Pretty. Odd. (Album)

Pretty. Odd. (Album) Release date: 2008. Group: Panic! At the Disco. Record Label: Fueled by Ramen. ASIN: B00132D808.

Tracks:

1. We’re So Starving
2. Nine in the Afternoon
3. She’s a Handsome Woman
4. Do You Know What I’m Seeing?
5. That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)
 6. I Have Friends in Holy Spaces
7. Northern Downpour
8. When the Day Met the Night
9. Pas de Cheval
10. The Piano Knows Something I Don’t
11. Behind the Sea
12. Folkin’ Around
 13. She Had the World
14. From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins
15. Mad As Rabbits

Critical evaluation: Pretty. Odd. is the second album released by the band Panic! At the Disco following their hit 2005 record, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. Often labeled as “emo” or “pop rock,” the album actually contains many musical styles that make it difficult to fit into one genre. The majority of the tracks are up-tempo with a positive feeling that can only be described as “happy.” The first single released from the album “Nine in the Afternoon” is easy and fun to listen to, and most teens would probably enjoy dancing to it as well. A lot of the other tracks are also good dance tunes, including “I Have Friends in Holy Spaces” and “Pas de Cheval.” The music incorporates a vast array of instruments in a manner very similar to the Beatles. Most tracks have a brass component; it almost sounds as if a marching band was present for these recordings. Other songs, however, include non-wind instruments, like banjoes, chimes and pianos. The result is a fun, energetic and creative album with many unique songs. Although the group has been primarily labeled as a “teen band,” this album will appeal to all ages of listeners who enjoy earlier groups like the Beatles and the Kinks.

Listeners's annotation: Panic! At the Disco brings an element of fun to their second album. Tracks include a variety of instruments, including brass, chimes, and banjoes.

About the band: Panic! At the Disco was formed in 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada by friends Ryan Ross and Spencer Smith. Later, Ross and Smith recruited member Brent Wilson who knew lead singer Brendon Urie from high school. The band wrote several songs and eventually contacted Fall Out Boy member Pete Wentz who, after hearing their music, signed them to his record label Fueled by Ramen. In 2005, the band released their first album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out which featured their first single “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” The video for this song went on to win the 2006 MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. In 2006, Brent Wilson left the group, but claimed he was fired. Jon Walker, longtime friend of the band, became Wilson’s replacement on their 2006 European tour. At the same time, the band’s first album went platinum. In 2007, the band began to write their second album Pretty. Odd. which was released in 2008. In March of 2008, the album debuted at number two in the United States, and several months later the band began its second world tour. In 2009, band members Ross and Walker decided to leave the group and formed The Young Veins. The remaining group members plan to release their next album in early 2011. (from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic!_at_the_Disco and www.panicatthedisco.com/).

Genre: Rock

Curriculum ties:
Music history (influence of past artists on modern groups)

Booktalking ideas:
Influence of music on popular culture
Influence and impact of music on lives of teens
Music history (influence of past artists on modern groups)

Reading level/Interest Age:
13 and up

Challenge issues:
Some lyrics mention alcohol, some are slightly suggestive.

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Recommend parent listen to album before child listens.
Recommend parent read song lyrics before child listens to music.  


Reasons for inclusion:
Popular album.
Positive reviews by many music critics.  

Split (Novel)

Split (Novel) Release date: 2010. Author: Stefan Petrucha. Publisher: Walker Publishing Company. ISBN: 9780802793720.

Plot summary: Wade Jackson’s story is an unusual one. After his mother’s death, Wade faces a tough decision about his life: should he stay in high school and be an upstanding citizen, or should he leave it all behind to pursue his love for music? In Split, Wade doesn’t have the make the choice: somehow his life gets divided in two. In one world, Wade is a straight-A student, in love with his girlfriend, Denby, trying to save the world from the dangers he discovers in the Prometheus particle accelerator, the main employer for his small town. In the other, Wade is a charismatic, indifferent musician. The Prometheus particle accelerator has been long shut down, turning his town into a shabby wasteland. In this world, Wade lives in the Rat, a coffee house where his sometimes girlfriend Denby tries her best to get him to commit. Each Wade has a vague idea that the other exists, mistaking their two lives for dreams. As things in each world get more difficult, however, it is clear that the only person who can help save Wade is himself, the other version of himself, that is.

Critical evaluation: Split is a very unique and unusual story. While there is a plot for each version of Wade’s life, the character of Wade himself is what the novel is truly about. It takes the reader several chapters to understand the “split” in the story. Each chapter is told by a different version of Wade, alternating between the clean-cut and musician personas. Some characters overlap between the two worlds: Wade’s girlfriend Denby and his friend Anthony play large roles in both, but Wade’s father in the clean-cut world is replaced by bar owner, Po, in the musician world. This “split” is the focus of the story, but it is this aspect that will be difficult for some teens to grasp. The reason behind the split is not explained, and when the two versions of Wade begin to interact with one another as separate people, the concept gets to be more confusing. Teens that enjoy cerebral stories will be able to invest enough in the story to reach the ultimately satisfying conclusion, but even science-fiction fans may lose interest. Petrucha has created an original novel, but, while the main character is a teen, Split is most likely better suited for adults who are willing to muscle through the initial confusion.

About the author: Born in the Bronx, New York in 1959, Stefan Petrucha has written a large variety of works for both teens and adults. A fan of horror, science-fiction and comic books, Petrucha began writing his own stories at age ten. Although he has always preferred creating fiction, Petrucha has also worked as a technical writer, an educational writer, public relations writer, and editor for trade journals. His first novel, Making God was published in 1997 for adults. Since then, Petrucha has written several more novels for both adults as teens, and has also written many graphic novels in the Nancy Drew, Girl Detective and X-Files series. Petrucha lives in Massachusetts with his wife and children. (from http://www.petrucha.com/)

Genre: Science-fiction

Curriculum ties:
Particle acceleration

Booktalking ideas:
Death
Identities and personas
Life decisions

Reading level/Interest Age:
14 and up

Challenge issues:
Runaway
Violence
Rebelling against authorityChallenge counterpoints:Recommended for ages 14 and up.
Recommend parent read book before child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.
Recommend parent discuss running away, and what it means in the real world.


Reasons for inclusion:
Positive review from Booklist.

Reader's annotation: After his mother’s death, Wade Jackson’s identity split: in one world, he is a straight-edged computer geek, in the other, a footloose and fancy-free musician. As Wade’s lives get more and more complicated, his two personas will start to grow closer together.    

The Date Book: A Teen Girl's Complete Guide to Going Out With Someone New (Book)

The Date Book: A Teen Girl’s Complete Guide to Going Out With Someone New (Book) Release date: 2007. Author: Erika Stalder. Publisher: Zest Books. ISBN: 9780977266081.

Plot summary: The Date Book provides a comprehensive approach to tackling one of the most daunting tasks a teenager must face: going on a first-date with someone new. Divided into ten chapters, the contents of the guide cover everything from flirting, deciding what kind of date to have, how to get parental approval for the date, what to wear, and setting physical limitations. Chapters include additional features like quizzes, worksheets, a “dating contract,” and an area to journal dating experiences. The book also provides sample conversations for teen girls to have with parents, to get out of a bad date, or to let their date know they’re not interested in physical advances. The guide helps break down dating “myths” as well, such as it being inappropriate for a girl to ask a guy out on a date, that group or double dates are not as effective as one-on-one dating, and that being “meek” is the best way to behave to make a good impression.

Critical evaluation: Although it is only appropriate for heterosexual teen girls, The Date Book is a very useful guide for tackling the oft troublesome dating situation. Full of advice that will appeal to teens, the book provides a holistic approach to dating. The opening chapters outline the art of flirtation and deciding what kind of date to have. A quiz gives readers a chance to determine what kind of date they would enjoy the most. These personalized aspects of the guide are especially appealing for teens. Several areas in the book provide fill-in charts to set up dating parameters, decide on the perfect outfit, and keep track of past dating experiences. One of the most important chapters in the book deals with dating “red flags.” This section is very relevant for teen girls as it advises against dating someone who has trouble controlling their anger, engages in dangerous activities, or is much older. While it might seem like an awkward read for some teens, The Date Book is a very useful guide for girls who are entering the dating world.

Reader's annotation: The mysteries of dating are unraveled in this helpful guide to going out with someone new!   

About the author: Erika Stalder is an author of advice books and guides for teens. She also has a regular advice column and blog, "Dear Erika," devoted to the same topic. Stalder has written several books for teens including 97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (2007), The Date Book: A Teen Girl's Complete Guide to Going Out With Someone New (2007), Fashion 101: A Crash Course in Clothing (2008), and In the Driver's Seat: A Girl's Guide to Her First Car (2009). In addition to writing, Stalder has also created a workshop about dating, and held a "Girl Summit" in 2007 to address important topics for teens. (from erikastalder.com/home/)
 

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum ties:
Safe dating

Booktalking ideas:
Dating
Relationships
Safe dating
Teenage sexuality

Reading level/Interest Age:
14 and up

Challenge issues:
Limited to heterosexual teenage girls
Includes information on how to convince parents to allow dating.
Does not advocate against sexual contact.  Challenge counterpoints:Recommend parent discuss family rules about dating with child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.


Reasons for inclusion:
Well-known author who has written several other “guides” for teens.
Author’s works have consistently received positive reviews.  

Seveteen Presents 500 Style Tips: What to Wear for School, Weekend, Parties & More! (Book)

Seventeen Presents 500 Style Tips: What to Wear for School, Weekend, Parties & More! (Book)  Release date: 2008. Author: Emmy Favilla. Publisher: Hearst Communications, Inc. ISBN: 9781588166418.

Plot summary: This guide, published by Seventeen magazine, contains five hundred illustrated style tips for teen girls of all ages. Each page of this pocket-sized book contains a color picture depicting the styling tip. The book is divided into six chapters to help teens navigate: school, weekend, party, date, work, and pool. An index also helps organize the content of the guide. The advice in the guide ranges from jewelry and shoe selections, to dressing up jeans, how to hide bra straps when wearing a halter dress, and how to look professional and polished at the workplace. The guide also includes tips on pairing the right clothing with the right body type, what articles have a slimming affect, and how to be stylish at school while still wearing appropriate clothing. The tips in the guide are exclusively for girls, and do not include certain “genres” of attire, such as “gothic” or “punk.”

Critical evaluation: This fun book of style tips is an interesting but useful guide for teen girls. The advice is practical but also age appropriate and conscious of dress codes that teens may have to abide by at school or work. The guide also has tips for different body types, with many of the pictures showing plus-sized teens, different ethnicities, and styles. In general, the tips are more suitable for a mainstream girl, and do not include styles like “gothic,” “emo,” or “punk” that many teens are interested in. The book is divided into chapters for different situations, including school, weekend, party, date, work and pool. The majority of the five hundred tips are in the school section, which is helpful for teens as that is where they spend the majority of their time. Overall, this guide will be an inspiration for the majority of teen girls who might need help in making the transition from dressing like a middle school student to dressing like a young woman.

Reader's annotation: Need some help deciding what to wear? This guide contains five hundred tips to get you ready for school, a party, or a date

About the author: Born in Brooklyn, New York, Emmy Favilla is a former editor for Seventeen magazine and freelance magazine writer. She began writing at age six, and graduated from NYU with a degree in journalism. (from greatkillspress.com/fall2005emmyfavilla.html )
 

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum ties:
Fashion design

Booktalking ideas:
Fashion
Different styles of dress
Expressing yourself through fashion

Reading level/Interest Age:
14 and up

Challenge issues:
Limited to mainstream girls
Does not include religious dress codes (i.e. head coverings, shoulder and leg coverings)

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommend parent discuss book with child and determine which styles are appropriate or inappropriate.


Reasons for inclusion:
Published by popular teen magazine.

The Golden Compass (Novel)

The Golden Compass (Novel) Release date: 1995. Author: Philip Pullman. Publisher: Ballantine Books. ISBN: 0345413350.

Plot summary: Eleven-year-old orphan, Lyra Belacqua, lives amongst the professors of Jordan College, Oxford. In Lyra’s world, which exists in an alternate dimension, humans are constantly accompanied by their “daemons,” animal shapeshifters that embody their human counterpart’s soul. Lyra’s days consist of adventures with her best friend, Roger, and other children in the town. Her life is forever changed, however, when her uncle, Lord Asriel, visits the college and Lyra overhears a discussion about a mysterious particle called Dust and how it relates to the Aurora Borealis. What follows is an adventure that takes Lyra to the far reaches of the world where she encounters witches, armored polar bears, sinister religious figures, and an aeronaut. As Lyra attempts to uncover the true nature of Dust, she learns to use a strange compass known as an alethiometer. Lyra quickly discovers that her ability to read the alethiometer, as well as the device itself, are highly sought after by both sides of what turns into a war over who will control the future of Dust.

Critical evaluation: The Golden Compass is an original and enthralling tale that can capture the imagination of all ages, from children and teens to adults. Full of rich imagery, unique characters, and exciting action, Pullman sets the stage for the rest of his Dark Materials Trilogy. Lyra, though only eleven-years-old, is a compelling lead character that will appeal to all readers as well. One of the most interesting plot elements in the novel is the concept of Dust. The discussion of Dust is one that can raise a lot of theological as well as scientific questions. While younger readers might not pick up on these larger themes, older teens and adults will appreciate the complexities of Lyra’s world. The development of the characters is also done well. Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are two of the most interesting. Both charming but clearing concealing ulterior motives, Pullman leaves a lot to be uncovered in the rest of the trilogy about the true nature of these characters. Overall, The Golden Compass is one of the best science-fiction/fantasy novels for not only its age group, but in the genre itself.

Reader's annotation: Lyra Belacqua is a tenacious and adventuresome eleven-year-old orphan who lives among the professors and scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. When her uncle, Lord Asriel, visits the college, however, and Lyra overhears a conversation about a mysterious particle called Dust, she is unprepared for the adventure that she is about to be a part of.

About the author: Born in England in 1946, Philip Pullman spent much of his youth travelling, and was educated in Zimbabwe and Austalia before his family moved to North Wales. Pullman taught at Westminster College for eight years, before focusing on his writing career. Pullman's first novel Count Karlstein was published in 1982 followed by the first book in the Sally Lockhart series The Ruby in the Smoke in 1986. Pullman's novels are written for children and young adults, but are often enjoyed by a wider audience. His most famous works, the His Dark Materials trilogy became very popular after The Golden Compass was published in 1995. The trilogy has received many accolades and awards over the years. In 2001, the third book of the series The Amber Spyglass was the first children's book ever to win the Whitbread Award, putting Pullman in a very special category of authors. Pullman continues to write, and, according to his website, is working on a new book in the His Dark Materials series called The Book of Dust. Due to his many accomplishments, Pullman is one of the foremost authors of young adult literature. (from www.philip-pullman.com/about.asp)
 

Genre: Science-fiction/Fantasy


Curriculum ties:
None

Booktalking ideas:
Scientific experimentation (human/animal subjects)
The existence of the soul
Alternate dimensions

Reading level/Interest Age:
13 and up

Challenge issues:
Religious themes
Child abuse
Violence
Book is routinely challenged by religious groups

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Recommend parent read book before child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.
Recommend parent and child discuss book with religious leader prior to reading.

Reasons for inclusion:
Well known and renowned title with multiple theater, radio, and film adaptations.
On ALA’s list of most challenged (can be featured in Banned Books Week.)

First Time (Novel)

First Time (Novel) Release date: 2008. Author: Meg Tilly. Publisher: Orca Books. ISBN: 9781551439464.

Plot summary: Sixteen-year-old Haley lives with her mother and is a typical high school student. She spends most of her free time with her best friend Lynn, driving to local hangouts in Lynn’s recently purchased car. Things change for Haley when Lynn becomes infatuated with older boy Chad and begins preferring to spend time with her new boyfriend over her Haley. This distancing between friends is nothing, however, compared to what Haley must endure after her mother’s boyfriend, the charming Larry, attempts to rape Haley. With no one to talk to, and full of shame, Haley is continually haunted by the memory of Larry’s abuse. Convinced that she somehow brought the sexual advances on herself, Haley decides to keep Larry’s actions a secret from her mother. But the more Haley internalizes her abuse, the darker her life becomes. Can Haley gather the courage to tell her mother the truth about her seemingly perfect boyfriend?

Critical evaluation: First Time is a “high/low” novel for teens, meaning it is about a topic of high interest to teens, but is written at a low reading level. This type of novel is designed to appeal to reluctant readers, and First Time is an ideal book in this category. Although the novel is not very long, the characters are fully developed and the situations that Haley must deal with are very well portrayed. The distancing between Haley and her best friend Lynn is a common problem for teens and will resonate with readers. The abuse Haley endures from Larry, however, is a far more emotional issue. Larry’s attempted rape is not graphically described, but is terrifying nonetheless. The way Haley deals with the abuse is something many teens in similar situations can also identify with. Haley initially blames herself, thinking that she somehow encouraged Larry’s unwanted advances. As Haley’s life gets darker, the reader experiences her downward spiral as well. First Time is an excellent novel for teens that are having trouble with reading for pleasure, and has an important message as well.

Reader's annotation: Haley’s life is forever changed when her mother’s boyfriend, the handsome and charming Larry, attempts to rape her. Can Haley find the courage to tell her mother the truth?

About the author: Meg Tilly is an author, dancer, and, like sister Jennifer Tilly, an actress. Born in British Columbia in 1960, Tilly moved to the New York City after high school to pursue a career in dance. She studied dance passionately, and even had a role in the movie Fame, but, due to an unfortunate accident that left her with a broken back, had to give up dance. After, Tilly moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting with the help of her sister Jennifer. After several successful years in Hollywood, Tilly began to write in the early 1990s. Her first novel Singing Songs was published in 1994. Her other novels include Porcupine (2007) and Gemma (2010). First Time is Tilly's first novel for reluctant readers. The novel has received many honors, including the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Best Book designation for 2010, a nomination for the 2009 Golden Eagle award, and one of YALSA's Quick Picks.  (from www.officialmegtilly.com/about/biography/)

Genre: Fiction: High/Low


Curriculum ties:
Rape
High/low novel for reluctant reader

Booktalking ideas:
Rape
Single parents
Friendships

Reading level/Interest Age:
8-12 Grade

Challenge issues:
Teen sexuality
Rape

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommended for grades 8-12.
Recommend parent read book before child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.
Offer pamphlet/flier for teens about sexual assault.

Reasons for inclusion:
Positive reviews from multiple sources (Library Media Connection, VOYA, Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee).
Important to have high/low novels in collection for reluctant readers.

Life in the Fat Lane (Novel)

Life in the Fat Lane (Novel) Release date: 1998. Author: Cherie Bennett. Publisher: Dell Laurel-Leaf. ISBN: 0440220297.

Plot summary: Junior in high school, Lara Ardeche, has the perfect life. Beautiful, popular and thin, Lara has spent her life competing in and winning beauty pageants. Her beautiful, thin mother and handsome father adore her, as does her cool boyfriend Jett and her best friend, Molly. Lara's life becomes even better when she is elected homecoming queen, despite the fact that she's just a junior. In the months following her homecoming victory, however, Lara's life becomes a living hell as she inexplicably begins to gain weight very rapidly. As she grows bigger and bigger, her popular friends abandon her, and Lara tries everything to get back to her former thin self. Matters are only worsened by her "perfect" parents who constantly pressure her to diet. After rigorous medical testing, Lara finally discovers that a rare metabolic disorder is the cause of her weight gain, a disorder for which there is no cure. As Lara's life continues to fall apart, she discovers that perhaps things were not as perfect as she had imagined, even when she was thin.

Critical evaluation: Life in the Fat Lane provides a unique view of the teenage obsession with appearance as Lara Ardeche experiences both sides of the coin. Beginning the novel as a thin, beautiful and popular homecoming queen, the reader sees the benefits of fitting in with society's ideal image. As Lara gains weight rapidly, eventually ending up a size 24, the emotional torment she experiences illustrates the loneliness of being "different." As the reader transitions with Lara from beauty queen to "freak," Bennett takes the audience on the heartbreaking journey with her character. Secondary to Lara's weight disorder but equally heartbreaking is the breakdown of Lara's parents' marriage. Lara's mother provides a clear image of the future Lara may have had as a thin, beautiful woman, particularly the fact that this future is far from perfect. Overall, Life in the Fat Lane is a realistic look at what happens when the lie of perfection fails, and how to overcome the realization that apperances aren't everything.

Reader's annotation: Lara Ardeche is perfect; thin, beautiful and popular she is a lifelong pageant winner and recently elected homecoming queen. Lara's life changes forever, however, as she rapidly and inexplicably gains weight

About the author: Cherie Bennett is a novelist, actress, playwright, and has a syndicated advice column for teens called "Hey Cherie!" Bennett's father, a writer for such television shows as The Twilight Zone and Your Show of Shows was an inspiration for his daughter to begin writing. Before becoming a novelist, Bennett penned many successful plays including Honky Tonk Angels which was sold to TriStar pictures in 1992. Her first novel, Life in the Fat Lane (1998) brought her even greater notoriety after it won ALA's Best Book for Young Adults award in 1999. Bennett has also written other critically acclaimed books for young adults, including A Heart Divided (2004), Anne Frank and Me (2001), and Searching for David's Heart (1998). Many of Bennett's plays have been adapted to novels, and vice versa. Cherie and her husband Jeff, also an author, live in Salt Lake City, Utah. (from www.cheriebennett.com/about.asp)

Genre: Fiction


Curriculum ties:
Eating disorders
Metabolic disorders

Booktalking ideas:
Eating disorders
Popularity and image
Divorce
Weight gain and loss
Parental pressure

Reading level/Interest Age:
8-12 Grade

Challenge issues:
Sexuality
Father having an affair
Unhealthy eating habits (binge and purge, anorexia, laxatives)

Challenge counterpoints:
Recommended for grades 8-12.
Recommend parent read book before child.
Recommend parent discuss book with child.
Recommend parent or doctor discuss healthy eating habits with child.

Reasons for inclusion:
Positive reviews from Publisher's Weekly and School Library Journal.
Winner of ALA's Best Book for Young Adults award 1999.