Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

         

Title:  Stormbreaker   Author:  Anthony Horowitz
ISBN:  0399236201   Pages:  192
Publisher:  Philomel Books, New York, 2000

Readers Annotation:
When Alex's uncle mysteriously dies in a car accident, Alex can't help but wonder what really happened. His discoveries lead him on an adventure of covert operations and narrow escapes.

Author Information:
Anthony Horowitz has two careers - one as a children's author, and another as a writer for television, film, and theater. In addition to the popular Alex Rider series, Horowitz has also written the award winning detective series Foyle's War. His books have been translated into Greek, Hebrew, and over a dozen other languages. Some of his TV series credits include Poirot and Midsummer Murders. He has also written a stage thriller called Mindgame and a musical called The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.

Anthony Horowitz was born in 1956 in Stanmore, Middlesex. His inspiration to write came from the difficulties he endured as a child. Presently Horowitz lives with his wife Jill, and his two kids Nicholas and Cassian, in North London.

http://www.anthonyhorowitz.com/

Plot Summary: 
Stormbreaker is the first edition in the Alex Rider series. When Alex learns of his only living relative's untimely demise, he has reason to doubt the events surrounding the accidental death. His Uncle Ian Rider was the most careful man he knew, so the story that he was in a car accident without wearing a seat belt just doesn't fit. So, Alex decides to do some digging. He discovers his uncle's vehicle in an abandoned car lot, riddled with bullet holes. He also looks into the mysterious Stryker & Sons, who suddenly arrived at his home and cleaned out his uncle's home office. As he arrives at some answers, he comes across the secretive Alan Blunt & Mrs. Jones.

Alan Blunt conducts a field test on Alex, and discovers that he has some very useful abilities. Without much choice, Alex is hired to complete an espionage mission code-named Stormbreaker. Alex's instructions are to impersonate a boy who would be testing the new school computers that were donated by the wealthy innovator, Herold Sayle. He is also instructed to spy on Herold Sayle. It doesn't take long for Alex to realize that he has taken over the very mission that was the cause of his uncle's death.

Critical Evaluation:
Stormbreaker is written through the eyes of the male protagonist, Alex Rider. A clever, almost super-human teenage boy, and a great candidate for Britain's espionage unit MI-6, Alex Rider still displays the emotions typical of an adolescent. Even the gadgets that the main character is given for his quest, including the metal destroying 'Zit-Clean' cream, are representative of items that any typical teenager would have. The evil characters in the story are easily identified by their actions and descriptions, yet sometimes the reader is purposely led to be doubtful of their motives. The prose is simplistic but simultaneously thrilling. With a complex story line, Stormbreaker brings to mind the James Bond and Mission Impossible series.

Genre:  Thrilling Action-Adventure

Curriculum Ties:  Disease outbreak, Espionage

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.   Alex is hired by the government, albeit against his will, to serve as a spy for his country. Do you think a government has the right to make extraordinary requests of their citizens in the name of the greater good?
     2.  Alex spies on a dangerous and wealthy man, looking for clues of his cruel plot. If given the opportunity, do you think you would want such a dangerous assignment?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  12+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item:  Due to its popularity and thematic elements, I decided this would be a great addition to my collection. Furthermore, I thought that the lower reading level would appeal to reluctant readers.

Further Series Reading:  Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears, Scorpia Rising, Stormbreaker Graphic Novel

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

         

Title:  Once Was Lost    Author:  Sara Zarr
ISBN:  9780316036047   Pages:  217
Publisher:  Little Brown and Company, New York, 2009

Readers Annotation:
Samara's faith is tested when her mother goes into rehab for alcohol addiction, and a young girl in her community suddenly disappears.

Author Information:

Sara Zarr has written three critically acclaimed young adult novels. One of those books, Once Was Lost is a Utah Book Award winner, an INSPY winner, and a Kirkus Best Book of 2009. Additionally, Zarr has written several short fiction pieces and essays that have been published in Image, Hunger Mountain online, and Response. Her most recent novel How to Save a Life, is set to be published in October of 2011.

Zarr grew up in San Francisco, in a family of creative artists. She spent her childhood listening to her mother's stories, or concocting some of her own with her friend Christine and her sister Tornado. Presently, Sara lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband.

http://www.sarazarr.com/bio

Plot Summary:
Samara Taylor is the daughter of a pastor and a beautiful stay-at-home mom. Sam's story begins when her mother is already in rehab for alcoholism. Sam struggles with her mother's absence and addiction, as her faith is tested. She is especially concerned with people knowing about her mother's addiction, and how they will react. Being the pastor's daughter already translates into some distance between her and her friends. Contributing to Sam's loneliness and confusion, Sam's father seems to be able to give great advice to everyone but his own daughter.

Suddenly, amidst Sam's difficulties, a young member of her church, Jody Shaw, mysteriously disappears.  She is only thirteen years old at the time of her abduction. Meanwhile, Jody's older brother Nick is having troubles of his own. He misses his younger sister, and is accused of having something to do with her disappearance. Sam and Nick develop an unexpected friendship that helps them through this demanding time in both their lives.

Critical Evaluation:
This realistic and emotional story is told from the first person narrative. The reader joins the female protagonist along her journey, as she struggles to make sense of the events happening around her. Samara's depth of emotion binds the readers to her. The book is divided into chapters that follow each of Samara's days, until the plot comes to some type of denouement. This routine-like approach to the storytelling imparts an aspect of the realism to the main character's everyday life. To lend some variety to the prose, the chapters are speckled with the news reports on the disappearance of Jody. This story is a lesson in the ability to cope with loss and still retain faith in one's religion and in humankind.  The author expertly weaves several different story lines into one gripping and moving masterpiece.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  Culture - addiction

Booktalking Ideas: 
    1.  Samara's father, a preacher, is really good at helping others through their difficult times, yet has trouble helping his own family.  Do you know anyone who's good with strangers, but can't help those closest to him?
    2.  Nick Shaw's little sister is kidnapped. What would you do if someone close to you was kidnapped?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  14+

Challenge Issue:  Addiction
- Award winning book: ALA Best Book for Young Adults, INSPY Award Winner, Kirkus Best Book of 2009, Utah Book Award Winner
- 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 by this award winning novelist, as suggested in some of the class readings.

 
Sara Zarr talking about her books

Twilight: the movie

   

Title:  Twilight   Format:  DVD, Color, Dolby
Actors:  Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Sarah Clarke, Matt Bushell   
Screenwriters: Melissa Rosenberg, Stephenie Meyer (book author as well)
ASIN: B003ZKBELG   Running Time:  122 minutes
Studio:  Summit Entertainment, 2010  Rating: PG-13 

Annotation:  
Bella leaves her mother in Phoenix to live with her father in a small and dreary hick town. Assuming her life would be boring and dull, Bella couldn't be more surprised when she meets and falls in love with a vampire.

Screenwriter Information:
Melissa Anne Rosenberg was born August 28, 1962 in Marin County, California. She majored in Dance and Theatre at Bennington College, Vermont, and later graduated with a Master's in Film and Television Producing from University of Southern California's prestigious Peter Stark Program. Melissa currently works as a screenwriter, and has worked in both television and film. She has won a Peabody Award, and has also been nominated for two Emmy Awards and two Writers Guild of America Awards.

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

Stephenie Meyer nee Morgan was born on December 24, 1973 in Hartford Connecticut. Stephenie graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she obtained a BA in English. Her Twilight series has sold over 100 million copies all over the world, and has been translated into 37 different languages. The inspiration for Twilight came from a dream. Stephenie is married to Christiiaan, and they have three boys. They currently live in Cave Creek, Arizona. 

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/bio.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenie_Meyer

Plot Summary:

Bella Swan's mother has sent her to live with her father in the small town of Forks, Washington. During her first day at high school, she notices five of the most beautiful teenagers she has ever seen. The Cullens, with perfect features and pale skin, all look somewhat alike. However, they seem like an odd group, sitting together at lunch without ever eating any food. In biology class, Bella takes the last empty seat next to Edward Cullen, who seems frustrated and upset by her presence. Bella is embarrassed and confused by his hostility, but soon forgets the strange interaction due to Edward's absence over the next week.

The next time Bella sees Edward in school, his attitude towards her has surprisingly changed. Soon, Bella finds herself drawn to the reserved but attractive boy. Edward is equally enamored by Bella, and they fall in love. But a human and a vampire being in love will prove to be difficult and dangerous, testing the relationship between Edward and Bella.

Critical Evaluation:

The movie adaptation of Twilight follows the original mesmerizing story line. Written with a female adolescent audience in mind, the story tugs beautifully at the audience's heartstrings. The background scenery of Washington, with its stunning forests and greenery, lend a breathtaking element to the movie. The actors captivate the audience with their passionate emotions and true portrayal of Stephenie Meyer's characters. There is amazing chemistry between the lead actors, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, adding another dimension to the film. Additionally, the audience is acutely intrigued by trials of the star-crossed lovers, and the intensity of their relationship.

Genre: Videos, Fantasy - Vampires, Romance

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Interest Age:  13+

Challenge Issue:  Supernatural, Sexually explicit
- The book version of Twilight is an award winning book: New York Times Bestseller, Best Books of 2005 by School Library Journal, ALA Top Ten Books for Young Adults, ALA Top Ten Books for Reluctant Readers
- Compilation of teen reviews and the average reader reviews on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
- Library policy

Why I chose this item: The Twilight book series and movie series are extremely popular among young adults, so I decided this would be a good addition to my collection.

 
Twilight movie trailer

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

          

Title:  Fruits Basket, volume 1    Author:  Natsuki Takaya

ISBN:  9781591826033   Pages:   206
Publisher:  Tokyopop, Inc, Los Angeles, 2004

Readers Annotation:
Tohru Honda is alone in the world, with no place to stay until the Sohmu family takes her in. Tohru soon learns that the kind and generous Sohmu's are not exactly who she thought they were. 

Author Information:

Natsuki Takaya has worked for the Japanese publisher Hakusensha since the early 90's, writing short stories and series. Before she wrote the Fruits Basket series, she wrote Tsubasa O Motsu Mono and Geneimusou.  Fruits Basket quickly gained notoriety, becoming a bestselling manga. As such, Takaya won the highest manga honor by receiving the Kodansha Manga Award. Subsequently, Fruits Basket was turned into a 26 episode anime series in 2001. By 2002, the anime was released in English, and eventually the manga was translated into English as well.  Her Fruits Basket series is the second best-selling shojo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shojo manga in North America.

'Natsuki Takaya'' is actually a pen name for Naka Hatake. Takaya was born July 7, 1973 in Shizuoka, Japan, and was raised in Tokyo. She enjoys video games and working on her various manga series.

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

Plot Summary:

Tohru has not had an easy youth. Her father died when she was three, and after being orphaned by the death of her mother, she was forced to live with her distant and apathetic grandfather. He temporarily kicks Tohru out of his house so he can do some remodeling, giving her no alternative place to stay. But, Tohru is a strong girl, and builds a tent for herself in a nearby forest. She also works for a local diner to make some money. Not long after, Tohru's living arrangements are discovered by the owners of the land, the Sohma family.

The Sohma family are sympathetic to Tohru's plight, and although they are a household of three unmarried males, they offer her a place at their home. In return for their kindness, Tohru gratefully offers to cook and clean, something that was desperately needed in the Sohma home. While living there, Tohru learns a lot about the Sohma family, including their unusual infatuation with the signs of the Zodiac and their secret family curse.

Critical Evaluation:
This lighthearted but intelligently written manga focuses on a story of interpersonal relationships. The characterization is done beautifully, making the story relatable to the audience. Tohru Honda is depicted as somewhat naive, but in truth, she is a pure-hearted and caring person with courage and a positive attitude. Yuki Sohma is intelligent and handsome, but friendless and reserved. Kyo Sohma is volatile and headstrong, with a sensitive streak. Lastly, Shigure Sohma is gentle and kind with a sense of humor, which adds a layer of comic relief to the story.  The action, romance, and dramatic elements of the manga, make the series entertaining and somewhat addicting. The historical aspect of Chinese mythology adds another level of interest and intrigue to the appropriately best selling manga series.

Genre:  Manga/ Romance-Comedy

Curriculum Ties: English - World Literature, World culture - Chinese zodiac

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Tohru Honda's grandfather temporarily kicks her out, and she bravely puts on a smile and learns to fend for herself. Do you think you could be that courageous and take care of yourself without any outside support?
     2.  The Sohmu's take in Tohru Honda as a favor, and she insists on returning their kindness by helping with the housework. Would you offer to repay another's kindness with a kindness of your own, or just accept their charity as it is?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item:  Due to the popularity of manga and graphic novels, and because this book format is great for reluctant readers, I felt it was important to include in my collection.

Further Reading:  Fruits Basket, Volumes 2 - 23

 
Fruits Basket book trailer

Oddly Enough: Stories by Bruce Coville

          

Title:  Oddly Enough: Stories   Author:  Bruce Coville  
ISBN: 015000933  Pages:  122
Publisher:  Harcourt Brace & Company, San Diego, 1994

Readers Annotation:
A collection of nine horror stories including angels, unicorns, werewolves, vampires, brownies, ghosts, monsters, and elves. 

Author Information:

Bruce Coville has written a copious amounts of children's and young adult novels. His debut novel was The Foolish Giant, although Coville is most well-known for his Unicorn Chronicles, My Teacher is an Alien, and Magic Shop series. Additionally, Bruce has collaborated on many works with his wife Kathy, including The Foolish Giant, Sarah's Unicorn, and The Monster's Ring.

Bruce was born on May 16, 1950, in Syracuse, New York. He is married to Katherine Dietz, and together they have three children.  After spending about twenty years in New York City, Bruce has returned to his city of birth, presently living in Syracuse with his wife and kids.

http://www.brucecoville.com/bio.asp

Content/Audience:

These stories are a compilation of works that are both thrilling and humorous. Each story is mysterious and entertaining, appealing to tweens and teens alike. The Box: After receiving a box from an angel,  a young boy strives to keep it safe, waiting for the angel to return. Duffy's Jacket: Forgetful Duffy is given the surprise of his life after a monster delivers his forgotten jacket unexpectedly. Homeward Bound : A young boy's curiosity over a unicorn horn found in his uncle's home, drives him to the point where he becomes a unicorn himself. With His Head Tucked Underneath His Arm : A ghost is tired of the fighting between kingdoms and forces his king to stop the wars. Clean as a Whistle : A happily disorganized young girl is assigned a cleaning brownie, who  must serve her to prevent himself from withering away. The Language of the Blood : The Seers are actually vampires who use blood to see the future and save their village. Old Glory : A boy's great-grandfather gives his life to contest his stolen freedoms. The Passing of the Pack : A dying werewolf asks his human son to take over as leader of the pack. A Blaze of Glory : A young boy's Grandmother spins a tale of helping the elves, an unlikely story which turns out to be true.

Genre: Horror, Short Story

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  In The passing of the pack, a boy's estranged and dying father asks him to take over as leader of the pack. Would you ever feel like you would need to honor a dying parent's request, especially if they've never had anything to do with you?
     2.  The ghost in With his head tucked underneath his arm is determined to stop the kings from fighting and killing more innocent civilians, even if it means staying on earth until the job is done. Have you ever felt so committed to something that you were willing to make a big sacrifice for it?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 11+

Challenge Issue:  Supernatural themes

Why I chose this item: This was suggested  reading material for the horror genre in the YA librarian's guide.

Further Series Reading: Odder Than Ever, Odds Are Good, Oddest of All

Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang

        

Title:  Daughter of Xanadu   Author:  Dori Jones Yang
ISBN:  9780385739238   Pages:  336
Publisher:  Delacorte  Press, New York, 2011

Readers Annotation:
Princess Emmajin, is the granddaughter of the Great Kahn of the Mongol Empire, and has the dream of joining the great army. In turn, Emmajin's grandfather entrusts her with the task of befriending and spying on the foreigner Marco Polo, whose strange ideas and ways take root and dare to question Emmajin's resolve to be a true Mongol warrior. 

Author Information:

Dori Jones Yang conducted research for Daughter of Xanadu by visiting Mongolia and studying its culture. Yang is originally from Ohio and has a keen interest in the Orient. She studied Mandarin Chinese in Singapore, and explored Asia as a foreign correspondent for eight years when she worked for Business Week in Hong Kong. She has written two other books and received high praise for both. 

Yang is married to Chinese born Paul, and together they have a daughter, Emily, who was born in Hong Kong. Currently, she lives near Seattle, Washington. Daughter of Xanadu has been recently nominated for ALA's Best Fiction for Young Adults.

www.dorijonesyang.com

Plot Summary: 
Princess Emmajin, a member of the Golden Family, is the oldest granddaughter of the oldest son of the Great Khublai, ruler of the Mongolian Empire. Her sixteenth birthday is around the corner, and her official adult life will soon begin. Emmajin is best friends with her half-brother Suren, and together they have practiced archery, wrestling, and other male oriented pastimes, an unusual desire of a Mongolian woman. Emmajin has turned down several suitors in the hope of becoming a warrior. Her wish is to truly make a difference in her Empire, instead of living a passive life like most women in her country. When Suren's younger brother challenges all the male cousins to an archery contest, Emmajin is adamant to join and compete. She almost wins, and after observing her skill and bravery, her grandfather entrusts her with a special task.

Emmajin is to befriend and spy on the three foreigners from Christendom. In the process, one of these men, Marco Polo, shows her the world in a different light. After many adventures together, Emmajin starts to doubt some of her previous convictions, surprising herself most of all.

Critical Evaluation:
This historical fiction piece stays true to the time period of the fifth Kahn, subsequent to Genghis Khan's conquest of Mongolia and parts of China. Although some of main characters are fictional, such as Emmajin, Emmajin's sister, and Emmajin's cousin Suren, all other characters are based on real people. The story takes place in 13th century Mongolia, when surrounding countries were still being conquered by the huge empire. Despite the fictional aspects, the Mongolian culture is portrayed truthfully and respectfully.  The story line is realistic, and the emotions of characters are depicted truthfully. Emmajin's character relates her point of view throughout the narrative, thereby allowing the reader to understand the conflict between her previously held beliefs and her new yet foreign ideals. Daughter of Xanadu is truly a spellbinding adventure of an adolescent girl trying to break free of the bonds set by her time and culture.

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  World History - Ghengis Kahn and his dynasty, Chinese and Mongolian History, Marco Polo

Booktalking Ideas: 
     1.  Emmajin wants to fight as a soldier for her grandfather and for Mongolia, but is a female and not readily accepted as a fighter. How would you feel if you lived in a time where women were considered second class or weak?
     2.  Marco Polo and his relatives left their home and country for years at a time. How would you feel leaving your home and everything familiar for that long, without the ability to return even for a short visit?

Reading Level/Interest Age:  13+

Challenge Issue:  none

Why I chose this item: I wanted to include a book with Oriental ethnicity, and thought that its historical accuracy would serve as an asset to my collection.

  
Daughter of Xanadu book trailer

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (Audiobook)

           

Title:  Confessions of a Shopaholic  Author:  Sophie Kinsella

Performed by:  Emily Gray
ISBN:  1419304828  CD's: 10   Running Time:  11.75 hours
Publisher:  Recorded Books, LLC, New York, 2002

Readers Annotation:
Rebecca Bloomwood is a financial journalist who loves to shop. However, when she can't stop her shopping habit and spirals into debt, the only way out for Becky will be with the story of a lifetime.  

Author Information:
Sophie Kinsella, a former financial journalist, started writing under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. Her first book The Tennis Party, became a top ten bestseller. In 2000, Kinsella became a bestselling UK author with her novel Confessions of a Shopaholic. Outside the Shopaholic series, Kinsella has also written Can You Keep a Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, and Twenties Girl. Sophie was born in London, where she lives presently with her husband and children.

http://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk/sophies-world/Biography/

Narrator Information:  

Emily Gray went to college at Warwick University, and graduated with honors. She also trained at Drama Studio London. Gray has performed in Too Rustic! at the Chelsea Playhouse, The Phantom Lady, The Way of the World, The Oresteia, Blithe Spirit at the Pearl Theatre Company, and Yes Is for a Very Young Man at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange. She's also played the part of Goneril of King Lear in a documentary for BBC 2.

Plot Summary: 
Rebecca Bloomwood, known as Becky by her family and friends, lives in a trendy neighborhood with her best friend Suze working as a financial journalist with Successful Savings. However, her favorite thing is not writing journal articles about money. Instead, Becky likes to spend money. Becky knows shopping like the back of her hand, and loves to peruse high end stores during her spare time. The problem is, all this shopping has put Becky in a tremendous amount of debt. Her situation gets to be so bad, that Becky refuses to even look at the menacing letters being sent by her credit card companies and her bank. While Becky tries to fix all of her problems, she encounters love, bravery, loyalty, and begins to discover much about herself.    

Critical Evaluation:

The narrator pulls the listener into the story by speaking in the manner in which the prose has been written. Truly, one can feel the story come alive as the single narrator uses different sounding voices to differentiate between the main character and supporting characters. This, coupled with the author's style, allows the reader to 'hear' the female protagonist's thoughts, making for an intriguing and entertaining tale. The author intermittently adds laugh out loud humor to the narrative, and in general, the entire book is somewhat light and fun. Interspersed with the threatening letters that Becky has received from various financial  institutions, the reader also gets a feel for her increasing stress that results from her shopping addiction. Confessions of a Shopaholic appeals specifically to the reader who similarly desires to always be shopping for fun and new items. 

Genre:  Humor/Fiction

Curriculum Ties:  Culture - British lifestyle, Addiction

Book-talking Ideas: 

     1. Becky is constantly rationalizing her shopaholic tendencies. Do you know anyone who has a shopping addiction?

     2. Becky attempts to curb her shopping addiction by cutting back. Have you ever been on a budget and had to cut back, and found it difficult?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 16+

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item: I remember liking the movie, and thought that the shopping and addiction aspects would speak to my teenage audience. Additionally, I wanted to include an audio-book in my collection.

Further Series Reading: Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic & Sister, Shopaholic & Baby, Mini-Shopaholic