Disturbia (film)

Disturbia (film)
Release Date: April 13th, 2007
Director: D.J. Caruso

Plot Summary: After witnessing his father's death in a car accident after a father- son fishing trip, Kale Brecht goes into a deep depression. Then after not studying, his Spanish teacher antagonizes him in front of the class, and asks him what his father would think. Kale punches the teacher in the face, and is sentenced to three months under house arrest.

After the initial excitement of video games and junk food wears off, Kale starts to observe his neighbors. He finds himself cataloging their routines and he even learns some of their dirty secrets.

A new family moves in next door and Kale watches the teen daughter, Ashley and learns her nuances and then finally gets to know her. They become very close and Kale reveals to her his observations. At the same time, Mr. Turner moves in and at first he seems nice and even tries to befriend Kale's mom, but Kale what he believes is a woman getting murdered in the house. After this Kale becomes very suspicious of Mr. Turner and he and his friend Ronnie even try to spy on him while Ashley keeps watch. The situation escalates and Kale, Ronnie, and Ashley all find themselves in danger.

Critical Evaluation: Kale's authentic reaction to his father's death, allows teen boys watching the show to identify with loss. Then when Kale honestly tells Ashley what he sees in her, and his observations of her also reveals a sensitive side not commonly portrayed in the media by a man. Disturbia's thriller content is exciting without being excessively violent and the tension as well as Kale's wit drive the plot. In addition, the respect he shows Ashley by noticing her reading and time where she contemplates her own life, Kale demonstrates for young adults that there should and can be positive relationships among teens where the attraction supersedes mere physicality.

Annotation: A depressed and frustrated Kale hits his Spanish teacher and must spend the entire summer under house arrest. He takes to voyeurism and discovers a beautiful new neighbor and a serial killer are his new neighbors.

Genre: Thriller (Teen)

Curriculum Ties: Psychology: Grief/ Depression

Discussion Ideas:
1.) When Kale describes his observations of Ashley, is it troublesome or sensitive and endearing?
2.)The opening scene of the film between Kale and his father conveys a healthy family dynamic. The phone call to the mother, the banter while they fish, and the way the father thanks Kale for sacrificing time with his friends to fish, all are expressions of a family with respect and compassion. Do you think it is even more painful for Kale because of the exceptional family he had?
3.)Do you think voyeurism like Kale demonstrates is wrong?

Age Level/ Interest level: PG-13, Grades 9th Grade and up

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues, however the violence may call for parental consent.

Reasons for Selection: As a thriller, Disturbia is riveting, Kale's voyeurism is both uncomfortable and intriguing all at once, and his relationships in the film are complex as well as respectful. I am a huge fan of suspense and thrillers, but I feel the acting and the plot raise this film to a whole new level!

Story of a Girl

Story of a Girl
Sarah Zarr
ISBN-10:0-316-01454
Publisher:Little Brown, 2008

Plot Summary: Deanna is still dealing with the repercussions of having sex at the age of thirteen with her boyfriend. Her father caught them and therefore he lost respect for her. He still after four years will not look at her the same. Deanna also has a terrible reputation from all of the horrible things Tommy told everyone about her. She now appears promiscuous to the other teens at school and the story is told from her perspective as she deals with the rejection and judgement of her peers and her father.

Critical Analysis: Zarr explores the difficult aspects of teen sex. We see Deanna regret her choice to sleep with Tommy and how an act to seek affection has her feeling worse about herself. Her confidence is lower as a result. and this challenges teens to consider their choices about sex.

Annotation:
Sarah faces the consequences of having sex with her boyfriend when she was thirteen, an now she is four years older, still enduring the mistake.

Author: Sarah Zarr grew up in San Francisco in the seventies and eighties. Her family is creative. Her parents met while attending music school and her mom read to her and her sister nearly every night. She read from books, novel, and even the Bible.

Genre:YA Novel
Curriculum Ties: English Literature, psychology

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Do you believe in teen sex?
2.) Why do you think Deanna had sex so young?
3.) Do you feel she was promiscuous or is it a judgement?

Reading Level/ Age: 16 and up/ 10th grade and up

Challenge Issues: sex
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: I observed a book club for teens and this book spurred great discussion among both boys and girls. For this reason I believe is is an asset to the collection of any YA section.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
ISBN:0-671-02734-4
Author Stephen Chbosky
Publisher MTV Books, 1998

Plot Summary: The teen writing chooses to use the name Charlie, we are not sure it is his name. Charlie opens his diary discussing Michael, his friend who recently committed suicide. Charlie feels emotional and even cries. Charlie is a Freshman and a wallflower. He lurks away from the crowds and wonders what they are thinking as he thinks and thinks. The book is a series of letters to an undisclosed friend, whom he claims to trust.

Charlie becomes increasingly depressed. He tries drugs, and moves into a bit of a fog. His family and friends notice.

A teacher helps Charlie realize he has potential and helps him to focus an stay positive.

Critical Evaluation: When Charlie deals with Michael's death we see authentic and raw emotion. It is natural for kids to grieve for their friends, even boys. The exploration of Charlie's full range of emotions allows readers to appreciate the normalcy in their pain and frustration in a time when their brains and hormones are all forming.

Author: Chbosky grew up in Pittsburgh was born and attended University of Southern California's Film and Writing Program. He now lives in New York.

Genre: YA novel

Curriculum Ties: Creative Writing

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Why are we uncomfortable when boy/men cry?
2.) Why is suicide harder than a natural death to grieve over?
3.) Do you think Charlie will be a wallflower next year?

Challenge issues: sex, drugs, depression, suicide
Defense:
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: On YALSA, they discuss this book for a conference: http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/author/ifcommittee/page/2/

This book also is creative in its format and it subject matter might be difficult, but it is well- written and important to discuss.




Age level/ Grade level: 15 and up/ 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: Sexual feelings, drugs, suicide, depression

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire

Directors: Danny Boyle/ Loveleen Tandan (co-director: India)

Release Date: January 23, 2009

Plot Summary: Jamal Malik wins on the Indian version of "Who Wants be a Millionaire?" Jamal is eighteen years old and is an orphan from the slums of Mumbai. After answering the questions, he is accused of cheating and tortured. As they torture him, he explains how he knows each question. The movie flashes back to Jamal's childhood and each chapter of flashback is an explanation for how he know the answers.

As he remembers, we learn about his blind friend, his love of Latika, and the abuse he suffered. He tries to reach Latika but she is under the control of the local gangs. Finally she escapes and Jamal waits for her on the train a millionaire and all...

Critical Analysis: Jamal's reflections on his past take us through the slums of Mumbai and we see him endure poverty and abuse as a young child. He loses friends, family, and learns to live streetwise. Jamal continues to love Latika and we see that in spite of his difficult life he retains compassion and faith. When he is on the show to win the money, he conveys a calm and almost lack of emotion. It is hard to see how Jamal feels, and perhaps it is his way of expressing strength and also forbidding himself from getting to invested.

Annotation: Jamal Malik is a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and he reflects back on his life in the slums as they torture him believing he cheated. Jamal talks about his family, his friends, and difficult life lessons along the way.

Genre: Drama

Curriculum Ties: sociology, World Cultures

Discussion Points:
1.) Jamal seems to remember a great deal from his childhood, do you think it is possible to self- teach and be at a higher level than a formally educated person?
2.) What do you think will happen with Latika and Jamal now?
3.) What could a million dollars do to help his old neighborhood?

Reading Level/ Age of interest: 15 and up (Rated R for mature content but it is was recommended by YALSA)

Challenge Issues: There are none, but most likely people may need to preview it before showing it to teens. it has some difficult subject matter such as violence, language, and nudity.

Selection Reasons:I chose this becasue it was on the YALSA list for Outstanding Films, and once I watched it understand why it is so widely appreciated. This film shows the hardships endured in the slum, without sugar-coating it. I watched "Born into Brothels" and it was in documentary form so therefore it honest, but it is important that a film also maintain such honesty.

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist (film)

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
Release Date: October 3, 2008
Director: Peter Sollett
based on novel by Rachel Cohn


Plot Summary: Michael Cera plays Nick, a heartbroken teen depressed by his break up with his old girlfriend, Tris. He plays in a “Queer core” band called, “The Jerk offs.” He is out at a show one night with his friends and they plan to search for hip counterculture band called, “Where’s Fluffy?” Nick sees is at the show and Tris tries to make him feel bad, but in addition teases Nora. Nora kisses Nick and asks him to pretend they are together and then she realizes that he is “Tris’s Nick!”
Nora and Nick end up sharing chemistry and end up searching for “Where’s Fluffy?” and Nora’s good friend, Caroline who was very drunk in the back of the band van with Nick’s gay band member friends, when they lose her.
As the night progresses they also run into Nora’s arrogant and opportunistic on and off again boyfriend, and we also learn that Nora has a lot of “pull.” Finally ick and Nora end up at her father’s recording studio and Nick learns that Nora is very wealthy. They have a great night, eventually find Caroline, but after she gets lost in a train station, and Tris learns for Nick it really is over!
Critical Analysis: The film’s focus on music as a uniting factor was a fun tool to unite Nick and Nora. It provided them with a positive thing to build a relationship on and to enjoy without being seedy. Nora is witty and strong, while Nick is awkward and funny. The chemistry works between them and makes for a fun film to watch. It is also great that teens are almost the whole focus. We do not see parents, and the teens all have such well developed characters.
Annotation: Nick is healing from his break up and he goes out and meets Nora. Together they listen to music, chase a band, search for her friend, and fall for one another just a little bit.

Genre: YA movie: comedy

Curriculum Ties: There are no curriculum ties

Challenge Issues: There are none.

Age Level: Rated PG 13

Discussion Points:
1.) Do you have a playlist? Does it match your friends?
2.) Did you think the “Queer core” band was a negative representation of homosexuality?
3.) If you had a record producer for a father, would you be uneasy telling people?
Challenge Issues: There are no issues to challenge.

Selection: This was a YALSA recommended film, and in addition, the focus on teen relationships makes it relevant and appropriate for teens. I feel it is also just fun and worth watching for all ages 13 and up.

Superbad (film)

Superbad


Release date: August 17, 2002


Director: Greg Mottola

Writers: Seth Rogen and Evan

Plot summary: Evan and his two friends are looking for a last hurrah as the school year comes to an end and they plan to leave for college. Seth (Jonas Hill) will go to a different school than Evan (Michael Cora) and Fogle/ McLuvin (Christopher Mintze-Plasse). Seth doesn’t know that Evan and Fogle will room together, but he is jealous already that they will be together and he will be off on his own.

In a Home Ec. Class, Seth is paired up with Jules, a girl he really likes, and she invites him. He tells her he is going to get a fake i.d. as Fogle just mentions he is going, and she asks him to buy the alcohol for the party. Meanwhile Bekkah, she girl of Evan’s dreams is also going and she asks for a Goldschlager type alcohol. All the boys go with Fogle to the store money in hand, and this is when things spiral out of control.

The liquor store had a robbery while Fogle is there, and he manages to get out with the police officers, then Evan and Seth are stuck there and when Seth gets hit by a car, he blackmails the driver into taking him to a party where he is almost beat up for dancing with the host’s girlfriend.

Officer Michaels and Officer Slater take Fogle on a joy ride and play with him a bit before he finally is reunited with his friends. They go to the party with beer in Tide bottles stolen from the previous party and try to get their girls.

Critical Analysis: Rogen and Goldberg wrote this in high school and it is easy to see they understand the anxieties felt by a teen. The movie has a lot of “toilet” humor and fringes on Animal House or American Pie humor but also deals with the fear of leaving one’s friends behind. They also convey how difficult it is to be on the peripheral of the “in” crowd. Jules and Bekkah are popular and so Seth, Fogle, and Evan are fortunate that the girls are kind, social politics are not always so easy. Seth demonstrates genuine fear and insecurities with Jules an we see a sensitive side to his otherwise harsh personality.

Annotation: In a last hurrah, Evan, Fogle, and Seth try to get alcohol to bring to a party to impress girls they like from school as they face the end of the school year and high school. They go to parties, get drunk, and Fogle spends a little time hanging with the PO-Lice.

Writers: Seth Rogen told Kevin Smith that he and Goldberg thought of this idea in high school as they were fans of Kevin Smith’s work. Rogen was born in 1982 on April 15th in Vancouver B.C, Canada. He was in several movies such as Funny People, Knocked Up, Pineapple Express which he also wrote for as well.

Genre: Comedy
Rating: R
Age Interest/ Grade Level: 16 and up with parental consent. There is material such as drinking, sex, drugs, etc.
Curriculum Ties: There are none

Discussion Questions:
1.) Why do you think Bekkah comes on so strong in the scene in the bedroom?
2.) What did you think when Evan refuses to have sex with evn if he really wants to be with her?
3.) Why do you think the Officer Michaels and Slater spend so much time on Fogle?

Challenge issues: sex, drugs, alcohol, and language

Defense: This is one of the YALSA outstanding film picks. I would urge parents to watch it first.
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: While this film has a lot of mature content, and perhaps not so mature… I choose this film because it is smart, and does explore relationships. Evan and Seth are afraid and that is something normal when a teen leaves for college. It is also a film where the “cool” are kind and more people need to see that. I saw that it was also on the Outstanding Films for YA on the YALSA site and I thought it must possess some merit.Goldberg

Juno (film)

Juno
Release Date: December 25, 2007
Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Diablo Cody

Plot Summary:Juno MacGuff and Pauley Bleeker are best friends, and one day they have sex together and then Juno finds out she is pregnant. Juno doesn't have an emotional freak-out, instead she is witty and funny, and dry. She tells her parents and they all talk calmly and her parents remark how they can't imagine Paulie Bleeker being the dad, and that they wished she was going to say she was into hard drugs instead.

She at first plans to have an abortion but once in the clinic, she decides to have the baby and give it up for adoption. She seeks an adoptive couple in the Penny saver. She finds an affluent couple and chooses them. She spends time getting to know them and at first the husband played by Jason Bateman seems kind, but he later reveals a self-indulgent mid-life crisis kind of personality. The wife played by Jennifer Garner appears neurotic but is actually kind and ecstatic about having a baby.

Juno sees that they aren't the happy couple she thought and her plan appears to be falling apart, meanwhile Paulie considers dating someone. Eventually Juno realizes that Allison will be a wonderful mother and chooses to give her the baby regardless. She and Paulie get close again, and on the day she gives birth, Paulie holds her as she cries.

Critical Analysis: Juno thinks seriously about the baby, about who she can give it to, and how it is the ultimate gift. Paulie is a kind respectful boy and even as we know teenagers shouldn't have a baby, the characters make you wish they could stay together and have the baby. Diablo Cody's abrupt and sarcastic style works well in conveying Juno's frustration with her life, and helps us to see that while she is calm at times she is terrified.

Annotation: Juno and her best friend, Paulie Bleeker make a baby, and now she will give the baby to an affluent couple she found in the Penny Saver. The film spans over her pregnancy watching as she experiences each stage both good and bad.

About Diablo Cody: She was born June 14, 1978, in Chicago, then moved to Minnesota. She took up stripping as a hobby and it later became her job. She worked for Deja Vu, and a place called Sheiks. At one point she became a telephone operator. Then returned to stripping. She was married then moved to the suburbs where she claims "no one strips unless they are taking a bath" (IMBD)http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1959505/bio. She had a step daughter as well.
Genre: YA Comedy

Curriculum ties: Health/ Creative Writing

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Would you be able to carry a baby to term and then give it up for adoption?
2.) Do you think that Paulie Bleeker and Juno could be together now?
3.)Her parents handled the situation very well, do you think that more teens would make responsible choices if they had parents who supported them?

Reading Level/ Age interest: PG-13 / 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: None

Selection Reasons: I would use this film because even with the theme of teen pregnancy, they manage to treat the subject responsibly in this film. It is also on the YALSA Outstanding films list.