward of her dear Uncle Will, proprietor of the local museum of the creepy crawlies. To Evie, this is the adventure of a lifetime. She plans to shop, party, and make her mark on the fabulous city with her best friend Mabel by her side. Soon, however, Evie finds herself helping Uncle Will uncover the mystery behind some local murders which appear to be related to a long ago cult. In order to get a bit more insight into the murders, Evie reveals that she can “read” objects and see events by holding something which belongs to another person. Little does she know that she is not the only person in the city who has been hiding “magical” powers.
Critical Evaluation: Libba Bray realistically captures the essence, style, and attitudes of teens in the 1920s in this somewhat mystical book. Throughout the story, she gives engaging details about the style of dress, such as Evie wearing a “silver bugle-bead dress that shimmered over her body like rain.” Additionally, the teens in the story speak in a slang style saying things such as “I’m Jake” or it’s “swell.” Bray makes it very easy to picture oneself as a silent member of the story, gasping when something unexpected happens and laughing when Evie gives a flip remark. The main part of the story develops around Evie, who truly grows in character throughout the story. Other characters, however, also show depth and draw the reader into wanting to know more and more about them, especially about their past and how they came to be the way they are in the story. Bray delivers an enchanting multifaceted story, bringing the reader to understand not only Evie, but Will, Theta, Memphis, and Jericho. The plot twists and turns with unexpected people being murdered and unexplainable phenomena happening with a variety of the characters. The element of suspense consistently hangs in the air, even to the very end and leaves the reader hungry for more. Luckily there’s a sequel.
Reader's Annotation: Someone is murdering innocent people in New York and marking them with strange symbols. Can 17 year old Evie find the murderer before it's too late?
Curriculum Ties: Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller
Book Talk Ideas: Are ghosts real, and can people come back from the dead to wreak havoc on the world?
Challenge Issues: Occult, underage drinking
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I chose this book because it is listed as a YALSA top book for teens, but also because I had heard a bit of rumor about the problems some people had with the cult content. Consequently, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Author Bio: Libba Bray currently lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family, considers herself originally from Texas, but was actually born in Montgomery, Alabama. After recovering from a serious car accident as a young adult, Libba attended the University of Texas at Austin, and upon graduation set off for New York. She has written eight popular novels, one of which was a Printz Award winner and considers writing a great outlet for getting you through the tough times in life.
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 730 HL
Plot Summary: Evie loves drinking, causing trouble, and having fun but when she refuses to apologize to one of the local rich boys, her parents put her on a train bound for New York City. In New York she is to be the ward of her dear Uncle Will, proprietor of the local museum of the creepy crawlies. To Evie, this is the adventure of a lifetime. She plans to shop, party, and make her mark on the fabulous city with her best friend Mabel by her side. Soon, however, Evie finds herself helping Uncle Will uncover the mystery behind some local murders which appear to be related to a long ago cult. In order to get a bit more insight into the murders, Evie reveals that she can “read” objects and see events by holding something which belongs to another person. Little does she know that she is not the only person in the city who has been hiding “magical” powers.
Critical Evaluation: Libba Bray realistically captures the essence, style, and attitudes of teens in the 1920s in this somewhat mystical book. Throughout the story, she gives engaging details about the style of dress, such as Evie wearing a “silver bugle-bead dress that shimmered over her body like rain.” Additionally, the teens in the story speak in a slang style saying things such as “I’m Jake” or it’s “swell.” Bray makes it very easy to picture oneself as a silent member of the story, gasping when something unexpected happens and laughing when Evie gives a flip remark. The main part of the story develops around Evie, who truly grows in character throughout the story. Other characters, however, also show depth and draw the reader into wanting to know more and more about them, especially about their past and how they came to be the way they are in the story. Bray delivers an enchanting multifaceted story, bringing the reader to understand not only Evie, but Will, Theta, Memphis, and Jericho. The plot twists and turns with unexpected people being murdered and unexplainable phenomena happening with a variety of the characters. The element of suspense consistently hangs in the air, even to the very end and leaves the reader hungry for more. Luckily there’s a sequel.
Reader's Annotation: Someone is murdering innocent people in New York and marking them with strange symbols. Can 17 year old Evie find the murderer before it's too late?
Curriculum Ties: Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller
Book Talk Ideas: Are ghosts real, and can people come back from the dead to wreak havoc on the world?
Challenge Issues: Occult, underage drinking
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I chose this book because it is listed as a YALSA top book for teens, but also because I had heard a bit of rumor about the problems some people had with the cult content. Consequently, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Challenger Deep. By Neal Shusterman. HarperTeen, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-06-113411-1
Author Bio: Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York and has been a writer all his life. He has written a variety of novels, screenplays, and TV scripts. Additionally, he has directed two short films and he has created a few games for teens. Neal currently resides in California with his family and is known as a fantastic storyteller and speaker.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 800 HL
Plot Summary: Caden is a regular boy, enjoying his sophomore year of high school. He has two buddies whom he enjoys spending time with and building a computer game with. Over time, though, Caden begins to find himself doing things he wouldn’t normally do. Though he tells his parents that he is joining the track team, Caden actually spends his afternoons walking the streets for hours, so much so that he is getting blisters and sore feet. One day during a walk, he looks down and discovers that he has been walking without any shoes. Caden begins to hear muted voices too, telling him to do strange things or think negatively about something. When Caden makes constellations out of his science test scantron, the school counselor calls him in to talk to him because she and some of his teachers are concerned about his behavior. It isn’t until his parents find out that he has been walking the streets that Caden finally begins to get the help that he needs.
Critical Evaluation: Neal Shusterman chose to write this book as a first person narrative and it was a great decision. The book reads almost as if we are reading a journal or can hear Caden’s thoughts at every moment. At first, the book may be a little confusing because it switches from normal everyday events to being on a pirate ship. Nevertheless, Shusterman draws the reader in to wanting to know what is happening in both settings. He uses vivid descriptions which help the reader to understand exactly how Caden is feeling. For example, on page 82 he says, “There are times I feel like I’m the kid screaming at the bottom of the well, and my dog runs off to pee on trees instead of getting help.” As the book progresses and the reader begins to realize that Caden is having some mental issues, Shusterman gives insight to what it feels like to be a “normal” kid one day, and then slowly realize that “something is wrong, but not being able to pinpoint what it is.” We see and hear about people with mental illnesses regularly, but this book actually takes us into the mind of someone with a mental illness and helps us to see their point of view. The artwork in the book at first looks like toddler scribbles. However, as we learn more about Caden and he explains the artwork, we again are able to see things from his point of view. This is not a complete work of fiction. Shusterman’s son experienced much of what Caden experienced and it is from his experience that Shusterman wrote this story. The drawings and sketches are Shusterman’s sons, drawn when he was “in the deep” and experiencing this mental illness at its fullest point. It is a poignant story, especially if the reader has any experience with a person suffering from a mental illness.
Reader's Annotation: Have you ever found yourself doing things totally out of character and not knowing why? Caden is having this problem and people are jumping to conclusions about why.
Curriculum Ties: Mental Illness
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered what makes a person behave in odd ways or completely different from how you've always known them to act?
Challenge Issues: suicide
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I saw this book on the YALSA top books list, but wasn't sure if I would like it. When I went to the library there was actually a teen recommendation next to this book, highly recommending it so I decided to give it a try. It was very intriguing.
Author Bio: Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York and has been a writer all his life. He has written a variety of novels, screenplays, and TV scripts. Additionally, he has directed two short films and he has created a few games for teens. Neal currently resides in California with his family and is known as a fantastic storyteller and speaker.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 800 HL
Plot Summary: Caden is a regular boy, enjoying his sophomore year of high school. He has two buddies whom he enjoys spending time with and building a computer game with. Over time, though, Caden begins to find himself doing things he wouldn’t normally do. Though he tells his parents that he is joining the track team, Caden actually spends his afternoons walking the streets for hours, so much so that he is getting blisters and sore feet. One day during a walk, he looks down and discovers that he has been walking without any shoes. Caden begins to hear muted voices too, telling him to do strange things or think negatively about something. When Caden makes constellations out of his science test scantron, the school counselor calls him in to talk to him because she and some of his teachers are concerned about his behavior. It isn’t until his parents find out that he has been walking the streets that Caden finally begins to get the help that he needs.
Critical Evaluation: Neal Shusterman chose to write this book as a first person narrative and it was a great decision. The book reads almost as if we are reading a journal or can hear Caden’s thoughts at every moment. At first, the book may be a little confusing because it switches from normal everyday events to being on a pirate ship. Nevertheless, Shusterman draws the reader in to wanting to know what is happening in both settings. He uses vivid descriptions which help the reader to understand exactly how Caden is feeling. For example, on page 82 he says, “There are times I feel like I’m the kid screaming at the bottom of the well, and my dog runs off to pee on trees instead of getting help.” As the book progresses and the reader begins to realize that Caden is having some mental issues, Shusterman gives insight to what it feels like to be a “normal” kid one day, and then slowly realize that “something is wrong, but not being able to pinpoint what it is.” We see and hear about people with mental illnesses regularly, but this book actually takes us into the mind of someone with a mental illness and helps us to see their point of view. The artwork in the book at first looks like toddler scribbles. However, as we learn more about Caden and he explains the artwork, we again are able to see things from his point of view. This is not a complete work of fiction. Shusterman’s son experienced much of what Caden experienced and it is from his experience that Shusterman wrote this story. The drawings and sketches are Shusterman’s sons, drawn when he was “in the deep” and experiencing this mental illness at its fullest point. It is a poignant story, especially if the reader has any experience with a person suffering from a mental illness.
Reader's Annotation: Have you ever found yourself doing things totally out of character and not knowing why? Caden is having this problem and people are jumping to conclusions about why.
Curriculum Ties: Mental Illness
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered what makes a person behave in odd ways or completely different from how you've always known them to act?
Challenge Issues: suicide
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I saw this book on the YALSA top books list, but wasn't sure if I would like it. When I went to the library there was actually a teen recommendation next to this book, highly recommending it so I decided to give it a try. It was very intriguing.
All American Boys. By Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Altheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-48146-333-1
Author Bio: Jason Reynolds graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in English and then moved to Brooklyn where he began his writing career. He writes every day to practice and perfect the art and encourages boys to read non-boring books, which is what he tries to write. Brendan Kiely originally began his life in Boston, but attended college in New York where he received a degree in creative writing. Currently, he lives in New York and has written a small number of books, two of which have received high acclaim.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; 770 HL
Plot Summary: Rashad and Quinn are two average teenage boys who attend the same high school, but whose paths never really cross. One is a member of the school’s ROTC program, the other is a member of the school’s basketball team trying to earn a scholarship for college. Then one Friday evening, as the two prepare to attend a party, their paths unexpectedly cross and their lives change in the blink of an eye. After being accused of shoplifting and ultimately beaten down by a police officer, Rashad ends up spending a week in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Quinn was an eyewitness to the beating, but is afraid to come forward and admit to what he has seen. The police officer is Quinn’s best friend’s older brother, a man who has been like a father to Quinn. Quinn finds himself torn between loyalty to his friend’s family and standing up for what he knows was an injustice. It is a battle of the mind and the heart and at some point both boys must make a decision which will ultimately affect the rest of their lives.
Critical Evaluation: All American Boys is written from both Rashad’s personal viewpoint and Quinn’s personal viewpoint. This allows the reader to understand the feelings and emotions of both boys and the struggles they are having throughout the story. Writing the story in the first person makes the story more realistic and truly draws the reader into the scenario. Reynolds and Kiely have written in a believable style and make the characters, their mannerisms, their style of dress, and their speech sound exactly like how teenagers are. For example, when talking with his friends Rashad’s friend Shannon says “Shut up, ‘Los. Everybody in here know I got more game than you.” Also, Rashad changes from his ROTC uniform into more “comfortable” clothes which consist of a T-shirt, sneakers, and jeans that “sagged down just low enough to complete the look.” Both main characters grow in depth as the story progresses and they must face the reality of their situations. Additionally, some of the supporting characters such as Rashad’s father grow in depth throughout the story. The setting of the story is also a perfect fit for this book. Jerry’s Corner Mart sounds like the typical cheap liquor store every urban setting has right around the corner, which all the locals go to for a quick snack or to grab a drink. It is also a fitting location for Rashad’s beating to occur as the store owner was immediately suspicious of Rashad because of the multiple shoplifting incidents which had occurred there. This is a very realistic book and brings to light the racism and injustices of our society.
Reader's Annotation: Rashad and Quinn have never met, despite attending the same high school. One night changes both of their lives forever.
Curriculum Ties: Racism and the diversity of society and culture
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered why people form rallies and fight injustice? If you have, this book will help you to understand.
Challenge Issues: Racism; Police Brutality
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I chose this book because it forces the reader to become uncomfortable with the way society treats people today and it will hopefully begin a discussion among teens about injustice and standing up for what it right.
Author Bio: Jason Reynolds graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in English and then moved to Brooklyn where he began his writing career. He writes every day to practice and perfect the art and encourages boys to read non-boring books, which is what he tries to write. Brendan Kiely originally began his life in Boston, but attended college in New York where he received a degree in creative writing. Currently, he lives in New York and has written a small number of books, two of which have received high acclaim.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; 770 HL
Plot Summary: Rashad and Quinn are two average teenage boys who attend the same high school, but whose paths never really cross. One is a member of the school’s ROTC program, the other is a member of the school’s basketball team trying to earn a scholarship for college. Then one Friday evening, as the two prepare to attend a party, their paths unexpectedly cross and their lives change in the blink of an eye. After being accused of shoplifting and ultimately beaten down by a police officer, Rashad ends up spending a week in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Quinn was an eyewitness to the beating, but is afraid to come forward and admit to what he has seen. The police officer is Quinn’s best friend’s older brother, a man who has been like a father to Quinn. Quinn finds himself torn between loyalty to his friend’s family and standing up for what he knows was an injustice. It is a battle of the mind and the heart and at some point both boys must make a decision which will ultimately affect the rest of their lives.
Critical Evaluation: All American Boys is written from both Rashad’s personal viewpoint and Quinn’s personal viewpoint. This allows the reader to understand the feelings and emotions of both boys and the struggles they are having throughout the story. Writing the story in the first person makes the story more realistic and truly draws the reader into the scenario. Reynolds and Kiely have written in a believable style and make the characters, their mannerisms, their style of dress, and their speech sound exactly like how teenagers are. For example, when talking with his friends Rashad’s friend Shannon says “Shut up, ‘Los. Everybody in here know I got more game than you.” Also, Rashad changes from his ROTC uniform into more “comfortable” clothes which consist of a T-shirt, sneakers, and jeans that “sagged down just low enough to complete the look.” Both main characters grow in depth as the story progresses and they must face the reality of their situations. Additionally, some of the supporting characters such as Rashad’s father grow in depth throughout the story. The setting of the story is also a perfect fit for this book. Jerry’s Corner Mart sounds like the typical cheap liquor store every urban setting has right around the corner, which all the locals go to for a quick snack or to grab a drink. It is also a fitting location for Rashad’s beating to occur as the store owner was immediately suspicious of Rashad because of the multiple shoplifting incidents which had occurred there. This is a very realistic book and brings to light the racism and injustices of our society.
Reader's Annotation: Rashad and Quinn have never met, despite attending the same high school. One night changes both of their lives forever.
Curriculum Ties: Racism and the diversity of society and culture
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered why people form rallies and fight injustice? If you have, this book will help you to understand.
Challenge Issues: Racism; Police Brutality
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I chose this book because it forces the reader to become uncomfortable with the way society treats people today and it will hopefully begin a discussion among teens about injustice and standing up for what it right.
Audacity. By Melanie Crowder. Philomel Books, 2015. ISBN: 978-0-399-16899-4
Author Bio: Melanie Crowder is a teacher and writer in Colorado. She teaches English as a second language to non-natives and holds a master’s degree in writing from Vermont College.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 1120
Plot Summary: Clara is a teenage Jew living in Russia during a time of insurrection. After a village burning, her family escapes Russia and finds an apartment in a tenement of New York City. Despite the hardships facing the family, her father refuses to find a job or allow his sons to attain a job, insisting that they must constantly study and pray. When her mother cannot find a steady job, Clara is forced to find employment, ending up in a sweatshop where she is treated horribly. The shop is hot, crowded, and noisy. In addition, the girls are only allowed to use the restroom at certain times and are locked in so as not to “steal.” At the end of the day, every girl is violated by the foreman who is supposedly checking for stolen items. Not one to sit by quietly, Clara begins to petition for a woman’s union to better the working conditions of all sweatshop employees. Additionally, she begins taking English classes in the hopes that one day she will achieve her dream of attending college and becoming a doctor.
Critical Evaluation: Melanie Crowder writes this story in verse and does so with panache. Her words are descriptive, honest, and at times blunt. The style on the page adds depth to her words such as when she writes “swooping” and the letters literally swoop across the page. (p. 73) Crowder’s use of imagery is also superb, such as when Clara is waiting for the ship which will take her to America and she says “I feel like a falcon tethered tied down while an eager wind beckons.” (p.85) With these words the reader can feel the frustration Clara feels living in the poorhouse and awaiting passage to a new world. Crowder also brings Clara’s character to life as grows and becomes a young woman. In the beginning in Russia, Clara is afraid to stand up to her father, but as she matures in America, she gains the backbone to stand up not only for what is right but also for herself, finally telling her father how she feels. The plot is engaging and, due to the poetic style of writing, draws the reader in. The reader anticipates what is going to happen next. When Clara is offered the chance for a scholarship, it seems a sure thing that she will accept it, but Clara herself is not so sure. When Clara is beaten down by the “gorillas” and is arrested by the police, it seems she just may give up. Crowder keeps the reader in suspense and provides just enough twists and drama to keep the reader turning the page. The historical notes, interview, and glossary at the back of the book are fabulous additions which add an extra element and insight to the story.
Reader's Annotation: A teenager, denied an education and forced to provide for her family while her father and brothers study and pray, slowly begins to rebel and stand up for herself. She is beaten and spat upon, but still she perseveres.
Curriculum Ties: Civics
Book Talk Ideas: What would you do if you were told that you could not pursue your dreams and must work in a sweatshop to provide for your entire family?
Challenge Issues: None
Challenge Issue Resources: N/A
Why Chosen: Audacity was chosen because Crowder’s style of writing and because it is based on the true story of Clara Lemlich.
Author Bio: Melanie Crowder is a teacher and writer in Colorado. She teaches English as a second language to non-natives and holds a master’s degree in writing from Vermont College.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 1120
Plot Summary: Clara is a teenage Jew living in Russia during a time of insurrection. After a village burning, her family escapes Russia and finds an apartment in a tenement of New York City. Despite the hardships facing the family, her father refuses to find a job or allow his sons to attain a job, insisting that they must constantly study and pray. When her mother cannot find a steady job, Clara is forced to find employment, ending up in a sweatshop where she is treated horribly. The shop is hot, crowded, and noisy. In addition, the girls are only allowed to use the restroom at certain times and are locked in so as not to “steal.” At the end of the day, every girl is violated by the foreman who is supposedly checking for stolen items. Not one to sit by quietly, Clara begins to petition for a woman’s union to better the working conditions of all sweatshop employees. Additionally, she begins taking English classes in the hopes that one day she will achieve her dream of attending college and becoming a doctor.
Critical Evaluation: Melanie Crowder writes this story in verse and does so with panache. Her words are descriptive, honest, and at times blunt. The style on the page adds depth to her words such as when she writes “swooping” and the letters literally swoop across the page. (p. 73) Crowder’s use of imagery is also superb, such as when Clara is waiting for the ship which will take her to America and she says “I feel like a falcon tethered tied down while an eager wind beckons.” (p.85) With these words the reader can feel the frustration Clara feels living in the poorhouse and awaiting passage to a new world. Crowder also brings Clara’s character to life as grows and becomes a young woman. In the beginning in Russia, Clara is afraid to stand up to her father, but as she matures in America, she gains the backbone to stand up not only for what is right but also for herself, finally telling her father how she feels. The plot is engaging and, due to the poetic style of writing, draws the reader in. The reader anticipates what is going to happen next. When Clara is offered the chance for a scholarship, it seems a sure thing that she will accept it, but Clara herself is not so sure. When Clara is beaten down by the “gorillas” and is arrested by the police, it seems she just may give up. Crowder keeps the reader in suspense and provides just enough twists and drama to keep the reader turning the page. The historical notes, interview, and glossary at the back of the book are fabulous additions which add an extra element and insight to the story.
Reader's Annotation: A teenager, denied an education and forced to provide for her family while her father and brothers study and pray, slowly begins to rebel and stand up for herself. She is beaten and spat upon, but still she perseveres.
Curriculum Ties: Civics
Book Talk Ideas: What would you do if you were told that you could not pursue your dreams and must work in a sweatshop to provide for your entire family?
Challenge Issues: None
Challenge Issue Resources: N/A
Why Chosen: Audacity was chosen because Crowder’s style of writing and because it is based on the true story of Clara Lemlich.
Code Name Verity. By Elizabeth Wein. Hyperion, 2012. ISBN: 978-142315219-4
Author Bio: Elizabeth Wein originally hails from New York City but currently resides in Scotland with her family. She enjoys piloting small planes and has a doctorate degree in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 1020
Plot Summary: Verity can speak multiple languages fluently and is a pro at disguising herself as a person from another country. She is currently working for a secret organization, trying to find out information about the Gestapo. Unfortunately, she is captured by the enemy and tortured. In a moment of weakness, she compromises and buys herself some time by agreeing to write down the “truth” about everything she knows. As she is writing, she relays the story of her best friend Maddie, the pilot. The Gestapo have crushed her spirit by showing her pictures of Maddie’s crash landing. Desperate to buy herself more time, and hoping against hope that Maddie is truly alive, she finds multiple things to write on when the Gestapo run out of paper, these include recipe cards and music sheets. As the story unravels, Verity names multiple air bases and types of planes being used by England. It seems that she is truly a coward and is revealing all of England’s war secrets to the enemy.
Critical Evaluation: Code Name Verity is an intriguing story of espionage, warfare, and friendship. Wein brilliantly uses a diary style of writing which allows the reader to feel as if the character is speaking directly to them to tell their story. The plot has an amazing amount of twists, turns, and surprises which keep the reader engrossed and wondering what is going to happen next. Verity is a complex character and Wein makes her into a brilliant actress as well, fooling the characters in the story as well as the reader. The setting adds a rich element to the story, sweeping from parts of England, to France, and even a bit to Scotland. Verity’s anger and frustration are clearly shown when Wein writes certain things in capital letters, such as “YOU RUIN EVERYTHING!” (p. 175) Verity’s comfort with multiple languages is evident throughout the story as she actually writes lines in French and German. This makes her character even more believable. Wein also uses vivid detail to create imagery, such as “the girl was immaculate-not a blue thread out of place, her chignon of long fair hair coiled in regulation neatness two inches above her uniform collar.” (p. 43) The reader can easily picture Queenie walking into the room at this point. Additionally appropriate, is Wein’s use of the book Peter Pan being used as a reference and for code names. Peter Pan is a classic, which almost everyone has seen or read and it is easy to understand the references in the story. This is truly a page-turning novel, which reveals the thrill of being a spy as well as the dangers of the occupation and the horrors of World War II.
Reader's Annotation: What is it like to be a spy and assume a completely different identity? When captured, how do you stand up to the enemy without giving in to torture and possible death?
Curriculum Ties: World History
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever impersonated someone else, just for the fun of it? What if you had to do it to preserve your life or country? Would it still be considered fun?
Challenge Issues: Stereotyping
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was chosen because it is intriguing and completely captivating, while also bringing to life some of the horrible aspects of World War II.
Author Bio: Elizabeth Wein originally hails from New York City but currently resides in Scotland with her family. She enjoys piloting small planes and has a doctorate degree in folklore from the University of Pennsylvania.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 1020
Plot Summary: Verity can speak multiple languages fluently and is a pro at disguising herself as a person from another country. She is currently working for a secret organization, trying to find out information about the Gestapo. Unfortunately, she is captured by the enemy and tortured. In a moment of weakness, she compromises and buys herself some time by agreeing to write down the “truth” about everything she knows. As she is writing, she relays the story of her best friend Maddie, the pilot. The Gestapo have crushed her spirit by showing her pictures of Maddie’s crash landing. Desperate to buy herself more time, and hoping against hope that Maddie is truly alive, she finds multiple things to write on when the Gestapo run out of paper, these include recipe cards and music sheets. As the story unravels, Verity names multiple air bases and types of planes being used by England. It seems that she is truly a coward and is revealing all of England’s war secrets to the enemy.
Critical Evaluation: Code Name Verity is an intriguing story of espionage, warfare, and friendship. Wein brilliantly uses a diary style of writing which allows the reader to feel as if the character is speaking directly to them to tell their story. The plot has an amazing amount of twists, turns, and surprises which keep the reader engrossed and wondering what is going to happen next. Verity is a complex character and Wein makes her into a brilliant actress as well, fooling the characters in the story as well as the reader. The setting adds a rich element to the story, sweeping from parts of England, to France, and even a bit to Scotland. Verity’s anger and frustration are clearly shown when Wein writes certain things in capital letters, such as “YOU RUIN EVERYTHING!” (p. 175) Verity’s comfort with multiple languages is evident throughout the story as she actually writes lines in French and German. This makes her character even more believable. Wein also uses vivid detail to create imagery, such as “the girl was immaculate-not a blue thread out of place, her chignon of long fair hair coiled in regulation neatness two inches above her uniform collar.” (p. 43) The reader can easily picture Queenie walking into the room at this point. Additionally appropriate, is Wein’s use of the book Peter Pan being used as a reference and for code names. Peter Pan is a classic, which almost everyone has seen or read and it is easy to understand the references in the story. This is truly a page-turning novel, which reveals the thrill of being a spy as well as the dangers of the occupation and the horrors of World War II.
Reader's Annotation: What is it like to be a spy and assume a completely different identity? When captured, how do you stand up to the enemy without giving in to torture and possible death?
Curriculum Ties: World History
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever impersonated someone else, just for the fun of it? What if you had to do it to preserve your life or country? Would it still be considered fun?
Challenge Issues: Stereotyping
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: This book was chosen because it is intriguing and completely captivating, while also bringing to life some of the horrible aspects of World War II.
Midwinter Blood. By Marcus Sedgwick. Roaring Book Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-59643-800-2
Author Bio: Marcus Sedgwick grew up in England and currently resides in the French Alps. He is an award winning author or many books, as well as a creative writing instructor and a reviewer for a newspaper. Additionally, he is currently working on some film projects with his brother.
Genre: Fantasy; Mystery
Reading Level: Young Adult; LEX 770
Plot Summary: Eric Seven is a journalist who is looking for a good story when he lands on Blessed Island. Upon his arrival, he is met by a group of locals, though he had told no one that he would be arriving. The locals set him up in a nice little cottage, provide food and tea for him, and even provide a bicycle for him to explore their island. Eric feels an instant connection to Merle, and often feels as if he has known her before. Time blurs and Eric often feels like his head is foggy, but he is enjoying his time on this beautiful island. Little does he know that he is the seventh Eric in the history of Blessed Island and his life has important meaning for the local inhabitants.
Critical Evaluation: Sedgwick writes in the third person throughout Midwinter Blood and carefully weaves a connection between the seven Erics and seven Merles of the story. Rather than weave the story forward, as most do, Sedgwick chose to begin the story in the future and work the tale backwards through history. This timeline is brilliant. It allows the reader to begin to make connections and ask themselves questions throughout the story, questions that are usually answered as the story develops backwards through history. Sedgwick uses great metaphors to give visualization to the reader, such as when he is describing the map of the island and says, “that one had two halves…like the two wings of a butterfly.” (p. 33) On page 95, he uses another great metaphor when he writes about an airman parachuting from a plane and says, “he tumbles like a leaf in an autumn gale.” Each section of the book takes place in a different time period and Sedgwick clearly labels each section and the year in which the story takes place. As the book is read, the change of historical time period is clear by the style of dress, the way people speak and act, and the descriptions of the way of life. In the beginning, Eric arrives by plane and then a ferry, but by the end of the book people are traveling by Viking ships and row boats. Additionally, the scenery transforms from a village with cottages to an area made up of farms and later longhouses. Sedgwick easily transitions the story to each time period and keeps the reader entranced as to how each Eric is related and exactly what is the tie between him and Merle.
Reader's Annotation: Eric meets Merle for the first time on a remote, sparsely inhabited island which he has never been to before. However, Eric soon realizes that this is not the first time the two have met and there is an historical connection between the two of them.
Curriculum Ties: None
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever felt that something is your fated destiny? That is how Eric feels when he meets Merle and his life changes incomprehensibly.
Challenge Issues: Cult; Human Sacrifice; Vampires
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why Chosen: I chose this book because Sedgwick is an award winning author and it sounded like an interesting read. It is also recommended by YALSA and won the Printz Award in 2014.
Out of the Easy. By Ruta Sepetys. Philomel Books, 2013. ISBN: 978-0-399-25692-9
Author Biography: Ruta was born in Michigan to the parents of refugees of Lithuania. She attended college with her eye on studying opera, but instead attained a degree in finance. After spending twenty years in the music industry, Ruta became a writer. She is now an internationally acclaimed author and has received multiple awards for her work.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 590 HL
Plot Summary: Josie was born to a prostitute and has no idea who her father is. When she is seven, Josie and her mother move to New Orleans so that her mother can begin working for a Madame in an elegant whorehouse. Josie despises her mother’s lifestyle and has a place of her own above the bookshop where she is working. One day soon, Josie plans on leaving New Orleans and making a better life for herself, possibly even going to a college in the east. When a tourist, which Josie had briefly met at the bookstore, ends up dead on New Year’s Eve, Josie becomes suspicious of her mother and “Cincinnati,” her mother’s boyfriend. Slowly, Josie finds herself lying, being followed, and even being threatened.
Critical Evaluation: Sepetys enchants the reader with Josie’s wholesomeness and honesty at the beginning of the book. She writes Josie’s character as one of a teenager, down on her luck, but trying to make the best out of the situation she is in without succumbing to the lifestyle her mother has chosen. This makes the reader sympathetic to Josie’s situation and rooting for Josie despite the choices she ends up having to make. Her character develops as Josie goes from simply saving her money to get out of New Orleans, to trying to get into Smith College, and eventually to escaping the murderous hands of the mafia. She uses her intellect, her street smarts, and her connections to her advantage without having to sacrifice her morality. The story is set in 1950s New Orleans, during New Year’s Eve and continuing through Mardi Gras. Sepetys uses vivid details and imagery to help the reader envision the city and its inhabitants. For example, when describing one of the prostitutes, she says, “Sweety was a beautiful quadroon girl, a quarter negro…she had a long, thin neck, jet-black hair, and eyes like a fawn.” (p. 32) In another section, she vividly compares the brothel to an elegant home, saying “Willie’s furniture had an exotic feel, with sensual colors and curves. This was elegant, refined, and so clean I could practically see my reflection in everything.” (p. 74) Through the use of imagery and dynamic characters, Sepetys draws the reader in and keeps them engaged page after page.
Reader’s Annotation: Josie’s mother is a prostitute, but Josie is determined to make a better life for herself. When a tourist is murdered, Josie finds herself caught in a web of lies and unsure of whom to trust.
Curriculum Ties: American History (1950s)
Book Talk Ideas: Josie has been saving her money to get out of New Orleans, but now her mother has double crossed her and the mafia is watching everything she does. How is she going to pursue her dreams when the cards are stacked against her?
Challenge Issues: Promiscuity; Stereotyping
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it has excellent reviews and has a wonderful storyline.
Author Biography: Ruta was born in Michigan to the parents of refugees of Lithuania. She attended college with her eye on studying opera, but instead attained a degree in finance. After spending twenty years in the music industry, Ruta became a writer. She is now an internationally acclaimed author and has received multiple awards for her work.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 590 HL
Plot Summary: Josie was born to a prostitute and has no idea who her father is. When she is seven, Josie and her mother move to New Orleans so that her mother can begin working for a Madame in an elegant whorehouse. Josie despises her mother’s lifestyle and has a place of her own above the bookshop where she is working. One day soon, Josie plans on leaving New Orleans and making a better life for herself, possibly even going to a college in the east. When a tourist, which Josie had briefly met at the bookstore, ends up dead on New Year’s Eve, Josie becomes suspicious of her mother and “Cincinnati,” her mother’s boyfriend. Slowly, Josie finds herself lying, being followed, and even being threatened.
Critical Evaluation: Sepetys enchants the reader with Josie’s wholesomeness and honesty at the beginning of the book. She writes Josie’s character as one of a teenager, down on her luck, but trying to make the best out of the situation she is in without succumbing to the lifestyle her mother has chosen. This makes the reader sympathetic to Josie’s situation and rooting for Josie despite the choices she ends up having to make. Her character develops as Josie goes from simply saving her money to get out of New Orleans, to trying to get into Smith College, and eventually to escaping the murderous hands of the mafia. She uses her intellect, her street smarts, and her connections to her advantage without having to sacrifice her morality. The story is set in 1950s New Orleans, during New Year’s Eve and continuing through Mardi Gras. Sepetys uses vivid details and imagery to help the reader envision the city and its inhabitants. For example, when describing one of the prostitutes, she says, “Sweety was a beautiful quadroon girl, a quarter negro…she had a long, thin neck, jet-black hair, and eyes like a fawn.” (p. 32) In another section, she vividly compares the brothel to an elegant home, saying “Willie’s furniture had an exotic feel, with sensual colors and curves. This was elegant, refined, and so clean I could practically see my reflection in everything.” (p. 74) Through the use of imagery and dynamic characters, Sepetys draws the reader in and keeps them engaged page after page.
Reader’s Annotation: Josie’s mother is a prostitute, but Josie is determined to make a better life for herself. When a tourist is murdered, Josie finds herself caught in a web of lies and unsure of whom to trust.
Curriculum Ties: American History (1950s)
Book Talk Ideas: Josie has been saving her money to get out of New Orleans, but now her mother has double crossed her and the mafia is watching everything she does. How is she going to pursue her dreams when the cards are stacked against her?
Challenge Issues: Promiscuity; Stereotyping
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it has excellent reviews and has a wonderful storyline.
The Bunker Diary. By Kevin Brooks. Carolrhoda Lab, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-4677-5420-0
Author Biography: Kevin Brooks is an award winning author from England. He has lived in England all of his life, having been born in Exeter and now living in North Yorkshire. Previous to becoming a writer, Brooks held an assortment of jobs including working in a crematorium and a zoo.
Genre: Action & Adventure
Reading Level: YA; LEX 540HL
Plot Summary: Linus has been kidnapped. After being knocked out, he woke up in an elevator stationed in what appears to be an old bunker. There are no windows and the only way in and out is through the elevator. Upon touring the facility, Linus finds one bathroom, six bedrooms, and one kitchen containing 6 cups, plates, and utensil sets. In his room there is a bed, a dresser, a Bible, and a notebook. With nothing else to do, Linus sits down and begins writing a diary. As more people join him in his bunker, Linus continues to write in his notebook and plot an escape, trying desperately to make the most of the situation and not give up hope.
Critical Evaluation: Brooks writes this book as if he is Linus, having just been kidnapped, and writing down his thoughts in a journal. Each chapter begins with a date and time as if truly reading a journal and there are even times when the journal entry stops because the lights went out. The description of the bunker is stark, yet the reader can easily visualize the starkness of the bunker. For example, Brooks writes that when the lights are out the room is “lightless, sightless…dark as hell.” (p. 7) Additionally, the emptiness of the building, yet the importance of the “lift” are both revealed in the descriptive sound of the lift every time it moves…”g-dung, g-dunk, clunk, nnnnnnnnnn.” (p. 8) Linus’ character has beautiful growth in the story as he goes from being a kid out on the street and only thinking of himself, to taking on the role of caretaker to Jenny, and ultimately trying to work as a team with everyone who ends up in the bunker. The other characters really do not grow much, but this is to be expected as they are very much depicted as secondary characters in the story. The use of dates, times, and white space on the pages add a wonderful element to the story, truly helping the reader to feel as if they are connecting with Linus and reading his breathtaking story.
Reader’s Annotation: Linus has been drugged, starved, and imprisoned. He knows not why, but he knows that more people are going to join him soon and there is little chance of escape.
Curriculum Ties: None
Book Talk Ideas: Linus is desperate to make an escape, but every time he tries, everyone is punished. How can he endure the torture and keep up his hopes of rescue, when those around him are not so optimistic?
Challenge Issues: Kidnapping; Torture; Drugs
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Carnegie Medal winner.
Author Biography: Kevin Brooks is an award winning author from England. He has lived in England all of his life, having been born in Exeter and now living in North Yorkshire. Previous to becoming a writer, Brooks held an assortment of jobs including working in a crematorium and a zoo.
Genre: Action & Adventure
Reading Level: YA; LEX 540HL
Plot Summary: Linus has been kidnapped. After being knocked out, he woke up in an elevator stationed in what appears to be an old bunker. There are no windows and the only way in and out is through the elevator. Upon touring the facility, Linus finds one bathroom, six bedrooms, and one kitchen containing 6 cups, plates, and utensil sets. In his room there is a bed, a dresser, a Bible, and a notebook. With nothing else to do, Linus sits down and begins writing a diary. As more people join him in his bunker, Linus continues to write in his notebook and plot an escape, trying desperately to make the most of the situation and not give up hope.
Critical Evaluation: Brooks writes this book as if he is Linus, having just been kidnapped, and writing down his thoughts in a journal. Each chapter begins with a date and time as if truly reading a journal and there are even times when the journal entry stops because the lights went out. The description of the bunker is stark, yet the reader can easily visualize the starkness of the bunker. For example, Brooks writes that when the lights are out the room is “lightless, sightless…dark as hell.” (p. 7) Additionally, the emptiness of the building, yet the importance of the “lift” are both revealed in the descriptive sound of the lift every time it moves…”g-dung, g-dunk, clunk, nnnnnnnnnn.” (p. 8) Linus’ character has beautiful growth in the story as he goes from being a kid out on the street and only thinking of himself, to taking on the role of caretaker to Jenny, and ultimately trying to work as a team with everyone who ends up in the bunker. The other characters really do not grow much, but this is to be expected as they are very much depicted as secondary characters in the story. The use of dates, times, and white space on the pages add a wonderful element to the story, truly helping the reader to feel as if they are connecting with Linus and reading his breathtaking story.
Reader’s Annotation: Linus has been drugged, starved, and imprisoned. He knows not why, but he knows that more people are going to join him soon and there is little chance of escape.
Curriculum Ties: None
Book Talk Ideas: Linus is desperate to make an escape, but every time he tries, everyone is punished. How can he endure the torture and keep up his hopes of rescue, when those around him are not so optimistic?
Challenge Issues: Kidnapping; Torture; Drugs
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Carnegie Medal winner.
Freakboy. By Kristin Elizabeth Clark. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2013. ISBN: 978-0-374-32472-8
Author Biography: Kristin Clark lives in San Francisco and is a strong advocate for kindness. As well as being an author of books, Clark teaches workshops and speaks about diversity and social justice. She is also the founder and host of a poet society in the bay area.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 700
Plot Summary: Brendan enjoys playing video games and being with his girlfriend Vanessa. He is on the wrestling team and is seen around school as an average teen boy. However, Brendan has a secret that he is not quite ready to face. Though Brendan loves Vanessa and being with her, he secretly wishes that he could be more like her, more feminine. As he adjusts to this realization, he realizes that he just might be trans and he begins to freak out. Luckily for him, he meets Angel, a trans who works at a teen center specifically for LGBTQ kids. Angel allows Brendan to be himself and helps him to see that he is not the freak he thinks he is.
Critical Evaluation: Clark writes in beautiful poetic form which adds beauty to her simple phrases and depth to each of the characters. She alternates the story from three viewpoints allowing the reader a glimpse into the life and feelings of Brendan, Angel, and Vanessa. This allows the reader to journey with Brendan as he figures out his life, but also to understand the viewpoints of both Angel and Vanessa who are essential characters in Brendan’s life. Clark enhances her poetic verse by occasionally making shapes with her words which relate to the message of the narrative. For example, on page 220 the words form the shape of a woman’s body as Brendan thinks about how he would like to have the same body shape as Vanessa. The same format is used at the end of the book with Brendan’s last words forming a tear drop. Both of these images relate directly to the storyline and add visualization to the words. Additionally, rather than just saying once that Brendan is uncomfortable with the word “transsexual” being applied to him, Clark repeats the word over and over again, in varying font sizes, to help the reader feel how Brendan feels haunted by the words. In these ways, Clark brings meaning to her words and adds depth to her story.
Reader’s Annotation: Brendan is an average teenager who has a beautiful girlfriend, multiple guy friends, and is on the wrestling team at school. All is not as it seems, however, as Brendan is questioning how male he truly is.
Curriculum Ties: LGBTQ
Book Talk Ideas: Have you always felt comfortable being the person everyone seems to think you are? Brendan thought he was, but now he is questioning his true feelings and doesn’t know quite how to deal with his confusion.
Challenge Issues: LGBTQ; sex; stereotypes
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was assigned reading for my class.
Author Biography: Kristin Clark lives in San Francisco and is a strong advocate for kindness. As well as being an author of books, Clark teaches workshops and speaks about diversity and social justice. She is also the founder and host of a poet society in the bay area.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 700
Plot Summary: Brendan enjoys playing video games and being with his girlfriend Vanessa. He is on the wrestling team and is seen around school as an average teen boy. However, Brendan has a secret that he is not quite ready to face. Though Brendan loves Vanessa and being with her, he secretly wishes that he could be more like her, more feminine. As he adjusts to this realization, he realizes that he just might be trans and he begins to freak out. Luckily for him, he meets Angel, a trans who works at a teen center specifically for LGBTQ kids. Angel allows Brendan to be himself and helps him to see that he is not the freak he thinks he is.
Critical Evaluation: Clark writes in beautiful poetic form which adds beauty to her simple phrases and depth to each of the characters. She alternates the story from three viewpoints allowing the reader a glimpse into the life and feelings of Brendan, Angel, and Vanessa. This allows the reader to journey with Brendan as he figures out his life, but also to understand the viewpoints of both Angel and Vanessa who are essential characters in Brendan’s life. Clark enhances her poetic verse by occasionally making shapes with her words which relate to the message of the narrative. For example, on page 220 the words form the shape of a woman’s body as Brendan thinks about how he would like to have the same body shape as Vanessa. The same format is used at the end of the book with Brendan’s last words forming a tear drop. Both of these images relate directly to the storyline and add visualization to the words. Additionally, rather than just saying once that Brendan is uncomfortable with the word “transsexual” being applied to him, Clark repeats the word over and over again, in varying font sizes, to help the reader feel how Brendan feels haunted by the words. In these ways, Clark brings meaning to her words and adds depth to her story.
Reader’s Annotation: Brendan is an average teenager who has a beautiful girlfriend, multiple guy friends, and is on the wrestling team at school. All is not as it seems, however, as Brendan is questioning how male he truly is.
Curriculum Ties: LGBTQ
Book Talk Ideas: Have you always felt comfortable being the person everyone seems to think you are? Brendan thought he was, but now he is questioning his true feelings and doesn’t know quite how to deal with his confusion.
Challenge Issues: LGBTQ; sex; stereotypes
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was assigned reading for my class.
Boy Meets Boy. By David Levithan. Alfred A. Knopf, 2003. ISBN: 978-0-375-83299-4
Author Biography: David Levithan is an award-winning author of a plethora of books. He attended Brown University and is currently the editorial director of Scholastic Books. In addition to writing novels, he has also edited quite a few books and co-authored/co-edited many books. Boy Meets Boy was his first novel.
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 730
Plot Summary: Paul has a crush. He has met a cute boy at the bookstore and cannot wait to run into him again at school. As their relationship begins to develop though, some of Paul’s other relationships begin to create havoc in his life. There’s his best friend Joni who is dating a guy Paul does not really care for and this is causing a rift in Joni and Paul’s friendship. Then there is Tony, his other best friend, who’s parents are upset with Paul and not letting them get together. Finally, there is Paul’s ex-boyfriend, Kyle, who thinks he may want to get back together with Paul again. All of this chaos causes Noah, the crush, to doubt Paul’s feelings and Paul needs to find a way to win him back.
Critical Evaluation: In this story, there is a typical romance gone awry, but Levithan adds humor and candor to his characters to entice the reader into wanting to know more. There is petty fighting between two trans kids, betting on relationship lengths, and even a school dance dedicated to a dead woman at which a Senior boy must dance with the dead woman’s portrait. Levithan also uses great visual aids in his writing, using metaphors to add depth to his words. On page 2, when describing a clerk at the bookstore, Levithan writes that “her glasses are the color of licorice.” Then on page 66, he uses a great metaphor when describing a pond saying…”the pond’s surface is like a wrinkled blue shirt with small buoy-buttons…” The characters, especially Paul and Tony, grow in depth throughout the story and Levithan is an expert at intertwining each of the characters into Paul’s life. This story is simple teenage angst and drama at its best.
Reader’s Annotation: Have you ever seen a boy across the room and had your heart leap? That is basically what happens to Paul when he first glimpses Noah, the new boy in school.
Curriculum Ties: LGBTQ
Book Talk Ideas: Do you believe in love at first sight? Paul does, but when his crazy life gets in the way, his relationship with Noah just might flounder.
Challenge Issues: LGBTQ
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was recommended to me by a couple of different sources.
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. By Meg Medina. Candlewick Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0-7636-7164-8
Author Biography: Meg Medina is a Cuban American author who currently lives in Virginia. She has written a number of award winning books and prefers to write about strong female protagonists. Additionally, she prefers to include elements of Latino culture into her stories. When not writing, Meg enjoys working on community projects which involve literacy, Latino youth, and/or girls.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 670
Plot Summary: Piddy Sanchez has always excelled at school and had many friends. When her mother decides to move to another section of the city, Piddy must transfer to a new school and make new friends. Things are going great until someone tells her that Yaqui Delgado wants to kick her ass. Piddy has no idea who Yaqui is or why she wants to kick Piddy’s ass. As she does her best to avoid Yaqui, Piddy finds her grades failing, her emotions out of control, and her relationship with her best friend on the brink of disaster.
Critical Evaluation: Medina writes with stark honesty about how high school can be for some teens. Mixed in with this honesty about high school is the truth about how teens are trying to form their own identities and be comfortable in their own skin. This book is written with cultural flavor, such as dancing to salsa music or mixing in Spanish words when otherwise speaking English. With this style of writing Medina provides a mirror for Latinas to see themselves and a window for other cultures to see the Latino culture. In addition to writing with honesty, Medina uses great visual metaphors to bring images to life, such as “her skin is the mottled green of jade.” (p.90) The characters in the story, especially Piddy and her mother show tremendous growth and depth, helping us to understand all that they are going through and how they are overcoming adversity. Lila is a fantastic supporting character who adds humor and spunk to the storyline. Medina will have readers rooting for Piddy and empathizing with the struggles she is encountering.
Reader’s Annotation: Piddy has just transferred to a new high school and is making friends when she discovers that someone wants to kick her ass. How will she navigate the halls and avoid a fight when the school bully haunts her at every turn?
Curriculum Ties: Hispanic Americans; Bullying
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever been harassed by someone at school? That is what is happening to Piddy Sanchez and she has no idea why or even who the bully is.
Challenge Issues: Bullying
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was required reading but also because I felt that teens could truly relate to the story.
The Outsiders. By S. E. Hinton. Penguin Books, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-14-303985-3
Author Biography: Hinton originally wrote The Outsiders as a teenager herself. She is now a very popular author of young adult fiction and currently lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Horses and reading are her two main hobbies.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 750
Plot Summary: Ponyboy is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up on the poorer side of town where he is considered to be a “Greaser.” Ponyboy loves sunsets, poetry, and reading. He is a good student and tries to stay out of trouble, but he is also proud to be associated with the Greasers. When he and his best friend Johnny are jumped at the local park, the boys find themselves fighting for their lives and ultimately someone dies. Now the two best friends are on the run, and have no idea what to do next.
Critical Evaluation: Hinton has written a book explicitly for teenagers, from a teen point of view. The characters are realistic, honest, and well-developed. Throughout the story, the characters experience moments of clarity in who they are and grow a deeper understanding of who those closest to them are. Ponyboy especially begins to understand and respect his older brother as well as the relationship between Johnny and Dallas. Hinton uses poignant, realistic terms to describe people such as when she describes Dallas. In her description, she states that Dallas has “an elfish face with high cheekbones and a pointed chin, small, sharp animal teeth.” (p. 10) It is easy to visualize what Dallas looked like due to Hinton’s description. The same effect is used when Ponyboy encounters Tim and says that he “had the tense, hungry look of an alley cat.” (p. 105) The style of writing Hinton uses is concise and straightforward, yet it offers great visual imagery and grasps the reader with its intensity and realistic outlook on life.
Reader’s Annotation: Ponyboy and Johnny are the of the Greasers, but find themselves in the toughest of situations. Will they be caught and tried for murder?
Curriculum Ties: Classic Literature
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered why teens join gangs? Ponyboy can tell you and bring you into the life of an active gang and its rivals, the Socs.
Challenge Issues: Gang Rivalry
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because I have always loved it and it is a classic YA book.
Author Biography: Hinton originally wrote The Outsiders as a teenager herself. She is now a very popular author of young adult fiction and currently lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Horses and reading are her two main hobbies.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 750
Plot Summary: Ponyboy is a fourteen-year-old boy growing up on the poorer side of town where he is considered to be a “Greaser.” Ponyboy loves sunsets, poetry, and reading. He is a good student and tries to stay out of trouble, but he is also proud to be associated with the Greasers. When he and his best friend Johnny are jumped at the local park, the boys find themselves fighting for their lives and ultimately someone dies. Now the two best friends are on the run, and have no idea what to do next.
Critical Evaluation: Hinton has written a book explicitly for teenagers, from a teen point of view. The characters are realistic, honest, and well-developed. Throughout the story, the characters experience moments of clarity in who they are and grow a deeper understanding of who those closest to them are. Ponyboy especially begins to understand and respect his older brother as well as the relationship between Johnny and Dallas. Hinton uses poignant, realistic terms to describe people such as when she describes Dallas. In her description, she states that Dallas has “an elfish face with high cheekbones and a pointed chin, small, sharp animal teeth.” (p. 10) It is easy to visualize what Dallas looked like due to Hinton’s description. The same effect is used when Ponyboy encounters Tim and says that he “had the tense, hungry look of an alley cat.” (p. 105) The style of writing Hinton uses is concise and straightforward, yet it offers great visual imagery and grasps the reader with its intensity and realistic outlook on life.
Reader’s Annotation: Ponyboy and Johnny are the of the Greasers, but find themselves in the toughest of situations. Will they be caught and tried for murder?
Curriculum Ties: Classic Literature
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered why teens join gangs? Ponyboy can tell you and bring you into the life of an active gang and its rivals, the Socs.
Challenge Issues: Gang Rivalry
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because I have always loved it and it is a classic YA book.
Girl in Pieces: A Novel. By Kathleen Glasgow. Delacorte Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-1-101-93471-5
Author Biography: Kathleen Glasgow is a researcher for The Writers Almanac as well as the author Girl in Pieces. She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona and was inspired to write this book when she encountered a girl on the bus who “looked like” her, with scars along her arms.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA
Plot Summary: After months living on the streets, Charlie finds herself in the hospital being treated for cutting herself excessively. She is afraid to trust anyone and currently has selective mutism. Her only release is through her drawing. When Charlie finally begins to speak and open up, she is suddenly released from the hospital and finds herself on a bus to Tucson, Arizona. In Arizona, Charlie finds herself a job as a dishwasher and a small apartment, but the temptation to drink and cut still has a hold on her. Every day is a struggle to survive and not fall into her old habits of self-destruction.
Critical Evaluation: Glasgow has written a riveting story about the reality of cutting and how cutters view themselves. She opens up a window into the world of cutting and graphically describes the temptation to cut and the release cutters feel when they do cut. The character, Charlie, describes cutting as trying to cut out the dark and reveals that when she bleeds she feels soothed. Glasgow writes in a straightforward style which allows the reader to feel as if they are reading Charlie’s diary. This also allows the reader to understand each character only as their “stories” are revealed to Charlie. Every character shows depth from the main character of Charlie to the coffeehouse girl Linus, who has a story of her own. Charlie grows, regresses, and grows throughout the story and the reader finds themselves rooting for her. It is an emotional roller coaster which Glasgow expertly controls and brings to an end.
Reader’s Annotation: Charlie has been abused, homeless, and now hospitalized for self-hurting. In the hospital, she knows that she is safe, but soon she will be released out into the unknown and she is not sure if she will be able to survive.
Curriculum Ties: Self-harm, addiction, and teen homelessness
Book Talk Ideas: Feeling lost, unlovable, and ugly, Charlie hurts herself enough to end up in the hospital. When the hospital releases her to the real world, how will she survive?
Challenge Issues: Cutting and addiction
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because cutting is a very serious issue which people need to be aware of. I think many teens will be able to relate to this book.
Author Biography: Kathleen Glasgow is a researcher for The Writers Almanac as well as the author Girl in Pieces. She currently resides in Tucson, Arizona and was inspired to write this book when she encountered a girl on the bus who “looked like” her, with scars along her arms.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA
Plot Summary: After months living on the streets, Charlie finds herself in the hospital being treated for cutting herself excessively. She is afraid to trust anyone and currently has selective mutism. Her only release is through her drawing. When Charlie finally begins to speak and open up, she is suddenly released from the hospital and finds herself on a bus to Tucson, Arizona. In Arizona, Charlie finds herself a job as a dishwasher and a small apartment, but the temptation to drink and cut still has a hold on her. Every day is a struggle to survive and not fall into her old habits of self-destruction.
Critical Evaluation: Glasgow has written a riveting story about the reality of cutting and how cutters view themselves. She opens up a window into the world of cutting and graphically describes the temptation to cut and the release cutters feel when they do cut. The character, Charlie, describes cutting as trying to cut out the dark and reveals that when she bleeds she feels soothed. Glasgow writes in a straightforward style which allows the reader to feel as if they are reading Charlie’s diary. This also allows the reader to understand each character only as their “stories” are revealed to Charlie. Every character shows depth from the main character of Charlie to the coffeehouse girl Linus, who has a story of her own. Charlie grows, regresses, and grows throughout the story and the reader finds themselves rooting for her. It is an emotional roller coaster which Glasgow expertly controls and brings to an end.
Reader’s Annotation: Charlie has been abused, homeless, and now hospitalized for self-hurting. In the hospital, she knows that she is safe, but soon she will be released out into the unknown and she is not sure if she will be able to survive.
Curriculum Ties: Self-harm, addiction, and teen homelessness
Book Talk Ideas: Feeling lost, unlovable, and ugly, Charlie hurts herself enough to end up in the hospital. When the hospital releases her to the real world, how will she survive?
Challenge Issues: Cutting and addiction
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because cutting is a very serious issue which people need to be aware of. I think many teens will be able to relate to this book.
The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes. By Neil Gaiman. DC Comics, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-4012-2575-9
Author Biography: Neil Gaiman is a writer of not only comics, but novels, television shows, and even movies. He lives with a multitude of animals and enjoys eating sushi. Currently, Gaiman lives in America, but he is not sure why.
Genre: Horror
Reading Level: AD
Plot Summary: During a ritual meant to capture Death, the Sandman is captured instead. He is held in captivity for over 50 years until he finally finds a way to escape. Upon his escape, the Sandman discovers that he has lost his powers and the elements which enable him to have power. He thus embarks on an excursion to find his three most powerful tools. This excursion takes him to Hell, to the Justice League for help, and even to Gotham City. He must slowly recover his energy, strength, and power through whatever means necessary.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very dark, violent graphic novel. Gaiman writes an intriguing storyline in which he ingeniously incorporates classic superheroes, such as the Justice League, with classic myths such as the Sandman. The pictures are detailed and add an extremely dark visual element to the story. There is a great element of mystery through the first few chapters as the person who is captured is not identified as the Sandman until later in the story. Gaiman keeps the reader suspicious and curious as to what is going to happen next. The only true character development happens with the Sandman who basically goes from being a weak, naked man to a powerful enchanter of dreams. Other characters in the story are basically supporting characters and there is some confusion as to how each person fits into the story. Overall, Gaiman ties it all together nicely by the end of the story.
Reader’s Annotation: The Sandman controls people’s dreams, but has now been captured. How will he escape and recover his power over the dreamworld.
Curriculum Ties: none
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever heard of the Sandman, enchanter of dreams? Well, he has suddenly been captured and lost all of his power over the dreamworld. What will happen to everyone’s dreams?
Challenge Issues: Violence and death
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was required reading.
Author Biography: Neil Gaiman is a writer of not only comics, but novels, television shows, and even movies. He lives with a multitude of animals and enjoys eating sushi. Currently, Gaiman lives in America, but he is not sure why.
Genre: Horror
Reading Level: AD
Plot Summary: During a ritual meant to capture Death, the Sandman is captured instead. He is held in captivity for over 50 years until he finally finds a way to escape. Upon his escape, the Sandman discovers that he has lost his powers and the elements which enable him to have power. He thus embarks on an excursion to find his three most powerful tools. This excursion takes him to Hell, to the Justice League for help, and even to Gotham City. He must slowly recover his energy, strength, and power through whatever means necessary.
Critical Evaluation: This is a very dark, violent graphic novel. Gaiman writes an intriguing storyline in which he ingeniously incorporates classic superheroes, such as the Justice League, with classic myths such as the Sandman. The pictures are detailed and add an extremely dark visual element to the story. There is a great element of mystery through the first few chapters as the person who is captured is not identified as the Sandman until later in the story. Gaiman keeps the reader suspicious and curious as to what is going to happen next. The only true character development happens with the Sandman who basically goes from being a weak, naked man to a powerful enchanter of dreams. Other characters in the story are basically supporting characters and there is some confusion as to how each person fits into the story. Overall, Gaiman ties it all together nicely by the end of the story.
Reader’s Annotation: The Sandman controls people’s dreams, but has now been captured. How will he escape and recover his power over the dreamworld.
Curriculum Ties: none
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever heard of the Sandman, enchanter of dreams? Well, he has suddenly been captured and lost all of his power over the dreamworld. What will happen to everyone’s dreams?
Challenge Issues: Violence and death
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was required reading.
Romancing the Dark in the City of Light: A Novel. By Ann Jacobus. Thomas Dunne Books, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-250-06443-1
Author Biography: Ann Jacobus is the author of many essays, poetry, and short fiction as well as this novel. She received her MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has lived in many places around the world including Paris and San Francisco.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA
Plot Summary: Summer has been in five schools in the past four years and has managed to miss out on graduating from high school due to multiple expulsions. Now, she is trying to complete her senior year in one semester so that she can attend college and graduate by the age of 22 at which point she can claim her inheritance. To get through the day, Summer finds herself relying on alcohol and her new friend Moony. She is battling depression, looking for love, and cannot stop herself from drinking. To make matters worse, a man named Kurt seems to be following her and she cannot deny a strange attraction to him. If Summer is to graduate on time, she will need to get her act together and fast.
Critical Evaluation: Jacobus writes an interesting story of depression, alcoholism, and ultimately suicide. Summer is a fascinating character who waffles between wanting to succeed in school and life and wanting to just give up. Kurt is an ingenious character who’s identity and role are suspicious throughout the story and he is only truly revealed at the end. Moony, Summer’s new friend seems upbeat and positive, but we later learn that there is more to Moony than he lets on. Each character changes as the story develops and Jacobus does an amazing job of making them extremely realistic. To help readers visualize and empathize, Jacobus uses fantastic metaphors such as “she feels unhinged—loose and lost as a polar bear pup drifting on an ice floe.” (p.76) She also adds little touches of humor by playing with certain words, such as chicken. Being that Summer is the granddaughter of the “Chicken King,” Jacobus writes things such as “I’ve got bigger chickens to fry right now” (p.252) rather than the typical expression of bigger fish to fry. Little expressions such as this add character and humor to the story. In the end, the novel is a wonderful lesson on survival and not giving up.
Reader’s Annotation: Summer needs to find love, that’s what will make everything better. At least, this is what she keeps telling herself as she moves back home to Paris to attend her fifth school in only four years.
Curriculum Ties: Addiction & Suicide
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever felt torn between a pure and honest relationship, and a dangerous, exciting relationship? That’s the dilemma Summer finds herself in when she moves back to Paris to live with her mom.
Challenge Issues: Alcoholism and suicide
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it is a realistic view of suicidality and teen alcoholism which teens can relate to.
Author Biography: Ann Jacobus is the author of many essays, poetry, and short fiction as well as this novel. She received her MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has lived in many places around the world including Paris and San Francisco.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA
Plot Summary: Summer has been in five schools in the past four years and has managed to miss out on graduating from high school due to multiple expulsions. Now, she is trying to complete her senior year in one semester so that she can attend college and graduate by the age of 22 at which point she can claim her inheritance. To get through the day, Summer finds herself relying on alcohol and her new friend Moony. She is battling depression, looking for love, and cannot stop herself from drinking. To make matters worse, a man named Kurt seems to be following her and she cannot deny a strange attraction to him. If Summer is to graduate on time, she will need to get her act together and fast.
Critical Evaluation: Jacobus writes an interesting story of depression, alcoholism, and ultimately suicide. Summer is a fascinating character who waffles between wanting to succeed in school and life and wanting to just give up. Kurt is an ingenious character who’s identity and role are suspicious throughout the story and he is only truly revealed at the end. Moony, Summer’s new friend seems upbeat and positive, but we later learn that there is more to Moony than he lets on. Each character changes as the story develops and Jacobus does an amazing job of making them extremely realistic. To help readers visualize and empathize, Jacobus uses fantastic metaphors such as “she feels unhinged—loose and lost as a polar bear pup drifting on an ice floe.” (p.76) She also adds little touches of humor by playing with certain words, such as chicken. Being that Summer is the granddaughter of the “Chicken King,” Jacobus writes things such as “I’ve got bigger chickens to fry right now” (p.252) rather than the typical expression of bigger fish to fry. Little expressions such as this add character and humor to the story. In the end, the novel is a wonderful lesson on survival and not giving up.
Reader’s Annotation: Summer needs to find love, that’s what will make everything better. At least, this is what she keeps telling herself as she moves back home to Paris to attend her fifth school in only four years.
Curriculum Ties: Addiction & Suicide
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever felt torn between a pure and honest relationship, and a dangerous, exciting relationship? That’s the dilemma Summer finds herself in when she moves back to Paris to live with her mom.
Challenge Issues: Alcoholism and suicide
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it is a realistic view of suicidality and teen alcoholism which teens can relate to.
Monster. By Walter Dean Myers. HarperTempest, 1999. ISBN: 0-06-028077-8
Author Biography: Myers currently lives in New Jersey with his family. He is the author of many novels and poems and is also the recipient of a wide variety of awards, including five Coretta Scott King Awards.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 670
Plot Summary: Sixteen-year-old Steve Harmon is on trial for murder. One night in December, the store owner of a local Harlem drugstore was found shot to death in his store. Witnesses have placed Steve at the scene of the crime, labeling him as the supposed lookout. Steve denies ever being in the store. Throughout the trial, witnesses admit to either being at the scene of the crime or knowing some of the details of what supposedly went down. It is a case of being innocent until proven guilty and the prosecution has its work cut out for them in placing Steve as a member of the group who killed the store owner.
Critical Evaluation: Myers brilliantly wrote this novel as if Steve is making a film and everything in the novel is written as either a journal entry or as part of a screenplay. This style of writing keeps the audience from being emotionally involved in the story, yet allows them to “see” what is happening bit by bit. It is an original way to write a novel, and though it would not work for most novels, it works amazingly well with this one. Steve, the main character, grows in character little by little throughout the story. He begins as a scared young teen who keeps to himself and is unsure of where his life is taking him. By the end of the story, we see that, though he is still scared, he is trying to figure out who he really is and what people see when they look at him. In one instance, he even speaks to his cellmates which is something he was trying desperately not to do at the beginning of the story. This is a story of survival in a detention facility, but also an inside look at what is going through the mind of someone being accused of a heinous crime.
Reader’s Annotation: Steve has been accused of murder, yet he wasn’t even at the scene of the crime when the murder took place. Is he guilty by association or did he play a role in the events leading up to the crime?
Curriculum Ties: American Judicial System
Book Talk Ideas: Sixteen-year-old Steve is facing either the death penalty or 25 years to life in prison for a crime he claims he did not commit. How can he convince the jury that he is innocent?
Challenge Issues: Murder
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because I have heard from many people that it is an amazing book and it has won multiple awards.
Fangirl. By Rainbow Rowell. St. Martin’s Griffin, 2013. ISBN: 978-1-250-03095-5
Author Biography: Rainbow Rowell is an author of both adult and young adult literature. She currently lives in Nebraska where she enjoys reading comic books, arguing, and writing.
Genre: Groupies Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 570 HL
Plot Summary: Cath is a huge fan of the Simon Snow series. She is so addicted, she has become a popular writer on a Simon Snow fanfiction website, taking Simon’s story and reinventing it with her own twists and turns. Though she is completely confident in her writing abilities concerning Simon, Cath finds herself floundering when asked to write some assignments for her fiction writing class which do not involve Simon. To top things off, Cath’s relationship with her twin sister Wren is flailing, her dad has gone off the deep end, and her runaway mom is trying to re-enter Cath’s life. Cath finds herself wanting to just give up and bury herself in Simon’s fictional life.
Critical Evaluation: Rainbow Rowell amazingly tells two stories in one in this engrossing novel. Though the majority of the novel is about Cath and her adjustment to college life, Rainbow manages to create an interest in the Simon Snow novels and engross the reader in the small snippets which occur throughout the story. Every character in the original story is realistic and has an interesting journey, opening them up to character growth and a better understanding of who they are. We see Cath discover her own identity separate from that of her twin, Reagan become endearing and not just plain mean, and Cath’s dad struggle to overcome depression and getting caught up in his work. It is an amazing journey of lives intertwining and people taking care of one another. Rowell speaks as if Cath is real and experiencing college for the first time from her description of the upperclassmen all wearing “Ray-bans” to quite bluntly saying things like “this is stupid.” It is realistic fiction crossed with groupies fiction in an intriguing way.
Reader’s Annotation: Cath has an identical twin sister, Wren, who has always been by her side. Now that they are in college, Wren wants to do her own thing and Cath is forced to discover who she really is.
Curriculum Ties: Coming of Age
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever been so caught up in a story that the characters are alive to you? Cath feels as if the life Simon and Baz are one of the most important things in her life, and just cannot let them go.
Challenge Issues: LGBTQ
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was recommended by some of my classmates.
Author Biography: Rainbow Rowell is an author of both adult and young adult literature. She currently lives in Nebraska where she enjoys reading comic books, arguing, and writing.
Genre: Groupies Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 570 HL
Plot Summary: Cath is a huge fan of the Simon Snow series. She is so addicted, she has become a popular writer on a Simon Snow fanfiction website, taking Simon’s story and reinventing it with her own twists and turns. Though she is completely confident in her writing abilities concerning Simon, Cath finds herself floundering when asked to write some assignments for her fiction writing class which do not involve Simon. To top things off, Cath’s relationship with her twin sister Wren is flailing, her dad has gone off the deep end, and her runaway mom is trying to re-enter Cath’s life. Cath finds herself wanting to just give up and bury herself in Simon’s fictional life.
Critical Evaluation: Rainbow Rowell amazingly tells two stories in one in this engrossing novel. Though the majority of the novel is about Cath and her adjustment to college life, Rainbow manages to create an interest in the Simon Snow novels and engross the reader in the small snippets which occur throughout the story. Every character in the original story is realistic and has an interesting journey, opening them up to character growth and a better understanding of who they are. We see Cath discover her own identity separate from that of her twin, Reagan become endearing and not just plain mean, and Cath’s dad struggle to overcome depression and getting caught up in his work. It is an amazing journey of lives intertwining and people taking care of one another. Rowell speaks as if Cath is real and experiencing college for the first time from her description of the upperclassmen all wearing “Ray-bans” to quite bluntly saying things like “this is stupid.” It is realistic fiction crossed with groupies fiction in an intriguing way.
Reader’s Annotation: Cath has an identical twin sister, Wren, who has always been by her side. Now that they are in college, Wren wants to do her own thing and Cath is forced to discover who she really is.
Curriculum Ties: Coming of Age
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever been so caught up in a story that the characters are alive to you? Cath feels as if the life Simon and Baz are one of the most important things in her life, and just cannot let them go.
Challenge Issues: LGBTQ
Challenge Issue Resources: Defense File
Why chosen: I chose this book because it was recommended by some of my classmates.
If I Stay. By Gayle Forman. Speak/Penguin Publishing, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-14-241543-6
Author Biography: Gayle Forman originally hails from Los Angeles, has traveled to 64 different countries, and now calls New York her home. She has been writing all her life, but not professionally until after college. Originally a journalist for Seventeen magazine, she now writes novels as a form of escapism from her life as a wife and mother.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 830
Plot Summary: Mia is a seventeen-year-old cello player who has just auditioned for Julliard. She is in love with her boyfriend Adam and adores her eccentric family. Then in the blink of an eye, while she is out on a simple drive with her family, Mia’s whole world is changed. When she opens her eyes, Mia realizes that her family has been in a terrible car accident. On the ground, and clearly dead, are both of her parents, but where is Teddy, her adorable little brother? As Mia searches for Teddy, she notices her own body lying in a ditch and comes to the realization that she is watching the scene as a spirit. Mia is not dead, but seriously injured. She is taken by ambulance to the local hospital and then transported to the city hospital via helicopter. After hours of surgery, she is in ICU, but is still watching everything as a spirit. It is now up to her to make a momentous decision. Will she choose to survive the accident or will she give in to her desire to die along with the rest of her beautiful family?
Critical Evaluation: Forman writes a powerful story about choosing between life and death. It is not a story of suicide, but rather fighting for one’s life. Throughout the story, Mia’s life previous to her accident unfolds while we simultaneously watch her struggle to survive in ICU. This story makes the audience question what they would do if faced with a similar situation. Forman brings every character to life through Mia’s remembrances, and the audience feels connected in an intimate way, as if living right alongside Mia. Visual imagery is established through descriptive dialogue such as when Mia describes her dad’s bowties or Teddy’s curly yellow hair which she loves to put her face in. Humor lifts the story and keeps it from being too sad, such as when Adam’s band tries to make a distraction at the hospital. This is a moving story that somehow manages not to be too sad or too sappy, but just right.
Reader’s Annotation: Mia has her whole life ahead of her until a tragic accident takes her family away. Does Mia have the will to go on living without them?
Curriculum Ties: Death
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered what you would do if asked to make the choice between life and death? That is the decision Mia must make and it is not an easy decision to make.
Challenge Issues: None
Why chosen: I chose this book because I have heard that it is a fabulous story and it has recently been made into a full-length motion picture.
Author Biography: Gayle Forman originally hails from Los Angeles, has traveled to 64 different countries, and now calls New York her home. She has been writing all her life, but not professionally until after college. Originally a journalist for Seventeen magazine, she now writes novels as a form of escapism from her life as a wife and mother.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: YA; LEX 830
Plot Summary: Mia is a seventeen-year-old cello player who has just auditioned for Julliard. She is in love with her boyfriend Adam and adores her eccentric family. Then in the blink of an eye, while she is out on a simple drive with her family, Mia’s whole world is changed. When she opens her eyes, Mia realizes that her family has been in a terrible car accident. On the ground, and clearly dead, are both of her parents, but where is Teddy, her adorable little brother? As Mia searches for Teddy, she notices her own body lying in a ditch and comes to the realization that she is watching the scene as a spirit. Mia is not dead, but seriously injured. She is taken by ambulance to the local hospital and then transported to the city hospital via helicopter. After hours of surgery, she is in ICU, but is still watching everything as a spirit. It is now up to her to make a momentous decision. Will she choose to survive the accident or will she give in to her desire to die along with the rest of her beautiful family?
Critical Evaluation: Forman writes a powerful story about choosing between life and death. It is not a story of suicide, but rather fighting for one’s life. Throughout the story, Mia’s life previous to her accident unfolds while we simultaneously watch her struggle to survive in ICU. This story makes the audience question what they would do if faced with a similar situation. Forman brings every character to life through Mia’s remembrances, and the audience feels connected in an intimate way, as if living right alongside Mia. Visual imagery is established through descriptive dialogue such as when Mia describes her dad’s bowties or Teddy’s curly yellow hair which she loves to put her face in. Humor lifts the story and keeps it from being too sad, such as when Adam’s band tries to make a distraction at the hospital. This is a moving story that somehow manages not to be too sad or too sappy, but just right.
Reader’s Annotation: Mia has her whole life ahead of her until a tragic accident takes her family away. Does Mia have the will to go on living without them?
Curriculum Ties: Death
Book Talk Ideas: Have you ever wondered what you would do if asked to make the choice between life and death? That is the decision Mia must make and it is not an easy decision to make.
Challenge Issues: None
Why chosen: I chose this book because I have heard that it is a fabulous story and it has recently been made into a full-length motion picture.