CollegeSource Online database

Database:  CollegeSource Online
URL:  http://www.collegesource.org

Copyright:  CollegeSource, Inc., San Diego, 2011

Company Information:

CollegeSource began with producing an annual microfiche collection of United States college catalogs, thereby saving the education institutions thousands of dollars in printing costs. CollegeSource's next step was to create a CD-Rom with the entire catalog collection. Once the digital plain became the medium of information retrieval, CollegeSource then made their collection accessible online via the Catalink digital catalog. Their mission continues to be providing awareness of educational and career opportunities for students and citizens.

Annotation/Content: 

CollegeSource Online is an online database that provides students and parents with a wealth of information about 58,782 colleges in the United States and worldwide. Users can search for colleges based on keywords, alphabetical index, specific criteria, or geographic location. CollegeSource provides a complete digital catalog link for every college. Additional information includes a PDF link to the school's transcript key, a direct link to the school's website, and a Google Maps link to the school's location. Lastly, there is a comprehensive profile page with contact information, degree levels, tuition and fees, accreditation agencies, and other pertinent information.

The site also provides a list of resources and links for assistance in college research and planning under its "Resources" tab. Students can gain free access during the trial period. After that, users can only access detailed information with the purchase of a subscription. Lastly, there is a tab that allows users to add their institution if it's missing from the database. 

Critical Evaluation:
This excellent resource provides a huge amount of information for those researching colleges. The website interface is easy to use because of the simple and professional design. Icons representing informational links are explained clearly in a descriptive key, further simplifying navigation of the site. There are no advertisements riddling the pages, minimizing distraction to the user. The site is both comprehensive and wide ranging, providing students with access to a very comprehensive database of  information. Additionally, CollegeSource is an established company and accredited by Better Business Bureau, therefore reliable and credible.

Genre:  Subscription Database

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item:  I felt it was important to include a database in my collection. This one speaks particularly to high school juniors and seniors who are searching for information on colleges for their future.

Wii Fit Plus by Nintendo

Title: Wii Fit Plus   Manufacturer: Nintendo
ASIN: B000VJRU44   Media: Video Game
Console: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: May 21, 2008

Product Features:
Every Wii Fit Plus user has the ability to create a 'Mii' profile that tracks their progress, measures their BMI and weight, and checks their balance. Wii Fit Plus comes with a specialized electronic balance board, and a standard Wii Remote and Nunchuk. This board is similar to an aerobics step board in style, but actually reads the movements of the user wirelessly during game play. Up to eight members can create user profiles in Wii Fit Plus.

There are five different categories of exercises. The first category, "Training Plus", includes new balance and exercise games, an update from the first version of Wii Fit. Some of those games are 'Juggling' and 'Snowball Fight'. The second section is "Strength Training", which includes muscle building and toning exercises like 'Torso Twists' and 'Rowing Squat'. The third category is "Aerobics", which includes heart rate increasing exercises like 'Super Hula Hoop' and 'Basic Run'. The fourth section is "Yoga", which includes balance and stretching exercises like 'Sun Salutation' and 'Palm Tree'. The fifth and last category is "Balance Games", which includes exercises to perfect balance like 'Tightrope Walk' and 'Ski Slalom'.

Critical Evaluation:
Wii Fit Plus offers a variety of new and old exercises and games to help users stay fit. There are higher impact exercises, and less intense slow activities. This collection allows users of all ages to play this video game, and also presents different choices for the user based on strengths and weaknesses. For users looking to seriously lose weight, there is a daily weigh-in and progression chart to track improvement. Additionally, there is a calorie counter to assist in portion control, and a 'choose your own training plan' for localized exercise work. Wii Fit Plus also keeps track of the time users spend exercising, as the animated balance board cheers on the participant. In the "Strength Training" and "Yoga" categories, animated personal trainers demonstrate the movements for users to imitate, allowing users to feel like they are attending an actual class at the gym. The huge assortment of games and exercises provide something for everyone.

Genre: Sports, Video Games

Curriculum Ties: Physical Education

Interest Age: All ages

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item: Teenagers should be encouraged to lead healthy lives, and this video game is a great tool to help someone keep fit. Additionally, this particular game is extremely popular.

Wii Fit Plus game trailer

Smallville: Season 9

         

Title:  Smallville, The Complete Ninth Season   Format:  DVD, Color, Dolby 
Actors:  Tom Welling (lead actor), Allison Mack, Erica Durance, Justin Hartley, Cassidy Freeman
ASIN:  B002JVWRDQ   Running Time:  1012 minutes 
Studio:  Warner Home Video, 2010   Rating:  TV-PG

Annotation:  
This season of Smallville has Clark Kent fighting his Kryptonian nemesis Zod, and his Kandorian army.  New adventures await the emerging Superman, as he discovers more about himself and his true feelings for reporter Lois Lane.

Actor Information:

Thomas John Patrick Welling was born on April 26, 1977, in New York City. Tom has two older sisters and a younger brother. Graduating from Okemos High School in Okemos, Michigan, Tom played on the varsity soccer team. He skipped college and initially worked in the construction business. Subsequently, Tom did some modeling before landing acting roles in movies such as Cheaper by the Dozen and Cheaper by the Dozen 2, and in the hit television series Smallville.

Although Welling turned down the role of Superman twice due to low self-confidence in his acting abilities, he eventually took the job in 2001. He went on to become an acting director, and is currently an executive producer for the tenth season of Smallville. Tom is also the producer for CW Television Network's new show, Hellcats. Presently, Tom lives with his wife Jamie White in Los Angeles.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0919991/bio

Plot Summary:

Based on the DC Comics hero Superman, the Smallville television series follows Clark Kent from his adolescence into his adult life. It begins during his first and awkward year in high school, continues on through his college years, and then to his career as a journalist. This season finds Kent taking on his role as Superman, but with a different name - "The Blur". One major story arc involves Clark's relationship with his old enemy Zod. Zod, from the planet Kandor, amassed a large army before coming to earth. Upon arrival, they find that their powers have vanished without a red sun. Zod looks for ways to permanently change the yellow sun with the help of cutthroat Tess Mercer, head of LutherCorp. Throughout, Clark must battle Zod's corruption and total disregard for mankind. A corresponding story line involves Clark's attempt to save his close friend Oliver Queen, who is extremely depressed. Oliver, who is also known as the Green Arrow, is determined to give up his life of heroics. Lastly, Clark Kent and Lois Lane develop a more intimate relationship as the season progresses.

Episodes: Savior, Metallo, Rabid, Echo, Roulette, Crossfire, Kandor, Idol, Pandora, Disciple, Absolute Justice, Warrior, Persuasion, Conspiracy, Escape, Checkmate, Upgrade, Charade, Sacrifice, Hostage, and Salvation.

Critical Evaluation:

Although in its ninth year of production, Smallville continues to intrigue it's audience with compelling story lines. This season's DVD brings recurring characters along with fresh faces, combining comfortable familiarity with exciting change. For comic book fans, there are some new heroes and villains debuting, including Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Perry White, Metallo, and the Justice Society of America. While some episodes are hair-raising and nail-biting, others are gut-wrenching and tear-jerking. In all, the actors perform their parts convincingly and professionally. The viewer can't help but feel truly involved in the story. The question of destiny and fate continues to play a role in this ninth year, where the characters wrestle with the choice of controlling their destiny or fighting their fate. The script keeps to Superman lore, while simultaneously creating new story elements to keep the audience captivated.

Genre:   Adventure, Drama, Science-Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  English - American culture of heroes, and comic book action figures

Interest Age:  14+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  My sister-in-law loved this show as a teenager. Since Smallville is approaching its tenth and last year, I decided that including the ninth season would be a great addition to my collection. Additionally, this hit television series speaks to both male and female adolescents who are either comic book fans, or who want to believe in heroes.

Smallville Season 9 trailer

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

    

Title:  Unbelievable: A Pretty Little Liars Book    Author:  Sara Shepard
ISBN:  9780060887414    Pages:  335
Publisher:  HarperTeen, New York, 2008

Readers Annotation:
Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer still miss their murdered best friend, Ali. In this fourth book of the Pretty Little Liars series, their lives seem to spiral into chaos when they try to figure out who killed Ali, once and for all.

Author Information:

Sara Shepard is a graduate of New York University, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College. Sara got her idea for the young adult bestselling Pretty Little Liars series from her own experiences in Philadelphia's Main Line. Shepard's newest novel The Visibles/All the Things We Didn't Say is her first book for adults.

Sara has been writing since she was a little girl, although she never thought she would grow up to be an author. Sara and her sister had been collaborating on joint artistic and written projects for years, without ever being published. Sara presently lives outside Philadelphia, PA, with her husband and dogs.

http://sarashepardbooks.com/bio.php

Plot Summary: 
Hanna, Aria, Emily, and Spencer were best friends with Ali back in the seventh grade. That summer Ali disappeared, and her body was discovered when the girls were in tenth grade. To add to their grief over their friends' disappearance and murder, the four friends have been haunted by threatening text messages signed by "A". This mysterious sender seems to know a lot about their lives, even their unknown and dark secrets. Due to "A's" manipulation, the girls become afraid of telling the police about the texts, or about any information relevant to Ali's murder.

Now Hanna is in a coma, because 'she knew too much' and was run over. Emily's secret lesbianism was announced to the world without her permission, and her parents send her off to live with her unloving Aunt and Uncle. Aria is still unwelcome in her mother's home, after her mother found out that Aria knew of her own father's infidelity and kept it a secret for three years. Spencer starts having flashbacks of the night of Ali's disappearance, and doubts her own sanity. Although the four girls have gone their separate ways, they band together to nab "A", and search for Ali's killer.

Critical Evaluation:
This novel weaves a juicy and thrilling plot of intrigue and deception in a wealthy suburb. Unbelievable: A Pretty Little Liars Book seemed reminiscent of popular teen television shows such as 90210 and Gossip Girl.  The narrative oscillates between the four main characters in order to get an idea of what each girl is going through in relation to the murder of Ali. The reader will be thrilled by the suspense, doubt, and mystery surrounding the death of Ali permeates the narrative. The reader also gets a glimpse into the pampered life of a high school girl in a wealthy suburb, and the "mean girl" attitude that can often be present. The plot twists keep the reader in suspense, and the unresolved ending creates a perfect hook for the next book in the series.  

Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Thriller

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Emily has been sent away by her parents who are embarrassed of her lesbianism. Do you know anyone who's been through a similar predicament?
     2.  Popular and beautiful Hanna has a crush on the more nerdy Lucas, despite their differences. Have you ever dated anyone that, although different than you, still seems perfect?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issue:  Lesbianism, Infidelity
- These are real life issues that teens are dealing with on a daily basis and therefore should not warrant removal from a library
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:  I also wanted to include a book that is based on the scandalous and mysterious side of teen life. This book particularly encapsulates many of the thematic elements found throughout the popular Pretty Little Liars series. In fact, the book has inspired a hit ABC Family original series.

Further Reading:  Pretty Little Liars, Flawless, Perfect, Wicked, Killer, Heartless, Wanted, Twisted, Ruthless  

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

            

Title:  Head in the Clouds   Author:  Karen Witemeyer
ISBN:  9780764207563     Pages:  366
Publisher:  Bethany House, Minnesota, 2010

Readers Annotation:  Adelaide Proctor signs up as a governess for a five year old girl who has stopped speaking. Adelaide is surprised to find that life at Westcott Cottage is much more than she bargained for, as she develops feelings for the Englishman and sheepherder, Gideon.

Author Information:
Karen Witemeyer has a bachelor's and master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University. She is also a member of American Christian Female Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the Texas Coalition of Authors. Some of her fiction pieces have been published in Focus on the Family children's magazine, and other articles for online publications and anthologies. Head in the Clouds is Karen's second novel.

Karen originally grew up in California, but moved to Texas after college when she met her husband, a deacon. Her new Texas life became the inspiration for her books. Presently, Witemeyer lives in Abilene, with her husband and three children.

http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/about_karen.html

Plot Summary:
After leaving her post as a school teacher, Adelaide decides to follow her heart to the big city to meet Henry, the traveling book salesman. But, her heart is quickly broken when she realizes he is married with a son, and that his romantic pretenses were false. An orphan, and unsure where to go next, Adelaide turns to her Christian faith and prays to G-d for divine assistance. He points her to a governess job in another Texas town, where she proves her worth and lands the job.

Isabelle, the ward of the Englishman and sheepherder Gideon Westcott, is her charge. Adelaide's priority is to help the five year old girl recover from the tragic deaths of both her parents, as Isabelle has not spoken a word since the tragedy. Immediately, using her sunny disposition and warm personality, Adelaide helps Isabelle come out of her shell. Gideon has tears in his eyes when he hears the two girls laughing together, something he hasn't heard in a long time. Gideon marvels at Adelaide's abilities, and progressively realizes that he is very much attracted to her. Adelaide feels that attraction as well, but worries that her romantic notions are obscuring the truth of the situation. Despite the dangers of living on a Texas Ranch, and the threat of Isabelle's murderous Uncle Reginald, Adelaide and Gideon learn a lot about each other and their true feelings.

Critical Evaluation:
The author accurately uses the vernacular of the time, even writing the prose in older English. These aspects lend a sense of realism to this historical fiction piece. While reading, one can 'hear' the main character speaking to G-d throughout book, accented by the italics. The book follows Adelaide's story for the most part, interspersed with some of Gideon's thoughts, so the reader gains complete insight into their relationship. Characterization clearly depicts a stubborn and strong-willed female protagonist, who is also warm and compassionate. The male protagonist is portrayed as brave and resolute, while simultaneously understanding and impassioned. Readers can feel the playfulness and chemistry between the main characters, as well as their devotion and faith to their religion. However, the author doesn't try to convert the reader, rather offers insight into how the character's faith plays a crucial role in their lives. 

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Crossover

Curriculum Ties:  American History - Late 1800's, Texas History - End of the 19th century

Booktalking Ideas:
     1.  Adelaide left her old life to be with someone she thought loved her. Have you ever left something important behind for a dream that didn't pan out?
     2.  Isabelle saw both her parents die in front of her by the time she was five years old, and as a result stopped talking. Do you know anyone who has been traumatized to such a large extent that it has affected the way they behave?   

Reading Level/Interest Age:  16+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  When developing a comprehensive collection, I decided that it was important to include a book on faith and religion. 

Daughtry

       

Title:  Daughtry   Format:  CD
Artists:  Chris Daughtry (lead singer), Josh Steely, Josh Paul, Joey Barnes, and Jeremy Brady

ASIN:  B000IYO4RC  Publisher:  RCA   Release Date:  November 21, 2006

Artist Information:
Christopher Adam Daughtry was born December 26, 1979 in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. It wasn't until Chris was 16 years old that he took singing seriously. At that time he took guitar lessons as well, and would perform with rock bands at local venues. He continued on his path as a musician, and in high school started his own rock band named Cadence. After graduating high school, Chris became the lead singer for another band named Absent Element.

Daughtry auditioned for American Idol in 2005, and made it all the way to the final four. Subsequently, he signed a contract with RCA, and formed a rock band to debut his first album Daughtry. Chris is currently married to his wife of ten years, Deanna, and they have twin boys, Adalynn and Noah. He also has a son, Griffin, from his first marriage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_daughtry

Contents:  It's Not Over, Used To, Home, Over You, Crashed, Feels Like Tonight, What I Want (featuring Slash), Breakdown, Gone, There and Back Again, All These Lives, What About Now.

Music Summary:
Daughtry is the debut album for Chris Daughtry and his band. It quickly became very popular, topping the Billboard 200 chart, and becoming number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart for fourteen weeks. His lead single "It's Not Over" reached number four, and has presently sold almost two million copies. His second single "Home" was equally successful, reaching number five, and selling almost as many copies. His album was certified triple platinum within seven months, which makes it one of the fastest selling debut rock albums.

http://www.amazon.com/Daughtry/e/B0017PCN70/ref=ac_dpt_sa_bio 

Critical Evaluation:
The rock elements in Daughtry portray an up tempo genre, usually containing 110 beats per minute or more, lending an excited feel to the music. The songs are often rhythmic, driven by the heavy use of electric guitars, making them appealing for rock audiences. Most of the music contains aspects of classic rock bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.  Additionally, much of the music has been influenced by the Seattle Grunge scene of the early 1990's, personified by the bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The distortion effects and catchy melodies also represent elements of  pop culture, which is appealing to adolescents. Daughtry has a large fan base among teenage girls, likely the result of its attractive and strong male lead, Chris Daughtry. A musician himself, Chris Daughtry is also respected in the musical community for his songwriting talents and proficiency at playing the guitar.

Genre:  Hard Rock, Pop Rock

Curriculum Ties: Music Appreciation

Reading Level/Interest Age: 14 +

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item: My teenage sister suggested this CD as something that her and her friends love to listen to. Additionally, when I took out the CD from the library, it had a yellow YA sticker, bringing me to the conclusion that it was a good choice.

Daughtry's It's Not Over

The Killer's Cousin by Nancy Werlin

       

Title:  The Killer's Cousin   Author:  Nancy Werlin
ISBN:  0385325606   Pages:  229
Publisher:  Delacorte Press, New York, 1998

Readers Annotation:
David is still reeling from the pain of his girlfriend's death when he is sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Cambridge. Through the help of his disturbed cousin Lilly, and the ghost of his cousin Kathy, David learns how to confront his own demons from the past.

Author Information:
Nancy Werlin is a National Book Award finalist. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree at Yale University, and has worked as a technical writer in computer software. She was named the Publishers Weekly Flying Start author for her first novel Are You Alone on Purpose? Werlin also received the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adults for her novel The Killer's Cousin. 

Nancy has written eight novels, all critically acclaimed. Her newest book Extraordinary was just named a Teens Top 10 Book for 2010 by Amazon.com. She was born and raised in Massachusetts, and presently lives in South Boston.

http://www.nancywerlin.com/aboutnw.htm

Plot Summary:
David Bernard Yaffe has recently been acquitted of murder for the accidental death of his girlfriend, Emily. David's parents send him to Cambridge, Massachusetts to live with his aunt and uncle. Although this is supposed to be a new beginning for David, he stills shoulders the guilt of Emily's death. He loved Emily and her absence haunts him every day.

His life at his cousin's house is not as simple as he assumed it would be. His aunt does not want him around, and his eleven year old cousin Lilly is an odd and disturbing child. Additionally, his older cousin Kathy's suicide seems to have had an awful effect on everyone there. From the beginning of David's stay, he hears mysterious sounds in his room which once belonged to Kathy. It doesn't take long for him to discover that Lilly's problems were created by deep emotional wounds. David learns how to cope despite his pain, and endeavors to find a way to help his cousin Lilly as well.

Critical Evaluation:
This book eloquently portrays the tension and pain in David's life. The reader identifies with his difficulties in coping with loss and estrangement from everyone and everything around him. When David hits a new low, he turns to religion, a further connecting point many readers. The author utilizes the ghost of Kathy, along with its accompanying 'humming' sound, as a tool to create a suspenseful and supernatural undertone throughout the story line. The reader can also appreciate the conflict David has relating to his troubled cousin Lilly. The book is skillfully written, incorporating suspense and realism. Additionally, the reader can see growth in the main character. The telepathic connection between David and Lilly adds another level of interest and intrigue.

Genre:  Psychological Thriller/ Ghost

Curriculum Ties: Psychology

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  David accidentally killed someone he loved, and has to learn to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. Is there anything you've done that has affected you in such a profound and life changing way?
     2.  David's Aunt Julia and Uncle Vic have reached a point in their marriage where they can only talk to each other through their child Lilly. How do you feel about parents talking through their children and not directly to each other?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  16+

Challenge Issue:  Teenage killing, Inappropriate language
- Book won the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, and the ALA Best Book for Young Adult's. The author is a National Book Award finalist
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item: The strong male lead was one reason I chose this book for my collection. Another reason is because of the awards both the book and the author have won.