Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Little Brother (Novel)

Little Brother (Novel) Release date: 2008. Author: Cory Doctorow. Publisher: Tor Teen. ISBN: 978-0765323118. 

Plot summary: Tech-savvy, gamer Marcus Yallow is a high school senior in a San Francisco of the very near future. Constantly trying to evade his school's many security systems to play hooky, Marcus with his three best friends, Darryl, Vanessa (Van) and Jose Luis (Jolu), spends his time playing alternatate reality games and jaunting around his beloved city streets. One ordinary day, however, Marcus, Darryl, Van and Jolu get caught up in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in US history, and are taken into custody by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). After being brutally interrogated, Marcus, Van and Jolu are released from prison and warned to never speak of their experiences as prisoners of the DHS. The return to their lives in San Francisco, only to find that the city is now overrun by menacing security precautions implemented by the DHS. Determined to expose the crimes committed by the DHS and thwart their efforts to "prevent future terrorist attacks," Marcus begins an all-out cyber war on the corrupt government agency. Using his computer hacking skills, new found love interest, Ange, and an army of high school students, Marcus delves deeper and deeper into his web of revenge. Will he be able to win this war, or will the government maintain its vice grip on lives of its citizens?

Critical evaluation: Full to the brim with techno jargon, pop culture references, and "leet," Cory Doctorow's Little Brother is an entertaining, if somewhat far-fetched, story about how far governments can and should go to keep their citizens safe. The story is told in the first person by Marcus Yallow, high school senior and generally cocky computer hacker, who involuntarily becomes involed with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a large-scale terrorist attack on his beloved San Francisco. Bay area residents will appreciate Marcus' references to San Francisco streets and neighborhoods, and Doctorow's descriptions of the city are clever to the point that it almost becomes as important a character as Marcus himself. Equally as compelling are Doctorow's detailed descriptions of the methods Marcus uses to thwart the DHS, making the novel almost a lesson in computer technology and security systems. By the end of the story, the reader will have a clear understanding of "arphids," "gait tracking software," "Linux," and much more. Apart from the obvious mischief and havoc Marcus causes by exploiting his computer skills, the novel also acts as a critical examination of the application of these technologies in monitoring the behaviors of American citizens. Even before the terrorist attacks, it is clear that the world Marcus lives in is one of heavy surveillance. Using the experiences of his characters, Doctorow shows a very possible future of security taken to the extreme. Overall, the novel is a very relevant and thought-provoking read for teens and adults alike.

Reader's annotation: After being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus Yallow, high school senior and computer whiz, launches a cyber war against the corrupt Department of Homeland Security that brutally interrogated him and his best friends following a terrorist attack.

About the author: Cory Doctorow is an author, journalist, blogger and self-described "technology activist." One of Doctorow's biggest areas of activism concerns copyright laws, which he believes should be much more liberal. Most of Doctorow's own novels have been published under Creative Commons licenses, allowing digital copies to be circulated free of charge as long as they are not used for money-making purposes. Many of Doctorow's novels focus on technology, privacy, and intellectual property. In addition to his novels, Doctorow is also the co-editor of the popular blog Boing Boing. Doctorow's latest novel For the Win was released in May 2010. Like Little Brother, For the Win is a young adult novel focusing on technology and how it impacts the lives of teens. (from craphound.com)


Genre: Fiction


Curriculum ties:
Terrorism and national security
Applications of computer technology
Government surveillance

Booktalking ideas:

Terrorism and national security
Applications of computer technology
Government surveillance
Friendships during times of violence or fear
Disagreeing with parents on political or social issues


Reading level/Interest Age:
8-12 Grade


Challenge issues:
Sexuality
Language

Torture
Strong themes (terrorism, secret prisons)
Using computer technology to cause havoc or mischief
Truancy

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommended for grades 8-12.
Recommend parent read book before child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.
Critically acclaimed.

Reasons for inclusion:
New York Times bestseller for six weeks
Winner of 2009 White Pine Award
Winner of 2009 Prometheus Award
Winner of 2009 John W. Campbell Memorial Award
Finalist for Hugo Award for Best Novel

Monday, September 27, 2010

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (DVD)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (DVD) Release date: 1986. Performers: Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey. Studio: Paramount Pictures. Director: John Hughes. Screenplay: John Hughes. ISBN: 0097360313345.

Plot summary: Well-known 1980’s teen movie writer and director John Hughes introduces the world to one of his most famous characters in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Played by Matthew Broderick, Ferris Bueller is fun-loving, popular, and charismatic, and, for one day, decides he has no other choice but to take the day off from school. Ferris begins his day by explaining to the audience in detail how to successfully fake sick, then goes on to enlist the help of best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) to help get girlfriend Simone (Mia Sara) out of school too. The trio spend a whirlwind day experiencing all that downtown Chicago has to offer, including art museums, baseball games, the Sears Tower, and a ritzy lunch. School principal Ed Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), however, realizes he has been outsmarted by Ferris one too many times, and spends the day attempting to catch Ferris in the act and prove he is not really as sick as they have been lead to believe. Also determined to ensure Ferris’ day goes awry is his bitter younger sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), who is tired of playing second fiddle to her brother’s popularity. Will Ferris be able to have the exciting day off he has planned without getting caught, or will Mr. Rooney and Jeanie finally get their revenge?

Critical evaluation: Few films stand the test of time quite like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has managed. Although it was released almost 25 years ago, the plot and characters are still just as appealing to teens and adults as they were in 1986. Perhaps one of the primary reasons this movie is still considered one of the finest for the high school audience is the charisma and lovability of Matthew Broderick as Ferris. Broderick’s endearing and believable portrayal of a character who, based on his actions, is actually quite deceptive and crafty drives the majority of the film. Never once does the audience want Ferris to fail, relishing instead in the increasingly bizarre predicaments of Ferris’ principal, Mr. Rooney, and sister, Jeanie. Not to be overlooked in the film, however, are the very real, hard-hitting issues raised by Ferris’ neglected, neurotic best friend, Cameron. From the start of the movie, it is clear that Cameron is the embodiment of the struggles many teens have with their parents, particularly the fragile father-son relationship. Cameron's efforts to work through these issues as Ferris tries his best to show him a good time create an important and touching sub-plot. Overall, a very relevant and entertaining film for teens and adults, despite its age.

Reader's annotation: Ferris Bueller rules his high school, but today he can't see any way around taking the day off. Watch as Ferris, his best friend, Cameron, and his girlfriend, Simone, try to outwit their menancing principal while having as much fun as possible in one day!

About the author (screenplay): John Hughes was one of the most well-known writers and directors of teen movies in the 1980s and early 1990s. Born in 1950 and passing away just recently in August of 2009, Hughes' films are among the most famous and beloved of their time. Besides Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Hughes was also the mind behind National Lampoon's Vacation, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Uncle Buck, and Home Alone. Many of Hughes' films stand out due to many of the characteristics they share. Typically, Hughes' films take place in Illinois, which plays a large role in the plot. Hughes' scripts also included characters speaking directly to the audience, something that was usually looked down upon in films up until that point. Hughes also emphasized popular culture and music in his films, making them veritable time capsules for their generation. Despite retreating from the public eye in 1994, Hughes' films are universally acknowledged as some of the best, not only for teens, but for all ages to love and enjoy. Hughes died peacefully in New York of a heart attack at age 59. (from www.imdb.com/name/nm0000455/)

Genre: Comedy

Curriculum ties:

1980's pop-culture

Booktalking ideas:

Skipping school/school attendance
Relationships between students, teachers and administrators
Father-son relationships
Sibling rivalry
1980's pop-culture

Reading level/Interest age: MPAA PG-13

Challenge issues:
Language
Truancy
Lying to parents, teachers and administrators

Challenge counterpoints:
MPAA rating of PG-13 acts as guide for parent.
Recommend parent watch film before children if concerned about content.
Recommend parent discuss items checked out from library with children if concerned child might check-out item from library and view without their knowledge.
Recommend parent watch film with child.
Recommend parent discuss truancy with child and set-up family policy.


Reasons for inclusion:
Crically acclaimed and popular. Written and directed by John Hughes, one of most notable writer/directors in young adult films.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Can't Hardly Wait (DVD)

Can't Hardly Wait (DVD) Release date: 1998. Performers: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Charlie Korsmo, Lauren Ambrose, Peter Facinelli, Seth Green. Studio: Columbia Pictures Corporation. Director: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan. Screenplay: Harry Elfont, Deborah Kaplan. ISBN: 9780671026455.

Plot summary: Can't Hardly Wait tells the story of the senior class of Huntington High as they spend their graduation night at their final high school party. The lives of the students intertwine as nice guy Preston (Ethan Embry) tries to declare his long-time love for popular girl Amanda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who has just been dumped by cool jock Mike (Peter Facinelli.) Also involved in the party antics are Preston's anti-social best friend Denise (Lauren Ambrose) and her former friend turned "gangster wannabe" Kenny (Seth Green) as they discover their friendship never ended, and geeky William (Charlie Korsmo) as he seeks revenge for years of torment from Mike the rest of the popular crowd. As the night continues, things don't go as planned for the seniors, but the party becomes a chance to right past wrongs and finish high school without any regrets.

Critical evaluation: Often overlooked by critics, Can't Hardly Wait, though somewhat outdated, is one of the most entertaining and heartwarming movies about life before and after high school. The all-star cast brings their own unique personality to each of the characters, representing their own high school niche. Although the story of Preston's love for Amanda is the focal point of the film, one of the most touching plotlines is that of Denise and Kenny, former elementary school friends who grew apart during middle school. This is a sad but common tale for many students, and will certainly resonate with teens and adults alike as they reflect on their own experiences while watching the film. Despite the late 90's references and absence of cell phones, Can't Hardly Wait is a fun yet poignant story about closing childhood doors and entering adulthood.

Reader's annotation: The seniors of Huntington High are in for a wild night as they celebrate their graduation with one final party. Relationships are ended, new flames are kindled, and past wrongs are righted as the seniors surge forward into the next phase of their lives.

About the author (screenplay): Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan are a writing team who, together, have written the screenplays for many popular and successful films. Can't Hardly Wait is one of two films that was both written and directed by the team (the other is Josie and the Pussycats, 2001). Elfont and Kaplan met eachother while attending New York University's Tisch School of Arts, and, after both moving to Los Angeles, decided to form a writing and directing team. Some of Elfont and Kaplan's other screenplays include A Very Brady Sequel (1996), Surviving Christmas (2004), and Leap Year (2010). Can't Hardly Wait was the team's directorial debut. (from madeinatlantis.com/filmmakers/kaplan_elfont_bio.htm)

Genre: Comedy

Curriculum ties: N/A

Booktalking ideas:Social aspects of high school
Bullying
Dating and relationships
Graduation
Teenage sexuality
Teen partying (drinking)

Reading level/Interest age: MPAA PG-13 for teen drinking, sexuality and language.

Challenge issues:
Language
Sexual content
Teen drinking

Challenge counterpoints:
MPAA rating of PG-13 and warnings about language and content act as guide for parent.
Recommend parent watch film before children if concerned about content.
Recommend parent discuss items checked out from library with children if concerned child might check-out item from library and view without their knowledge.
Recommend parent watch film with child.

Reasons for inclusion:
Crically acclaimed and popular

Monday, September 13, 2010

Mean Girls (DVD)

Mean Girls (DVD) Release date: 2004. Performers: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Lacey Chabert, Amanda Seyfried, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Tim Meadows, Lizzy Caplan. Studio: Paramount Pictures. Director: Mark Waters. Screenplay: Tina Fey. ISBN: 097363416043.


Plot summary:
Based on the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, Mean Girls tells the story of Cady (Lindsay Lohan), a formerly homeschooled 16-year-old raised in Africa, as she is thrown head first into a mainstream American high school. Through Cady's experiences interacting with new friends and foes, the absurdities, humor and challenges of high school are presented. An all-star cast includes Rachel McAdams as Regina, the "queen bee" of the popular "plastics," Lacey Chabert and Amanda Seyfried as Regina's not-so-loyal followers, Tina Fey as Cady's well-meaning math teacher, and Lizzy Caplan as Cady's rebellious, "art freak" best friend. As various social groups seek to show Cady the ropes of their school, she becomes more entwined in plots resulting from years of clique warfare. She survived a childhood in the wilderness of Africa, but Cady’s chances of surviving two years of high school seem increasingly unlikely.

Critical evaluation:
Mean Girls is one of the defining films of internet generation teens. Tina Fey's clever screenplay coupled with the talents of the cast create an entertaining but reflective movie that appeals to teens and adults alike. Lindsay Lohan turns in arguably her best performance as new girl Cady. Her transformation from smart and compassionate to queen bee of the popular plastics is extremely believable. Equally as entertaining is Rachel McAdams as Regina, the ultimate mean girl. Regina is so vicious and coldhearted the audience almost feels sorry for her once her lustor begins to fade. The supporting cast is also wonderful, especially Saturday Night Live alums, Tina Fey, Tim Meadows and Amy Poehler. This hilarious tale will strike a cord with any current, or former, high school student who can attest to the truth in the cliques, lies, plots, and ultimate redemptions. An absolute must-see.


Reader's annotation:
The daughter of research zoologists, sixteen-year-old Cady has lived an adventurous but sheltered life in the wilds of Africa. After moving to the suburbs of Chicago and being thrown headfirst into the wilds of high school, will Cady survive when she falls for the ex-boyfriend of the most popular girl in school?

About the author (screenplay): Actress, writer and Saturday Night Live alum, Tina Fey, has become one of the most influential people in Hollywood in recent years. In 2008 she received the Associated Press Entertainer of the Year award. Born in 1970, Fey got her start in entertainment performing with the Second City comedy group. She began writing for Saturday Night Live in 1997, and performed on in sketches on the show from 2000-2006. The screenplay for Mean Girls was Fey's screenplay writing debut. In 2002, Fey wrote a pilot for the now hugely successful TV show 30 Rock. (from www.imdb.com/name/nm0275486/)


 
Genre: Comedy


Curriculum ties: N/A


Booktalking ideas:
Social aspects of middle and high school
Dangers of gossiping
Homeschooling vs. public school
Teenage sexuality
Teen partying (drinking, drug use)


Reading level/Interest age: MPAA PG-13 for coarse language, sexual content.

Challenge issues:
Coarse language
Sexual content
Teen drinking
Negative attitudes and behaviors of characters

Challenge counterpoints:
MPAA rating of PG-13 and warnings about language and content act as guide for parent.
Recommend parent watch film before children if concerned about content.
Recommend parent discuss items checked out from library with children if concerned child might check-out item from library and view without their knowledge.
Recommend parent watch film with child.

Reasons for inclusion:
Critically acclaimed and popular
Based on popular work of non-fiction