Thursday, May 19, 2011

CollegeSource Online database

CollegeSource Online Logo


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.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wii Fit Plus by Nintendo

http://cdn1.gamepro.com/box/box_159969-hd.jpg

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

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Smallville: Season 9

          http://www.littlemiss.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/tom-welling.jpg


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

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Unbelievable by Sara Shepard

Book Jacket     http://www.fazeteen.com/categories/books/sara_shepard.jpg

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  

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Book Jacket          http://www.acfw.com/uploads/portraits/KarenWitemeyer.jpg  

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. 

Monday, May 2, 2011

Daughtry

Book Jacket         http://blog.mlive.com/chronicle_backstage_pass/2007/07/large_Daughtry.jpg

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

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Killer's Cousin by Nancy Werlin

Book Jacket         http://us.penguingroup.com/static/packages/us/yreaders/extraordinary/im/nancywerlin.jpg


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.

Zlata's Diary by Zlata Filipovic

Book Jacket          http://globalcitydublin.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/new-zlata.png


Title:  Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo    Author:  Zlata Filipovic
ISBN: 0670857246  Pages:  200
Publisher:  Viking, New York, 1994

Readers Annotation:
Zlata Filipovic is an eleven year old child who lives in Sarajevo during the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina. She relates her life story amidst bombings, gunfire, and death. 

Author Information:
Zlata Filipovic was born December 3, 1980 in Bosnia. From the years 1991 until 1993, Zlata wrote in a diary she named 'Mimmy', about the horrors she experienced during the War in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Zlata and her parents survived the war, escaping to Paris, France for a year in 1993. They later moved to Dublin, Ireland where she attended St. Andrew's College senior school. She graduated in 2001 from the University of Oxford, with a BA in human sciences.

Presently, Zlata lives in Dublin, Ireland. She has since written the Foreword to The Freedom Writers Diary, and co-edited Stolen Voices: Young People's War Diaries, From World War I to Iraq. In 2011, she produced a short film to campaign against homophobic bullying in schools, called Stand Up!

Plot Summary: 
Zlata is the only child of Muslim parents, living in Sarajevo during the War in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Zlata starts her diary describing a happy and carefree life. She vacations with her family in the countryside on the weekends, and goes skiing in the mountains in the wintertime. Life is normal for an eleven year old, complete with friends, parties, and television. After a bombing in a nearby city, Zlata expresses her fears about the war coming to her hometown. Suddenly, it does. 

Over the next year and a half, Zlata records the events and the effects of her war torn city. She has no friends, no school, and no freedom. Zlata describes her life without running water, electricity, or gas. She writes about the bombshells, gunfire, small rations of food, running out of clothes that fit, and what it's like to constantly hide in the neighbor's basement during bombings. In short, Zlata depicts a childhood stolen from her by the horrors of war.

Critical Evaluation:
Although the diary has been translated from Zlata's native language, there is nothing that seems to have been lost in translation. The difficult life Zlata had to endure during the War in Bosnia-Herzegovina is apparent in her daily entries. Zlata expresses her emotions without holding back, giving the reader a sobering glimpse into her hard life. Sometimes, Zlata has so much pent up emotion, she expresses her thoughts utilizing all capital letters. The reality of the war is manifested through her use of basic language and raw emotion expressions. The book includes copies of Zlata's actual entries and drawings, adding another layer of poignancy and realism.

Genre:  Non-Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  Political Science - War in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  When Zlata passes by a local park, she remembers playing with her good friend who was killed there by a bomb. Do you know any children who have passed on?
     2.  Zlata lives for months without electricity, gas, or running water. How do you think you would manage without these basic utilities?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  12+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  I wanted to add a non-fiction item with a serious theme, yet from an adolescent's point of view. This diary was also recommended in one of our class readings.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore by Joan Lowery Nixon

Book Jacket         Joan Lowery Nixon web site


Title:  The Kidnapping of Christina Lattimore   Author:  Joan Lowery Nixon
ISBN:  6152050310  Pages:  305
Publisher:  Harcourt, Inc, Orlando, 2004

Readers Annotation:
When Christina Lattimore is kidnapped, all she can think about is escaping to be with her family and friends again. Once Chrisiina is free, and she realizes that her family and friends believe she orchestrated her own kidnapping, Christina focuses her energy on finding her kidnappers and proving her innocence. 

Author Information:
Joan Lowery Nixon obtained a Journalism degree from the University of Southern California. She has written more than one hundred forty books for young readers, specializing in mysteries for young adults.  Some of her publications include the Orphan Train series, winner of two Golden Spur awards, and The Making of a Writer, her memoir, . Nixon is the only four-time winner of The Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award and a two-time winner of the California Young Reader Medal.

Nixon was born in 1927 in Los Angeles. She recently passed away at the age of 76, in Houston, Texas. She is survived by her four children and several grandchildren.

http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-nixon-joan-lowery.asp

Plot Summary:
Christina Lattimore goes to high school at the Madame DeJon School for Girls. She comes from a very wealthy family, the money having been earned by her grandmother, the business mogul Cristabel. Christina's father is a pastor, choosing a different path than his mother. Yet, Christina's family is still supported by her grandmother. This puts Cristabel in charge of major decisions, such as if Christina should go on her class trip overseas.

Christina meets her best friend at a local diner, and they discuss how they can convince Cristabel to allow her to go on the class trip. However, while at the diner, the menacing cashier approaches Christina and begins communicating incomprehensibly. Christina would have normally shrugged off the strange incident, but when she arrives home she finds the front door unlocked. Christina's increasing concerns are reinforced when later that evening she is kidnapped and held for ransom. Although the ransom is paid, and she is freed only a few days later, no one believes her frightening experience. She is accused of orchestrating the whole thing to get money for her trip. Christina is determined to find her kidnappers, and prove her innocence to her family and friends.

Critical Evaluation: 
This fast paced and suspenseful psychological thriller is exciting all the way to the last page. Readers can feel the suspense from the very beginning of  the book, almost as if something is lurking behind the corner. The prose is written with hints of mystery, similar to scary background music in a horror film. The first person narrative gives readers a glimpse into the thought process and struggles of the main protagonist. While there is the element of a genuine mystery that's being solved, there is also the element of the main character progressively figuring out the solution to the puzzle within herself.  Additionally,  readers are able to follow Christina's growth through her harrowing ordeal,  feeling a sense of pride when witnessing who she decides to become at the conclusion of the book.

Genre:  Mystery - Puzzling

Curriculum Ties:  Economics - Trust funds

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  After Christina is kidnapped and found, no one believes her story. Has something significant ever happened to you where you then find trouble convincing people that it actually happened?
     2.  Christina's life is essentially run by her uber-wealthy grandmother, whom she hates. If you had the choice, would you choose money or freedom?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  I felt it was important to include a puzzling mystery, a popular genre suggested by the YA librarian's guide textbook. Additionally, Joan Lowery Nixon was an award winning author.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Teen Vogue Magazine


Title:   Teen Vogue    Format:  Magazine
ASIN:  B001U5SPN8   Distribution:  Monthly
Publisher:  Conde Nast Publications, New York

Content/Audience:
Teen Vogue markets primarily to a female adolescent audience. Most of the articles focus on fashion and beauty, as do the advertisements, following in the footsteps of its parent magazine, Vogue.  Photography plays a huge role in the content of the magazine, as it is filled with ads and pictures focused on the beauty of a woman and her stylish clothing. The articles includes "talking fashion" - which are an assemblage of pictures of teen models and idols, "Beauty Blogger" - a front-line blog on the fashion industry, "View" - news regarding topics such as the season's newest accessories, "PATA" (People Are Talking About) - entertainment industry related pieces; and "Features" - cover stories on a teen star or idol. The contributors are 'fashionistas' themselves, and are experts on spotting new stylish trends.

Critical Evaluation:
Teen Vogue is a very visual magazine, with few articles. The photographs seem to come alive because they are taken by some of the best photographers in the world. They vary in style and background, which lends some variety to the magazine. Beautiful models in designer wear make up a large part of the advertisements, making the magazine alluring and stylish. Additionally, for those adolescents looking to go into fashion as a career, Teen Vogue is a great resource. Not only can adolescents learn about new fashions, they can also get a sense of the business of marketing and advertising.

Genre:   Fashion, Periodicals

Reading Level/Interest Age:   15 +

Challenge Issue:  Revealing photographs
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:   Since this magazine is written specifically for the female teen audience, I decided to include it in my collection.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n32/n164676.jpg           http://kingsenglish.indiebound.com/files/kingsenglish/Sarah_Dessen_-_credit_KPO_Photo.jpg

Title:  Just Listen    Author:  Sarah Dessen
ISBN:  9780142410974  Pages:  371
Publisher:  Speak, New York, 2006

Readers Annotation:
Annabel Greene used to be friends with the most popular girl in school. However, something happened to end that relationship, and after spending the summer alone, Annabel must face her classmates on a whole new level.

Author Information:
Sarah Dessen attended the University of North Carolina, and graduated with high honors in Creative Writing. Sarah wrote her first novel, This Summer, three years after college. Since then, she's published eight more young adult novels, all of them critically acclaimed. The motion picture How to Deal was based on her first two novels. Dessen's tenth book, What Happened to Goodbye, is set to be released in May of 2011.

Sarah was born in 1970 in Illinois and grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She enjoys gardening and shopping. Presently, Sarah lives in the country in North Carolina, with her husband, her daughter, and two dogs.

http://sarahdessen.com/press-kit/

Plot Summary:
Annabel Greene used to lead a relatively simple life. She was best friends with the most popular girl in school. She was a model and was hired constantly for shoots. She even had a very stable family life. But, right before the summer, something terrible happened to her that changed her life irrevocably. Annabel also has trouble dealing with her dark secret, and hasn't told anyone what happened to her the night she and her best friend broke up. Suddenly, Annabel's sisters are constantly fighting, her middle sister nearly killed herself because of an eating disorder, and Annabel wants to stop modeling.

When Annabel starts her next year in high school, she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Since she no longer has any friends, she finds a spot at a lunch table with a boy named Owen Armstrong. Owen turns out to be a music junkie with an honest streak, and they develop an unlikely friendship which leads Annabel on a path of self discovery and new found strength.

Critical Evaluation:
This beautifully written book is both captivating and heartfelt, addressing real life topics and heavy issues. The author honestly portrays the complexity of family relationships, along with its positive and negative aspects. As the book is written from a first person narrative, the reader can feel the pain Annabel has endured from her rape and the struggle to keep it hidden from the world. Annabel's wounds from the sudden loss of friends is also apparent. These emotions are easily identifiable for adolescents and adults alike. At times, fun concepts are brought into the plot which provide an element of comic relief from the intensity of the main story line. Sweet moments in the relationship between Annabel and Owen also assist in keeping a lighthearted flavor to the book. The audience watches the growth and healing process of the main character, as she learns to cope with the many ups and downs of her life.

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  Psychology - Eating Disorders

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Every Sunday morning Owen hosts his own radio show, utilizing his creativity in music to present a unique arrangement for the hour. Have you ever hosted something that's been broadcast to a large audience?
     2.  Annabel harbors a deep, dark secret that eats away at her. Has a secret you've kept ever eaten away at you so much that you feel like a different person?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issue:  Eating disorders, Sexual molestation, Foul language
- Book was chosen as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:  Sarah Dessen is a popular author among young adults, and her books address very relevant themes for that age group.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFF5LC7g2mg6G5P9IDOqwlH16kGqbd-TkMsGgzXNP8qmNlT0ysbO668ypL5vfn4-QL3mbhbgwTAaCp4j3sO-xuxJsdxTMIRtnoP3XdAA0_iEv42i6az31IG5BG2hmR2PVsIh9T5TwKdp0/s1600/heist-society.jpg         http://www.bookpage.com/the-book-case/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/ally-carter.jpg?w=242

Title:  Heist Society   Author:  Ally Carter
ISBN: 9781423116394  Pages:  287
Publisher:  Disney Hyperion, New York, 2010

Readers Annotation:
Katrina Bishop tries to escape the family business of thievery by attending a boarding school. But, when she learns of the threat on her father's life, she has a change of heart.

Author Information:
Ally Carter earned her degrees from Oklahoma State University and Cornell University. She is a New York Times bestselling author of I'd Tell You But Then I'd Have to Kill You, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, and Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover. Carter is most famous for her Gallagher Girls series.

Ally was born and raised in Oklahoma, where she currently lives. She works as a full-time writer. Her sequel to Heist Society is due to come out in stores in June of 2011

http://allycarter.com/ally/doing-school-report/detailed-bio

Plot Summary:
As her very last coup, Katrina Bishop scammed her way into one of the best boarding schools in the country. Kat had hoped to begin a normal life at Colgan, away from the family business of thievery. But, life has a way of foiling the best laid plans. Without warning, Kat is expelled for something she did not do. She soon finds out that her old friend Hale intentionally set her up . Kat's father is being threatened by the very cruel and evil Arturo Taccone for allegedly stealing his paintings. Taccone gives him two weeks to have the paintings returned, or be killed.

In truth, Kat's father didn't steal the paintings, and Kat is determined to prove it. Together with Hale, Kat forms her very own heist society, and they travel the world seeking answers. They find that these stolen paintings were Nazi war spoils, and must decide what to do with that surprising information. On her quest, Kat deals with her conflicting emotions of leaving her family and friends and starting a new life, in addition to the uncertainties of her relationship with Hale.

Critical Evaluation:
This fun caper story captures the reader's attention with a great premise. The main character takes it upon herself to save her father. Even though the characters are thieves, they are portrayed as lovable and down to earth. The thief's jargon depicted in the book adds an interesting and entertaining element for the audience. The work is divided into chapters based on the setting, giving the book some variety. As the characters travel the world to different interesting countries, the reader can become easily captivated. The historical insights found throughout the story also add a level of sophistication to this thriller. As the book follows the countdown to the antagonist's deadline, the readers can feel the mounting suspense . Reminiscent of Ocean's Eleven and The Italian Job, this book will enchant and enthrall readers who enjoy tales of thievery.

Genre: Fiction/Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties: History - Stolen Nazi Art

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Katarina's father has been threatened and given only two weeks to live by a very cruel man. Have you ever been in a situation where someone you care about was in great danger?
     2.  Although Hale never actually verbalizes how much he cares for Kat, he shows his love in other ways. Has it ever taken you a while to figure out that someone cares for you, even though  the signs had been there for a long time? 
  
Reading Level/Interest Age:  13+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  I wanted to include this book in my collection because it got wonderful reviews, and to include a sub-genre within the coming-of-age books.

Further Series Reading:  Uncommon Criminals 

Heist Society book trailer

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences by Brian Yansky

Book Jacket          Image of "Brian Yansky" 

Title:  Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences    Author:  Brian Yansky
ISBN:  9780763643843  Pages:  227
Publisher:  Candlewick Press, Massachusetts, 2010

Readers Annotation:
Every single person Jesse ever knew was wiped out by the aliens in a single moment. As a result, the aliens assume the remainder of human civilization will be submissive, but Jesse has other plans.

Author Information:
Adopted as a child, Brian Yansky grew up in Iowa. He's earned a BA and MFA in writing from Vermont College. Some of his works include My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World, and Wonders of the World. Yansky has published adult stories in Literal Latte, The Crescent Review, The Nebraska Review, The Palo Alto Review, Chiron, and others.

Brian currently teaches writing as an assistant Professor at Austin Community College, and resides in Austin, Texas. He is married to Frances Yansky, who is also an author and a children's illustrator. Brian recently announced his next book in the Alien Invasion series called Fighting Alien Nation.

http://www.brianyansky.com/about.html

Plot Summary: 
Jesse starts off his day ordinarily, sitting next to his best friend and taking his usual classes in his very normal high school. Then, in the blink of an eye, his world is shattered. Everyone Jesse knows is gone, as the alien Sanginian nation has conquered Earth. The aliens enslave the remaining humans they call 'product', and communicate to them through telepathy. The evil Lord Vertenomous is the Sanginian's leader on Earth, and has kept many of the slaves for himself.

Jesse is scared, but he is also determined to change his life of slavery. He meets a group of friends during his enslavement: Lauren, a sweet girl that Jesse develops a crush on, Michael, a star athlete who is now Jesse's roommate, and Lindsey, a fashion model. Jesse discovers that his mental powers have been growing, and he meets a girl in a dream that he is able to communicate with. Jesse learns from his dream-girl that there are rebel colonies outside of his prison. Utilizing the advice that his father gave him many years earlier, Jesse and his friends embark on a journey searching for hope in the survival of humankind.

Critical Evaluation:
This entertaining science fiction story is set in the present day. The author explores the possibility of communication via telepathy, which itself is very intriguing. As the story is told from the main character Jesse's perspective, readers can truly understand his struggles. Although a fast paced book, there are heavy underlying themes to pique a reader's interest. This includes slavery, technology, colonization, and relationships. The story is also reminiscent of British Colonialism and Imperialism, and the spirit that lead to the American Revolution and Emancipation Proclamation. Letters from Lord Vertenomous to his people give the audience insight into the alien nation and its hatred for humans. Lastly, the heartbreaking interchanges between Jesse and the memories of conversations with his late father create an emotional depth that is sure to captivate the reader.

Genre:   Science-Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  American History-slavery

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Within an instant, the world as Jesse knew it was totally obliterated by aliens. Do you ever fear that there might one day be this type of  attack or Armageddon?
     2.  After being in the presence of the aliens for some time, Jesse and his friends develop telepathic abilities. Do you believe people who claim they have telepathy?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  13+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item: I felt it was necessary to include a science fiction book in my collection to broaden the genre selection.

Further Series Reading:  Fighting Alien Nation

 
Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences Book Trailer

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Book Jacket
   
Title:  Perfect Chemistry   Author:  Simone Elkeles
ISBN:  0802798225  Pages:  360
Publisher:  Walker and company, New York, 2009

Readers Annotation:
Alex and Brittany attend the same high school, but come from very different worlds. When they are assigned to be chemistry partners, they learn how difficult it is to break down the stereotypical barriers of their backgrounds.   

Author Information:
Simone Elkeles graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a BS in Psychology. Subsequently, Elkeles attended Loyola University-Chicago, where she obtained an MS in Industrial Relations. Simone has written seven books for teens, including the New York Times and USA Today bestseller, Rules of Attraction. She has also received the RITA award from the Romance Writers of America for her work, Perfect Chemistry. 

Simone was born and raised in Chicago, and has two children and two dogs. Recently, Simone has been voted the Illinois Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers in English. Her latest novel Chain Reaction, is due to come out in Spring of 2011.

http://www.simoneelkeles.net/about.html

Plot Summary: 
Brittany Ellis and Alex Fuentes go to Fairfield High on the outskirts of Chicago. They come from different sides of the city, thus different worlds. Brittany is a cheerleader, gets good grades, lives in a large home, and is very beautiful. It seems that she has everything made. In actuality, her father is always at work, her mother pressures her to put on the perfect appearance but is never pleased, and her older sister is very sick. Alex is a gang member, has many tattoos, works at a mechanic shop, and lives in a small and poor community. However, Alex wishes to go college, is in a gang only to protect his family, and carries the suppressed traumatic memory of his father who was murdered in front of him.


Alex and Brittany could not be any more different. When they became chemistry partners, with an upcoming mandatory project due, they realized they had no choice but to work together. Unexpectedly, the two developed a different type of chemistry. Alex and Brittany go on a journey that leads them through a revelation of their true selves, allowing them to overcome the stereotypes of their communities.

Critical Evaluation:
The relationship between the main characters produce an appealing modern day Westside Story or Romeo and Juliette theme. The chapters oscillate effortlessly between the two main characters, revealing their innermost thoughts. Brittany and Alex narrate their reflections, allowing the reader to gain a more complete understanding of their feelings. Alex, coming from a Latino background, intersperses his thoughts and conversations with Spanish, depicting that type of  upbringing accurately. The reader gains a clearer understanding of the stereotypes found in both of the protagonist's worlds, and the realistic situations found throughout the story create a true sense of authenticity.

Genre:  Romance, Realistic Fiction 

Curriculum Ties:  American Culture, California History - gangs

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Brittany has an older sister who is severely disabled. She helps care for her because her mother cannot handle it. Do you or someone you know have a sibling who is disabled, and how does the family handle it?
     2.  Alex's father was killed when he was young, and he took on the responsibility of caring for his mother and two younger brothers. Have you ever had to shoulder such a large burden? 

Reading Level/Interest Age:  15+

Challenge Issue:  Gang related activity
- The book is written by award winning and bestselling author
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:  I wanted to include a book that breaks the barriers of different communities, and how, against all odds, a couple from two different backgrounds can fall in love and stay in love. Since the population in America is so diverse, I felt this book would speak to many adolescents going through a similar situation. 

Further Series Reading:  Rules of Attraction, Chain Reaction 

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer

Monday, April 18, 2011

Leaving Protection by Will Hobbs

Book Jacket       Will Hobbs web site

Title:  Leaving Protection   Author:  Will Hobbs
ISBN:  0688174752  Pages:  173
Publisher:  HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2004

Readers Annotation:
Robbie is very excited to be on his first open sea fishing trip during the King Salmon season. He's hired by Tor, a grouchy old fisherman, who is also hunting for a priceless Russian treasure.

Author Information:
Will Hobbs is an award winning author of adventure books like Far North, Jason's Gold, Down the Yukon, Wild Man Island, and Jackie's Wild Seattle. Seven of his books have been chosen by ALA as Best Books for Young Adults. Leaving Protection was inspired by the personal experience Hobbs had as a troller deckhand during a very productive King Salmon season. He is also a nature enthusiast and a former teacher.

Will Hobbs is a graduate of Stanford University. He is considered one of the most notable adventure writers for young adults. He currently lives in Durango, Colorado, with his wife Jean.


Plot Summary:
Sixteen year old Robbie lives with his family on a houseboat in Port Protection, Alaska, a tiny community. He goes to a public school that has an enrollment of less than fifty children. Robbie is ready to leave his parents and sister to try his hand at fishing in the open sea, and making some of his own money.

Robbie flies to the nearby fishing town right before the King Salmon season begins. He tries to find a job as a deckhand, but this proves difficult due to hard economic times. Finally, Robbie meets Tor Torsen, usually a loner. But, Tor begrudgingly hires him after he catches Robbie looking at an old bronze plaque hidden away on the captains deck. Tor is a difficult person to deal with, and Robbie finds himself working harder than ever before.  When Tor tells Robbie that the plaque is a priceless Russian treasure, and that they would be hunting for more, Robbie suspects that Tor's motivation for hiring him had a deeper and darker purpose.

Critical Evaluation:
Readers are taken on an exciting and thrilling adventure with the main character in this coming of age novel. The dangers of open sea fishing on the high seas are portrayed accurately, lending a sense of authenticity to the story. The author also discusses the topography of Alaska in accurate geographical terms, as well as Alaska's history in relation to Russia, adding another dimension of realism to the story line. Readers become immersed in the story through the use of boating jargon, and through the suspense of  the hunt for treasure. Lastly, the depiction of this classic survival adventure through the protagonists point of view gives the reader a feel for his utter exhaustion on busy fishing days, as well as an understanding of his courage for going on this expedition in the first place. 

Genre:  Adventure Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  History - Alaska, American Culture - Fishing

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  At sixteen, Robbie leaves his home for the first time to find a job catching King Salmon on the high seas for a few weeks. When was the first time you left your home to be on your own?
     2.  Tor has Robbie assist him in finding old Russian/Alaskan treasure. How would you like to go on a real treasure hunting trip?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  13+

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item:  This book is for the adventure lover. I felt it was important to have an adventure seeking book with a strong male protagonist.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

An American Plague by Jim Murphy

Book Jacket     https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGOMBdUXGxb6RZmd78_ANp3edlEAFh1fYUFK_DOY5WXyG7En_G6kVmMjp4gPBGqayXOzMYtqLVyrb-stI7CI4DJfUmfOdnee6wLwQSygTU7YCc6v-hUHb7IauLfm5YXbPtRgGAvkk4OY/s1600/murphy1.jpg

Title:  An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793  Author:  Jim Murphy
ISBN:  0395776082  Pages:  139
Publisher:  Clarion Books, New York, 2003

Readers Annotation:
In 1793, an unknown sickness began to spread like wildfire, killing many of the inhabitants of Philadelphia. 

Author Information:
Jim Murphy is the author of over twenty-five books for young readers. He is well-known for his work The Great Fire, which was awarded a Newbery Honor, and for his many informational books. Murphy has been honored with many awards, including the Robert F Sibert Informational Book Award and the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor. He is also the two-time winner of the SCBWI's Golden Kite Award, and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Awards. Some of his other publications include The Boys' War, Across America on an Emigrant Train, A Young Patriot, and Pick and Shovel Poet. 

An American Plague is the winner of a National Finalist Book Award, a Robert F Sibert Medal, and a Newbery Honor Book. Currently, Murphy lives in Maplewood, New Jersey. He lives in a hundred-year-old house with his wife Alison Blank, who is a children's author, editor and TV producer. 

http://www.jimmurphybooks.com/about.htm

Plot Summary:
It is August 3, 1793. United States of America has recently been born, and George Washington is the President. Philadelphia is the country's capital, and Congress is set to convene there in the upcoming weeks. Swamps and marshes surround the city, and the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers have receded to reveal muddy bottoms filled with dead fish and decaying vegetation. Sinkholes were used as the city's sewer, dirty water runoff, and dead animal graves. Their noxious and poisonous fumes were only worsened by the heat of the summer. Philadelphia became a dangerous breeding ground for sickness.

The first signs of the epidemic began with an unknown French sailor, who fell desperately ill and died at a local boardinghouse. Soon thereafter, people living in and near the boardinghouse started dying as well. Although unknown at the time, this was the beginning of a Yellow Fever epidemic that would wipe out over 5,000 inhabitants over a period of three months.

Critical Evaluation:
This historical accounting of a terrible and sad time in America's history is masterfully written. Each chapter accurately describes the sequence of events in a suspenseful yet truthful fashion. The chapters are cleverly entitled with a description of the next phase in the epidemic, enhanced with real quotes from historical figures and actual citizens of Philadelphia . Images of newspaper clippings, photographs, and paintings are dispersed throughout the book. These lend an additional layer of realism to the book that the prose could not accomplish alone. The factoids are interspersed with personal stories and accounts, allowing the reader to feel the desperation, confusion, and uncertainty of the times. Overall, the book is terrifying and intriguing, appealing to audiences of all ages.

Genre:  Non-fiction

Curriculum Ties:  American History - Yellow Fever, Philadelphia

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  The yellow fever killed many Philadelphians during an epidemic in 1793, and to this day no cure has been found. Are you ever worried about contracting foreign diseases?   
     2.  During the epidemic, the only group of people who stayed in town and helped the suffering people were the African Americans, who were never given credit for their bravery. Why do you think people were so blind to their life saving efforts?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  12+

Challenge Issue: Raw facts, Death
- Award winning book: National Finalist Book Award, Robert F Sibert Medal, and Newbery Honor Book
- Award winning author:  Robert F Sibert Informational Book Award, SCBWI's Golden Kite Award, and the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:  I wanted to include a Non-fiction piece, as it's a popular genre among adolescents. Additionally, this book in particular was written by an award winning author, and had a compelling story line.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Book Jacket     Rick Riordan web site

Title: The Last Olympian   Author:  Rick Riordan
ISBN:  9781423101475   Pages:  381
Publisher:  Disney Hyperion Books, New York, 2009

Readers Annotation: Percy and his loyal band of friends battle Kronos, the evil Titan, in an attempt to save modern civilization and the gods above.  

Author Information: 
Rick Riordan graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a double major in English and history. Riordan is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. He's also written the very popular Tres Navarre series for adults, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre. His most recent children's book Throne of Fire has debuted #1 on the New York Times children's chapter book list.

Rick enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy as a child, and later read mostly fantasy and science fiction novels. His inspiration for Camp Half-Blood in the Percy Jackson series came from his counselor work in college. Riordan currently lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons.

http://www.rickriordan.com/about-rick/biography.aspx

Plot Summary:
Percy Jackson  and the Olympians have been preparing all year for the ultimate battle against the ever growing evil Titan, Kronos. However, Kronos is also preparing, and continues to recruit gods and demigods to serve under his amassing army.  This fifth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series begins with a battle against Percy's old friend Luke on his ship the Princess Andromeda. Luke and his friends attempt to stop the ship from reaching New York.

Once the battle on the Princess Andromeda is over, the Olympians find themselves fighting the most menacing monster yet - the rampaging Typhon. Percy and his band of demigods continue the battle in the streets of New York, desperately trying to stop the Titans from destroying Mount Olympus. Meanwhile, Percy is approaching his sixteenth birthday and is about to find out if he is the 'one' referred to in a highly anticipated prophecy.

Critical Evaluation:
This conclusion to the Percy Jackson series is sure to delight readers of all ages. Additionally, due to the classical themes, this story is perfect for mythology lovers. One can especially enjoy the family squabbles between the gods and demigods. The author successfully integrates Greek mythology with a modern day flair, creating a world that is very believable . A combination of adventure, mystery, magic, and humor, makes this book entertaining and exciting. The characters that the author has created are easy to relate to, impressing the reader with their courage and spunk. Percy has grown into a strong yet modest character; a realistic portrayal of a young adult in his circumstances. The ending does not leave the reader disappointed, answering all questions and tying up all loose ends, producing a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Genre: Fantasy

Curriculum Ties:  History - Greek Mythology

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1. A huge decision awaits Percy on his upcoming sixteenth birthday. Did you ever have to make a life altering decision with the added pressure of a deadline?
     2. Fate plays a large role in the world of the demigods. Do you believe in fate?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12 +

Challenge Issue: Mythology, Religion
- Bestselling book series: #1 USA Today bestseller, #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, #1 Los Angeles Times bestseller
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item:  This is the newest book of a New York Times best-selling series for young adults. As the main character is sixteen in this book, I decided to include this part of the series specifically.

Further Reading: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth. 

 
The Last Olympian book trailer