List of Titles

Below are the titles of all the various materials I've reviewed in my blog this semester. Enjoy!

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death (Novel) Release date: 1995. Author: Paul Fleischman. Publisher: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763621896.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Novel) Release date: 1943. Author: Betty Smith. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc. ASIN: B00365QTQK.

The Boyfriend (Novel) Release date: 1990. Author: R.L. Stine. Publisher: Scholastic Inc. ISBN: 0590432796.

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.

Catching Fire (Novel) Release date: 2009. Author: Suzanne Collins. Publisher: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780439023498.

The Clan of the Cave Bear (Novel) Release date: 1980. Author: Jean M. Auel. Publisher: Crown Publishers. ISBN: 9780553381672.

Crush du Jour (Novel) Release date: 2007. Author: Micol Ostow. Publisher: Simon Pulse. ISBN: 9781416950271.

Cut (Novel) Release date: 2000. Author: Patricia McCormick. Publisher: PUSH. ISBN: 0439324599.

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.

Emily the Strange: Lost, Dark and Bored, Volume 1. (Graphic Novel) Release date: 2006. Author: Rob Reger and Buzz Parker. Publisher: Dark Horse Books. ISBN: 9781593075736.

The Fame (Album) Release date: 2008. Artist: Lady Gaga. Record Label: Interscope. ASIN: B001GM28HO.

Fearless (Album) Release date: 2008. Artist: Taylor Swift. Record Label: Big Machine Records. ASIN: B001EYGOEM.

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 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting    

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

GamePro (Magazine) Published since: 1989. Creators: Patrick Ferrell, Leeanne McDermott, Michael Kavish, Lynne Kavish. Publisher: IDG Communications. ISSN: 10428658.

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood (Novel) Release date: 2010. Author: Eileen Cook. Publisher: Simon Pulse. ISBN: 9781416974338.

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

Heathers (DVD) Release date: 1989. Performers: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Kim Walker, Lisanne Falk. Studio: New World Pictures. Director: Michael Lehmann. Screenplay: Daniel Waters. ASIN: B001KZNH4.

The House of Lost Souls (Novel) Release date: 2007. Author: F.G. Cottam. Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN: 9780340953860.

The Hunger Games (Novel) Release date: 2008. Author: Suzanne Collins. Publisher: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780439023528.

I am Number Four (Novel) Release date: 2010. Author: Pittacus Lore. Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780061969553.

Interview with the Vampire (Novel) Release date: 1976. Author: Anne Rice. Publisher: Ballantine Books. ISBN: 0345409647.

J-14 (Magazine) Published since: 2000. Publisher: Bauer Media Group. ASIN: B00005OM4W.

Lessons from a Dead Girl (Novel) Release date: 2007. Author: Jo Knowles. Publisher: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763644857.

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

Life Lists for Teens (Book) Release date: 2003. Author: Pamela Espeland. Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing. ISBN: 1575421259.

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

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.

My Soul To Take (Novel) Release date: 2009. Author: Rachel Vincent. Publisher: Harlequin Teen. ISBN: 9780373210039.

97 Things To Do Before You Finish High School (Book) Release date: 2007. Author: Steven Jenkins and Erika Stalder. Publisher: Zest Books. ISBN: 9780979017308.

Northanger Abbey (Novel) Release date: 1818. Author: Jane Austen. Publisher: CreateSpace (2010). ISBN: 9781453767535.

Parrotfish (Novel) Release date: 2007. Author: Ellen Wittlinger. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416916222.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Novel) Release date: 1999. Author: Stephen Chbosky. Publisher: Pocket Books. ISBN: 9780671027346.

The Plain Janes (Graphic Novel) Release date: 2007. Author: Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg. Publisher: DC Comics. ISBN: 9781401211158.

Points of View Reference Center (Database) Publisher: EBSCOhost. URL: www.ebscohost.com/public/points-of-view-reference-center. Accessed through: Santa Clara County Library.

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

Pride and Prejudice (Novel) Release date: 1813. Author: Jane Austen. Publisher: Tribeca Books (2010). ISBN: 9781936594290.

Science Online (Database) Publisher: Facts on File. URL: http://www.fofweb.com/Science/. Accessed through: Santa Clara County Library.

Sense and Sensibility (Novel) Release date: 1811. Author: Jane Austen. Publisher: CreateSpace (2010). ISBN: 9781451539400.

Seventeen (Magazine) Published since: 1944. Creator: Walter Annenberg. Publisher: Hearst Corporation. ISSN: 0037301X.

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.

Shonen Jump (Magazine) Published since: 2002. Creator: Based on magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump in Japan. Publisher: VIZ Media, LLC. ISSN: 15457818.

The Sims 3 (Game) Release date: 2009. Creator: Electronic Arts. Platform: PC. ASIN: B000166N6SA.

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

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (Game) Release date: 2010. Creator: LucasArts. Platform: Playstation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PC. ASIN: B0030F1D00 (PS3), B0030EU3TG (XBOX 360), B0030F1DQC (Wii), B0030EU400 (DS), B00302182A (PC).

The Subtle Knife (Novel) Release date: 1997. Author: Philip Pullman. Publisher: Scholastic Poitn. ISBN: 0590112899.

Super Mario Galaxy (Game) Release date: 2007. Creator: Nintendo. Platform: Nintendo Wii. ASIN: B000FG9QVI.

The Teen Book of Shadows: Star Signs, Spells, Potions, and Powers (Book) Release date: 2004. Author: Patricia Telesco. Publisher: Citadel Press. ISBN: 9780806524108.

Thirteen (DVD) Release date: 2003. Performers: Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter, Nikki Reed, Brady Corbet, Jeremy Sisto. Studio: Working Title Films. Director: Catherine Hardwicke. Screenplay: Catherine Hardwicke, Nikki Reed. ASIN: B00013RC2K.

Willoughby’s Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation (Novel) Release date: 2009. Author: Jane Odiwe. Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark. ISBN: 9781402222672.

The Teen Book of Shadows: Star Signs, Spells, Potions and Powers (Book)

The Teen Book of Shadows: Star Signs, Spells, Potions, and Powers (Book) Release date: 2004. Author: Patricia Telesco. Publisher: Citadel Press. ISBN: 9780806524108.

Plot summary: The purpose of this book is to act as a guide for teens who are interested in learning more about Wicca, magick, or becoming a witch. The book is divided into chapters, beginning with the history and overview of wicca, magick and witches. The second chapter instructs readers on making their own “Book of Shadows” which is essentially a magical diary where witches keep a record of their spells and charms as well as their journey with magic. The guide lists quite a few things that can be recorded in your own Book of Shadows including prayers, visualizations, divination methods, herbal recipes, favorite quotes, dream work, potions, festivals and gatherings, and magical self-defense. The next two chapters cover getting started and list spells, meditations and visualizations for witches to try. The chapter on getting started does include some typical witch tools like a cauldron, candles and a broom but also some more unusual items like a horn and knots of string or rope. The spells are all positive in nature (there are no curses or hexes) and typically involve the saying or chanting of words while holding an object. This will empower the object to be used at a later time. For example in the “Friendship Key” spell, witches are to gather an old key and rub it with lemon juice. The juice acts as a way to attract the right people, and the key opens doors for friendship. To empower the key the following incantation is recited twice: “Open the way, open the way, friends to find by night or day, those who will listen, the ones who’re sincere, those who are fun, from out of my peers, when I touch this Magick key, by my will this spell will be freed!” (103). The witch then takes the key with her and mentally recites the incantation to release the magick. The final chapters deal with star signs, divination, feng shui and magical rituals. Star signs are the typical astrological symbols and the chapter on divination offers many methods for looking into the future. Magical rituals are special ceremonies different from those spells that are conducted on a daily basis.

Critical evaluation: Even for those readers who are not interested in practicing Wicca or becoming a witch themselves, The Teen Book of Shadows is a very interesting and often informative read about a form of religion that has been practiced for centuries. The book is very much geared towards teens. The author frequently refers to “people your age” in describing the potential applications of Wicca, talking about typical teen problems like making friends, getting bullied, or entering into romantic relationships. The majority of the advice provided is not particularly fantastical in nature. All of the spells involve common household objects and chanting incantations. Whether these things, or anything in the book for that matter, actually works is another story. Belief in Wicca aside, the power of suggestion alone could potentially cause teens to feel more confident, for example, when believing they have released magick that will help them do so. There is also a lot of history in the book that is quite interesting to read. Telesco discusses the various denominations of Wicca, how some, but not all, Wiccans have polytheistic beliefs, the history of the pentagram and more. While it will certainly receive a lot of criticism from religious individuals, there is no mention of “the devil” or “Satan” in the book. There are also no hexes or curses that people often associate with witches or Wicca. Overall, the book is very interesting and entertaining for teens who want to learn more about the subject matter.


Reader's annotation: This book acts as a guide for teens who are interested in learning more about Wicca, becoming a witch and common practices and rituals for those who practice magick.   

About the author: Born in 1960, Patricia “Trish” Telesco is an author and Wiccan priestess. In her career as an author, she has written over sixty books about Wicca, magic, self-help and religion. She was initially self-educated about Wiccan beliefs and practices but in later years was initiated into the Strega tradition of Italy. She is now a trustee for the Universal Federation of Pagans and continues to write works about her beliefs. Some of her books include The Cyber Spellbook: Magick in the Virtual World (2000), Futuretelling: A Complete Guide to Divination (1998), Kitchen Witch’s Guide to Brew and Potions (2005), The Language of Dreams (1997), Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of the Sacred Self (1999), The Teen Book of Shadows: Star Signs, Spells, Potions and Powers (2004) and The Witch’s Book of Wisdom (2003). She lives in New York with her husband and two children and regularly gives lectures and workshops around the country. (http://www.loresinger.com/)

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum ties:
Wicca
History of witchcraft/magick/wicca

Booktalking ideas:
Wicca
Impact of Wicca on society
Truth behind the teachings of Wicca

Reading level/Interest Age:
Grade 8 and up.

Challenge issues:
Conflicts with several religious dogmas that view Wicca as demonic or Satanic

Challenge counterpoints:Recommended for grades 8 and up.
Recommend parent look through book and decide if suitable for child.  Recommend parent and child discuss book with religious leader.
Remind parent that there are many different religions practice regularly in the United States that don’t necessarily agree with one another.

Reasons for inclusion:From prolific and award-winning author.
Fills hole in collection (not many books available about this subject for this age group.)  

Willoughby's Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation (Novel)

Willoughby’s Return: A Tale of Almost Irresistible Temptation (Novel) Release date: 2009. Author: Jane Odiwe. Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark. ISBN: 9781402222672.

Plot summary: This sequel to Jane Austen’s classic novel Sense and Sensibility (1811) picks up three years after the events of the original story. Marianne Dashwood, now Mrs. Brandon, is happily married to the devoted Colonel Brandon, and has a child of her own. Her sister, Elinor Dashwood, now Mrs. Ferrars, lives nearby with her husband Edward and their children. This novel focuses more, however, on the younger Dashwood sister, Margaret, who is now sixteen and quite beautiful. When Colonel Brandon’s handsome nephew, Henry, comes to Delaford to visit his uncle, Marianne is determined to play matchmaker between her nephew and sister. Marianne’s plans seem to be going well, Margaret and Henry become increasingly attached to one another. But nothing prepares Marianne for the shock she experiences next: John Willoughby, her first love who spurned her for a rich heiress, has returned to Dorsetshire with his wife. It appears that Willoughby and Mrs. Brandon will be forced to spend time in eachother’s company at social events in the neighborhood, and Marianne is conflicted by a resurgence of feelings for the dashing man. She becomes even more unsure as her husband spends more and more time with his ward, Eliza, and her daughter, who happens to be Willoughby’s daughter as well, in Lyme. Convinced that Colonel Brandon may have fallen in love with Eliza, Marianne begins to wonder if Willoughby’s affections might be worth returning.

Critical evaluation: Although the story doesn’t have the same literary magic of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, this sequel provides an entertaining and interesting read for those who loved the original story. Marianne Brandon, neé Dashwood, is now nineteen-years-old and has been happily married to her husband, Colonel Brandon, for three years. The couple have a child, and everything seems to be going well for Marianne, although she does appear to be slightly bored in her new life. She sees an opportunity for excitement when Brandon’s nephew, Henry, comes to visit and seeks to play matchmaker between him and her sister Margaret, now sixteen-years-old. The storyline of Henry and Margaret is not as interesting as the return of John Willoughby, however. Fans of the original, both teen and adult, will clamber to see what happens when Marianne encounters her first love. In Willoughby, Austen truly created a dashing lothario, and left the novel open enough to leave the reader wondering what would happen if Marianne and Willoughby were ever reunited. Odiwe does a good job of entertaining these notions, with a lot of sexual tension, temptation and lust. The rest of the storyline, such as Colonel Brandon’s supposed love for his ward, Eliza, and the inclusion of the irritating Lucy Ferrars and her sister, Anne Steele, are not quite as satisfactory. Still, the novel will appeal to both teen and adult fans of the original and continues in the spirit of the iconic Jane Austen.

Reader's annotation: Three years after her marriage to the Colonel, Marianne Brandon is happy in her life at Delaford Park. But when her first love, John Willoughby, returns to the neighborhood, will that happiness be enough to keep her from falling to the temptation of seeing her former flame?  

About the author: Jane Austen fanatic Jane Odiwe first began to author novels based on Austen’s famous works in 2003 when she wrote and illustrated Effusions of Fancy, a celebration of Jane Austen’s early life through the eyes of her sister. Her next novel, Lydia Bennet’s Story was published in 2008 and is about the life of Lydia Bennet from Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice. In 2009, Odiwe published her third novel, Mr. Willoughby’s Return based on Sense and Sensibility. In 2011, Odiwe’s next novel Mr. Darcy’s Secret will be published, and an anthology of short stories inspired from works by Austen will feature a story Odiwe composed based on Persuasion. Odiwe currently lives in High Barnet and Bath, England with her husband and family. (http://www.austeneffusions.com/#/about/4533127194)

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Curriculum ties:
Romantic era

Booktalking ideas:
Roles of women throughout history
Creating a sequel to a classic work of literature
Temptation
The character of Willoughby and any modern comparisons

Reading level/Interest Age:
Grade 8 and up.

Challenge issues:
Some sexuality

Challenge counterpoints:Recommended for grades 8 and up.
Sexuality is very minor, suggest parent look through novel before child.  
Reasons for inclusion:Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist and The Jane Austen Centre.  

Northanger Abbey (Novel)

Northanger Abbey (Novel) Release date: 1818. Author: Jane Austen. Publisher: CreateSpace (2010). ISBN: 9781453767535.

Plot summary: Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland loves reading gothic novels. Although she lives a relatively calm and humdrum life in the country, even though she has nine brothers and sisters, she likes to think of herself as a heroine in one of the novels she reads. Catherine’s life takes an exciting turn when her neighbors, the wealthy Allen family, invite her to accompany them to Bath for the winter season. While in Bath, Catherine meets the handsome Henry Tilney with whom she is immediately taken. She hopes she has made a good impression on Henry, but, much to her dismay, she doesn’t see him for several weeks. During this time, Catherine is introduced to Isabella and John Thorpe, the daughter and son of an acquaintance of Mrs. Allen. When Catherine’s oldest brother, James, arrives in Bath, the four becomes closer, and Isabella and Catherine become good friends. Soon, Henry Tilney returns to Bath with his younger sister, Eleanor and his father, the intimidating General Tilney. Catherine soon becomes friends with the charming but shy Eleanor, much to the dismay of John Thorpe who fears Henry will steal Catherine’s affections away from himself. Isabella and James soon become engaged, but it appears the couple will be forced to wait to get married until James can claim the country parson’s living his father offers him. Catherine is surprised when Isabella begins to flirt with Henry’s older brother, Captain Tilney, even in front of James. Unsure of her friend Isabella’s motives, Catherine is delighted when Eleanor invites her to stay with her and her family in their home, Northanger Abbey. Sure that the Abbey will be like those she’s read about, Catherine looks forward to dark and mysterious adventures in the Tilney’s house, and a chance to spend time with Henry. But soon Catherine will learn that not everything in life is like what’s she read in her novels.

Critical evaluation: Often overlooked in favor of Jane Austen’s other classic tales like Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey is a fun, light tale about a fanciful teenaged bookworm who comes to learn that not everything in life is like the stories she’s read. Catherine Morland is a typical teenage girl, although her life takes place two centuries ago. She spends most of her time caring for her large family in their country home, but likes to imagine herself as one of the characters in the gothic novels she reads. Catherine can almost be compared to a seventeen-year-old girl of today, imagining herself as Bella Swan in the Twilight novels. She is a very endearing main character, and the reader will enjoy watching her experience the “adventures” that she so hoped to have after accompanying the Allens to spend the winter season in Bath. The character of Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor are also very endearing. It’s clear that Henry is amused by Catherine’s fanciful but good-natured personality, and she is almost like a puppy in her enthusiasm for the gentleman. Isabella and John Thorpe prove to be interesting villains. Isabella is vivacious and almost brazen in her flirtations. Catherine is embarrassed by her friend, but also finds her interesting. John Thorpe is a typical egotistical young man, always trying to regale Catherine with tales of himself. Indeed, all the characters in the novel could easily be transposed into the modern day, which is why Northanger Abbey will be particularly appealing to teen readers. As with her other novels, Austen’s witting writing, interesting characters, and entertaining plots are why her stories have stood the test of time over the last two hundred years.

Reader's annotation: Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland lives a pleasant but humdrum life in the country with her nine brothers and sisters. An avid reader of gothic novels, however, Catherine sees a chance for adventures like those of the heroines in her favorite stories when her neighbors, the Allens, invite her to spend the winter season with them in Bath.  

About the author: Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 in Steventon, England to Reverend George Austen and his wife Cassandra. Austen was the seventh child, but only the second daughter in her family. Her and her older sister, Cassandra (named after their mother), were very close as a result of being the only two girls in the family. Austen was also very close with older brother, Henry, who later served as her literary agent. In 1783, Austen and her sister were sent to boarding school where they were educated in foreign language, music and art. Upon returning from school, Jane furthered her own education through reading works from her father’s large book collection. In 1787, Austen began writing stories and poems in small notebooks. Jane would often read aloud her compositions to the rest of her family for their amusement. Although it was expected that young women would marry, Austen never did. She did, however, fall in love with family friend, Tom Lefroy, whom she was unable to marry because the match was thought impractical. Over the following years, Austen continued to work on her stories, even after her family relocated to Bath, England. In 1811, Austen’s first novel, Sense and Sensibility, was published with much success. Her second work, Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813. After publishing several more successful titles, Jane died in 1817 of illness. Through her novels, Austen stands out as an intelligent, head-strong woman from an era when women were expected to be meek. (http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp)

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Curriculum ties:
Romantic era
Famous authors

Booktalking ideas:
Roles of women throughout history
Using fiction as a reference for real life events
Friends with ulterior motives
Extrapolating the characters to the modern day

Reading level/Interest Age:
Age 13 and up

Challenge issues:
None
Reasons for inclusion:Considered a classic work of literature.  

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death (Novel)

A Fate Totally Worse Than Death (Novel) Release date: 1995. Author: Paul Fleischman. Publisher: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763621896.

Plot summary: Danielle and her friends Tiffany and Brooke rule their high school in the ritzy town of Cliffside in southern California. Not only are they beautiful, but they live in the exclusive Hundred Palms Estates. They and the other “Huns” dominate the other non-Hundred Palms Estates residents at Cliffside High, meaning they have exclusive rights to date the handsome and rich Hun boys like Drew and Jonathan. Danielle is determined that Drew will be her’s this year, now that she and her friends have officially (and literally) taken out last year’s competition, the non-Hun Charity Chase. Who knew that chasing someone off a 300 foot cliff and faking a suicide note could be so easy? Nothing will keep the girls from enjoying their senior year, not even the dreary forced community service they must endure at the local convalescent hospital. Nothing, except for the new beautiful Norwegian exchange student, Helga. Helga is tall, blonde, intelligent and has all the Hun guys following her every move. Drew is entranced by her knowledge of famous authors, threatening Danielle’s claim to his heart. The girls decide that Helga must go, and begin to plot her demise. Just as their plans get into full-swing, however, something strange begins to happen. Danielle finds herself getting increasingly out of breath and that her hair is beginning to turn gray. Tiffany’s joints begin to swell painfully and she has trouble holding her bladder. Brooke’s hearing begins to fail and swarms of liver spots dot her hand. Are the most beautiful girls at Cliffside High being cursed to a fate worse than death: aging? Convinced that Helga is the ghost of Charity Chase sent to enact revenge in the form of entering old lady-hood, the girls must figure out a plan to send the ghost to her grave once and for all.

Critical evaluation: Funny and cruel, A Fate Totally Worse Than Death is a horror satire that teens are sure to love. The set-up for the story fits every cliché. Three beautiful “mean girls” living perfect lives in their ritzy southern California town. The girls are truly mean, stomping on anyone who gets in their way. The scenes when they’re performing “community service” at the local convalescent hospital are truly funny in a sad and cruel way. Danielle is supposed to be a companion to stroke-patient Mrs. Witt, but instead makes fun of her elderly body, steals all of her chocolates, and makes her watch music videos. She and her friends also discuss how they murdered their “competition”, Charity Chase, right in front of the old woman. These scenes in the nursing home foreshadow what is going to happen to the girls later in the novel. The “fate totally worse than death” is when Danielle and her friends begin to age quiet rapidly. They lose teeth, their hair falls out and turns gray, one develops arthritis, another becomes incontinent, and their perfect bodies begin to sag. The reader will find themselves cheering as each ailment is wracked upon the cruel girls. The side character of Helga, the Norwegian exchange student, also adds to the plot. She is the antithesis of the main characters: beautiful but smart and kind. She and Danielle’s love interest, Drew, discuss Thoreau and she recommends Ibsen to Tiffany’s ex-boyfriend. When the girls become convinced that she’s the ghost of Charity Chase, they use horror novels to try to determine a way to defeat their foe. Overall, the novel is short but packed with humor and entertainment that teens will enjoy.

Reader's annotation: Danielle, Brooke and Tiffany rule their high school in the ritzy town of Cliffside in southern California. But will their reign come to an end when a beautiful Norwegian exchange student comes to town, and they begin to experience some strange physical changes?

About the author: Son of children’s author Sid Fleischman, Paul Fleischman was born in 1952 in Santa Monica, California. Fleischman grew up listening to his father read aloud from the stories he’d written. After attending college for two years at UC Berkeley, Fleischman travelled cross country on his bicycle and ended up living in a 200-year-old house in New Hampshire. It was there that he developed an interest in writing historical fiction that later influenced his novels. After finishing college at the University of New Mexico, Fleischman began his literary career. He began writing plays for the small stage, and published his first novel The Birthday Tree in 1979. His novel, Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices (1988) won the Newbery Medal in 1989, the same award his father won in 1987 for The Whipping Boy. Since then, Fleischman was written many successful novels for children and young adults including The Borning Room (1991), Bull Run (1993), A Fate Totally Worse Than Death (1995), Dateline: Troy (1996), Whirligig (1998), Seek (2001), Zap (2005), Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: A Worldwide Cinderella (2007), and The Dunderheads (2009). Fleischman lives in Aromas, California with his wife. (http://www.paulfleischman.net/events.htm)
Genre: Fiction/Horror/Satire

Curriculum ties:
None

Booktalking ideas:
Social aspects of high school
Judging people based on where they live or how much money they have
“Mean girls” vs. nice girls
Aging

Reading level/Interest Age:
Grade 7 and up

Challenge issues:
Language
Violence
Bad attitudes

Challenge counterpoints:Recommended for grade 7 and up.
Recommend parent read book before child or discuss book with child.
Recommend parent discuss attitudes of main characters with child.
Recommend parent discuss aging with child.
Reasons for inclusion:Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, New York Times Book Review.
Winner of International Reading Association Children’s Choices Award.
Award winning author.

The Subtle Knife (Novel)

The Subtle Knife (Novel) Release date: 1997. Author: Philip Pullman. Publisher: Scholastic Poitn. ISBN: 0590112899.

Plot summary: The second novel in the Dark Materials Trilogy begins with twelve-year-old Will Parry running to escape authorities after accidentally killing a man. As he is fleeing, Will stumbles through a window between dimensions that he happens to discover and into the city of Cittâgazze. There Will encounters Lyra, the hero from The Golden Compass, who has also travelled to Cittâgazze through the dimensional window her father, Lord Asriel, created at the end of the previous novel. Will and Lyra quickly become friends, and begin to explore the deserted city. They soon decide to travel back to the Oxford of Will’s dimension to find more information about the disappearance of Will’s father. Lyra also discovers through the alethiometer that a scholar in Will’s world, Dr. Mary Malone, will aid her in learning more about Dust. In Will’s Oxford, Lyra and Will stumble into a trap set by Sir Charles Latrom who steals Lyra’s alethiometer and forces Will and Lyra to agree to return to Cittâgazze and retrieve a special knife. The pair do retrieve the knife and in the process Will loses two fingers on his left hand, a symbol that he is now the bearer of the Subtle Knife. This knife has special powers: it can create windows between dimensions and can cut through any physical substance. Although they now wield a powerful tool, Lyra and Will are still in danger. Mrs. Coulter, who is revealed to be Lyra’s mother, is still on the hunt for the girl, and is able to travel between dimensions as well. After torturing several witches, Mrs. Coulter has learned of a prophecy involving Lyra, one that she means to prevent from coming true.

Critical evaluation: After the action and adventure filled The Golden Compass, Pullman’s next novel in the series, The Subtle Knife, is a much different story. The first novel was full of fantastical creatures like armored bears, daemons, witches, Gyptians and soul-cutters. Although this story also contains some of those creatures, it is much more cerebral than its predecessor. The character of Lyra is less the focus and instead becomes part of a duo with the young boy, Will. Instead of travelling to far off places to achieve daring rescues, the two travel between dimensions. Lyra seeks more and more to discover the true nature of Dust, and the discussion between her and other characters in the novel often gets quite philosophical. The religious aspects of the story are also more pronounced than The Golden Compass. Lord Asriel, who is revealed to be Lyra’s father, not her uncle as she though, is waging a war against the Authority. This Authority is seemingly religious in nature, bringing up images of the Catholic Church. Discerning teens will be able to detect these undertones, while many won’t venture beyond the surface of an intelligent and interesting fantasy story. The idea of the Subtle Knife will appeal to readers of all ages. This tool is so “sharp” it can actually create windows into other dimensions. The city of Cittâgazze is an interesting staging ground for much of the action in the novel: a deserted metropolis that is plagued by “spectres,” soul-sucking boogeymen who seem to only attack adults. Although it will require more thought than the first novel, Pullman’s second addition to his trilogy is an appealing and satisfying read for both teens and adults. The final novel in the series is The Amber Spyglass.

Reader's annotation: Lyra Belacqua and her daemon have travelled through the window created by Lord Asriel to Cittâgazze, a deserted city in another dimension. There she meets Will, a boy who has also stumbled upon Cittâgazze, and the two embark on a quest for the Subtle Knife, a tool that can create windows between dimensions.

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:
Alternate dimensions
The concept of “Dust” (any ties to real life theories)
Establishing a relationship with a parent
Rebelling against religious authority

Reading level/Interest Age:
Age 13 and up

Challenge issues:
Violence
Religious themes
Torture
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:Positive reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Washington Post, Detroit Free Press and Horn Book.
Spent time on bestseller lists of New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Book Sense and Publishers Weekly.

Pride and Prejudice (Novel)

Pride and Prejudice (Novel) Release date: 1813. Author: Jane Austen. Publisher: Tribeca Books (2010). ISBN: 9781936594290.

Plot summary: The Bennet family lives at their estate, Longbourn, in Hertfordshire, England. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters: twenty-two year old Jane Bennet, twenty-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet, seventeen-year-old Catherine “Kitty” Bennet, sixteen-year-old Mary Bennet, and fifteen-year-old Lydia Bennet. The family is not poor, but is not considered to be of very high societal standing as Mr. Bennet has no son, meaning the entirety of his estate will pass to his nephew after his death. The Bennet girls are all very different. Jane and Lizzy, the eldest, are close but have different demeanors. Jane is considered the most beautiful of the Bennet sisters and is very quiet and sweet. Lizzy is also considered beautiful, but is far more lively and opinionated than her older sister. The three younger Bennets, Kitty, Mary and Lydia, are all equally “silly” in their own ways. Mary is plain and ackward, drawing little attention to herself, while Kitty and Lydia are shallow, loud, and extremely flirtatious. Mrs. Bennet, who is as silly as her youngest daughters, fears that none of her girls will marry well enough for the family to not be cast into poverty when Mr. Bennet dies. After a rich and single gentleman, Mr. Bingley, moves to the neighborhood, however, the Bennets wonder if their luck is changing. Bingley brings with him his snobbish sister Caroline as well as his best friend, the rich and handsome Mr. Darcy. The Bennets are introduced to Bingley and his companions and Jane and Bingley are immediately attracted to one another. Darcy, however, is rude and aloof, making every effort to show that he feels the Bennets are beneath him. Despite his better judgment, however, Darcy soon finds himself falling for the charming Elizabeth. The remainder of the plot involves twists and turns as the Bennet sisters experience love, loss and deception in this class tale.

Critical evaluation: Considered Jane Austen’s most popular and well-known work, Pride and Prejudice has been delighting readers of all ages for centuries. The novel has been made into countless screen adaptations that have been equally popular as well. Perhaps the reason behind its ages long success is the fact that Pride and Prejudice has an entertaining storyline, likable and interesting characters, and still reflects on romantic dynamics even in today’s society. The Bennets are one of the most humorous families ever created. The constant bantering between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the shenanigans of Kitty and Lizzy, Mary’s unending ackwardness and Jane and Lizzy’s struggle to deal with it all make for many great scenes. Austen develops each character within the family superbly, making the reader almost feel like they are in the room with them. Another literary great is the character of Mr. Darcy. Darcy embodies the quiet confidence often described as “tall, dark and handsome” but still displays his vulnerability as well in his passionate love for Lizzy. Teen and adult readers alike will (and have been for centuries) swoon when Darcy finally confesses his love, only to be brutally rejected. What makes Pride and Prejudice so popular with the teen audience is that many can identify with the Bennet sisters, even though their lives took place in the 19^th century. Sibling rivalry, jealousy, and the bonds of sisterhood are topics many teens deal with on a daily basis. The romantic aspects of the story will also appeal to teen readers as well. It is no wonder that this classic tale has spawned recent teen spin-off’s like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2009). This delightful tale will undoubtedly continue to be read and enjoyed by all ages as it has been for centuries before.

Reader's annotation: The five Bennet sisters may be different but they all have one large problem: their father’s estate is entailed to his nephew meaning that unless they marry well, their family will be cast into poverty once their father dies. After the handsome and rich Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood with his equally handsome and rich friend, Mr. Darcy, can the Bennet girls make a match that will secure their futures?

About the author Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775 in Steventon, England to Reverend George Austen and his wife Cassandra. Austen was the seventh child, but only the second daughter in her family. Her and her older sister, Cassandra (named after their mother), were very close as a result of being the only two girls in the family. Austen was also very close with older brother, Henry, who later served as her literary agent. In 1783, Austen and her sister were sent to boarding school where they were educated in foreign language, music and art. Upon returning from school, Jane furthered her own education through reading works from her father’s large book collection. In 1787, Austen began writing stories and poems in small notebooks. Jane would often read aloud her compositions to the rest of her family for their amusement. Although it was expected that young women would marry, Austen never did. She did, however, fall in love with family friend, Tom Lefroy, whom she was unable to marry because the match was thought impractical. Over the following years, Austen continued to work on her stories, even after her family relocated to Bath, England. In 1811, Austen’s first novel, Sense and Sensibility, was published with much success. Her second work, Pride and Prejudice was published in 1813. After publishing several more successful titles, Jane died in 1817 of illness. Through her novels, Austen stands out as an intelligent, head-strong woman from an era when women were expected to be meek. (http://www.janeausten.org/jane-austen-biography.asp)

Genre: Fiction/Historical

Curriculum ties:
Romantic era
Famous authors

Booktalking ideas:
Sibling relationships
Different personalities in one family
Pride and prejudice as exhibited by characters in novel
Impact of novel on society and pop-culture
Roles of women throughout history

Reading level/Interest Age:
Age 13 and up

Challenge issues:
None

Reasons for inclusion:Considered a classic work of literature.