The Heathers (film)

The Heathers (film)

Release Date: March 31st, 1989


Director: Michael Lehmann

On YALSA's 2010 list for Outstanding Young Adult Films: Outside In: Rebellion vs. Conformity



Plot Summary: Veronica begins to befriend the elite social clique at Westerburg High School, The Heathers. It is made up of Heather one, Heather two, and Heather three. It isn't easy to fit into their group, and they pressure Veronica to ditch her old “uncool” friends. Soon the attraction to being part of the Heathers wears off and Veronica begins to hate the girls. Veronica starts to date J.D. a rebel and non-conformist after he fires a gun with blanks in it at students bullying him. J.D. ad Veronica accidentally murder Heather Chandler when Veronica intends to give her an orange juice and milk mixture but instead she picks up a cup of drain cleaner. J.D. wanted to use the drain cleaner originally and even after he sees the mistake, he decides not to alert Veronica. They write a fake suicide note to hide the murder and the school mourns the beautiful, misunderstood popular girl. After this J.D. and Veronica play a series of murderous pranks on school enemies and Veronica realizes J.D.’s intentions are far worse than hers.



Critical Evaluation: In this dark comedy Veronica and J.D. combat bullying, with a series of pranks gone bad. At first the viewer thinks the bullies and cruel kids are simply getting what they deserve, but when the pranks turn into murders, it takes a far more serious tone. Veronica's intrigue with J.D. seems to diminish after it continually leads to violent repercussions, and while at first she seems to enjoy the revenge, she also demonstrates ambivalence and concern. The film is better for older teens as the revenge message is for an audience capable differentiating between appropriate and violent ways of responding to bullying. The film at first could be cathartic for teens experiencing bullying, but it is important that teens understand the negative implications behind murdering ones enemies vs. learning to seek appropriate help with bullying from school administrators and parents.



Annotation: Dark comedy about a girl named Veronica attending Westerburg High School in Ohio. She is part of an elite social clique called the Heathers. The Heathers are especially cruel to the non- Heather students and this cult film illustrates the negative effects of bullying. Veronica and J.D. respond to bullying and social politics in a series of pranks gone terribly wrong.




Genre: Comedy/ Drama


Curriculum Ties: Sociology (a useful tool for discussing bullying and high school social politics with teens)


Discussion Ideas:

1.) While J.D. is funny, what are the possible implications of a vigilante response to bullying?

2.) Who is worse the Heathers or J.D. and Veronica?

3.) What are some ways teens can combat bullying without violence or humiliation?

Age Level Interest: The film was rated R, so I recommend it for older teens 16 and up with parental consent/ 10th grade and up


Challenge Issues: Bullying, death, suicide, murder,



Defense: First, this film was rated R, so it must be viewed with parental consent.



I would explain to the individuals challenging the film that it is on the YALSA 2010 Outstanding Films for Teens List. I would discuss how the difficult points in the film should be considered points to discuss with teens and promote critical thinking.

I would invite parents and adults to have a viewing/ discussion of the film and discuss ways to use the film constructively with their children.

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 did I include this film: I personally loved this movie as a teen. I was definitely a par of the cult following! Christian Slater and Wynona Ryder do a great job of fueling this dark comedy. I do not believe that suicide is ever a laughing matter, nor is bullying, but as mentioned above, sometimes watching a film like this might be cathartic, but one should always understand that murder, suicide, and humiliation are never appropriate or viable responses to bullying. Bullying hurts, and teens need ways to combat bullying and to find vindication, so in my opinion this film offers a chance to see a bizarre twist to high school social politics. I also feel that YALSA's selection of the film for its 2010 list conveys that it has a positive message in the end.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants


Ann Brashares


ISBN: 0-440-22970-7


Dell-Laurel Leaf 2001

Plot Summary:
The Septembers are four best friends. Their mothers were in a birthing class together and they were all born within a month of one another. This summer is the first year they have been apart. Carmen, Tibby, Bridget, and Lena feel so close that they sometimes feel like four parts to a whole. Carmen finds a pair of jeans at the thrift store and these jeans happen to be a pair that fit all four girls. Even with their four very different body styles, they all fit these jeans somehow magically.
In order to stay connected this summer they make a sisterhood of the pants and plan to keep shifts with the pants. The pants follow them through their adventures as Lena visits her grandmother in Greece, Carmen visits her dad and step family, Tibby will stay and work at Wallman’s and film a documentary, and Bridget is going to soccer camp in Baja California. Each girls sends a letter to the next girl when she sends the pants, and this maintains their connection to one another.
As Lena falls in love with Kostos, and gets closer to her grandmother, Bridget falls for her coach, Carmen faces her father’s new family, and Tibby deals with her emotionally evasive family, befriends a twelve year old girl dying of leukemia in a transforming friendship, and works at Wallman’s, the jeans support them and create a unity for the highs and lows during their first summer apart.

Critical Evaluation: The book deals with body image issues as Carmen's step mom responds to her "curvy" shape when Carmen is different than her step mother's children and allows teen viewers a way to relate to the sensitive feelings during adolescence about ones shape in comparison to other females. Lena's relationship with Kostos and her new bond with her grandmother are exciting and she discovers what a first love feels like only to lose Kostos as he leaves for college. Lena's experiences are painful and empowering but not as troublesome as the other girls. Tibby meets Bailey and after getting over the fact that she feels the girl is annoying, they become very close and a twelve year old girl teaches her the value of life and friendship as she courageously faces death. Tibby's "suckumentary" becomes a project she can share with Bailey and the construction of the film is a provocative examination of life. Then Bridget the athletic risk taker falls for her coach and finds excitement and a great loss all at once. The adventures are all expressions of growth and development as the four girls function apart and together during the summer of their Sophmore year.

Annotation:Four best friends form a sisterhood over a pair of magic jeans in a pact to stay connected during their first summer apart. Lena, Carmen, Bridget, and Tibby all experience various adventures, loss, love, and growth during the summer of their Sophmore year of high school.



Author: Ann Brashares was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area with her three brothers. She attended the Sidwell Friends School and then studied philosophy at Barnard College, part of Columbia University in New York City.After college she worked in editorial jobs until 2000, when she began her first novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, published in 2001. Over the next five years she wrote three sequels-The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants, and Forever in Blue.

Genre: YA novel: chick lit, drama, friendship, comedy

Curriculum Ties: English Literature

Booktalking Ideas:

1.) Once Bridget "gets the guy" is it a good thing?

2.) How should Carmen handle the situation with her father and her discomfort with her step mom?

3.) How does Tibby learn from Bailey?

4.)How does Lena grow as a result of her time in Greece connecting with her heritage?

Reading Level/ Interest Age: 9th grade and up

Challenge issues: None

Reasons for selection: This book is a great coming of age story as all four girls grow and change in different ways but remain focused on supporting one another through letters and the pants. The girls represent positive relationships for young girls and demonstrate that it is important to "love your pals. love yourself." While the book seems campy it deals with rejections, love, body image issues, heritage, identity, love, and friendships. It is offers young female readers a great girl story.

Whale Rider

Whale Rider
Author: Witi Ihimaera
Harcourt Paperback May 2003
ISBN: 0-15-205016-7

Author Information: Witi Ihimaera was born February 7th, 1944 in New Zealand. She attended an all girl's school in Gisborne. She is of Maori decent.

Plot Summary: The story is set in New Zealand and tells the story of a Maori girl named, Pai. Her father was the heir to the leadership of the tribe, but when Pai's mother passed away in childbirth and her brother died as well, her father left New Zealand and she remained with her grandparents.

Pai was raised by her grandmother, Flowers, and feels a close connection to the tribe and its "Whale Rider" tradition. Pai constantly seeks the acceptance of her grandfather, but all he sees is the loss of the rightful heir, because Pai is a girl.

Because the tradition is that the new Whale Rider will be a male, Pai never stands a chance in her grandfather's eyes. Her grandmother, Flowers sees her potential. When Pai's father returns, Koro, the grandfather expects he will take his expected role in the tribe. Unfortunately Pai's father feels disconnected and returns to the United States and asks Pai to accompany him. She feels she belongs with the tribe and that her grandfather needs her.

After his son's departure, Koro calls for all of the first born sons to come and learn the Whale Riding tradition in hopes of finding the rightful successor; this search is in vain.

Finally a whale beaches itself on the shore and the tribe desperately tries to save it. Koro feels this is an apocalyptic sign of bad things to come, but in the end, Pai proves she is the natural Whale Rider!

Critical Evaluation: Pai is a younger girl; she is twelve, but this book as well as the film are brilliant representations of Maori culture, folklore, and gender expectations. Pai's diligence and hardwork as well as her internal strength are positive expressions of powerful female even at her young age. The role Pai plays in saving the tribe also challenges gender performity as she is the hero as a female and jumps into a role traditionally played by a male in previous generations. The Maori culture is beautifully represented in this book, and the tradition of the Whale Rider is chance to express a positive representation of Maori culture to teens not aware of this culture.

Annotation: Pai is a girl struggling with her identity as a Maori female and her yearning to receive her grandfather's respect. He feels she is a disappointment because she is a female. The text portrays Maori traditions and gender expectations and Pai's personal journey to prove to her grandfather she to can be the Whale Rider.

Genre: Folklore/ Fantasy, Drama, family

Age Level Interest: grades 7th and up

Curriculum ties: Folklore, Oceania Culture/Maori Traditions,

Challenges: None

Reasons for Selection:
I have read the book and seen the film and feel both are great expressions of the Maori Culture as well as positive feminine roles. Granny Flowers is a strong inuitive woman, and her faith in Pai is empowering. When Pai confounds her grandfather's expectations, it is vindicating for females reading the book. The story is both emotional and uplifting as Pai struggles with the reductive feminine expectations her grandfather has for her, and then emerges as the hero.

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood


Ann Brashares


ISBN-13: 978-0-553-49501-0


Dell-Laurel Leaf 2003





Plot Summary: As the Septembers face another summer, they feel assured by the fact that the pants will be there to unite them in their journeys. This summer, Tibby plans to take a film course at NYU, Carmen is staying home and is forced to deal with her mother's dating stories, Lena is staying home and working, and Bridget plans to visit her grandmother.
As usual the pants are a symbol of their unity. Bridget plans to visit her grandmother but when she gets there she pretends to be someone else. Lena is frustrated when she learns that after she broke up with Kostos that he is dating someone else. Tibby looks forward to her summer film camp at NYU, and Carmen is frustrated by her mom dating again and feels she is acting silly!



Critical Analysis: This book looks at Lena's conflicted feelings about Kostos, and in addition they examine Bridgets attempt to separate herself from her "true" self. She tells Tibby she feels like she might lose herself. In this book the darker side of the girls life emerges and they all face painful situations. Carmen expresses discomfort and pain because her mom is dating and seems to be making a fool of herself. Tibby leaves for NYU and her parents act just as careless as ever. This summer it appears as though the girls are all facing a struggle in someway, and their friendship helps them through the painful experiences once again showing the positivity in their friendship.



Annotation: In the summer of their Junior year, Tibby, Carmen, Lena, and Bridget start year two of their Sisterhood of the Pants. The girls all have different plans again; Tibby will go to NYU, Carmen is staying home, Lena is working at a local boutique, and Bridget is going to Alabama to confront her family issues.

Author: Ann Brashares was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area with her three brothers. She attended the Sidwell Friends School and then studied philosophy at Barnard College, part of Columbia University in New York City.After college she worked in editorial jobs until 2000, when she began her first novel, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, published in 2001. Over the next five years she wrote three sequels-The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants, and Forever in Blue.

Genre: YA Chicklit

Curriculum Ties: English

Booktalking Ideas:

1.) Why does Bridget try to hide herself?

2.)Why is Carmen angry about her mom dating?

3.) What do you think about the fact that the author describes Bridget as hiding "under a layer of fat" when earlier she tells us she gained fifteen pounds?

Reading Level/ Interest: 9th grade and up

Challenge issues: none

Reasons for selection: I feel it is a positive representation of female relationships, and like the first book it teaches girls to love their pals, and love themselves.

Mamma Mia (Film)

Mamma Mia (Film)

Release Date: July 18, 2008

Director:Phyllidia Lloyd



Plot Summary: The film set in Greece, is about a young woman, 20 years old about to be married. As she faces her marriage, she wonders who her true father is. Sophie was raised by her mother and never met her dad. She stumbles upon her mother's diary and after reading it realizes the summer she was conceived, her mother was intimate with three men.

Sophie invites all three me to her wedding and hopes that she will discover who her real father is. The three men arrive at the small hotel her mother owns, and it gets very interesting really quick. Each man has their own "baggage," as well as their own redeeming qualities. Sophie spends time with each one and enjoys them all in different ways. Meanwhile, her mother, Donna interacts with the men in a fun and awkward way. All of them smitten with both Donna and Sophie claim they are the real father

Sophie and Sky begins to wonder why they should marry so young while Donna rekindles her relationship with Sophie’s most probable father, Sam. The film is light-hearted and silly, and like the play it is set to an Abba soundtrack.



Critical Evaluation: While Abba is not my favorite, the music adds a fun tone to the film, and I have seen the play, and felt the same regarding the play as well. I do feel the character, Sophie is too young to marry, and I was glad when I saw her have "cold feet." The concept of a young girl seeking her father was very exciting as adolescence is a time of discovery and exploration of one's identity. The mother daughter relationship is encouraging and at times a little fantastic, but at the same time the movie is “campy,” so the tone fits. The theme of feminine unity is empowering as we see Sophie enjoying her mother, and her mother’s friends. Her mother’s ability to be a single mom and operate the hotel on her own is also a nice touch. Sophie is twenty in the film, but the “campy” tone and romance make it a film ideal for an older teen as well.



Annotation: A sweet romantic comedy which explores a mother daughter relationship between Sophie and her mother, Donna an independent hotel owner; as they plan Sophie's wedding. The main character Sophie seeks her birth father and invites the three potential men to her wedding. Her search for her identity is both empowering and funny all at once.



Genre: Romantic Comedy



Curriculum Ties: No real Curriculum ties, but a good film for reinforcing femininity and independence.



Discussion Points:

1. Is Donna a "strong" woman?

2. Which of the three men would have been the best father to Sophie?

3. Is the life of an expatriate like Donna exciting?

4. How did the music help/ or hinder the tone of the movie?



Age Level/ Interest: 13 and up (Rated PG-13)



Challenge Issues: None



Why include this film: I enjoyed the relationship between Sophie and Donna as well as the theme of seeking one's birth father. The movie is fun and even a times over the top, but it is positive and the content is clean and interesting. The film invites critical thinking about Donna's past, her ability to be a singel mother, Sophie and Donna's independence, and the type of father/ husband each of the three men would have made. These questions make the film valuable to the young adult viewer, and promotes positive female relationships.

One Whole and Perfect Day

One Whole and Perfect Day

Judith Clarke

ISBN: 978-1-932425-95-6

Front Street Press 2007

Plot Summary: Set in Australia, Lily hopes for one whole and perfect day. She is a considerate and responsible young woman, but sometimes wishes her family were the same way. Her grandmother is a bit flighty and has an imaginary friend. Her mother works a lot, and her brother and she are just not that close. She never met her dad, and has no real relationship with him other than the telephone calls on special occasions.

Lily's grandmother wants to throw a party and reunite with Lily's brother. Even as Lily doesn't approve, she wants there to be a day where everything goes as planned.

Lily also wants to find love and meets David and it appears as though there are possibilities.

Critical Evaluation: As Lily explores her familial relationships we see her as a conscious young woman capable of critically thinking. The relationship with her mother, brother, and her grandmother are all part of her coming of age experience as she waits for a day where things are "perfect and whole."

annotation: Set in Australia, Lily and her family are all on different pages. She thinks her grandmother might be going a bit crazy when she learns her grandmother has an imaginary friend. Lily waits for her grandmother's party and hope it will finally be a "whole and perfect day."

Author Information: Judith Clarke was born in Sydney, Australia and now lives in Melbourne. She is an award winning writer of several YA titles such as Kalpana's Dream, Wolf on the Fold, Night Train, and Friend of My Heart."

Genre: YA Chick Lit

Curriculum Ties: English

Booktalking ideas:
1.) Why does Lily feel like the word dad is uncomfortable in her mouth?
2.) Is the ending too good to be true? Is it viable to have one whole and perfect day?

Reading Level/ Age of interest: 14 and up/ 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues for this book.

Reasons for book selection: Lily is a strong female and her resolve is admirable in the face of her dysfunctional family. She is a positive example for teen readers.

Go Ask Alice

Go Ask Alice

Anonymous

ISBN: 978-1-4169-1463-1

Simon Pulse 1971



Plot Summary: This is an authentic account of a girl's journey on drugs from her diary written finishing in 1971. She first tried drugs two years earlier at a party and someone laced her drink with LSD. After that, she was drug dependent. She ended up leaving her family with her friend, Chris and they did drugs and tried to survive together. She and her friend became homesick as the holidays approached and returned home. Once home she attended a school dance with a sober friend, but the old crowd bothered her to find a new contact as she was no longer a pusher and they were angry. She stayed sober and enthusiastic for almost a month, then she and Chris got high together. After that her friend Lane was caught and then he told about the others and her family tightened the reigns. She was frustrated and left again for Denver. She ends up homeless, dirty, and alone. Once again she returns in September and enjoys her father's birthday as well as her own. After her seventeenth birthday, the family returns home one day to find her dead.



Critical Analysis: When the author tells about her time in Denver then Oregon when she had "no Kotex," no clothes, and no money, it is a haunting account of how badly addicted she was. Her writing is urgent and at times sounds forced, she seems manic, and it appears as though she is always chasing the high, whether it is life's highs, or he highs drugs provide. For teen readers it is important to understand how powerful drugs can be. The author writes in diary form and we know it is true, so hopefully it impacts readers enough to respect themselves more than she did. Her family constantly welcomes her back illustrating that this can happen to anyone.



Annotation: A real diary account of a teenage addict and her struggles with sobriety and her desire to be close to her family, but her need to be close to the drugs.



Author Information: She was anonymous. The book was published after her death. She died just weeks after she stopped writing.



Genre: YA novel/ non-fiction



Curriculum ties: English, Health (Drug Awareness)



Booktalking ideas:

1.)The author usually seems happy to be home, why do you think the comfort of home and family is not enough for her?

2.) Can you imagine being so into drugs that being homeless, dirty, bloody, and alone seem better alternatives than going home?

3.) This is a diary, and it is true, do you think if we didn't know she dies, would it be any different for us? Do you think it was accidental or not?



Challenge Issues: Drugs, suicide, sex



I would explain that this book informs teens about what could happen with drug dependence. I would advise patrons to read it if they had not yet done so. I would also point out that the lesson is in the book; she died because she could not quit.



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

Selection Reasons: I choose this because the writer is sharing a real account and therefore allowing someone to learn from her tragedy.

Anne Frank and Me

Anne Frank and Me

Cherie Bennet and Jeff Gottesfield

ISBN: 0-698-11973-8

Puffin Books 2002

Author Information: Cherie Bennet and Jeff Gottesfield are husband and wife. Bennet is one of the largest playwrights for Young Adults, and Gottesfield is the dramaturge. They converted their work from play to novel. They live in both Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Plot Summary: Anne Frank and Me is a historical fiction piece. Nicole and her class are visiting the Holocaust Museum. This is interesting for Nicole as she is very intrigued by Anne Frank and a recent Holocaust survivor visiting her school. Nicole is a 10th grade student and writes a blog called, "Girl X."

Once at the museum a loud noise overcomes the crowd and Nicole thinks it is gunfire. She goes unconscious and wakes up in Paris 1942. She begins to write letters for the French Resistance, and believes her name is Nicole Julie Bernhardt. She is with her sister and she works to challenge the Nazis. Eventually she ends up walking to her death in the shower. She begs to go with her sister.

When she wakes up she learns there were no gun shots just fire crackers. She is in modern time and she wants to find out if the woman from her class was indeed someone she knew. She finds out the woman is dead. Nicole goes to her funeral. She finds the letter and by some amazing chance the woman has a picture with someone resembling Nicole and the letter as well. It is a re imaging of the past where Nicole says hello to Anne Frank and tells her that every one will treasure her diary.

Critical Analysis: In this re- imagining, Nicole dreams of rescuing people from Germany, and talking to Anne Frank, how exciting. It is a cathartic piece for those with Jewish heritage still struggling with grief and loss of loved ones.

Annotation: Nicole writes a blog, she goes to school, but she also fantasizes about meeting Anne Frank and a writing for the French Resistance in 1942. Is it all a dream, or is she seeing something real?

Genre:YA Historical Fiction

Curriculum ties: English- creative writing, History: WWII

Book talking ideas:
1.) Why do you think Nicole is so fascinated with Anne Frank?
2.)Do you think that a blog is a better means of expression than a Diary, how? What about privacy?

Reading level/ Age of Interest: 14 and up/ 9th Grade and up

Challenge Ideas: There are no challenge ideas.

Selection Reasons: I chose this book because it revisits the Holocaust in a modern way, and with dignity. Nicole is truly fascinated with the visitor in her class, and it conveys respect for the victims and also for elderly. Nicole wants to tell her story as much as she wants to hear from the accounts from Nazi Germany. She has an appreciation for life, and listening to her sister talk about her own perspectives. Young Adults from this generation will benefit from this book.

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge ideas.

Beyond the Chocolate War

Beyond the Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

ISBN: 0-440-90580-X

Dell-Laurel Leaf 1985

Plot Summary: The end of the school year is almost here and Jerry is returning to Trinity High School after healing from Archie's attack. At this stage in the year, Obie and Carter members of the Vigils hope to remove Archie from his seat in power before they leave the Vigils. Obie loves Laurie and feels Archie has damaged his relationship with her.

Unfortunately the bullying does not improve once Archie is removed from power. Emile Janza is just as bad but uses different techniques. He plans to sell drugs through the school, and use psychological control in lieu of physical bullying.

Meanwhile Jerry befriends Ray and David, but unfortunately David is suicidal after repeat humiliation, and he thinks a great deal about death as his only salvation.

Critical Analysis: Suicide is tough topic, and David's desire to die illustrates the lasting effects of bullying. After a punch you heal physically, but humiliation and ostracizing teens is profoundly damaging to their esteem. This book also explores hyper masculinity in its depiction of the Vigils and how they demand power at this school through force

Annotation: Same school year, Jerry returns, and Obie and Carter want to remove Archie from power. Emile Janza takes Archie's place and his replacement Emile is dangerous as well. Meanwhile David wants to commit suicide.

Author Information: Cormier has been called the "single most important writer for YA novels." He was born January 17, 1925 in Leonmister, MA.

Genre: YA Novel

Curriculum Ties: English literature

Booktalking Ideas: 1.) In your opinion can someone beat a bully like Archie or Emile?
2.) Are cliques lie the Vigils always going to have the most power?
3.) David's suicide is extreme, and sadly this isn't the first example of someone committing suicide due to what others say? How can you help those bullied, or yourself, combat feelings of humiliation.

Ages: 16 and up Grade Level: 11th grade and up due to violence

Challenge Issues: Bullying, Suicide

I would urge people to familiarize themselves with suicide counseling locations near them, and to read the book so that they can respond with accuracy and support. I would explain how this book shows the downside of negative behavior and doesn't glorify it.

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: I chose this book because it and its prequel are well- written and also useful tools for discussing bullying in its worst forms. It is important to give teens a voice to be heard and this book allows teens to see the perspectives of bully and victim.




.

Boy Toy

Boy Toy

Barry Lyga

ISBN-13: 978-0-618-72393-5

Houghton Mifflin Company 2007

Plot Summary: Josh Mendel had an affair with his History teacher, Evelyn Sherman. She has now been locked up for about five years. She was twenty-four at the time of her arrest, and not she is being released and she is about thirty. Josh is trying to win back the girl he almost raped, Rachel. The story jumps around and we see flashback of Josh’s relationship with Eve, old times with Rachel, the growth of his relationship with Rachel, and in addition the fights he’s heard between his parents.
Josh is an exceptional baseball player and known as such. He gets frustrated by the pressure at times. He knows that he must play well even when he is so nervous and scared. His flashbacks to Eve effect his positive relationship with Rachel and she knows he is afraid to be close to her.
Josh works through his confusion and rage, and then he is hit with his mother’s affair and therefore his parents impending divorce. Josh feels doomed to relationship failure…

Critical Evaluation: Lyga deals with some very dark and uncomfortable subjects here. He examines sex with a minor, rape, and divorce. All of these topics are harsh, but all need a voice. Teens are hurt when their parents’ divorce; affairs hurt the whole family. When Josh almost rapes Rachel as he feels in frenzy demonstrates his frustration, anger, and pain inside from the difficult aspects of his life. He fears seeing Eve and we can see the relationship caused him immense pain and confusion. He feels he betrayed her, even as he knows it was wrong. Lyga works through the pain Josh endures while also showing him as a bright, attractive, smart, jock, so that we understand that even successful teens feel pain and can be victimized.

Annotation: Josh reflects on his relationship with Eve, his former History teacher. He fears seeing her upon her release from prison, and knows that it will stir up emotions. He works through the relationship as he explains it to Rachel, and he also deals with his parents fighting, and divorce.

Author information: Barry Lyga is the well-know author of the Adventures of Fan Boy and Goth Girl. He attended Yale University then worked in comics until he decided to write YA novels. See more on his website: www.barrylyga.com

Genre: YA novel
Curriculum Ties: There are no Curriculum ties

Book talking ideas:
1.) Should Rachel still stay close with Josh after he almost rapes her?
2.) Is it ever okay for an adult to date a minor?
3.) How does the fact that Josh is an athlete with great grades seem unexpected in his relationship with his teacher? Or is it expected? How is he a contradiction?

Reading Level Interest Age: 16 and up/ 10h grade and up

Challenge issues: sex, violence, rape, sex with a minor,

On the YALSA “Books to Watch out for,” they discuss this book and how it is provocative. I agree, but believe that despite my own discomfort I would advise parents to read it and consider the ways this book could help a teen work through a similar situation or even to allow them to realize it is wrong and to speak up if they need to.

Another useful review is by Jack Martin a Youth Services Coordinator in NewYork: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/books/review/Martin-t.html
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

Selection: My selection of this book came as a surprise to even me. I have heard great things about his other book, and so I checked this out. I was surprised and shocked, but as Jack Martin reminds us, we should be. We need authentic books like this.

New Moon

New Moon
Author: Stephanie Meyers
ISBN: 978-0-316-16019
Publisher: Little Brown 2006

Plot Summary: In this sequel to Twilight, Bella and Edward are about to celebrate her birthday when Jasper tries to attack her after she cuts herself and he is tempted by her blood. After this Edward worries for Bella and within days he tells her they are moving. All of the Cullens. He tells her goodbye, and she feels empty.

Bella goes into a deep depression. She keeps up her grades but is a zombie the entire time. And she finds ways to flirt with death thinking he is coming to her as she sees visions of Edward. Jacob saves her and stand by her and their friendship grows. Jacob belongs to the rivals of the Cullens and he feels attracted to Bella as well. He hates the pain she endures as a result of Edward, but Bella remains focuses on Edward.

Critical thinking: Bella in this book hinges on obsession over Edward. Her dare devil behavior appears almost as suicide attempts. the intensity of their relationship is increasingly like that of Romeo and Juliet. Bella spends time with Jacob and despite the fact that he might offer a safer and healthier relationship, she only wants Edward. In this we see the good guy once again doesn't get the girl.

Annotation: After Edward leaves, Bella feels lost and she cannot find anything to raise her spirits so she continually seeks Edward.

Author: Stephanie Meyer graduated from BYU. She studied English. She lives in Phoenix, AZ with her son and three children. She was a stay at home mom when she thought of the idea for Twilight.

Genre: YA Romance
Age: 15 and up 9th grade and up
Curriculum Ideas: There are none

Challenge Issues: Possibly interpreted as suicide

Defense: 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

Selection: As a sequel, I feel that the Native American Folklore make this one even more exciting than the first. I know that with the film, this book would also be in high demand. It seems logical to offer it as well.

The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

ISBN: 0-440-94459-7

Dell-Laurel Leaf 1974/2000

Plot Summary: At Trinity High School, The Vigils are a secret society controlling and manipulating the school behind he scenes. The even have Brother Leon on their side and he is the Headmaster. Every year there are chocolate sales, and this is the fist year someone challenges the order. Jerry refuses to sell chocolates and at first he is celebrated for speaking against the system, but then Archie the leader of The Vigils decides Jerry must sell chocolates or else...

Mysteriously Jerry is beat up one evening and the next day he is completely ignored, and in addition, he feels he should hide. He is ostracized and an outcast in the school. He feels like giving in at one point, but his father tells him he shouldn't be bullied into it.

After a great deal of humiliation and challenges, Jerry is beat up by Archie. In his head he thinks about how he should have given in. And it appears Archie wins the Chocolate Wars.

Critical Analysis: Jerry challenges the bullies with simple protest, and demonstrates appropriate and respectable behavior. He is initially celebrated for his protest, but once he is labeled untouchable by the Vigils, Jerry is an outcast. The book conveys the profound pain and humiliation caused by bullying, and readers can understand the impact social politics have on teens.

Annotation: Jerry attends Trinity High School and refuses to participate in the annual chocolate sales. As a result a social war ensues also known as the "chocolate wars."

Author Information: Cormier has been called the "single most important writer for YA novels." He was born January 17, 1925 in Leonmister, MA.

Genre: YA novel

Curriculum Ties: English Literature; discuss bullying

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) When they beat up Jerry the first time in the hoods, the book states they wanted to kill him and make him blind. Why is Jerry so threatening to the Vigils?
2.) Why do people fear change and what is different?
3.) Jerry wonders after they beat him up why if they are the ones committing violent acts, is he the one hiding, and behaving like a wanted criminal? What does that say about oppression in society?

Challenge Issues: Violence, Bullying

I would point out the potential lessons regarding bullying available in this book and how teens need to have a chance to talk about this type of bullying with adults.

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 Reasons: This book illustrates the damage bullying can cause, and also has a strong exploration of hyper masculine behavior. Our society is so harsh on outsiders, and I feel this book is useful in exploring the violence in bullying and showing how it only gets worse if ignored because humiliation, physical abuse, and aggression haunt the victim and shape their experiences for good or bad.

The Storyteller's Daughter

The Storyteller's Daughter

Jean Thesman

ISBN: 0-395-80978-9

Houghton Mifflin Company 2007

Plot Summary: It is 1933, and during the Great Depression. Quinn is fifteen years old. Her father is Beau John to their town and everyone loves his stories. He is charismatic and knows everyone. He lost his job and now must work at the docks. As a result, he is rarely home, and she misses him, but so does the rest of the family.

One night, Quinn hears he father arguing with a stranger and she is worried. She wonders if her father is in trouble. Then, Donna tells her she must drop out of school because her parents need her to help them make it financially. Quinn feels Donna is abandoning her and wishes for a free moment with her father to confront him with what she heard and to ask his advice regarding Donna.

Quinn worries her father might be part of a smuggling ring after she sees him talking to a man named Mike who is known for his ties to gangsters.

Critical Analysis: Quinn is fifteen in 1933 during the Depression. She is at an age where friends are an important safety net when life is hard at home, and she learns that Donna must drop out. When the book shows Donna forcibly choose to leave school in order to sustain the family, we see sacrifice, and responsibility at a young age. In addition we see an example of how drastically economic times can effect a family, Donna is the child, but she cannot afford school. As we face harsh economic times, it is easy to see how this could happen to a family, and how at times good people make poor decisions to help themselves survive.

Annotation: It is 1933, and fifteen year old Quinn is frustrated when her dad stays gone all the time, and is unsure what to say to him after she hears an argument and suspects he is doing something illegal. She also must deal with her friend, Donna leaving school.

Author Information: Jean Thesman lives in Bothell, Washington, she wrote 40 books in 25 years, and has received ALA Notable Book Honor. She is also married.

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: History/ English Literature

Booktalking ideas:
1.)Donna tells Quinn she must drop out of school. Our economy is struggling right now and many people are out of work, what would you feel/ think if a friend came to you and said they had to quit school to help support the family?
2.)How do you think you would confront your father if you thought he was doing something illegal?

Reading Level/ Age Interest: 14 and up 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues.

Selection: I chose this book as it is relevant now even though it takes place in 1933. Our economy is rough and many people are sacrificing luxuries. I feel that this book explores important issues and provides a story where people will listen and try to sympathize with children enduring economic crisis as well.

Coraline

Coraline

Neil Gaiman

Harper Collins 2003


ISBN:0-380-80734-3





Plot Summary: Coraline steps through a wall from a locked door and finds herself in a darker version of her own home. Her "other" parents live there, and her "other" mother at first seems to be exactly what she's always wanted, she cooks whatever Coraline wants, she wants her there all the time, but then Coraline realizes that she isn't quite right. She wants to turn Coraline into a doll-like figure, or an "other" of herself. She tries to sew button eyes onto her face. She also tries to keep Coraline there FOREVER!

She starts to despise the "other" parents, the "other" mother is mean and tries to trap her in the dark garden, and the blob of a dad obeys the "other" mother and chases Coraline.


At the same time, Coraline realizes her real parents are trapped somewhere in between and she wants to return home with them, but cannot. In order to free them, the other mother and Coraline make a deal. Coraline must find the glass spheres or she will have to stay forever, but if she finds them and wins, she can free them and the ghost children trapped by "other" mother in the past.

Coraline travels with a cat, and it talks to her in the "other"world but cannot at home. The cat helps her defeat "other" mother and scratches at her button eyes.

Critical Analysis: This Alice and Wonderland like story takes Coraline on an adventure where she is the heroine. Gaiman's construction is beautifully creepy. Coraline starts out resenting her real parents, but as the story progresses, she misses her family and longs for the stability and normalcy in her real home. She learns the lesson about how as cliche as it sounds, parents have rules to keep us healthy and safe.
Teens can identify with the time in their life when they wanted everything right away, and moving toward adolescence where one appreciates the comfort of home rather than toys and cake.

Annotation: Coraline explores her new home and finds herself on the "other" side. On the "other" side the "other"parents try to spoil Coraline and feed her sweets, and Coraline loves the doting. Then Coraline realizes the "other" mother wants to make her an "other"and keep forever and Coraline must work to escape.

Genre: fantasy
Age Level- Interest Level: 7th grade and up
While this book is for younger children, it is also on the list by YALSA fo Teen Read Week as a great choice. The subject matter is engaging and fun.
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2004/books.cfm

Booktalk Ideas:
1.) Can you remember a time you wished for different parents?
2.) Does the cat by any chance remind you of a cat in another fantasy book?
3)Gaiman creates haunting images in the "other" mother, why are the button eyes so horrific?

Author Information: Neil Gaiman was born in England, and now lives in Minneapolis, MN. He is forty-ish and has two children; a son and a daughter. He has won many awards and is a best-selling author. To read more, (and there is a lot to read, all interesting) visit his website: http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/About_Neil/Biography

Curriculum: There are none.

Challenge Issues: There are none.

Selection reasons: I agree that it is a great book for teens to read for fun; Go Teen Read Week! While this is a juvenile book, it appeals like many other dark fantasy items, to teens. Hot topic carries Nightmare for Christmas items for teens for this reason. Teens enjoy the macabre and like Gaiman's daughter said at sixteen when she read the book, "you are never too old for Coraline."

Dogtown and Z Boys (film)

Dogtown and Z Boys (film)

Director: Stacy Peralta
Release Date: January 3rd, 2002
Documentary


Plot Summary: Sean Penn narrates the documentary about Venice Beach, CA's Z boys. The film explores 1970's surf culture and the evolution of skateboarding in "Dogtown" and interviews with Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Tony Hawk. The documentary explores how surf culture fueled skateboarding and when surfers were out of the water they practiced "shredding" on the concrete. Revolutionary board shaper, Jeff Ho describes his exploration of surfboard shaping, and they also describe the way they used to construct their own skateboards.

Peralta interviews Tony Alva and Jay Adams and discusses how skateboarding went from being completely recreational to a team sport, and then to competition and sponsorship. They also describe how surfing and skateboarding were counterculture sports and the culture of the sports was not like the modern day representations like Kelly Slater for surfing for example. The Zboys were aggressive and would go out of their way to find swimming pools to skate and they mention in the film how even when they were caught, they would try the next day to find a way back into the backyard.

Critical Analysis: Stacy Peralta provides an in-depth exploration of the surf and skateboard culture of Venice Beach, CA. In the interview with Jay Adams, he confesses how he wishes he would have made better business decisions and also stayed away from the drug aspect of the skating culture. This honest interview is useful for teens to see the benefits of surfing or skating but how even legends of the sport regret their negative choices.

Annotation: Former Z boy Stacy Peralta interviews his peers in an honest exploration of Venice Beach's skate and surf culture.

Genre: Documentary

Curriculum Ties: English: California youth culture

Discussion Points:
1.) Jay Adams explains how once he was sponsored and had to compete as a teen, the sport lost its fun, can you see his point?
2.)What is different about skating and surf culture today versus the 1070's when skateboarding emerged.

Selection Reasons: This documentary is important to Southern California's culture, and for teens interested in skateboarding or surfing, it is a great film.

Punkzilla

Punkzilla


Adam Rapp


ISBN: 978-0-76363031-7


Candlewick Press 2009

Plot Summary: Jaimie is a fourteen year old boy with ADD. He just went AWOL from military school and took Crystal Meth. He then decides he must board a greyhound bus and travel to see his dying brother Peter. Peter we learn has cancer and Jaimie hopes to get to Peter in Memphis Tennessee before he dies. Jaimie boards the bus in Portland, Oregon.

The book is a series of letters from Jamie to Peter, or "P"as he addresses his brother in he letters, and the letters document Jamie's experiences on the way to Memphis. Jamie explains how he did meth to his brother candidly and tells his brother he realizes its wrong but that he know Jamie wanted the truth. He also talks about how he met a transgender man that used to be a woman. He talks about gender performity with the young man, and asks how his parents felt about his conversion from physically female to male.

He also explains how he used to beat up runners and steal their ipods, and gives his brother an in depth explanation of his experiences in military school and his decision to go AWOL.

Jaimie also gets beat up at the train station and the muggers steal everything but his notebook. He is relieved to have the notebook as it is his only comfort as he writes to his brother. The letters continue and most are addressed to Jaimie while the rest are to friends. His family also writes to him encouraging him to turn his life around while in military school. Jaimie refers to his father as "The General" in his letters to show how strict he is.

Jaimie's arrival in Memphis is bittersweet and Rapp shows Jaimie find hope that he might stay with Jorge, Peter's lover, to start over.

Critical Analysis: Adam Rapp writes a gritty and urgent story through Jaimie's letters where readers are both sympathetic with Jaimie and repulsed by him as well. His parents seem to be too stringent to understand that Jaimie has different needs as a child with ADD, and they favor his brother Edward conveying a lack of tolerance for Peter as a homosexual, and Jaimie as a defiant child. While Jaimie's opening letters are supposed to be him writing on meth, the urgency continues conveying Jamie's desire to get to Peter as well as showing his internal thought process as rushed and anxious as a boy with ADD. The story is relevant and raw putting forth topics which evoke discomfort but need a voice. Rapp's style is unique and the book reads as fast as Jaimie thinks.

Annotation: Jamie sets out to visit his dying brother. Peter or "P" has cancer, and lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Jamie hopes to get to Peter before he dies via a Greyhound bus. Along the way he catalogs drug use, feelings, people he meets, his past transgressions, and his feelings of alienation with a Military father and submissive mother.

About the Author: Adam Rapp is a playwright and writer. He is an acclaimed writer of Young Adult Novels. He was raised in Joliet, IL, with his brother, actor Anthony Rapp, and sister, Anne. His parents divorced when Rapp was five, and he and his siblings were raised by their mother, who died in 1997. He graduated from Clarke College, where he played varsity basketball. He also completed a two-year playwriting fellowship at The Juilliard School.
Rapp is the author of numerous young adult novels, including Missing the Piano, The Buffalo Tree, The Copper Elephant, Little Chicago, 33 Snowfish, Under the Wolf, and Under the Dog.

Genre: YA novel, fiction

Curriculum Ties: English: This book is useful even in spite of the material as the "stream of conscious" writing style employed by Adam Rapp is useful element to explore for high school Creative Writing courses or English classes.




Challenge Issues: Drugs, Transgender, Sex

Book Talking:
1.) What does the last letter mean for the whole book? Did any of this happen? Or was the letter simply written before Jamie went AWOL?
2.) What do you think it was like for Jaimie growing up with "The General?"
3.) When Jamie starts to take meth, do you believe it is a way of self medication since he stopped taking his ADD medication?

Age/ Reading Level/ Interest: 9th grade and up 14 and up



Defense: I would explain that while this book is gritty and provocative, it deals with many issues teens face; identity, sexual feelings, and grief. It is also noteworthy that Jaimie has ADD and his drug use may be a way of self medicating. I would invite adults challenging this book to read it, to discuss it with parents which find it a useful tool for discussion, and direct them to the YALSA site where it is on there list for 2009 Best Young Adult Books.



http://www.examiner.com/x-11029-Young-Adult-Literature-Examiner~y2009m6d7-YALSA-best-book-nominations-released-2009



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: This book is on the YALSA selection list for 2009, but in addition to this, I felt it was a relevant and provocative piece worthy of attention. The content is full of controversial material but material which will be useful for teen readers to evaluate. Jamie seeks his identity, his place in the world, he tries to make sense of the values instilled by his family, and social constructions such as gender expectations, and family dynamics. Jamies journey is gritty, uncomfortable, and frightening as a parent to read, but a useful piece of literature to consider both as a parent and an educator.

If the Witness Lied

If the Witness Lied

Caroline B. Clooney
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, May 12, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-385-73448-6

Plot Summary: Jack Fountain is living with the death of his parents. He tries to help take care of his baby brother, Tris, and work with his sisters, Madison, and Smithy. Meanwhile his aunt Cheryl lives with them now and tries to arrange for there to be a documentary about the Fountain family. The Fountain siblings want to keep Tris,a two year old safe and out of the limelight and work hard to do so. Also looking out for Tris is Diana, his babysitter and Jack's classmate at high school. She also worries for Tris, and alerts Jack to aunt Cheryl's dangerous behavior. As the siblings and Diana watch Cheryl try to exploit the family, they also start to see what she is truly capable of.

Critical Analysis: The concept of the teens caring for the toddler and doing it well, is interesting. Clooney writes Jack as an intelligent and considerate teen when she shows his concern for Tris. Jack refuses to feel sorry for himself and give up, and while it is a hard message, he demonstrates the potential a person can have when they stay focused and make the important things in life their priority.

Readers Annotation: Jack Fountain faces the responsibility of watching after his siblings after the death of his parents and when his Aunt Cheryl comes to help, but it becomes apparent that she does not have their best interest at heart and she may in fact be dangerous!

Information about the Author: Caroline Clooney is the author of many YA titles and has been on the YALSA book list for best books for Driver's Ed. She lives in Connecticut and New York City

Genre: YA Mystery/ Drama

Curriculum ties: For this novel there are no apparent curriculum ties.

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What must Jack feel after his parents die and he now must care for Tris?
2.) What does it show about Jack, Diana, and Madison and Smithy that they all want to keep Tris safe? Are they doing a good job?

Reading Level/ Interest Age: 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: none

Reasons for selection: The strength and responsibility Jack shows is refreshing and positive and in spite of the tragedy, he is a character which conveys their immense intuition.