The Subtle Knife
Author: Phillip Pullman
ISBN: 978-0-440-41833-7
Publisher: Yearling 1997
Plot summary: Lyra meets Will Parry in the second book of Phillip Pullman's trilogy. Will is a brave and principled boy. He longs to find his father, a great explorer who seems to have vanished years ago. Will was at his home when there was an intruder and Will accidentally murdered him, Now Will is on the run. Together he and Lyra try to move unnoticed through different worlds as Will seeks the truth about his father, and Lyra tries to unlock the mysteries behind Dark Matter and the Dust.
Old characters return to help such as Serafina and Lee Scorsbey. Scorsbey protects Will and Lyra from the Spectors as they flee in a world of "Spector Orphans."
Finally Will meets his father but it is in a bittersweet reuniting and Will learns he is the new protector of The Knife.
Mrs. Coulter continues to seek them and Lyra and Will continue to move to their rightful destiny.
Critical Analysis: Will and Lyra each have their places in the fate of the world, even at their young age it appears as there are many people seeking them. They grow close together quickly as an expression of their understood dependence on one another. With two young heroes both a girl and a boy, this book more than Golden Compass appeals to both genders. Will both acts as protector and guide to Lyra at times. He is also reliant on her for he knowledge and those she has on her side as Will is almost all alone.
Annotation: In the second book of the Dark Materials Trilogy, Pullman bring Lyra and Will together to work toward their fate as integral players in protecting the world against Mrs. Coulter's.
Author Information: Phillip Pullman lives in Oxford, England and has received many awards for his work. His website is www.hisdarkmaterials.com. I recommend looking at his website as it is full of wonderful information about a awesome writer!
Genre: YA/ JF Fiction
Curriculum Ties: English Literature
Age level /interest level: 12 and up/ 7th grade and up
Booktalking ideas:
1.) What was your opinion of the meeting between Will and his father?
2.) Explain the relationship between Lyra and Will.
3.) what do you think about Lee Scorsby? Notice how he acts more like a father to Lyra than her own father; why do you think that is?
Challenge Ideas: Alleged Anti-Christian message
Defense: I did not feel this was an Anti- Christian book. I would advise concerned patrons to e-mail Phillip Pullman. I would also explain that there may be aspect of each book which are troublesome, but reading them first helps to understand the purpose for the difficult material. With Pullman there is a purpose.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 chose this book for the types of heroes Will and Lyra are. They are compassionate, strong, independent, and they think critically. Pullman writes this trilogy and invites critical thinking. It appears to many he is anti- Christian, but I would propose that instead he is for evaluating power structures and the motivation behind religion and the act of doing without thinking in blind faith.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
Sherman Alexie
ISBN: 978-0-316-01368-0
Publisher: Little Brown and Company, 2007
Plot Summary: Alexie tells the story of Junior Spirit, a teen boy growing up on the "rez." We learn that Junior had a hard infancy as he was born with excessive cerebral spinal fluid on his brain, and as a result physically looks a little awkward. He has a large head, he is skinny, and has extra teeth (42 to be exact)! He also has poor vision and suffers from seizures. Due to all of these physical problems, Junior or Arnold, is made fun of a great deal. He has a best friend capable of protecting him, as he is a strong and big kid, named Rowdy.
Junior is a very smart kid and one of his teachers challenges him to want more, and Junior realizes to reach for more, he must go to school off the "rez." The school where he can find "hope," is an all white school near the "rez," but the demographic is largely white, wealthy kids. When he makes this decision, Rowdy is hurt and angry and refuses to talk to Junior. Junior finds that he is a talented basketball player and his next meeting with Rowdy after leaving the "rez" school is a big basketball tournament and Junior is terrified! In addition Junior also longs for reconciliation with Rowdy.
Junior also faces many tragedies in the book. He deals with the loss of his best friend, his sister moves away and then dies, his father is an alcoholic, and his very kind and wise grandmother passes away. Alexie does a great job of conveying Junior's pride, ambivalence, and frustration as he reaches for a brighter future than poverty on the "rez."
Critical Analysis: Alexie uses vernacular and sarcasm to make light of difficult issues such as poverty, alcoholism, race/ ethnicity, and does a strong job of exploring Native American identity, as well as the relationship between Junior and his family as they struggle to survive. The poverty of the "rez" is most apparent when they must shoot the family dog due to lack of funds. The game between Junior's new school and the "rez" school where Junior faces Rowdy is a creative way for Alexie to convey Junior at odds with his life on the "rez," and how he strives for new opportunities but also faces the fact that he feels he abandoned his friends.
Reader's Annotation: Junior Spirit is a poor awkward Indian boy and a teacher sees his potential and advises him on leaving the "rez" in order to "not die!" Junior loses his best friend, but continues to strive for better. We follow Junior through many emotional ups and downs and observe his personal journey as he yearns for knowledge and success.
Grade Level/ Interest Age: YA 7th to 12th grade
Genre: Comedy/ Native American Literature
Author Information: Alexie was born in 1966 on October 7th. Just like Junior, Alexie struggled in infancy and had cerebral spinal fluid on the brain. He too had seizures but as a result read a great deal. Alexie graduated from WSU and majored in American Studies. He then started to write poetry. He is Native American and often addresses Native American identity in his texts. Alexie was an alcoholic but quit drinking at age 23. Another great text by Alexie is Indian Killer which is an adult fiction text. Alexie is married and has two sons, David and Joseph.
Book Talk Ideas:
1.) Why does Junior laugh when he finds out his sister is dead?
2.) What did the final basketball tournament represent for Junior/ for Rowdy?
3.) What are some of Junior's sacrifices when he goes to the "white" school?
Curriculum Ties: English/ American Literature, Native American Studies, Sociology
Challenge issues:
1.) sexuality
Defense:
First I would say that the sexuality expressed is not gratuitous and find information to support that Alexie conveys natural sexual development for a teenage boy. I would urge the adult challenging the text to read it. In addition, I would compile a list of all the reasons the book is relevant to Young 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
Reason for Selection: This book provides a humorous, gritty, and aware depiction of a teen aged boy exploring his Native American Heritage/ Identity. It is a "must-read!"
Little Brother
Little Brother
ISBN: 0-7653-1985-3
Author:Cory Doctorow
Publisher:A Tor Teen Book 2008
Plot Summary: Marcus and his friends are part of a secret group exploring and manipulating technology. In San Francisco after a terrorist attack, Marcus finds himself in the wrong place in the wrong time. He is apprehended and taken to interrogation. the captors demand answers he doesn't have. They assume he was part of the attack. They torture him for days, he thinks he would like to tell them anything, but he was not a part of the attack. They are the government. Marcus realizes he will have a hard time, and may even never escape.
When they release him he returns to his friends but now he is monitored. They decide to try new ways to create confusion so that the focus is off of them for a while. Meanwhile he misses the days they had fun in the "Harajuki Fun Maddness."
Critical Analysis: Doctorow demonstrates how we live in a culture of oppression where we use force to obtain answers and what we need. Our government operates on fear and control while claiming to be respectful of civil liberties. Marcus demonstrates for us how we live in a guilty until proven innocent at times. This book provides a social critique in a time where we recently tortured people at Guantanamo Bay for answers.
Annotation:
Marcus was apprehended after a terrorist attack in San Francisco. He and his hacker friends are believed to be involved. He works to stay away from surveillance and realizes that even he cannot escape.
Author Information: Cory Doctorow is co-editor of Boing Boing and former editor of European director Electronic Frontier Foundation. He won the Locus three times, the Nebula, and Campbell awards.
Genre: YA suspense,
Curriculum ties: English Literature
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you be able to hold out during torture like Marcus did?
2.) Do you understand why Van left? Do you agree
Reading Level/ Age of Interest: 10th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are none.
Selection Reasons: As our government and culture operates more and more on fear, there will be more freedoms lost. This book explores how we justify torture to appease our fears. For that reason, and because the technology represented is relevant, I choose this book.
ISBN: 0-7653-1985-3
Author:Cory Doctorow
Publisher:A Tor Teen Book 2008
Plot Summary: Marcus and his friends are part of a secret group exploring and manipulating technology. In San Francisco after a terrorist attack, Marcus finds himself in the wrong place in the wrong time. He is apprehended and taken to interrogation. the captors demand answers he doesn't have. They assume he was part of the attack. They torture him for days, he thinks he would like to tell them anything, but he was not a part of the attack. They are the government. Marcus realizes he will have a hard time, and may even never escape.
When they release him he returns to his friends but now he is monitored. They decide to try new ways to create confusion so that the focus is off of them for a while. Meanwhile he misses the days they had fun in the "Harajuki Fun Maddness."
Critical Analysis: Doctorow demonstrates how we live in a culture of oppression where we use force to obtain answers and what we need. Our government operates on fear and control while claiming to be respectful of civil liberties. Marcus demonstrates for us how we live in a guilty until proven innocent at times. This book provides a social critique in a time where we recently tortured people at Guantanamo Bay for answers.
Annotation:
Marcus was apprehended after a terrorist attack in San Francisco. He and his hacker friends are believed to be involved. He works to stay away from surveillance and realizes that even he cannot escape.
Author Information: Cory Doctorow is co-editor of Boing Boing and former editor of European director Electronic Frontier Foundation. He won the Locus three times, the Nebula, and Campbell awards.
Genre: YA suspense,
Curriculum ties: English Literature
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you be able to hold out during torture like Marcus did?
2.) Do you understand why Van left? Do you agree
Reading Level/ Age of Interest: 10th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are none.
Selection Reasons: As our government and culture operates more and more on fear, there will be more freedoms lost. This book explores how we justify torture to appease our fears. For that reason, and because the technology represented is relevant, I choose this book.
Luna
Luna
Author: Julianne Peters
ISBN: 0-316-73369
Publisher: Little Brown and Company 2004
Plot summary: Regan's brother, Liam dislikes his body. He hates it because he feels he should have been born a girl. At night or when they are by themselves, Liam transforms into Luna. He wears the clothes he wants and stares at himself in the mirror for hours. Regan loves her brother, but is conflicted because Liam requires a lot of her attention. His struggle is often number one priority.
Ironically Regan's friends find Liam attractive, and charming. His dad wants him to play sports, and therefore Liam feels at war with himself. He tries to commit suicide, and he is depressed. Regan finds herself interested in a boy and wants to enjoy this, but feels Liam needs her too much.
Critical Analysis: Regan refers to her brother as "her," or "she," demonstrating that she considers Liam a girl, just as he does. Regan is supportive and caring even when at times she feels exhausted by Liam's emotional roller coaster. It is interesting that the parents fail to notice explaining why Regan feels so much pressure.
Annotation: Regan's brother longs to be a girl, he feels he was born into the wrong body. As he deals with his pain, can Regan be a support system or will it drain her?
Author: Julie Ann Peters was born January 16, 1952, in Jamestown, NY. She moved to Denver with her busy big family at age five. She was a fifth grade teacher for one year, then was fired. She then tried computer programming, and eventually became the amazing writer she is now. Please view her website: http://www.julieannpeters.com/
Genre: YA novel/ drama
Curriculum Ties: Psychology: Identity, English Lit.
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you be able to support your brother if he wanted to have a sex change operation?
2.) Have you ever felt that you didn't belong, or that something in you was not how it should be?
3.) Gender expectations and gender performity are important themes in this book, how do you see Regan and Liam break and fit their gender expectations? Are their social rules you feel you must follow based on you gender?
Reading Level: 15 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: Transgender as misinterpreted for homosexuality
Defense: I would direct patron to sites like L0is Lowry's and Julie Ann Peters where they can read about how books help readers, and authors share their letters.
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: This book was recommended to me by YA librarian Denise at La Mesa, and by many others! I believe it is invaluable.
Author: Julianne Peters
ISBN: 0-316-73369
Publisher: Little Brown and Company 2004
Plot summary: Regan's brother, Liam dislikes his body. He hates it because he feels he should have been born a girl. At night or when they are by themselves, Liam transforms into Luna. He wears the clothes he wants and stares at himself in the mirror for hours. Regan loves her brother, but is conflicted because Liam requires a lot of her attention. His struggle is often number one priority.
Ironically Regan's friends find Liam attractive, and charming. His dad wants him to play sports, and therefore Liam feels at war with himself. He tries to commit suicide, and he is depressed. Regan finds herself interested in a boy and wants to enjoy this, but feels Liam needs her too much.
Critical Analysis: Regan refers to her brother as "her," or "she," demonstrating that she considers Liam a girl, just as he does. Regan is supportive and caring even when at times she feels exhausted by Liam's emotional roller coaster. It is interesting that the parents fail to notice explaining why Regan feels so much pressure.
Annotation: Regan's brother longs to be a girl, he feels he was born into the wrong body. As he deals with his pain, can Regan be a support system or will it drain her?
Author: Julie Ann Peters was born January 16, 1952, in Jamestown, NY. She moved to Denver with her busy big family at age five. She was a fifth grade teacher for one year, then was fired. She then tried computer programming, and eventually became the amazing writer she is now. Please view her website: http://www.julieannpeters.com/
Genre: YA novel/ drama
Curriculum Ties: Psychology: Identity, English Lit.
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you be able to support your brother if he wanted to have a sex change operation?
2.) Have you ever felt that you didn't belong, or that something in you was not how it should be?
3.) Gender expectations and gender performity are important themes in this book, how do you see Regan and Liam break and fit their gender expectations? Are their social rules you feel you must follow based on you gender?
Reading Level: 15 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: Transgender as misinterpreted for homosexuality
Defense: I would direct patron to sites like L0is Lowry's and Julie Ann Peters where they can read about how books help readers, and authors share their letters.
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: This book was recommended to me by YA librarian Denise at La Mesa, and by many others! I believe it is invaluable.
Gone
Gone
Author: Micheal Grant
ISBN: 978-0-06-144876
Publisher: Harper Teen, 2008
Plot Summary: All of a sudden all of he adults disappear. Everyone over fourteen vanishes. Cars are crashing, food is left in the oven, teachers are gone. The children and teens of the community form the FAYZ; Fallout Alley Youth Zone. Sam, Astrid, Quinn, Edilio, and little Pete meet Lana a healer. She finds this out after crashing when her grandfather vanishes and she is left with horrible injuries. She believes she will die at first.
Later they all realize their powers and the book hinges on an X-men meet Lord of the Flies type story. The group work together to combat Caine. His powers are immense and he is dangerous. Later we learn that the area affected is limited and that there is a perfectly scientific reason behind what happens.
Critical Analysis: The book takes an apocalyptic, dystopian twist in the beginning when we see all the dangers of no adults. Strangely, the kids all respond maturely and also find ways to sustain their health and comfort. They act with agency, especially Sam. However Lana and Astrid are intelligent and viable heroes as well. Sam's leadership is evident even before the disappearance when he rescues the entire bus after a bus driver has a heart attack. In this story we learn Sam has the ability to react calmly.
Annotation:The adults all disappear along with any teens over fourteen. The kids are left with no teachers, drivers, and sometimes in dangerous situations. They manage to find stove and turn them off and think of other important factors and they work together to survive.
Author: Michael Grant moved around for most of his life. He attended ten schools in five states, and three in France. He now lives in Chapel Hill, NC with his wife, two children, and pets, pets, pets.
Genre: YA novel
Curriculum Ties: English
Booktalking ideas:
1.) After knowing about the bus, did you anticipate Sam as a leader?
2.) If all of the adults in your life vanished what would you do?
3.) Which power would you prefer?
Reading Level: 14 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are none
Selection Reasons: I read this for my book club as well, and in addition it was recommended to me by a friend's teen daughter. I enjoyed it and so did book club. Do not be discouraged by the length, it is a quick read!
Author: Micheal Grant
ISBN: 978-0-06-144876
Publisher: Harper Teen, 2008
Plot Summary: All of a sudden all of he adults disappear. Everyone over fourteen vanishes. Cars are crashing, food is left in the oven, teachers are gone. The children and teens of the community form the FAYZ; Fallout Alley Youth Zone. Sam, Astrid, Quinn, Edilio, and little Pete meet Lana a healer. She finds this out after crashing when her grandfather vanishes and she is left with horrible injuries. She believes she will die at first.
Later they all realize their powers and the book hinges on an X-men meet Lord of the Flies type story. The group work together to combat Caine. His powers are immense and he is dangerous. Later we learn that the area affected is limited and that there is a perfectly scientific reason behind what happens.
Critical Analysis: The book takes an apocalyptic, dystopian twist in the beginning when we see all the dangers of no adults. Strangely, the kids all respond maturely and also find ways to sustain their health and comfort. They act with agency, especially Sam. However Lana and Astrid are intelligent and viable heroes as well. Sam's leadership is evident even before the disappearance when he rescues the entire bus after a bus driver has a heart attack. In this story we learn Sam has the ability to react calmly.
Annotation:The adults all disappear along with any teens over fourteen. The kids are left with no teachers, drivers, and sometimes in dangerous situations. They manage to find stove and turn them off and think of other important factors and they work together to survive.
Author: Michael Grant moved around for most of his life. He attended ten schools in five states, and three in France. He now lives in Chapel Hill, NC with his wife, two children, and pets, pets, pets.
Genre: YA novel
Curriculum Ties: English
Booktalking ideas:
1.) After knowing about the bus, did you anticipate Sam as a leader?
2.) If all of the adults in your life vanished what would you do?
3.) Which power would you prefer?
Reading Level: 14 and up/ 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are none
Selection Reasons: I read this for my book club as well, and in addition it was recommended to me by a friend's teen daughter. I enjoyed it and so did book club. Do not be discouraged by the length, it is a quick read!
Twilight
Twilight
Author: Stephanie Ann Meyers
ISBN:978-0316160179
Publisher: Little Brown, 2005
Plot Summary: Bella goes to live with her dad in Oregon, while her mom plans to travel with her step dad to watch spring training. Bella missed Charlie her dad and now that she is with him it is easy to see he missed her.
Bella starts at the high school with the big clunky truck her dad bought her, and immediately she is fascinating to the students. She sits next to Edward Cullen in her biology class and he responds acting repulsed and tries to change classes. He is gone for several days and when he returns he works as her partner with no problem. He and Bella develop a chemistry and one day she goes into town to dress shop and he saves her from a mugging. From then on he tries to protect her.
Bella finally realizes what Edward and the Cullens are and she does not shy away. She spends time at their house and even goes to play baseball one day. During the game a group of three vampires approach and eventually one, James realizes Bella is human.
A pursuit begins and Bella and the Cullens work on overtime to get her away.
Bella almost dies in the pursuit and Edward worries she will never be safe.
Critical analysis: Bella and Edward are the modern Romeo and Juliet. He is dead, she wants to be like him. The tension between them is immense and writer, Meyers creates the sexual tension by removing it from the book. While their relationship is at times very intense, the love he shows is respectful and honorable and it is a good example for young girls to consider when dating.
Annotation: Bella moves to Oregon and meets Edward Cullen, now her life will never be the same. She is intrigued with him and seeks the truth about his family.
Author: Stephanie Anne Meyers: Attended BYU and studied English. When she wrote Twilight, she was a stay at home mom of three, and she woke up one day and started writing. The book took her three months.
Genre:YA romance
Curriculum Ties: none
Challenge Issues: There are none
Selection: I personally really enjoy the series, but in addition, my YA Librarian friend told me of its popularity right away. I believe it is that popular, the demand will be there, and so it should be a part of the collection.
Author: Stephanie Ann Meyers
ISBN:978-0316160179
Publisher: Little Brown, 2005
Plot Summary: Bella goes to live with her dad in Oregon, while her mom plans to travel with her step dad to watch spring training. Bella missed Charlie her dad and now that she is with him it is easy to see he missed her.
Bella starts at the high school with the big clunky truck her dad bought her, and immediately she is fascinating to the students. She sits next to Edward Cullen in her biology class and he responds acting repulsed and tries to change classes. He is gone for several days and when he returns he works as her partner with no problem. He and Bella develop a chemistry and one day she goes into town to dress shop and he saves her from a mugging. From then on he tries to protect her.
Bella finally realizes what Edward and the Cullens are and she does not shy away. She spends time at their house and even goes to play baseball one day. During the game a group of three vampires approach and eventually one, James realizes Bella is human.
A pursuit begins and Bella and the Cullens work on overtime to get her away.
Bella almost dies in the pursuit and Edward worries she will never be safe.
Critical analysis: Bella and Edward are the modern Romeo and Juliet. He is dead, she wants to be like him. The tension between them is immense and writer, Meyers creates the sexual tension by removing it from the book. While their relationship is at times very intense, the love he shows is respectful and honorable and it is a good example for young girls to consider when dating.
Annotation: Bella moves to Oregon and meets Edward Cullen, now her life will never be the same. She is intrigued with him and seeks the truth about his family.
Author: Stephanie Anne Meyers: Attended BYU and studied English. When she wrote Twilight, she was a stay at home mom of three, and she woke up one day and started writing. The book took her three months.
Genre:YA romance
Curriculum Ties: none
Challenge Issues: There are none
Selection: I personally really enjoy the series, but in addition, my YA Librarian friend told me of its popularity right away. I believe it is that popular, the demand will be there, and so it should be a part of the collection.
The Uglies
The Uglies
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 8, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0689865384
ISBN-13: 978-0689865381
Plot Summary: Tally Youngblood lives is still in "Uglytown." She waits to have the operation to transform her into a "pretty," and talks about it all the time to her new friend, Shay. Shay doesn't want the surgery and in fact plans to escape to the Smoke. The Smoke is a place outside the cities and in the wilderness. Shay finally does flee to the Smoke, and Dr. Cable seeks Tally and makes her promise to find Shay or she will not get the surgery. Tally follows Shay instructions on her hoverboard. Once in the Smoke, she realizes she doesn't want to go to have the surgery. She meets David and he convinces her that the surgery is dangerous. The Smoke is invaded and after this and Tally and David have to rescue Shay and find out to reverse the part of the operation that controls the brain. They are in for a challenge.
Critical Analysis: The mandatory transformation into a pretty person is a social critique of our current love affair with beauty and plastic surgery. Tally believes she is ugly because that is what she is told. People are not celebrated for their natural beauty. Shay enjoys the unique aspects of her face and wishes she will not have to change. We see a girl comfortable with her own body and face, teens today rarely feel this way, and sadly Shay doesn't have a choice.
Annotation: Tally is very excited to be "pretty," and cannot wait for her surgery. Shay wants her to leave for the Smoke. Shay leaves and Dr. Cable convinces Tally to find the Smoke for them, and in doing so she sets forth a horrible turn of events.
Author information: Scott Westerfeld was born in Dallas, TX on May 5, 1963. He now splits his time between Australia and New York. He claims he has more frequent flier miles! He also is a ghost writer.
Curriculum Ties: There are none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you have the surgery?
2.) Is it wrong that Tally falls for David?
3.) What do you think Scott Westerfeld is trying to have us consider as we read this book? do you think as a society we are vain?
Genre: YA Novel
Challenge Issues: There are no issues.
Selection: I chose this book after reading it for my book club. Even as adults we all loved it. We have mothers, twenty somethings, thirty year- olds, and we all agreed that Westerfeld raises very important ideas about our society and our obsession with beauty.
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 8, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0689865384
ISBN-13: 978-0689865381
Plot Summary: Tally Youngblood lives is still in "Uglytown." She waits to have the operation to transform her into a "pretty," and talks about it all the time to her new friend, Shay. Shay doesn't want the surgery and in fact plans to escape to the Smoke. The Smoke is a place outside the cities and in the wilderness. Shay finally does flee to the Smoke, and Dr. Cable seeks Tally and makes her promise to find Shay or she will not get the surgery. Tally follows Shay instructions on her hoverboard. Once in the Smoke, she realizes she doesn't want to go to have the surgery. She meets David and he convinces her that the surgery is dangerous. The Smoke is invaded and after this and Tally and David have to rescue Shay and find out to reverse the part of the operation that controls the brain. They are in for a challenge.
Critical Analysis: The mandatory transformation into a pretty person is a social critique of our current love affair with beauty and plastic surgery. Tally believes she is ugly because that is what she is told. People are not celebrated for their natural beauty. Shay enjoys the unique aspects of her face and wishes she will not have to change. We see a girl comfortable with her own body and face, teens today rarely feel this way, and sadly Shay doesn't have a choice.
Annotation: Tally is very excited to be "pretty," and cannot wait for her surgery. Shay wants her to leave for the Smoke. Shay leaves and Dr. Cable convinces Tally to find the Smoke for them, and in doing so she sets forth a horrible turn of events.
Author information: Scott Westerfeld was born in Dallas, TX on May 5, 1963. He now splits his time between Australia and New York. He claims he has more frequent flier miles! He also is a ghost writer.
Curriculum Ties: There are none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you have the surgery?
2.) Is it wrong that Tally falls for David?
3.) What do you think Scott Westerfeld is trying to have us consider as we read this book? do you think as a society we are vain?
Genre: YA Novel
Challenge Issues: There are no issues.
Selection: I chose this book after reading it for my book club. Even as adults we all loved it. We have mothers, twenty somethings, thirty year- olds, and we all agreed that Westerfeld raises very important ideas about our society and our obsession with beauty.
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