Planet Pregnancy
Author: Linda Oatman High
Frontstreet Publishers 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1-59078-584-3
Plot Summary: The book opens with Sahara taking a pregnancy test. She is pregnant. She decides not to tell Dustin her ex boyfriend. At first she doesn't tell anyone. She is miserable over the idea of being a mother. She is afraid. Oatman High writes the book in free verse. The book follows Sahara through a range of emotions as she grows and the baby grows. She feels fat and that her body is foreign to her, she feels as though she lost herself, and will never be the same.
Then she gains a new perspective, she starts to love the baby inside her. She wants to stay connected to her great grandmother even though they never met, just so that she has a link to her baby's ancestry. She feels her feelings change and she claims she loves he human growing inside her regardless.
The book ends with Sahara having the baby. She explains the immense pain of labor and the immense response one has to having a baby. She is in love. She is proud, and her mother comes to see the baby. She names the baby Grace.
Critical Analysis: The Free verse operates as a stream of consciousness. Oatman writes honestly and openly about the the transformation Sahara endures. Sahara falls in love with her baby but realizes she will never be the same, she knows now she is a mother and life will be different. Oatman High does a beautiful job of capturing the pain, happiness and love one feels when they have a child, but also she does not glorify the pregnancy experience for teens. She does well to show a girl accepting all the difficulty aspects of having a baby, alone, and then how she raises a baby.
Annotation: Sahara is pregnant. Oatman writes a book all in free verse about Sahara's journey and how her body and mind change drastically as a result of her having a baby.
Author Information Lancaster County: Oatman High is an author of books for children and young adults; she is also a playwright, and poet. She won the Lee Bennet Hopkins Poetry Award, and Barn Savers, an NCTE Notable Book and Booklist Best Book. She lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Genre: YA chick lit
Curriculum Ties: Health and Family Living, English: Poetry
Booktalk Ideas:
1.) What do you think Sahara should hve done; tell Dustin or not?
2)Why do you think her mom is trying so desperately to be perfect?
3.) Do you think Sahara will be a good mother given her circumstances
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 15 and Up
Challenge Issues: Teenage Pregnancy
Defense: I would encourage adults to read it if they haven't. I would point out the honesty of the book and how it isn't advocating teen pregnancy, but it does give an honest account.
In addition, I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:
http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Reasons for selection: I feel it is important to give a voice to the uncomfortable things in life. This book is an honest account and it is important to show teens the experience behind teen pregnancy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The Pretties
The Pretties
Scott Westerfeld
Simon Pulse (November 1, 2005)
ISBN-13: 978-0689865398
Plot Summary: In this sequel Tally visits is now a "pretty." She is in constant pursuit of all that is "bubbly." She forgot about why she came to be a pretty and how she was supposed to help find a cure for the lesions on the brain from the surgery. David sends her a message to take two pills but Tally thinks it is just for fun and shares them with her new boyfriend, Zane. He has a horrible reaction turning him into almost a vegetable and now Tally must find a way to help him. In this book, Shay finds out about Tally's betrayal, and Tally also must seek the help of David.
Tally currently does not have many allies, but as she realizes what she must do, she attempts to make it right for Zane, and once again must deal with Dr. Cable.
Critical Evaluation: The "bubbly-ness" of The Pretties is unsettling. They want to party and drink and do not care about anything else. They stay skinny because they are on special food, and they can do whatever they want. It almost smacks of young Hollywood like what we see in Lindsey Lohhan and Paris Hilton. There is a focus on beauty and fun and little else.
Annotation: Tally shares the pills meant to cure her with Zane, and now she must find a way to help him She is among the pretties now where everything is bubbly and fun, and Tally learns the hard way that it is only an illusion.
Author: Scott Westerfeld was born in Dallas, TX on May 5, 1963. He now splits his time between Australia and New York, he has no children and no plans for any either.
Genre: YA novel
Curriculum Ties: there are none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Should Tally ask David to help with Zane?
2.) Does Tally deserve for Shay to be angry with her?
3.) Would you want happiness if it was an illusion?
Reading Level 15 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: Drinking, drugs
I would point out that this is a social critique, direct patrons to Scott Westerfeld's web page, and
I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:
http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Selection: Scott Westerfeld does well providing a social critique of America's fascination with beauty, and surgery, as well as the way young Hollywood behaves regardless of the message it sends. I feel The Pretties is a great way to challenge young readers to consider our culture.
Scott Westerfeld
Simon Pulse (November 1, 2005)
ISBN-13: 978-0689865398
Plot Summary: In this sequel Tally visits is now a "pretty." She is in constant pursuit of all that is "bubbly." She forgot about why she came to be a pretty and how she was supposed to help find a cure for the lesions on the brain from the surgery. David sends her a message to take two pills but Tally thinks it is just for fun and shares them with her new boyfriend, Zane. He has a horrible reaction turning him into almost a vegetable and now Tally must find a way to help him. In this book, Shay finds out about Tally's betrayal, and Tally also must seek the help of David.
Tally currently does not have many allies, but as she realizes what she must do, she attempts to make it right for Zane, and once again must deal with Dr. Cable.
Critical Evaluation: The "bubbly-ness" of The Pretties is unsettling. They want to party and drink and do not care about anything else. They stay skinny because they are on special food, and they can do whatever they want. It almost smacks of young Hollywood like what we see in Lindsey Lohhan and Paris Hilton. There is a focus on beauty and fun and little else.
Annotation: Tally shares the pills meant to cure her with Zane, and now she must find a way to help him She is among the pretties now where everything is bubbly and fun, and Tally learns the hard way that it is only an illusion.
Author: Scott Westerfeld was born in Dallas, TX on May 5, 1963. He now splits his time between Australia and New York, he has no children and no plans for any either.
Genre: YA novel
Curriculum Ties: there are none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Should Tally ask David to help with Zane?
2.) Does Tally deserve for Shay to be angry with her?
3.) Would you want happiness if it was an illusion?
Reading Level 15 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: Drinking, drugs
I would point out that this is a social critique, direct patrons to Scott Westerfeld's web page, and
I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:
http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Selection: Scott Westerfeld does well providing a social critique of America's fascination with beauty, and surgery, as well as the way young Hollywood behaves regardless of the message it sends. I feel The Pretties is a great way to challenge young readers to consider our culture.
Gathering Blue
Gathering Blue
by Lois Lowry
ISBN:0-553-49478-3,
Bantam Books, New York, 2005
Plot Summary: Kira is a weaver and in her weaving she hears warnings about the future. It is her weaving that makes her special, as she is crippled and in her village they cast aside crippled people and actually leave them to die. As she faces the Council of Edifice, she fears for her life and thinks they might send her away. It is her weaving that they value; and they choose her to make the robe for the Singer. This is a very important job, and Kira takes it seriously. In addition through her weaving Kira learns the deep dark secrets of this village and also realizes that she can stay and make a difference in the future of her village. She plans to stay and work on the robe and learn more and she also plans to introduce blue to the robe and create a better world for the people of her village.
Critical Evaluation: In this second book of The Giver trilogy, Lowry creates another story where the protagonist faces difficult choices. Kira also faces possible death at the hands of the Council of Edifice depending on if she can prove herself worthy. As Kira learns the hard truth about her village, she like Jonas must make hard choices and face the realities of the village. For teens, this challenges her readers to again consider social constructions such as history, but also the power one person holds. Kira acts with agency and largley on her own.
Reader's Annotation: Kira loses her mom, and then learns she will go before the Council of Edifice and learn her future. The council learns she is a skilled weaver and assign her the important task of completeing the ceremonial robe for the Singer.
Information about the author: Lois Lowry moved a great deal in her childhood as her father was in the military, then she married a military man as well and raised four children. She also managed to finish both a Bachelor's and Graduate degree as a mother and started to write. She has written many books and series including The Giver trilogy, and Anastasia Krupnik. She claims that all of her stories vary in style and place, but hold one constant; they all explore the "importance of human connections" (Lowis Lowry). Lowry continues to write, and is now a grandmother as well. One can read her blog and find out more about her interesting life and writing on her website: http://www.loislowry.com/.
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties: History, Sociology, Language Arts
Booktalking ideas:
1.) Why does Kira feel blue is so important to the robe?
2.) Annabella claims there are no beasts in the forest; so why do those in power want the people to believe there are?
3.) In Kira's village, the more syllables in one's name, the older they are. Would you like a system like this where as soon as you met someone, you knew about how old they are and how wise they might be.
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 7th grade and up/ 7th grade - 12th
Challenge ideas: Death/ euthenasia
Defense: I would include information regarding Lowry's beliefs on censorship.
I would also share the selection policies for San Diego County Libraries: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Why include this book: This book like its predecessor challenges readers to evaluate their societies, cultures, and history. Kira faces difficult choices and learns some truths about her village which are hard to process, this teaches teens to act with agency and evaluate their cultures.
by Lois Lowry
ISBN:0-553-49478-3,
Bantam Books, New York, 2005
Plot Summary: Kira is a weaver and in her weaving she hears warnings about the future. It is her weaving that makes her special, as she is crippled and in her village they cast aside crippled people and actually leave them to die. As she faces the Council of Edifice, she fears for her life and thinks they might send her away. It is her weaving that they value; and they choose her to make the robe for the Singer. This is a very important job, and Kira takes it seriously. In addition through her weaving Kira learns the deep dark secrets of this village and also realizes that she can stay and make a difference in the future of her village. She plans to stay and work on the robe and learn more and she also plans to introduce blue to the robe and create a better world for the people of her village.
Critical Evaluation: In this second book of The Giver trilogy, Lowry creates another story where the protagonist faces difficult choices. Kira also faces possible death at the hands of the Council of Edifice depending on if she can prove herself worthy. As Kira learns the hard truth about her village, she like Jonas must make hard choices and face the realities of the village. For teens, this challenges her readers to again consider social constructions such as history, but also the power one person holds. Kira acts with agency and largley on her own.
Reader's Annotation: Kira loses her mom, and then learns she will go before the Council of Edifice and learn her future. The council learns she is a skilled weaver and assign her the important task of completeing the ceremonial robe for the Singer.
Information about the author: Lois Lowry moved a great deal in her childhood as her father was in the military, then she married a military man as well and raised four children. She also managed to finish both a Bachelor's and Graduate degree as a mother and started to write. She has written many books and series including The Giver trilogy, and Anastasia Krupnik. She claims that all of her stories vary in style and place, but hold one constant; they all explore the "importance of human connections" (Lowis Lowry). Lowry continues to write, and is now a grandmother as well. One can read her blog and find out more about her interesting life and writing on her website: http://www.loislowry.com/.
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties: History, Sociology, Language Arts
Booktalking ideas:
1.) Why does Kira feel blue is so important to the robe?
2.) Annabella claims there are no beasts in the forest; so why do those in power want the people to believe there are?
3.) In Kira's village, the more syllables in one's name, the older they are. Would you like a system like this where as soon as you met someone, you knew about how old they are and how wise they might be.
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 7th grade and up/ 7th grade - 12th
Challenge ideas: Death/ euthenasia
Defense: I would include information regarding Lowry's beliefs on censorship.
I would also share the selection policies for San Diego County Libraries: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Why include this book: This book like its predecessor challenges readers to evaluate their societies, cultures, and history. Kira faces difficult choices and learns some truths about her village which are hard to process, this teaches teens to act with agency and evaluate their cultures.
The Giver
The Giver
Lois Lowry
ISBN-10: 0440237688
Dell-Laurel-Leaf Publishers, 1993
Plot Summary:
In Lois Lowry's, The Giver, Jonas is a twelve year old boy just assigned his life profession. He is the new "Giver of memories." This job is an important one in this dystopian society as the Giver carries the burden of the all of the memories of the past. The society itself holds no memory of pain, color, love, war, or sadly even choice and agency. The entire society acts strictly on their assignments. They are assigned spouses, children, vocations, etc. There is no sex, passion or love. The book examines difficult concepts such as motherhood, euthenasia, critical thinking, considering one's history as well and also considering the history of one's society.
As Jonas recieves the memories from the original Giver, he begins to question his family, his life, and the future of his society. He is one of the few people experiencing pain, love, and he faces very difficult decisions on what to do with his new knowledge of the past, present, and future.
Critical Evaluation: Lowry constructs a beautiful tale where a boy uses his new knowledge and demonstrates agency, and integrity. In her exporation of the dystopian society and its history she helps readers to consider how history is indeed a construction and we are challenged to consider the way societies use history to justify choices. In a society where choice and agency are absent, Jonas demonstrates he is unique and holds the ability to evaluate his life and society. He acts as an individual and challenges the expected passive role citizens play in this society. Lowry moves into uncomfortable territory and constructs a story valuable for tweens and teens alike as she deals with mature themes and engages her readers.
Reader's Annotation: Jonas recieves his assignment for his life's vocation in a very ioprtant ceremony and now must face the difficult choices and feelings attached to his new assignment. Lowry creates a beautiful story where even a twelve year old boy possesses the power to change the future.
Information about the author: Lois Lowry moved a great deal in her childhood as her father was in the military, then she married a military man as well and raised four children. She also managed to finish both a Bachelor's and Graduate degree as a mother and started to write. She has written many books and series including The Giver trilogy, and Anastasia Krupnik. She claims that all of her stories vary in style and place, but hold one constant; they all explore the "importance of human connections" (Lowis Lowry). Lowry continues to write, and is now a grandmother as well. One can read her blog and find out more about her interesting life and writing on her website: http://www.loislowry.com/.
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties: History, Exploring history, Sociology
Booktalking ideas:
1.)How much of our own history is a construction?
2.)How do societies use history to control the present and future?
3.) Is life really better with no "pain?"
4.)In The Giver, the birth mothers' only job is to have the babies for the society. Jonas own mother believes this is a low position. How do we treat motherhood and jobs in childcare as "low or unimportant positions? What does this convey about our society?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: Junior High and Young Adult, 7th grade and up
Challenge Issues:
Euthenasia: When Jonas sees that the unhealthy twin must be terminated by his own father.
Motherhood: there are birthmothers used to breed for the society, and none of the parents have sex or choose how many children they want.
Sexual Feelings: Jonas and other teens must take pills to suppress sexual stirrings.
Defense:
First share information abou the author and her perspective on censorship, then
I would also share the selection policies for San Diego County Libraries: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Selection Purpose: This book is not only beautifully written, but also it holds important themes and ideas which are engaging and exciting for teens. Lowry explores History as a construction, sexual feelings, pain/ emotions, agency, motherhood, death, birth, family, and how we obey societal rules. This book is full of interesting topics worth discussing and considering, for a teen, adult, and even a Junior High Student. Even though the book is assigned the ages og twelve and up, the Young Adult will find many useful and provacative discussion points in this text.
Lois Lowry
ISBN-10: 0440237688
Dell-Laurel-Leaf Publishers, 1993
Plot Summary:
In Lois Lowry's, The Giver, Jonas is a twelve year old boy just assigned his life profession. He is the new "Giver of memories." This job is an important one in this dystopian society as the Giver carries the burden of the all of the memories of the past. The society itself holds no memory of pain, color, love, war, or sadly even choice and agency. The entire society acts strictly on their assignments. They are assigned spouses, children, vocations, etc. There is no sex, passion or love. The book examines difficult concepts such as motherhood, euthenasia, critical thinking, considering one's history as well and also considering the history of one's society.
As Jonas recieves the memories from the original Giver, he begins to question his family, his life, and the future of his society. He is one of the few people experiencing pain, love, and he faces very difficult decisions on what to do with his new knowledge of the past, present, and future.
Critical Evaluation: Lowry constructs a beautiful tale where a boy uses his new knowledge and demonstrates agency, and integrity. In her exporation of the dystopian society and its history she helps readers to consider how history is indeed a construction and we are challenged to consider the way societies use history to justify choices. In a society where choice and agency are absent, Jonas demonstrates he is unique and holds the ability to evaluate his life and society. He acts as an individual and challenges the expected passive role citizens play in this society. Lowry moves into uncomfortable territory and constructs a story valuable for tweens and teens alike as she deals with mature themes and engages her readers.
Reader's Annotation: Jonas recieves his assignment for his life's vocation in a very ioprtant ceremony and now must face the difficult choices and feelings attached to his new assignment. Lowry creates a beautiful story where even a twelve year old boy possesses the power to change the future.
Information about the author: Lois Lowry moved a great deal in her childhood as her father was in the military, then she married a military man as well and raised four children. She also managed to finish both a Bachelor's and Graduate degree as a mother and started to write. She has written many books and series including The Giver trilogy, and Anastasia Krupnik. She claims that all of her stories vary in style and place, but hold one constant; they all explore the "importance of human connections" (Lowis Lowry). Lowry continues to write, and is now a grandmother as well. One can read her blog and find out more about her interesting life and writing on her website: http://www.loislowry.com/.
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Curriculum Ties: History, Exploring history, Sociology
Booktalking ideas:
1.)How much of our own history is a construction?
2.)How do societies use history to control the present and future?
3.) Is life really better with no "pain?"
4.)In The Giver, the birth mothers' only job is to have the babies for the society. Jonas own mother believes this is a low position. How do we treat motherhood and jobs in childcare as "low or unimportant positions? What does this convey about our society?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: Junior High and Young Adult, 7th grade and up
Challenge Issues:
Euthenasia: When Jonas sees that the unhealthy twin must be terminated by his own father.
Motherhood: there are birthmothers used to breed for the society, and none of the parents have sex or choose how many children they want.
Sexual Feelings: Jonas and other teens must take pills to suppress sexual stirrings.
Defense:
First share information abou the author and her perspective on censorship, then
I would also share the selection policies for San Diego County Libraries: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Selection Purpose: This book is not only beautifully written, but also it holds important themes and ideas which are engaging and exciting for teens. Lowry explores History as a construction, sexual feelings, pain/ emotions, agency, motherhood, death, birth, family, and how we obey societal rules. This book is full of interesting topics worth discussing and considering, for a teen, adult, and even a Junior High Student. Even though the book is assigned the ages og twelve and up, the Young Adult will find many useful and provacative discussion points in this text.
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