Welcome to my blog/database of materials for young adults. This was created as a class project for the Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) program at San Jose State University (SJSU). What follows are reviews for 35 different materials, suitable for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18. Please see the post below for links to indices of the materials, great for finding something in a particular format, or simply scroll down to begin reading the reviews.
Thanks for visiting!
Friday, August 7, 2009
10 Things I Hate About You
Title 10 Things I Hate About You
Director Gil Junger
Writer Karen McCullah Lutz, Kirsten Smith
Starring Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larissa Oleynik
ISBN 0788817795
Distributor Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 1999 (DVD)
Interest Age 12+
Rating PG-13
Genre Contemporary Life; Issues: Dating
Plot Summary
10 Things I Hate About You is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew about two sisters, Bianca and Katherine, who are extremely different. Bianca is outgoing and fun while Katherine is considered a "shrew" who will never wed. In this version, Bianca wants to date, but her father refuses to let her until Kat, as she's called, dates as well. The problem is that Kat has sworn off boys forever and is more comfortable listening to music, reading and fantasizing about going away for college. When Cameron, who wants to go out with Bianca, learns about her father's rule, he sets out to find someone who can get Kat to start dating again. Enter bad boy with an Australian accent, Patrick. How far will Patrick and Cameron go to win Kat over? Will Bianca even want to go out with Cameron after all is said and done?
Critical Evaluation
This movie, while a little bit silly and formulaic, is still enjoyable even after ten years. (Though teens might find the music and the outfits a bit dated.) This is a quintessential teen movie with heartthrobs, a great soundtrack and all the teen angst you can fit into an hour and a half. The acting by Julia Stiles is particularly good and today's teens will get a kick out of seeing her, Heath Ledger and Joseph Gordon-Levitt ten years younger as they are all still popular actors (though Ledger has since passed away). The message, unfortunately, is ambiguous: are the filmmakers creating a traditional reading of The Taming of the Shrew (that a woman who is without a man can't possibly be complete) or a non-traditional reading (that the right person can help to heal old wounds)? These competing viewpoints could make for a great discussion for teens.
Reader’s Annotation
Bianca's dad won't let her date until her sister Kat does. But no one in their right mind would want to date Kat, right? What's a girl to do?
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into a discussion of The Taming of the Shrew for an English class, particularly in relationship to how modern retellings can be different from the original.
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Kat and Bianca and end with the challenge of trying to figure out how to get Kat to date.
2. Start with a plot summary of The Taming of the Shrew and then hook the reader with this modern retelling.
Challenge Issues
Issue: underage alcohol and tobacco use
Defense: The message is ultimately that these things are bad and irresponsible - the smoker quits smoking and the drinking only results in throwing up.
Why did I include this DVD?
2009 Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009)
Juno
Title Juno
Director Jason Reitman
Writer Diablo Cody
Starring Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons
ISBN 0788817795
Distributor Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 1999 (DVD)
Interest Age 13+
Rating PG-13
Genre Contemporary Life; Issues: Teen Pregnancy
Plot Summary
Juno is a film about a teenage girl of the same name who is witty, intelligent and wise beyond her years. When she finds out she is pregnant, she first thinks that she will have an abortion as she knows that she is too young and immature to be a parent. But when she encounters a fellow classmate at the abortion clinic who forces her to rethink her decision, she decides to keep the baby and give it up for adoption. Juno's parents are loving and kind, supporting her the whole way, though they certainly understand the severity of the situation. Of course, Juno also has to tell the father who is also a high schooler and not-quite her boyfriend. Juno thinks she has found the perfect parents in an affluent couple, but will they be able to give her baby the life it deserves?
Critical Evaluation
This movie was a huge hit for a reason. The character of Juno is almost unbelievably likeable, in a mouthy, confident way that makes her seem much older than she is. Her boyfriend is adorably clueless and their relationship, though immature, is endearing. Particularly likeable are her parents who are fiercely supportive while realistically shocked at Juno's decision. This is a great film to recommend to teens, particularly pregnant teenagers, who might need a more optimistic portrayal of this frightening and challenging situation. This film presents a nice balance to the often bleak outlook that most people have towards teen pregnancy and the assumption that teenagers who get pregnant are irresponsible, come from broken homes and are wildly promiscuous.
Reader’s Annotation
Juno's pregnant and she's keeping the baby. Now it's time to find the perfect parents.
Curriculum Ties None
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Tell a plot summary about the story, focusing on the fact and end with a question to the audience: Would you have done the same in Juno's shoes?
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit, inappropriately light depiction of teen pregnancy
Defense: This film ultimately has a positive message that teen pregnancy, though a serious issue, can be dealt with in a positive, supportive manner and goes a long way to validate the experiences of teenage girls who choose to give up their babies for adoption.
Why did I include this DVD?
2009 Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Writing, Best Director).
Napoleon Dynamite
Title Napoleon Dynamite
Director Jared Hess
Writer Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess
Starring Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Diedrich Bader
ISBN 024543534839
Distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2008 (DVD)
Interest Age 13+
Rating PG
Genre Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Napoleon Dynamite is the quirky tale of Napoleon, a teenager living in Idaho with his older brother Kip and his llama-owning grandmother. The plot is fairly straightforward: Napoleon teams up with his friends to elect Pedro as school president. But neither Napoleon nor his friends are particularly popular, so they have to be fairly creative about it. This is a story about any high school, in any town, populated by the bizarre, the silly and the tragically sociall awkward. Will Pedro be elected school president? Will Napoleon ever gain any skills? Will Kip every hook up with his internet girlfriend?
Critical Evaluation
Though there is very little plot development to this film, it is still extremely funny and a cult-classic in it's own right. The character of Napoleon is hilarious, seemingly oblivious to his own dorkiness and awkardness. He is a character unlike any other in teen movies: he is neither the stereotypical intellegent nerd, nor the social outcast that he might be in another film. Instead, he is a unique person, unable and unwilling to conform to the standards of high school. This film is less a story than a small chunk out of a strange family and their endearing lives. Teens that enjoy off-beat, eccentric, oddball humor will enjoy this film and will delight in the climax that is both hysterical as well as inspiring.
Reader’s Annotation
"What are you going to do today Napoleon?" "Whatever I feel like doing, GOSH."
Curriculum Ties None
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Pedro and Napoleon encouraging the audience to read more to find out what happens.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this DVD?
MTV Movie Award, Best Movie; personal favorite.
Slumdog Millionaire
Title Slumdog Millionaire
Director Danny Boyle
Writer Simon Beaufoy
Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
ISBN 02454357443950
Distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2008 (DVD)
Interest Age 15+
Rating R
Genre Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Jamal Malik is a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" and he is doing really well (to the chagrin of the show's creators). They want to know how he could possibly know all the answers to the questions and as the audience, so do we. Thus starts the tale of Slumdog Millionaire which follows Jamal from his childhood in the slums to sitting on stage, on television, for all the world and hopefully, his true love to see.
Critical Evaluation
This film garnered well-deserved attention for it's landmark portrayal of growing up in the slums of India, within a rigid caste system, rapid industrialization, overwhelming violence and crushing poverty. Jamal's character, played by Dev Patel, is fabulously acted and someone that the audience is immediately drawn to. As we learn about Dev's story, we begin to root for him, and not just to win the game show, but for the higher purpose: to reconnect with his lost love. There are some scenes that are quite violent, but this only adds to the fact that this film is a realistic potrayal of what it is like to grow up in India: though not always pretty, full of color, excitement and love. Particularly interesting is the method of using the questions that Jamal gets in order to tell the story - a clever device that captures attention. A great recommendation for fans of realistic films and teens interested in Indian culture.
Reader’s Annotation
Jamal wants to be a millionaire, but more importantly he wants to find his lost love.
Curriculum Ties Would be a great movie tie-in to a lesson about India's caste system. The dance at the end would be a fun introduction to bhangra, a traditional dance form.
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Start with a question phrased like one on the game show and then do a plot summary that highlights Jamal's struggles as a result of being born in the slums.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this DVD?
Winner of eight Oscars; personal favorite.
Spirited Away
Title Spirited Away
Director/Writer Hayao Miyazaki
ISBN 0788844717
Distributor Buena Vista Home Vido
Copyright Date 2003 (DVD)
Interest Age 12+
Rating PG
Genre Contemporary Life; Fantasy
Plot Summary
Spirited Away is a feature-length animated Japanese film by Hayao Miyazaki. It is the story of Chihiro, a ten-year-old who is moving with her family to a new place. Along the way, her brash father decides to take a "shortcut" down a strange path with little house-like structures. At the end, they go through a portal to what looks like an abandoned fairgrounds on the other side. Surprisingly, though there is no one else around, there is hot food, which her greedy parents immediately start to devour. Chihiro wanders off and meets Haku, a young boy who warns her that she has entered a spirit world and should leave with her parents immediately. Suddenly, spirits do begin to appear and Chihiro rushes back to her parents to find that they have turned into pigs. Desperate, she again find Haku who tells her to go into the grand bath house in order to get a job until he can help her figure out a way out. The bath house is for the spirits and is run by a malevolent woman named Yubaba who has an enormously fat baby. Chihiro is able to get a job, but must give up her name in return. Frightened, Chihiro accepts the name of Sen and begins work in the bath house. Will Chihiro be able to gain her name back and save her parents or is she destined to remain a slave in the spirit's bath house forever?
Critical Evaluation
If ever an animated film could be considered a masterpiece, Spirited Away is the first to come to mind. Beautifully animated, this film is not your usual cartoon fare, but a story of mythological proportions that is sure to delight even the staunchest film-snob adults. Interesting to note is the fact that Chihiro, the main character, is not particularly likeable. She is whiny and snobby, afraid of hard work and easy to upset. But through the course of the movie she changes - she grows and matures. And this evolution is something that teenagers will relate to, even if her characer is portrayed as quite young. In addition, the references to Japanese mythology and culture are really enthralling and this would be a great recommendation to a teen that is interested in other cultures. I would also recommend this to teens interested in anime and Japan.
Reader’s Annotation
Chihiro wishes she didn't have to move and start over again. But when her parents take a detour on the way, she learns that maybe her life isn't so bad when she is spirited away.
Curriculum Ties Great tie-in to Japanese culture, mythology and religion.
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Set the mood of the abandoned park with the stall of food and then the bath house for the spirits.
2. Do a character sketch of Chihiro and encourage the audience to read more to find out if she grows up.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this DVD?
Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); Academy Award - Best Animated Feature; personal favorite.
Superbad
Title Superbad
Director Greg Mottola
Writer Seth Rogan & Evan Goldberg
Starring Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Seth Rogan, Bill Hader, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
ISBN 9781424861118
Distributor Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2007 (DVD)
Interest Age 13+
Rating Unrated Extended Edition (in theaters: rated R)
Genre Contemporary Life; Issues: Dating and Sexuality
Plot Summary
Best friends Seth and Evan are just finishing high school and about to head off to different colleges. They aren't the most popular boys and their one goal is to sleep with the girls they like before they head off to college, afraid that if they arrive without any experience, their college years will be as dry as high school has been. After Seth tells his crush that he and Evan can get alcohol for the party, they think they're that much closer to sealing the deal. They ask their friend Fogell, who has a fake I.D. identifying him as McLovin (one word), to help them get the booze. Of course, nothing goes as planned and what started out as a promising night ends up in a mad-dash, filled with hilarious twists and situations.
Critical Evaluation
Superbad is not a really great movie, but it is sure to be a hit with teenagers. The premise is not particularly inventive, but the actors play their roles well and there are many extremely funny lines and scenes. As the story line develops, it becomes clear that this film is more about the relationship between Seth and Evan than their desire to have sex, and that alleviates some of the disappointment in the weak storyline. Overall, the movie will appeal to teenagers, particularly those that like movies by Judd Apatow. This Apatow film is more appropriate for teenagers as the characters and themes seem to be more geared towards teenagers than adults.
Reader’s Annotation
Seth and Evan are determine to hook up with their crushes before they leave for college. But how far will they go to get what they want?
Curriculum Ties None
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Seth and Evan, emphasizing that they are best friends about to face the challenge of heading off to different colleges. Encourage the audience to read more to find out what happens.
2. Do a plot summary from the perspective of McLovin.
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit
Defense: Though the film is purportedly about "getting laid" as it progresses, it is more about the relationship between the two main characters.
Why did I include this DVD?
2009 Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); Teen Choice Award nominations (Best Movie - Comedy, Best Actor).
The Wackness
Title The Wackness
Writer/Director Jonathan Levine
Producer Keith Calder, Felipe Marino, Joe Neurauter
Starring Ben Kingsley, Josh Peck, Famke Jamssen, Olivia Thirlby, Mary-Kate Olsen, Method Man
ISBN 1435928989
Distributor Sony Pictures Classic
Copyright Date 2009 (DVD)
Interest Age 14+
Rating R
Genre Contemporary Life, Issues
Plot Summary
The Wackness is a film about Luke Shapiro, an 18 year-old pot dealer living in New York in 1994. It's the summer before college and Luck is dealing with a lot of stuff. His parents fight constantly over money, he's still a virgin and he's starting to wonder what life is all about. One of his customers is Dr. Jeffrey Squires, a psychiatrist and the father of Stephanie, the girl he has a crush on. He charges Jeffrey therapy for his pot and Luke begins to confide in him about all of his problems. Just as the two begin to form a friendship, things between Luke and Stephanie start to heat up. As Luke tries to figure out what he really wants out of life, Jeffrey confronts the problems in his marriage head-on and both of their lives start to get really complicated. A coming-of-age story about love and responsibility, frienship and loss.
Critical Evaluation
The Wackness was an extremely enjoyable film to watch. The acting, particularly that of Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck, is believable and the development of their relationship in the film is poignant, especially so because of the unlikeliness of it. This is one part coming-of-age film, one part midlife-crisis film, one part stoner movie and one part buddy movie. Put it all together with a really great soundtrack of music that was underground in the early 90's and currently being revived and rediscovered today, and it is a film that any teenager would like. I would recommend this film to any teenager, particularly those that are struggling with not being the most popular.
Reader’s Annotation
How are you supposed to see the dopeness in life when all you can concentrate on is the wackness?
Curriculum Ties None
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Luke and Dr. Squires, highlighting their differences and ending with a hook about how they would make unlikely friends.
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit, underage drug/alcohol use, inappropriate for intended audience.
Defense: realistic depictions, portrays these actions in a way that is accessible to teenagers.
Why did I include this DVD?
Sundance Audience Award Winner; recommendations from friends.
Whale Rider
Title Whale Rider
Director Niki Caro
Writer Witi Inimaera (novel), Niki Caro (screenplay)
Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtus
ISBN 1404943714
Distributor Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2003 (DVD)
Interest Age 10+
Rating PG-13
Genre Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Pai is a twelve year old girl living in a traditional Maori village in New Zealand. The film begins with a childbirth scene in which one twin, male, and the mother dies, leaving the other twin, Pai, alive. We come to learn that the twins are the grandchildren of the villages chief elder and the male was destined to become the leader. Pai's father, grief-stricken, leaves the village entirely and leaves Pai to be raised by her grandparents. When we flash-forward, we meet Pai, strong-willed and endearing, determined to save her village. She knows that she has a destiny and that she is attracted to the whales that have mythological importance to their village: their ancestoral leader rode into the village on the back of a whale. Will Pai have the strength and courage that she needs to defy the village's traditional gender roles and fulfill her destiny?
Critical Evaluation
Whale Rider is a beautiful film, fantastically acted and gorgeously shot. Pai's character is refreshingly honest and strong, particularly given her youth and relative inexperience. The main story, that of challenging the strict, gender roles of a traditional society, is uplifting and rewarding. Additionally, the depiction of traditional island life is unique and eye-opening, particularly for Americans. This is a great recommendation for teenagers who are interested in other cultures and their mythology and traditions. The musical score is lovely and will appeal to teenagers interested in music. Finally, the film is a great movie to recommend to strong, independent-minded young women who are looking for role models.
Reader’s Annotation
When Pai's twin brother and mother die in childbirth and her father leaves her with in their Maori village in New Zealand, Pai has to overcome abandonment and learn how to believe in herself and fulfill her destiny.
Curriculum Ties Would be a great addition to a lesson about New Zealand's traditional cultures. Could also be used to tie-in to lessons about gender roles in traditional societies.
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Pai, emphasizing that she has a destiny to fulfill.
2. Start with a plot summary and end with a teaser about Pai's strange connection to the whales.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this DVD?
Fabulous Films for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); Oscar nominated (Best Actress); personal favorite.
Am I Blue: Coming Out from the Silence
Title Am I Blue?: Coming Out from the Silence
Author Various
Editor Marion Dane Bauer
Marion Dane Bauer was born in Illinois and is the author of the 1987 Newbery Honor Book, On My Honor. When she is not writing, Bauer teaches part time in an MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College.
ISBN 0064405877
Publisher Harper Trophy (a division of Harper Collins)
Copyright Date 1994
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Am I Blue is an anthology of 16 short stories, all dealing with homosexual themes and written for young adults. Beyond this, though, the stories in this book are extremely varied in theme, plot, character development and genre. From the title story “Am I Blue” by Bruce Coville, about a teenage boy, still figuring out his sexuality, who wants to teach the world a lesson about acceptance and tolerance, to “The Honorary Shepherds” by Gregory Maguire, about two high school lovers who re-imagine the nativity myth, these stories are diverse in their approach, but universal in their message. Young adults need to see themselves reflected in literature in order to see themselves in the world.
Critical Evaluation
Though many of these stories are outdated, the importance of this collection is undeniable. The stories that they tell are potent and well-written, challenging authors in the young adult genre to include gay characters and themes in their work. Though many of the stories are about coming out and coming of age, others are about gay characters struggling with the same things all teenagers face: school, what to do with their life, relationships and issues with their parents. This is a lovely read for any teenager, particularly those that are reluctant to start something as long as a novel. The stories are different enough to keep a reader engaged, while all stressing important truths about love, prejudice, family and becoming an adult. I would also recommend this book of stories to parents who are interested in LGBT issues.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied to any lesson about tolerance, prejudice and the LGBT civil rights movement.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read “Am I Blue?” Ask the audience if they would have wished for the same thing? Why or why not?
2. Read the introduction. Discuss why LGBT people might be more prone to suicide attempts and what a book for and about LGBT teens could help with this concern.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Book Award (1995, ALA); Best Books for Young Adults (1994, ALA); Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (1994, ALA).
Author Various
Editor Marion Dane Bauer
Marion Dane Bauer was born in Illinois and is the author of the 1987 Newbery Honor Book, On My Honor. When she is not writing, Bauer teaches part time in an MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College.
ISBN 0064405877
Publisher Harper Trophy (a division of Harper Collins)
Copyright Date 1994
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Am I Blue is an anthology of 16 short stories, all dealing with homosexual themes and written for young adults. Beyond this, though, the stories in this book are extremely varied in theme, plot, character development and genre. From the title story “Am I Blue” by Bruce Coville, about a teenage boy, still figuring out his sexuality, who wants to teach the world a lesson about acceptance and tolerance, to “The Honorary Shepherds” by Gregory Maguire, about two high school lovers who re-imagine the nativity myth, these stories are diverse in their approach, but universal in their message. Young adults need to see themselves reflected in literature in order to see themselves in the world.
Critical Evaluation
Though many of these stories are outdated, the importance of this collection is undeniable. The stories that they tell are potent and well-written, challenging authors in the young adult genre to include gay characters and themes in their work. Though many of the stories are about coming out and coming of age, others are about gay characters struggling with the same things all teenagers face: school, what to do with their life, relationships and issues with their parents. This is a lovely read for any teenager, particularly those that are reluctant to start something as long as a novel. The stories are different enough to keep a reader engaged, while all stressing important truths about love, prejudice, family and becoming an adult. I would also recommend this book of stories to parents who are interested in LGBT issues.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied to any lesson about tolerance, prejudice and the LGBT civil rights movement.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read “Am I Blue?” Ask the audience if they would have wished for the same thing? Why or why not?
2. Read the introduction. Discuss why LGBT people might be more prone to suicide attempts and what a book for and about LGBT teens could help with this concern.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Book Award (1995, ALA); Best Books for Young Adults (1994, ALA); Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (1994, ALA).
Annie on My Mind
Title Annie on My Mind
Author Nancy Garden
Garden was born in Boston, Massachusetts and currently splits her time between Massachusetts and Maine. She was the recipient of the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom award for her work towards anti-censorship, particularly in response to attempts to ban Annie on My Mind.
ISBN 0374404143
Publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Copyright Date 1982
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
When Annie on My Mind begins, the narrator, Liza, has just started her freshman year at MIT and is reminiscing about her last year in high school. One New York, November day, 17-year-old student body president Liza meets a fascinating girl named Annie at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They go to different schools and both of them feel not quite at home there, but together, they find that they are comfortable and become fast friends. As their friendship grows, both girls realize that their feelings are not platonic and that they love each other, intimately and intensely. Annie and Liza explore their relationship, dealing with the usual confusion and fear that are common to many coming out stories. When Liza volunteers to cat sit for her two female teachers who live together, she and Annie make believe, for a while, that they also live together, but their happiness is spoiled when they are caught.
Critical Evaluation
Annie on My Mind is considered an important piece of teen fiction, particularly as it was one of the first novels to tell the story of two lesbian teens, without the extremely negative consequences found in other similar novels. Although this novel might have a significant place in the canon of LGBT teen fiction, I did not feel that the story much resonated with me and as I am several years older than the oldest young adult, I imagine that this novel would not be particularly appealing to most teen readers. For example, the characters of Annie and Liza, though extremely likeable, are almost too likeable. Though they have some moments of doubt and dishonesty, they are truly innocent, wide-eyed characters, without too much substance or edge. And, though there are scenes that are notable exceptions, much of the story exists without much color or imagination – Liza’s New York could just as well have been any other town in America. Regardless, Garden’s descriptions of young, tender romance are poignant and achingly honest, particularly in the longing and the desire to be open to the world about their love. For this reason, I think this would be a great book for a more mature reader who is interested in character development and romance, rather than the eye-catching prose of more modern fiction. Reader’s Annotation
Liza is 17, student body president, hoping to get into MIT and…in love. Only Liza’s in love with her friend Annie and even though Annie loves her back, their relationship will never be easy…
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the first chapter (before the flashback) and then do a plot summary of the rest.
2. Read an excerpt from chapter nine to hook people with descriptions of all-consuming first loves.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Booklist Reviewers’ Choice; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Best of the Best 1970-1983; considered a seminal piece of lesbian fiction, highly controversial, has been banned many times.
Author Nancy Garden
Garden was born in Boston, Massachusetts and currently splits her time between Massachusetts and Maine. She was the recipient of the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom award for her work towards anti-censorship, particularly in response to attempts to ban Annie on My Mind.
ISBN 0374404143
Publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Copyright Date 1982
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
When Annie on My Mind begins, the narrator, Liza, has just started her freshman year at MIT and is reminiscing about her last year in high school. One New York, November day, 17-year-old student body president Liza meets a fascinating girl named Annie at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They go to different schools and both of them feel not quite at home there, but together, they find that they are comfortable and become fast friends. As their friendship grows, both girls realize that their feelings are not platonic and that they love each other, intimately and intensely. Annie and Liza explore their relationship, dealing with the usual confusion and fear that are common to many coming out stories. When Liza volunteers to cat sit for her two female teachers who live together, she and Annie make believe, for a while, that they also live together, but their happiness is spoiled when they are caught.
Critical Evaluation
Annie on My Mind is considered an important piece of teen fiction, particularly as it was one of the first novels to tell the story of two lesbian teens, without the extremely negative consequences found in other similar novels. Although this novel might have a significant place in the canon of LGBT teen fiction, I did not feel that the story much resonated with me and as I am several years older than the oldest young adult, I imagine that this novel would not be particularly appealing to most teen readers. For example, the characters of Annie and Liza, though extremely likeable, are almost too likeable. Though they have some moments of doubt and dishonesty, they are truly innocent, wide-eyed characters, without too much substance or edge. And, though there are scenes that are notable exceptions, much of the story exists without much color or imagination – Liza’s New York could just as well have been any other town in America. Regardless, Garden’s descriptions of young, tender romance are poignant and achingly honest, particularly in the longing and the desire to be open to the world about their love. For this reason, I think this would be a great book for a more mature reader who is interested in character development and romance, rather than the eye-catching prose of more modern fiction. Reader’s Annotation
Liza is 17, student body president, hoping to get into MIT and…in love. Only Liza’s in love with her friend Annie and even though Annie loves her back, their relationship will never be easy…
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the first chapter (before the flashback) and then do a plot summary of the rest.
2. Read an excerpt from chapter nine to hook people with descriptions of all-consuming first loves.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Booklist Reviewers’ Choice; ALA Best Book for Young Adults; ALA Best of the Best 1970-1983; considered a seminal piece of lesbian fiction, highly controversial, has been banned many times.
Baby Be-Bop
Title Baby Be-Bop
Author Francesca Lia Block
Block was born to a painter and a poet in Los Angeles where she still currently lives. She is the author of many books and is best know for the Weetzie Bat series. She has received many awards including the Margaret A. Edwards lifetime achievement award.
ISBN 0060248793
Publisher Harper Collins
Copyright Date 1995
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Baby Be-Bop is the fifth of the Weetzie Bat series by Block and is actually a prequel to the first book, Weetzie Bat. This is the story of Weetzie’s best friend, Dirk MacDonald, before they meet. Dirk is 16 years old and trying to squelch the fact that he is gay, hiding it from his friends and Grandma Fifi, with whom he lives. But after he meets Pup Lambert, it becomes harder to pretend. Through the help of the magic that is Grandma Fifi, Dirk learns to overcome his fear and embrace his sexuality.
Critical Evaluation
The Weetzie Bat books are truly some of my favorite YA tales. I remember when my mom brought the first book home for me and said that she had been hearing a lot about it from her colleagues (she works in UCLA’s LIS program). Little did she or I know that within its covers I would learn about teen sex, homosexuality and AIDS for the first time. (I was a precocious reader, but sheltered and a bit young for the book!) Though I liked the book at the time, mostly because it felt scandalous to me, the true magic of Block’s language and the sensual descriptions that fill her books did not dawn on me until I was much older. This makes me wonder if this is one of those YA books that is critically acclaimed because adult readers enjoy it so much. Some of Block’s language is as out there for today’s readers as it was for me ten years ago, drawing on lyricism and beat-era rhythms that might not resonate with teenagers. Additionally, the foray into a ghost story in Part II might put some teen reader’s off. Still, the issues discussed in Baby Be-Bop are significant and her descriptions of what it feels like to love, to lose and to form your own sexual identity are captivating. The character of Dirk is particularly compelling as he is portrayed as hip, strong and handsome and yet still able to be sensitive and caring.
Reader’s Annotation
“Dirk had known it since before he could remember.” He hopes liking boys is just a phase like Grandma Fifi says, but is it?
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a first person booktalk from Dirk’s perspective, focusing on his concerns about masculinity and being strong/having no fear. Encourage the class to think about the connections between perceived strength and heterosexuality, and to read about Dirk, who defies all expectations.
2. Do a plot summary of the book, highlighting the magical nature of Grandma Fifi’s house. Encourage the audience to read more.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Stonewall Book Award Nominee (1996); Lambda Literary Award Nominee (1995); ALA Best Books for Young Adults (1996); personal favorite.
Author Francesca Lia Block
Block was born to a painter and a poet in Los Angeles where she still currently lives. She is the author of many books and is best know for the Weetzie Bat series. She has received many awards including the Margaret A. Edwards lifetime achievement award.
ISBN 0060248793
Publisher Harper Collins
Copyright Date 1995
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Baby Be-Bop is the fifth of the Weetzie Bat series by Block and is actually a prequel to the first book, Weetzie Bat. This is the story of Weetzie’s best friend, Dirk MacDonald, before they meet. Dirk is 16 years old and trying to squelch the fact that he is gay, hiding it from his friends and Grandma Fifi, with whom he lives. But after he meets Pup Lambert, it becomes harder to pretend. Through the help of the magic that is Grandma Fifi, Dirk learns to overcome his fear and embrace his sexuality.
Critical Evaluation
The Weetzie Bat books are truly some of my favorite YA tales. I remember when my mom brought the first book home for me and said that she had been hearing a lot about it from her colleagues (she works in UCLA’s LIS program). Little did she or I know that within its covers I would learn about teen sex, homosexuality and AIDS for the first time. (I was a precocious reader, but sheltered and a bit young for the book!) Though I liked the book at the time, mostly because it felt scandalous to me, the true magic of Block’s language and the sensual descriptions that fill her books did not dawn on me until I was much older. This makes me wonder if this is one of those YA books that is critically acclaimed because adult readers enjoy it so much. Some of Block’s language is as out there for today’s readers as it was for me ten years ago, drawing on lyricism and beat-era rhythms that might not resonate with teenagers. Additionally, the foray into a ghost story in Part II might put some teen reader’s off. Still, the issues discussed in Baby Be-Bop are significant and her descriptions of what it feels like to love, to lose and to form your own sexual identity are captivating. The character of Dirk is particularly compelling as he is portrayed as hip, strong and handsome and yet still able to be sensitive and caring.
Reader’s Annotation
“Dirk had known it since before he could remember.” He hopes liking boys is just a phase like Grandma Fifi says, but is it?
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a first person booktalk from Dirk’s perspective, focusing on his concerns about masculinity and being strong/having no fear. Encourage the class to think about the connections between perceived strength and heterosexuality, and to read about Dirk, who defies all expectations.
2. Do a plot summary of the book, highlighting the magical nature of Grandma Fifi’s house. Encourage the audience to read more.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Stonewall Book Award Nominee (1996); Lambda Literary Award Nominee (1995); ALA Best Books for Young Adults (1996); personal favorite.
The Book Thief
Title The Book Thief
Author Markus Zusak
Zusak was born in Sydney, Australia in 1975 to immigrant parents from Austria and Germany. He is the author of I Am the Messenger, The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe and Getting the Girl. He lives in Sydney with his wife and teaches part time.
ISBN 978035831003
Publisher Knopf Books for Young Reaers
Copyright Date 2006
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Historical Novels
Plot Summary
The Book Thief is a novel set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death. It follows the life of Liesel Meminger, from the death of her little brother, to her parent's capture and disappearance and her life with foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann. At her little brother's funeral, Liesel steals a book, The Gravedigger's Handbook and Hans teaches her to read. Liesel finds a comfort in words and her theft of books is a theme throughout. World War II is raging around Liesel and the majority of her town are silently opposed to the Nazi regime and the treatment of the Jewish people. This is a novel about courage and dignity, about love and family.
Critical Evaluation
The Book Thief is absolutely deserving of the praise and attention that it has garnered. The first thing that struck me, aside from the fact that it is narrated by Death and he is not the evil, bloodthirsty tyrant he is often depicted as, is Zusak's amazing control of the English language. In an interview, he describes his love of writing as a love of playing with words and I know exactly what he's talking about. Zusak has a way of taking the most ordinary ideas and actions and changing them into something extraordinary. This is a book that might be difficult for some teen readers to get into, but it will definitely be worth the effort. The story is powerful and able to speak profound truths about both the beauty and the ugliness of humanity, without being preachy or sentimental. A great read for mature teens who enjoy historical fiction or just fabulous writing and unique stories.
Reader’s Annotation
When Liesel's little brother dies, she is touched by Death. And Death can't seem to get her out of his mind.
Curriculum Ties A great tie-in with any lesson about Nazi Germany, World War II and the Holocaust. A wonderful supplement to the history which often forgets what many Germans were going through at the time.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a plot summary from Death's point of view, emphasizing his strange connection to Liesel.
2. Set the mood by describing Nazi Germany and encourage the audience to read more about Liesel and her experiences.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 2007); Michael L. Printz Honor Book (2007); Book Sense Book of the Year (2007); personal favorite.
Boy Meets Boy
Title Boy Meets Boy
Author David Levithan
David Levithan was born in 1972 and graduated from Brown University. He is the author of several novels for young adults, including Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist which was adapted into a successful mainstream movie. For a day job, Levithan is the editorial director at Scholastic.
ISBN 0375832998
Publisher Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright Date 2003
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Boy Meets Boy takes place in a town unlike any other and Paul is fortunate enough to have lived his whole life there. It is a place where differences are celebrated and where Paul, proud to be gay, is popular and has a supportive family life. The story follows Paul’s experience of his first serious love interest, Noah, and the complications that always ensue. But with his loyal friends, Infinite Darlene, a drag queen quarterback and homecoming queen, Joni who is slowly disappearing into a relationship of her own, and Tony who lives in the next town over and whose religious parents are not so supportive of his own homosexuality, Paul discovers what it means to love and what it means to let go.
Critical Evaluation
What a refreshing piece of LGBT fiction for teens. Whereas most of the books I’ve read focus on the fear of being discovered, the pain of coming out to family and friends who don’t understand and the struggle to be accepted, Boy Meets Boy breaks all the stereotypes. The main character, Paul, is strong, fearless and loved in every way. His town sounds frankly like San Francisco: a place where difference is celebrated and a boy with homosexual tendencies is fostered by his teacher rather than shut-down. A place where, when Paul calls a girl a “lesbian Club Kid” (their word for students who join every club), the tense moment after when Paul fears he’s insulted her, has to do with calling her a Club Kid, not a lesbian. David Levithan crafts a world that turns assumptions on its head, a world of “what if,” where kids are free to be who they are, to love who they want, to “architect” dances that they actually want to attend and to live their gender expression any way they choose. I think this book represents a fundamental shift in LGBT fiction for teens – as homosexuality is vilified less and brought more into the mainstream and as gender becomes more fluid, kids might not have the same tortuous coming out experiences that most of these books describe. This book would be particularly important to teens who grow up in places like San Francisco, where being gay is not a matter of coming out, but simply living your life. What a great read for someone who is comfortable with their sexual identity, but simply wants to read about characters that happen to be gay, doing all the normal things that teenagers do: date, go to pep rallies and have fights with their friends. Besides the content, Levithan is also an amazing wordsmith, describing things in new, unexpected ways and playing with language, particularly printed language.
Reader’s Annotation
“I’ve always known I was gay, but it wasn’t confirmed until I was in kindergarten. It was my teacher who said so. It was right there on my kindergarten report card: PAUL IS DEFINITELY GAY AND HAS A VERY GOOD SENSE OF SELF.” With that kind of a start, you can bet Paul’s high school years will be anything but boring.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Paul, Infinite Darlene, Joni, Tony and Rip, encouraging the audience to read the book to learn more.
2. Do a sketch of the town in which the story takes place – just the description will make people want to read more.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Lambda Literary Award (2003); David Levithan is one of the main writers in this genre.
Author David Levithan
David Levithan was born in 1972 and graduated from Brown University. He is the author of several novels for young adults, including Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist which was adapted into a successful mainstream movie. For a day job, Levithan is the editorial director at Scholastic.
ISBN 0375832998
Publisher Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright Date 2003
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Boy Meets Boy takes place in a town unlike any other and Paul is fortunate enough to have lived his whole life there. It is a place where differences are celebrated and where Paul, proud to be gay, is popular and has a supportive family life. The story follows Paul’s experience of his first serious love interest, Noah, and the complications that always ensue. But with his loyal friends, Infinite Darlene, a drag queen quarterback and homecoming queen, Joni who is slowly disappearing into a relationship of her own, and Tony who lives in the next town over and whose religious parents are not so supportive of his own homosexuality, Paul discovers what it means to love and what it means to let go.
Critical Evaluation
What a refreshing piece of LGBT fiction for teens. Whereas most of the books I’ve read focus on the fear of being discovered, the pain of coming out to family and friends who don’t understand and the struggle to be accepted, Boy Meets Boy breaks all the stereotypes. The main character, Paul, is strong, fearless and loved in every way. His town sounds frankly like San Francisco: a place where difference is celebrated and a boy with homosexual tendencies is fostered by his teacher rather than shut-down. A place where, when Paul calls a girl a “lesbian Club Kid” (their word for students who join every club), the tense moment after when Paul fears he’s insulted her, has to do with calling her a Club Kid, not a lesbian. David Levithan crafts a world that turns assumptions on its head, a world of “what if,” where kids are free to be who they are, to love who they want, to “architect” dances that they actually want to attend and to live their gender expression any way they choose. I think this book represents a fundamental shift in LGBT fiction for teens – as homosexuality is vilified less and brought more into the mainstream and as gender becomes more fluid, kids might not have the same tortuous coming out experiences that most of these books describe. This book would be particularly important to teens who grow up in places like San Francisco, where being gay is not a matter of coming out, but simply living your life. What a great read for someone who is comfortable with their sexual identity, but simply wants to read about characters that happen to be gay, doing all the normal things that teenagers do: date, go to pep rallies and have fights with their friends. Besides the content, Levithan is also an amazing wordsmith, describing things in new, unexpected ways and playing with language, particularly printed language.
Reader’s Annotation
“I’ve always known I was gay, but it wasn’t confirmed until I was in kindergarten. It was my teacher who said so. It was right there on my kindergarten report card: PAUL IS DEFINITELY GAY AND HAS A VERY GOOD SENSE OF SELF.” With that kind of a start, you can bet Paul’s high school years will be anything but boring.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Paul, Infinite Darlene, Joni, Tony and Rip, encouraging the audience to read the book to learn more.
2. Do a sketch of the town in which the story takes place – just the description will make people want to read more.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Lambda Literary Award (2003); David Levithan is one of the main writers in this genre.
Breathing Underwater
Title Breathing Underwater
Author Lu Vickers
Vickers recieved her Ph.D. in English from Florida State University, where she is still living. She has won many awards for her writing and is also the author of Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids.
ISBN 9781555839642
Publisher Alyson Books
Copyright Date 2007
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction; Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Breathing Underwater is the story of Lily, a young girl living in Chattahoochee, Florida who has a fair number of issues to deal with. Her mother who works at the mental hospital in town is herself mentally unbalanced. Lily believes that she almost allowed her to drown one day when the family went out fishing and this incident haunts Lily and her relationship with her mother for the rest of her life. Her father, though well-meaning, enables her mother’s outbursts and is unable to shield Lily and her brother and sister from her mother’s increasingly erratic and violent behavior. And to top it all off, Lily is struggling with her own sexuality in a small town where queer people are shunned and the subject of scorn. Will Lily be able to figure things out when there is so much going wrong in her life? Or will she succumb to her mother’s anger and guilt?
Critical Evaluation
Lu Vickers is a very talented writer, capturing the fear and pain of Lily’s life in lyrical prose and vivid, sometimes excruciating detail. The issue of Lily’s increasing awareness of her own sexuality is really a sub-plot to the larger issue of the unraveling of her family in the shadow of her mother’s insanity. But the fear of trying to be gay in the south and the fact that her mother seems to blame her inability to love Lily on her sexual orientation are poignant reminders that the struggles of LGBT youth are real and complex and frightening. Lily is a sympathetic character, but her narration seems to be deliberately unreliable – as a child and then a young teenager, can she really see what is happening or is she unable to interpret things as they truly are? This novel is depressing to say the least and does not fully resolve many of the subplots in a way that feels satisfactory, though the story feels honest and raw. A good read for mature teenagers who are tired of the somewhat happy-go-lucky fare of many LGBT teen reads and looking for something just a little more realistic and fresh.
Reader’s Annotation
Ever since her mom almost let her drown, Lily feels as if she’s breathing underwater.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a first-person narration of the drowning incident, first from the mom’s perspective and then from Lily’s.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow Book Starred Pick (2008, ALA); I wanted to include at least one adult crossover title.
Author Lu Vickers
Vickers recieved her Ph.D. in English from Florida State University, where she is still living. She has won many awards for her writing and is also the author of Weeki Wachee, City of Mermaids.
ISBN 9781555839642
Publisher Alyson Books
Copyright Date 2007
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction; Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Breathing Underwater is the story of Lily, a young girl living in Chattahoochee, Florida who has a fair number of issues to deal with. Her mother who works at the mental hospital in town is herself mentally unbalanced. Lily believes that she almost allowed her to drown one day when the family went out fishing and this incident haunts Lily and her relationship with her mother for the rest of her life. Her father, though well-meaning, enables her mother’s outbursts and is unable to shield Lily and her brother and sister from her mother’s increasingly erratic and violent behavior. And to top it all off, Lily is struggling with her own sexuality in a small town where queer people are shunned and the subject of scorn. Will Lily be able to figure things out when there is so much going wrong in her life? Or will she succumb to her mother’s anger and guilt?
Critical Evaluation
Lu Vickers is a very talented writer, capturing the fear and pain of Lily’s life in lyrical prose and vivid, sometimes excruciating detail. The issue of Lily’s increasing awareness of her own sexuality is really a sub-plot to the larger issue of the unraveling of her family in the shadow of her mother’s insanity. But the fear of trying to be gay in the south and the fact that her mother seems to blame her inability to love Lily on her sexual orientation are poignant reminders that the struggles of LGBT youth are real and complex and frightening. Lily is a sympathetic character, but her narration seems to be deliberately unreliable – as a child and then a young teenager, can she really see what is happening or is she unable to interpret things as they truly are? This novel is depressing to say the least and does not fully resolve many of the subplots in a way that feels satisfactory, though the story feels honest and raw. A good read for mature teenagers who are tired of the somewhat happy-go-lucky fare of many LGBT teen reads and looking for something just a little more realistic and fresh.
Reader’s Annotation
Ever since her mom almost let her drown, Lily feels as if she’s breathing underwater.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a first-person narration of the drowning incident, first from the mom’s perspective and then from Lily’s.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow Book Starred Pick (2008, ALA); I wanted to include at least one adult crossover title.
A Curse Dark as Gold
Title A Curse Dark as Gold
Author Elizabeth C. Bunce
Bunce enjoys needlework and has a passion for traditional folk and fairy tales. She lives in Missouri, near Kansas City. This is her first novel.
ISBN 9780439895767
Publisher Arthur A. Levine Books (an imprint of Scholastic Inc.)
Copyright Date 2008
Reading Level/Interest Age 13+
Genre Fantasy: Fairy Tales
Plot Summary
A Curse Dark as Gold is an imaginative retelling of the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, made famous by the Grimm Brothers. As Bunce states, "I always wanted to know more about the stories and characters - the stories beneath the stories. What was the miller's daughter thinking? What did Rumpelstiltskin want the baby for?" Bunce was particularly concerned with the fact that, in a story where the name of the evil character holds weight, why was the heroine nameless? From this concern, the rest of the story grows. Charlotte Miller is devastated when her father dies, leaving her and her younger sister as the stewards of the Stirwaters mill, on which the whole town relies for their livelihood. The mill is deeply in debt and Charlotte must figure out a way to save the mill and the town. But there is a strange curse that has settled over the mill, a curse that has been around as long as the mill and threatens to destroy it. When a strange, magical man named Jack Spinner offers to spin gold thread out of straw, Charlotte sees it as the opportunity she has been looking for. Or will it be the final undoing of the Miller family and their mill?
Critical Evaluation
Bunce has struck gold with her first novel, A Curse Dark as Gold and created a heroine in Charlotte Miller who is not easily forgotten. The suspense and tension that Bunce writes into the story will keep any reader on the edge of her seat. Particularly noteable is Bunce's ability to write a novel that is full of magic and superstition, but which seems altogether realistic in setting, scope and characterization. Female readers will love to read about Charlotte's experiences as a woman doing a job typically reserved for men and her struggles. A fantastic recommendation for teenagers who enjoy literary fiction as this novel is very well-written. Also a good read for someone who like retellings of classic fairy tales.
Reader’s Annotation
Charlotte Miller will do anything to save her mill and her town, but how far will she really go? This retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin tale will keep you guessing until the very end.
Curriculum Ties A great book for an English class to learn about retelling fairy tales and the power and symbolism behind names and naming. Could also be tied into a section on British History, just at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Start with a summary of the familiar Rumpelstiltskin tale and then do a summary of the book, highlighting the major differences.
2. Do a character sketch of Charlotte and of Jack Spinner, ending with a hook about how their lives will be linked.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); William C. Morris Award (2009); Cybils Award (Finalist, Fantasy and Science Fiction, 2008); I wanted to include a fantasy novel in my database.
Author Elizabeth C. Bunce
Bunce enjoys needlework and has a passion for traditional folk and fairy tales. She lives in Missouri, near Kansas City. This is her first novel.
ISBN 9780439895767
Publisher Arthur A. Levine Books (an imprint of Scholastic Inc.)
Copyright Date 2008
Reading Level/Interest Age 13+
Genre Fantasy: Fairy Tales
Plot Summary
A Curse Dark as Gold is an imaginative retelling of the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin, made famous by the Grimm Brothers. As Bunce states, "I always wanted to know more about the stories and characters - the stories beneath the stories. What was the miller's daughter thinking? What did Rumpelstiltskin want the baby for?" Bunce was particularly concerned with the fact that, in a story where the name of the evil character holds weight, why was the heroine nameless? From this concern, the rest of the story grows. Charlotte Miller is devastated when her father dies, leaving her and her younger sister as the stewards of the Stirwaters mill, on which the whole town relies for their livelihood. The mill is deeply in debt and Charlotte must figure out a way to save the mill and the town. But there is a strange curse that has settled over the mill, a curse that has been around as long as the mill and threatens to destroy it. When a strange, magical man named Jack Spinner offers to spin gold thread out of straw, Charlotte sees it as the opportunity she has been looking for. Or will it be the final undoing of the Miller family and their mill?
Critical Evaluation
Bunce has struck gold with her first novel, A Curse Dark as Gold and created a heroine in Charlotte Miller who is not easily forgotten. The suspense and tension that Bunce writes into the story will keep any reader on the edge of her seat. Particularly noteable is Bunce's ability to write a novel that is full of magic and superstition, but which seems altogether realistic in setting, scope and characterization. Female readers will love to read about Charlotte's experiences as a woman doing a job typically reserved for men and her struggles. A fantastic recommendation for teenagers who enjoy literary fiction as this novel is very well-written. Also a good read for someone who like retellings of classic fairy tales.
Reader’s Annotation
Charlotte Miller will do anything to save her mill and her town, but how far will she really go? This retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin tale will keep you guessing until the very end.
Curriculum Ties A great book for an English class to learn about retelling fairy tales and the power and symbolism behind names and naming. Could also be tied into a section on British History, just at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Start with a summary of the familiar Rumpelstiltskin tale and then do a summary of the book, highlighting the major differences.
2. Do a character sketch of Charlotte and of Jack Spinner, ending with a hook about how their lives will be linked.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 2009); William C. Morris Award (2009); Cybils Award (Finalist, Fantasy and Science Fiction, 2008); I wanted to include a fantasy novel in my database.
Down to the Bone
Title Down to the Bone
Author Mayra Lazara Dole
Dole resides in Florida with her partner Damarys. When she is not writing, she has held various jobs including chef, hairdresser, library assistant and landscaper.
ISBN 978006084113
Publisher HarperTeen (an imprint of Harper Collins)
Copyright Date 2008
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction; Multicultural Issues
Plot Summary
Down to the Bone begins with Laura, a 17-year-old Catholic school student, being kicked out of school after her teacher reads aloud a love letter from her girlfriend, Marlena. The action is off to a flying start – after being kicked out of her house by her religious Cuban mother, Laura is taken in by her best friend Soli (short for Soledad) and her mother Viva. We join Laura for a roller-coaster ride as she struggles to figure out what is more important: being loved and accepted by her family, or being true to herself and living her life out loud.
Critical Evaluation
Dole fills the pages of this book with constant, upbeat, melodic descriptions and dialogue. She peoples the novel with a diverse array of colorful characters, from the narrator Laura who is emotional and compassionate, to her best friend Soli who is loud, brash and impossibly loyal and her friend Tazer, a genderqueer girl who prefers to use male pronouns. The story is rich with Laura’s Cuban cultural experiences and the issues that a multicultural teen would face in coming out. Laura is also a truly sympathetic character, vacillating between the unquestioning stubbornness and confidence of a teenager just learning who she is to the uncertain, insecure and confused younger self that she is trying to grow out of. Though sometimes the dialogue seems a little forced, there is a lot of heart in this book. Particularly raw is the fact that in the end, Laura does not win the respect or acceptance of her mother and must learn to negotiate life in a world that does not always love you for the way you are.
Reader’s Annotation
It’s the last day of her Junior year at her awful Catholic school and Laura is about to celebrate her two-year anniversary with her girlfriend Marlena – things couldn’t be better. But they could get much worse!
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read aloud the first chapter of the book and encourage the audience to read the book to learn more to find out what happens to Laura.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2009, Rainbow List Starred Pick 2009 (ALA); wanted to include a book that dealt with the particular issues of being Latino and LGBT.
Author Mayra Lazara Dole
Dole resides in Florida with her partner Damarys. When she is not writing, she has held various jobs including chef, hairdresser, library assistant and landscaper.
ISBN 978006084113
Publisher HarperTeen (an imprint of Harper Collins)
Copyright Date 2008
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction; Multicultural Issues
Plot Summary
Down to the Bone begins with Laura, a 17-year-old Catholic school student, being kicked out of school after her teacher reads aloud a love letter from her girlfriend, Marlena. The action is off to a flying start – after being kicked out of her house by her religious Cuban mother, Laura is taken in by her best friend Soli (short for Soledad) and her mother Viva. We join Laura for a roller-coaster ride as she struggles to figure out what is more important: being loved and accepted by her family, or being true to herself and living her life out loud.
Critical Evaluation
Dole fills the pages of this book with constant, upbeat, melodic descriptions and dialogue. She peoples the novel with a diverse array of colorful characters, from the narrator Laura who is emotional and compassionate, to her best friend Soli who is loud, brash and impossibly loyal and her friend Tazer, a genderqueer girl who prefers to use male pronouns. The story is rich with Laura’s Cuban cultural experiences and the issues that a multicultural teen would face in coming out. Laura is also a truly sympathetic character, vacillating between the unquestioning stubbornness and confidence of a teenager just learning who she is to the uncertain, insecure and confused younger self that she is trying to grow out of. Though sometimes the dialogue seems a little forced, there is a lot of heart in this book. Particularly raw is the fact that in the end, Laura does not win the respect or acceptance of her mother and must learn to negotiate life in a world that does not always love you for the way you are.
Reader’s Annotation
It’s the last day of her Junior year at her awful Catholic school and Laura is about to celebrate her two-year anniversary with her girlfriend Marlena – things couldn’t be better. But they could get much worse!
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read aloud the first chapter of the book and encourage the audience to read the book to learn more to find out what happens to Laura.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2009, Rainbow List Starred Pick 2009 (ALA); wanted to include a book that dealt with the particular issues of being Latino and LGBT.
Freak Show
Title Freak Show
Author James St. James
St. James grew up in Michigan but spent his high school years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his youth, he became involved in New York's club scene and he is infamous for his involvement with Michael Alig, about whom the novel, film and documentary Party Monster is based. St. James currently resides in Los Angeles.
ISBN 9780525477990
Publisher Dutton's Children's Books
Copyright Date 2007
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Seventeen-year-old Billy Bloom has just been sent to live with his father in Fort Lauderdale and is forced to start his senior year at a very prestigious, conservative private school filled with wealthy, cruel people with names like Bib and Baba and Bo-Bo. But while his initials might match, that’s about the only thing that does. Billy is a drag-queen-in-training, a “gender-obscurist” and a wanna-be-megastar and he is immediately singled-out as an outcast, inviting his peers’ taunts, bullying and even physical violence that puts him in the hospital. Things start to look up for Billy when he is befriended during his recovery by the extremely handsome, but slightly country-bumpkin star football player, Flip Kelly. With Flip by his side, Billy can’t be touched. When their relationship turns sour and Billy is again faced with the prospect of eternal ridicule, he summons the help of his alter ego, Superfreak, to give him the courage he needs to run for homecoming queen and change his high school forever.
Critical Evaluation
James St. James creates one of the strongest voices in LGBT teen literature with Billy Bloom. Endowed with an endearing blend of over-the-top confidence and crippling self-doubt, Billy is not a character you will soon forget and neither is his story. There are no tortuous coming out tales in this book (well, at least not for Billy), no serious questioning of one’s sexual or gender identity. Instead, we are given an unflinching look at homophobia and transphobia in the face of Billy’s refusal to give in, to abide by the cultural and heteronormative standards and to conform to the opinion of his peers. Billy’s voice is at first a bit difficult to get used to and seems a bit exaggerated. But by the third or fourth chapter, it all becomes a part of Billy’s personality which is certainly over the top. At this point, Billy became, for me, a living, breathing character – albeit a somewhat annoying living, breathing character. Regardless, St. James’ novel is a fantastic read that shatters ones expectations and charts new territory for LGBT books for teens. Freak Show would make a great recommendation not only for teens just starting to explore their sexual and gender identities, but also for those who know who they are, know the challenges and are pissed off enough to want to do something about it.
Reader’s Annotation
HONEY, let me tell you how to be FAB.U.LOUS! Step one: read this book, seriously, you have to read it because babydoll, this will be the best book about a drag queen senior in an uptight private high school you’ve ever read. Believe.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the first chapter and encourage the audience to think about the narrator and then read the book – they might be surprised!
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow List Starred Pick (2008, ALA); I wanted to include a book about cross-dressing/drag queens/gender-bending.
Author James St. James
St. James grew up in Michigan but spent his high school years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During his youth, he became involved in New York's club scene and he is infamous for his involvement with Michael Alig, about whom the novel, film and documentary Party Monster is based. St. James currently resides in Los Angeles.
ISBN 9780525477990
Publisher Dutton's Children's Books
Copyright Date 2007
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Seventeen-year-old Billy Bloom has just been sent to live with his father in Fort Lauderdale and is forced to start his senior year at a very prestigious, conservative private school filled with wealthy, cruel people with names like Bib and Baba and Bo-Bo. But while his initials might match, that’s about the only thing that does. Billy is a drag-queen-in-training, a “gender-obscurist” and a wanna-be-megastar and he is immediately singled-out as an outcast, inviting his peers’ taunts, bullying and even physical violence that puts him in the hospital. Things start to look up for Billy when he is befriended during his recovery by the extremely handsome, but slightly country-bumpkin star football player, Flip Kelly. With Flip by his side, Billy can’t be touched. When their relationship turns sour and Billy is again faced with the prospect of eternal ridicule, he summons the help of his alter ego, Superfreak, to give him the courage he needs to run for homecoming queen and change his high school forever.
Critical Evaluation
James St. James creates one of the strongest voices in LGBT teen literature with Billy Bloom. Endowed with an endearing blend of over-the-top confidence and crippling self-doubt, Billy is not a character you will soon forget and neither is his story. There are no tortuous coming out tales in this book (well, at least not for Billy), no serious questioning of one’s sexual or gender identity. Instead, we are given an unflinching look at homophobia and transphobia in the face of Billy’s refusal to give in, to abide by the cultural and heteronormative standards and to conform to the opinion of his peers. Billy’s voice is at first a bit difficult to get used to and seems a bit exaggerated. But by the third or fourth chapter, it all becomes a part of Billy’s personality which is certainly over the top. At this point, Billy became, for me, a living, breathing character – albeit a somewhat annoying living, breathing character. Regardless, St. James’ novel is a fantastic read that shatters ones expectations and charts new territory for LGBT books for teens. Freak Show would make a great recommendation not only for teens just starting to explore their sexual and gender identities, but also for those who know who they are, know the challenges and are pissed off enough to want to do something about it.
Reader’s Annotation
HONEY, let me tell you how to be FAB.U.LOUS! Step one: read this book, seriously, you have to read it because babydoll, this will be the best book about a drag queen senior in an uptight private high school you’ve ever read. Believe.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the first chapter and encourage the audience to think about the narrator and then read the book – they might be surprised!
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow List Starred Pick (2008, ALA); I wanted to include a book about cross-dressing/drag queens/gender-bending.
Freaky Green Eyes
Title Freaky Green Eyes
Author Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates was born in rural New York in 1938. While attending college, she won a fiction contest in Mademoiselle magazine and published her first book in 1963. She is an extremely prolific writer and has published over 50 books, many for young adults. She has received numerous awards and her novel them received a National Book Award. Oates is a professor at Princeton University and lives in New Jersey.
ISBN 9780064473484
Publisher HarperTempest (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Copyright Date 2003
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Freaky Green Eyes is the story of Franky Pierson and her stronger, alterego, Freaky Green Eyes. This is the part of herself that she allows to see the truth, to understand what is going on in her life. You see, Franky's dad is a famous sportscaster and he and her mom are having problems. In order to get away, her mom starts spending time at a cabin, working on her art. Though Franky is aware that her dad can be controlling and manipulative, she feels like her mother is deserting her, her older brother and her younger sister. When her mother goes missing, though, Franky realizes that something is really wrong, though she doesn't want to see it for herself. Maybe with the help of Freaky Green Eyes, she'll be able to get through it.
Critical Evaluation
This is a great book about what happens when the people around you are not what they seem and about domestic violence. Franky's character is immediately likeable and the reader is drawn into her world. So much so that it is easy to see both sides of the story, that of her mother - struggling to gain independence and her father - struggling to hold his family together, even if he has to be violent in order to do it. A great recommendation for teens who enjoy realistic fiction that deals with serious life issues. Also a great read for anyone who enjoyed Oates' first YA novel, Big Mouth and Ugly Girl.
Reader’s Annotation
Franky doesn't want to listen to what Freaky Green Eyes has to say. But Freaky Green Eyes and Franky are the same person.
Curriculum Ties none
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a character sketch of Franky and then of Freaky Green Eyes. Encourage the audience to read more to see what happens.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this book?
Best Children's Books (Publishers Weekly, 2003); Kirkus Book Review, Stars (2003); Oates is one of my favorite authors.
Geography Club
Title Geography Club
Author Brent Hartinger
Hartinger resides in Seattle with his partner, Michael Jensen. He has published many novels including two sequels to Geography Club and even adapted this book into a play for the stage.
ISBN 0060012218
Publisher HarperTempest (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Copyright Date 2003
Reading Level/Interest Age 10+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
When Russel Middlebrook, a gay, closeted teen, meets another gay kid at his high school in a chat room, he can’t believe it turns out to be Kevin Land, a popular baseball player. Struggling with his secret, he comes out to his best friend Min, only to find out that she’s bisexual and has had a girlfriend, a soccer player for years. They get together and discover that they all have the same fears and desires in common, but no way to express them in their conservative town. Then they come up with a brilliant idea: the Geography Club – a club so boring that no one would ever want to join. During their meetings, the LGBT kids get a chance to understand real friendship and togetherness. And Russel gets closer to Kevin. But will they be able to keep their club, and their identities, a secret from the rest of the school?
Critical Evaluation
Told from the first-person perspective of Russel, this book takes on some difficult issues and tackles them with both sensitivity and a strong sense of humor. The plot is fairly straight-forward and the writing propels the action onward in a non-stop fashion. Of particular interest is the kids’ relationship with one another and how their understanding of discrimination grows. As a secondary character who is an outcast at their school gets ridiculed for being gay, the teens must figure out how far their acceptance and tolerance extends and this is an opportunity for teaching teens about oppression, regardless of the reasoning behind it. Finally, Russel’s struggles with trying to remain closeted highlight the issues that many teens may face when they decide that they cannot be open about their sexuality, and how hurtful it can be to those caught in the middle. A good, quick read for kids who might be looking for the courage to live their lives without fear of being outcasted.
Reader’s Annotation
The Geography Club must be the most boring club at Robert L. Goodkind High School, right? That’s what the LGBT members of the club hope you’ll think.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Russel, Kevin and Min leaving out the fact that they are LGBT until the very end.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults; Lambda Literary Award Finalist (2003).
Author Brent Hartinger
Hartinger resides in Seattle with his partner, Michael Jensen. He has published many novels including two sequels to Geography Club and even adapted this book into a play for the stage.
ISBN 0060012218
Publisher HarperTempest (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Copyright Date 2003
Reading Level/Interest Age 10+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
When Russel Middlebrook, a gay, closeted teen, meets another gay kid at his high school in a chat room, he can’t believe it turns out to be Kevin Land, a popular baseball player. Struggling with his secret, he comes out to his best friend Min, only to find out that she’s bisexual and has had a girlfriend, a soccer player for years. They get together and discover that they all have the same fears and desires in common, but no way to express them in their conservative town. Then they come up with a brilliant idea: the Geography Club – a club so boring that no one would ever want to join. During their meetings, the LGBT kids get a chance to understand real friendship and togetherness. And Russel gets closer to Kevin. But will they be able to keep their club, and their identities, a secret from the rest of the school?
Critical Evaluation
Told from the first-person perspective of Russel, this book takes on some difficult issues and tackles them with both sensitivity and a strong sense of humor. The plot is fairly straight-forward and the writing propels the action onward in a non-stop fashion. Of particular interest is the kids’ relationship with one another and how their understanding of discrimination grows. As a secondary character who is an outcast at their school gets ridiculed for being gay, the teens must figure out how far their acceptance and tolerance extends and this is an opportunity for teaching teens about oppression, regardless of the reasoning behind it. Finally, Russel’s struggles with trying to remain closeted highlight the issues that many teens may face when they decide that they cannot be open about their sexuality, and how hurtful it can be to those caught in the middle. A good, quick read for kids who might be looking for the courage to live their lives without fear of being outcasted.
Reader’s Annotation
The Geography Club must be the most boring club at Robert L. Goodkind High School, right? That’s what the LGBT members of the club hope you’ll think.
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do character sketches of Russel, Kevin and Min leaving out the fact that they are LGBT until the very end.
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
ALA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults; Lambda Literary Award Finalist (2003).
Getting It
Title Getting It
Author Alex Sanchez
Sanchez was born in Mexico City and moved to the U.S. when he was five. He has a Master's degreen in Guidance and Counseling and is the author of the acclaimed Rainbow Boys series.
ISBN 9781416908982
Publisher Simon Pulse
Copyright Date 2006
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Meet Carlos Amorosa, 15 year-old virgin. Every night he dreams about Roxana “Roxy” Rodriguez and every day he loses his nerve and can’t speak to her. All of his friends have had sex and he’s getting tired of their bragging and putting him down. While watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy one night, it suddenly occurs to him that maybe he could ask a senior at his school named Sal, who is rumored to be gay and is constantly surrounded by girls, for some advice about how to be more attractive to the opposite sex. Surprisingly, Sal agrees, on the condition that Carlos helps him form a Gay-Straight Alliance at their high school. Will learning the secrets to getting girls be worth the chance that his friends will make fun of him for being gay? Or will Carlos give in to the pressure of his friends and remain a virgin forever?
Critical Evaluation
Getting It is a very straight-forward narrative which finds an endearing narrator in Carlos. Alex Sanchez manages to strike a balance between a coming-of-age tale about the development from boy to man and a novel with a very clear message to tell about homophobia in school. Like Luna, positioning the gay (or in the case of Luna, transgender) character in the storyline as a secondary character is a clever narrative device that allows the reader to confront his own homophobia and change his attitudes right along with Carlos. Additionally, the juxtaposition of Sal with his good looks, sense of humor, confidence, intelligence, manners and class against Carlos’ friends – rude, obnoxious, immature and insecure – makes one immediately sympathetic to the fact that treating a person who is LGBT differently is simply prejudiced. Sanchez also does a great job of integrating Carlos’ own development with his evolving relationship with his parents, drawing in readers who can relate to the pain of divorce and the difficulty of forgiving your parents. I would recommend this book to younger readers as mature readers might find the “makeover” aspects formulaic. This would be a great book to recommend to teenagers who are straight but interested in themes of social justice and equality.
Reader’s Annotation
Carlos would do anything to have sex with a girl – but will he risk being called queer to let the gay guy make him over?
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Hook the audience with a plot summary, focusing on whether a “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” makeover will help Carlos get the girl.
2. Do a character sketch modeled after the profiles of the characters on the website in the book “Hot or Snot.”
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow List (2009, ALA); Top Ten Youth Romances (2007, Booklist); Alex Sanchez is one of the main authors in this genre and this is his most recent book.
Author Alex Sanchez
Sanchez was born in Mexico City and moved to the U.S. when he was five. He has a Master's degreen in Guidance and Counseling and is the author of the acclaimed Rainbow Boys series.
ISBN 9781416908982
Publisher Simon Pulse
Copyright Date 2006
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Issues: Sexual Identity; LGBT Fiction
Plot Summary
Meet Carlos Amorosa, 15 year-old virgin. Every night he dreams about Roxana “Roxy” Rodriguez and every day he loses his nerve and can’t speak to her. All of his friends have had sex and he’s getting tired of their bragging and putting him down. While watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy one night, it suddenly occurs to him that maybe he could ask a senior at his school named Sal, who is rumored to be gay and is constantly surrounded by girls, for some advice about how to be more attractive to the opposite sex. Surprisingly, Sal agrees, on the condition that Carlos helps him form a Gay-Straight Alliance at their high school. Will learning the secrets to getting girls be worth the chance that his friends will make fun of him for being gay? Or will Carlos give in to the pressure of his friends and remain a virgin forever?
Critical Evaluation
Getting It is a very straight-forward narrative which finds an endearing narrator in Carlos. Alex Sanchez manages to strike a balance between a coming-of-age tale about the development from boy to man and a novel with a very clear message to tell about homophobia in school. Like Luna, positioning the gay (or in the case of Luna, transgender) character in the storyline as a secondary character is a clever narrative device that allows the reader to confront his own homophobia and change his attitudes right along with Carlos. Additionally, the juxtaposition of Sal with his good looks, sense of humor, confidence, intelligence, manners and class against Carlos’ friends – rude, obnoxious, immature and insecure – makes one immediately sympathetic to the fact that treating a person who is LGBT differently is simply prejudiced. Sanchez also does a great job of integrating Carlos’ own development with his evolving relationship with his parents, drawing in readers who can relate to the pain of divorce and the difficulty of forgiving your parents. I would recommend this book to younger readers as mature readers might find the “makeover” aspects formulaic. This would be a great book to recommend to teenagers who are straight but interested in themes of social justice and equality.
Reader’s Annotation
Carlos would do anything to have sex with a girl – but will he risk being called queer to let the gay guy make him over?
Curriculum Ties Could be tied into lessons about LGBT issues, tolerance and prejudice.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Hook the audience with a plot summary, focusing on whether a “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” makeover will help Carlos get the girl.
2. Do a character sketch modeled after the profiles of the characters on the website in the book “Hot or Snot.”
Challenge Issues
Please see "Controversy & LGBT Teen Collections"
Why did I include this book?
Rainbow List (2009, ALA); Top Ten Youth Romances (2007, Booklist); Alex Sanchez is one of the main authors in this genre and this is his most recent book.
The Golden Compass
Title The Golden Compass
Author Philip Pullman
Pullman was born in Norwich in 1946 and with his family, lived and studied all over the world including England, Zimbabwe, Australia and North Wales. He has achieved much success with the His Dark Materials trilogy and is the author of many other books, mostly read by children and young adults.
ISBN 9780440238133
Publisher Laurel-Leaf Books
Copyright Date 1995
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Fantasy
Plot Summary
The Golden Compass is the first book in Philip Pullman's fantasy His Dark Materials trilogy. Part coming-of-age story and part hero quest, this book tells the story of Lyra Balecqua, who is an orphan that has been raised in Jordan College by the scholars there. In Lyra's world, each person has a daemon, an amimal companion that is an integral part of each person's personality and being. Though daemons take on a fixed form once a person has reached adulthood, Lyra's and other children's are fluid and change forms based on mood and need. Upon sneaking into a private meeting with an explorer, Lyra learns of a mysterious, supernatural substance called Dust and after saving her father (though she doesn't know that's who he is at the time) from assassination, she is propelled on an adventure to the north. She quickly learns that she is not only destined to help solve the mystery of disappearing children, but also to save her own world and the multiple other worlds that exist in other dimensions.
Critical Evaluation
The Golden Compass is a page-turning, fast-paced thrill of a read that is sure to delight most teenagers. Though the book has been marketed for young adults, it is mature and tackles some very complex issues, including sexuality, love, sacrifice and death. The main character, Lyra, is extremely likeable and the reader grows with her as she learns about the dark forces that are controlling her world and others. The concept of the daemon is fascinating as is the description of the mysterious particles called Dust. What starts as a fantasy novel eventually is revealed to be a philisophical book about religion, sexuality and humanity. A wonderful recommendation for readers that enjoyed, but have grown out of, the Narnia series and who devoured Lord of the Rings. It is also a great recommendation for readers looking for something after finishing the Harry Potter series as this is a great challenging read.
Reader’s Annotation
Lyra is about to find out that she is destined to save not only her own world, but other worlds as well.
Curriculum Ties A great way to tie in conversations about the role of religion in politics for an older high school class.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a plot summary from the point of view of Pantalaimon, Lyra's daemon.
Challenge Issues
Issue: anti-Christian
Defense: alternative point of view, there is no direct attack on Christianity.
Why did I include this book?
Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 1997); Carnegie Medal (1995); Guardian Children's Book Award; I wanted to include a fantasy title and this is a personal favorite.
Gossip Girl
Title Gossip Girl: A Novel
Author Cecily von Ziegesar
Von Ziegesar lives in Brooklyn with her husband Richard. The inspiration for the Gossip Girl series was her own high school experience at the elite, all-girls Nightingale-Bamford School in Manhattan. She is the creator of the Gossip Girl series as well as The It Girl series.
ISBN 0316910333
Publisher Little, Brown and Company
Copyright Date 2002
Reading Level/Interest Age 15+
Genre Contemporary Life, Romance
Plot Summary
Told from the perspective on an anonymous narrator, known only as Gossip Girl, this first book in the series follows the stories of a group of high school seniors who live in New York’s Upper East Side and attend school at the most prestigious college-prep high schools in the city. Blair Waldorf has enjoyed being the queen bee at her high school since the beautiful, perfect, blonde Serena van der Woodson went away to boarding school. But when she surprises everyone by showing up for senior year, Blair will do anything she can to make sure Serena doesn’t take her old position back. Blair becomes even more fearful and vicious when she learns that her boyfriend, Nate, slept with Serena before she left. How far will Blair go to keep her place and how many hearts will get broken in the process?
Critical Evaluation
Gossip Girl is truly a book with very little substance. But it is fast-paced, full of cultural tidbits, shopping, sex, drugs and alcohol – so you know it’s a hit with the teens. Von Ziegesar does a great job with the dialogue between the teenagers and the short, clipped way in which they observe the world. The descriptions are lacking (unless, of course, it’s a description of a dress that Serena’s wearing), but it is not immediately noticeable as the lives of these teenagers are anything but dull. The gossip-y tone of the whole novel is sure to entice even the most reluctant reader to get into the story and the short blog entries every two or three chapters keeps a consistency that a reader will come to appreciate. Unfortunately, in this book, none of the characters are particularly “good,” leaving the reader feeling a bit left out of the storyline. But this could be intentional as the whole story is told from an outsider’s point of view – perhaps we are not supposed to feel connected to the characters beyond the juicy gossip that their exploits provide. A quick, fun read for teens that will appeal particularly to girls and, though the sex, drugs and drinking is likely not appropriate for younger teens, it will surely appeal to them nonetheless.
Reader’s Annotation
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be rich, beautiful and popular? Join our narrator, Gossip Girl, as she navigates their world and lets you have a glimpse inside.
Curriculum Ties Gossip Girl could be read in an English class to discuss form, focusing on the use of a blog entry as a storytelling device.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Read the first blog entry and then do a plot summary, encouraging the audience to read more to find out what happens next.
2. Write a plot summary in the form of one of Gossip Girl’s blog entries.
Challenge Issues
Issue: sexually explicit, underage drug/alcohol use, inappropriate for intended audience.
Defense: extremely popular with teens, does show consequences.
Why did I include this book?
Many good reviews including Publishers Weekly, Teen People, Booklist and VOYA; Popular Paperbacks for Young Adulst (ALA, 2009); Quick Picks for Reluctant YA Readers (ALA, 2003).
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