Regina Public Library Teen Zone

 

Bibliographic Info:

Regina Public Library. (2011). Regina public   library: Teen Zone. Retrieved from http://www.reginalibrary.ca/teenzone/index.html

Descriptive Summary:

The Teen Zone for the Regina Public Library is a clear, crisp website for teens and teen related programming at the RPL. The features are pretty standard, but do feature a few innovative and interesting ideas like themed book lists.

Features:

Blog
Popular books
Homework help
Photo Gallery
University and job info
Research databases

The most interesting feature are booklists covering the following gothic related subjects:

• Dead Writers
• Goth Tales
• POE's Girls
• Star Crossed Lovers
• Undead Romance

Evaluative comments with rating:
1/5 TVs - I hate to say it, but you may be better with the television on

There is only one section of the teen zone that is updated past 2011 and that is the new releases section of the blog. The contest section, blog, and the photo gallery are all out of date and seem to be in disuse. The Teen Advisory Committee link (which only shows up in certain sections of the site) is broken and simply leads back to the main site. The calendar is similarly out of service. Anything that would encourage interaction and participation with the teen members of the library is non-fuctioning either because it's out of date or because the link leads nowhere. Luckily the databases and resource links still function, but everything library-specific is mostly useless to teens visiting the site.

Suggested Improvements:

Updating the site so it reflects what is happening in April of this year, rather than April of 2011 would be a major improvement and would increase the useability and relevance of the site tenfold.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12 - 18

Reason for inclusion: Recommended to me by a colleague

Category: Library Website for Teens

Just For Teens: Bangor Public Library

 

Bibliographic Info:

Bangor Public Library. (2011). Just for teens: Bangor public library. Retrieved from

http://www.bpl.lib.me.us/kidsweb/teen2012/teenindex.html

Descriptive Summary:

The Just for Teens website for the Bangor Public Library is an earnest attempt at creating an engaging and informative site for teen members of the library. The Teen Advisory Board information is front and centre on the site, demonstrating that BPL does want to encourage teen participation. The features are pretty standard and feature some interactivity.

Features:

BPL Teens Blog
Monthly Poll
Booklists
Homework Help
Teen Volunteers
Teen Programs and Clubs

Evaluative comments with rating:
3/5 TVs - It needs a little more work to vanquish television for good

The Banff Public Library seems to be putting forth an honest effort to encourage teen participation and teen programming. Judging by the number of regular clubs and programming they have on the go (Advisory Board, Anime Club, Fantasy Book Group, Friday Foragers, Game Day, Movie Night , Photography Club, Writer's Club), the BPL does have a strong commitment to teens. Each of the programming pages is updated and seems to be regularly maintained.

I'd take a few points off the BPL's efforts because of the lack of updating on the polls and their teens blog, but overall their sections are regularly updated and relevant to teens. The site could be improved in terms of fonts —there's just a few too many— but most of these problems are aesthetic choices rather than actual useability issues.

Suggested Improvements:

Updating the blog regularly might be useful, as well as having some photos of their events, clubs, and programming. A few tweaks to the site would greatly improve it in just a matter of moments.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12 - 18

Reason for inclusion: Proximity to Nova Scotia, personal interest in the historic Banff Public Library

Category: Library Website for Teens

Froggy Fresh Rap

Bibliographic Info:
 Froggy Fresh. (2013). FroggyFreshRap. Retrieved March 25, 2013,  https://www.youtube.com/user/FroggyFreshRap

Descriptive Summary:

A satirical mix of short vignettes, videos, inspirational videos, and interviews with his fans, Froggy Fresh Rap is a viral video web series that features a young up and coming Tennessee rapper. The series follows the trials and tribulations of two teenage best friends, the silent and often awkward Money Maker Mike and the verbose WWE loving Froggy Fresh (originally known as Krispy Kreme). An ongoing plot point is the duo's battle against local thug, James, who not only has stolen Mike's bike and killed his mom, but now has fatally stabbed Mike in a forest face-off.

Evaluative comments with rating:
5/5 TVs - Pure genius

The videos have evolved from a one note satire of an up and coming backwoods rapper to an upbeat ongoing series with two exuberant and likeable leads. Froggy Fresh is often biting and witty, but beneath the parody exists a real enthusiasm for fun, professional wrestling, and hip hop. The storytelling seems plucked right out of an Encyclopedia Brown novel, with James standing in for Bugs Meany, but there's something appealing about this blissfully unaware best buds who will do anything for each other. It doesn't hurt that the videos are shot well and the beats are excellently produced. Definitely catchy, it's easy to root for Froggy Fresh and Money Maker Mike.

Suggested Audience (age range): 14 - 18

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Offbeat, witty,  slang-heavy, upbeat, compelling, funny

"Readalikes" aka Watchalikes/Soundalikes: MC Paul Barman, MC Face, Summer Heights High (tv series), Har Mar Superstar

Booktalking hook:

A sample verse from "The Baddest" by Froggy Fresh:

I had to fight my whole life

I could beat you up even if you had one thousand knives 
Even if you had infinity knives 
I would punch you up into the air like a kite 
I bet you sleep with a nightlight
Cause you're scared of the dark
Cause you stink like a fart
Well I'll light your fart on fire with my rhymes
You think I won't? I do it all the time
I bet I got more money than Jay-Z
Compared to me, Jay-Z is Lay-Z
Plus Beyonce thinks that I'm cute
It's okay Beyonce, I think you're cute too
I made out with so many girls
Made out with every girl in the world
I might look small, but I'm not
I don't care if you're big, I'll fight you a lot
You know that

Reason for inclusion: Online popularity - his videos have over 42 million views

Category: Web Series/Music/Comedy

Summer Heights High (TV Series)

Bibliographic Info: Lilley, Chris. (2007). Summer heights high (Television Series). Australia: Australian Broadcasting Company.

Descriptive Summary:
A mockumentary series written by and starring Australian comedian Chris Lilley that focuses on the lives of three characters at one Australian public school.

Lilley plays:

Ja'mie King - a self involved, insensitive, and insincere female exchange student from a private school.

Mr G - a self centered and narcissistic drama teacher who is blind to the needs of his students.

Jonah Takalua - a 13 year old Tongan bully with an interest in hip hop and break dancing who is frequently misunderstood by his teachers.

The series is incredibly biting and often controversial. Summer Heights High takes a look at the social hierarchy of high school as well as the racism that exists in Australia concerning non-white and Polynesian Australians.

Evaluative comments with rating:
3.5/5 TVs - it's hard to like this show, but also hard to not love it

Summer Heights High is not recommended for everyone particularly because of its mature themes and often offensive language. The show, despite being a mockumentary, is often very realistic in its depiction of high school life. Jonah's character is often the star of the show and his storylines are more complex than they appear on the surface. Teachers and authority figures frequently underestimate and belittle him while singling him and his friends out for behaviour based on their Polynesian heritage.  On the surface Summer Heights High appears to be mocking Polynesians, but after a few episodes it becomes quite clear that the Polynesian students are the sympathetic figures in the series. They are blatantly discriminated against and bullied by adult figures - while white students exhibiting the same behaviours are rarely, if ever, punished. The series isn't without its warts, but there are a number of teachable moments. Recommended for mature teens.

Suggested Audience (age range): 16-18

Readers’ advisory notes:

 Appeal factors: Offbeat, character-driven, darkly humourous, funny, slang-heavy

"Readalikes" aka Watchalikes: The In-Betweeners, Peepshow, Clark and Michael, Sit Down, Shut up, Angry Boys

Booktalking hook:

Jonah and his friends in the office after bullying another student:
“How is it ok for you to bully Ben?”— Guidance counsellor

 “Cause he's a ranga.”— Jonah
“A what?” - Guidance counsellor
“A ranga, sir. 'Cause he's got red hair, "Orangutan" That's what we called him.” — Jonsh
“And does that make it ok for him to be bullied, because he has red hair?” — Guidance counsellor
“Well people are racist to us, so we can be racist to rangas. ”— Jonah
“But redheads aren't a race, Jonah. ”— Guidance counsellor
“But, sir, there's heaps of them. They're everywhere!”— Leon

also:

 Jonah to the camera crew:

"They don't understand that I'm just choosing to be dumb. I'm not dumb. I'm just choosing not to be smart at the moment, but if I put in effort, then I could be really smart, but I choose not to." — Jonah

Reason for inclusion: Recommendation by a friend/teacher

Category: TV Series/Comedy

Handwritten

Artist: Gaslight Anthem

Bibliographic Info:

Gaslight Anthem. (2012). Handwritten [CD]. Mercury records.

Descriptive Summary:

11 songs (14 if you have the delux edition) of evocative, folksy, dancey indie rock that continues to cement Gaslight Anthem's reputation as a darling of fans and critics. This is the band's fourth album and first on their new label, Mercury records.

Evaluative comments with rating:
3/5 TVs - If your TV isn't working, throw this on and watch disappointment disappear.

If you're not completely tired of Bruce Springsteen and you have an Against Me!/Constantines sized hole in your heart, then the Gaslight Anthem might fill that right up. A lot more heartfelt than most commercially available indie rock, Handwritten certainly is a competent album of songs that mixes Americana, indie rock, and folk punk. Unfortunately for Handwritten, it all feels like it's been done before — and done better.

Suggested Audience (age range): All ages

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Thoughtful, gritty, lyrical, homespun

"Readalikes" aka Listenalikes: If I Should Fall From Grace With God – The Pogues, Searching For A Former Clarity – Against Me!, Tim - The Replacements, Never Ender – Hot Water Music, Shine A Light - the Constantines, Pretty much anything by Bruce Springsteen ever but particularly Nebraska, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and Born to Run.

Booktalking hook(s):

What's not to like?

A favorite of Bruce Springsteen, features liner notes by author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), the lead single "45" is featured in NHL '13 — there's little that doesn't cement this band as the flag barrier of honest, folksy rock.

Reason for inclusion: Hilariously bad reviews piqued my interest, award winner, and the presence of a Nirvana cover (Sliver).

#1 on US Rock Charts #1 on US Alternative Charts #3 on US Billboard Charts #5 on Canadian Albums Chart

Category: Music

Twins

 

Author: Ty Segall

Bibliographic Info:

Segall, Ty. (2012). Twins [CD]. Chicago: Drag City Records.

Descriptive Summary:

Ty Segall's fourth album of 2012 features 12 songs of garage rock. Segall, only 24, is at the forefront of the garage rock revival and poised for great things. This album features vocals by Brigid Dawson of Thee Oh Sees and production work by long time Segall collaborator, King Riff. For fans of indie rock, lo-fi recordings, and shredding guitars.

Evaluative comments with rating:

4/5 TVs - Turn off your television already

Because Segall released 4 albums in 2012, it's ok to cut him some slack when one of them (this one) comes off as slightly unfocused. The songs range from fuzzed out love rock ballads to garage-y and ghostly journeys in psychedelica. Through it all the songs retain the same frenzied, disaffected, and thrashy tone that Segall has become known for in his short career. This isn't the best thing Segall has released, but even still it's far better than most. The ambitious and (ironically enough) focused Segall is about to take off and this is a great starting point.

Suggested Audience (age range): All ages

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Haunting, melancholy, offbeat, atmospheric, experimental

“Readalikes” aka Listenalikes: Blood Visions – Jay Reatard, Castlemania – Thee Oh Sees, Past Time – Grass Widow,  We Have You Surrounded – The Dirtbombs, Wilderness - Archer Prewitt

Booktalking hook:

Preview "Would you be my love?" from Twins here

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the artists’ previous releases.

Category: Music

Whatcha Mean, What's a Zine?

 

Title: Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine?

Authors: Mark Todd & Esther Pearl Watson.

Bibliographic Info:

Todd, Mark & Watson, Esther Pearl. (2006). Whatcha mean, what’s a zine? Boston: Graphia.

Descriptive Summary:

An all-star line-up of zine creators and comic artists present a great and thorough guide to making and distributing our own zine. Illustrated and printed on high quality paper, Whatcha Mean is a tome that is built to last and re-read over and over again. Features work by Jordan Crane, Ron Rege Jr., Allison Cole, PaperRad and many more. This is like having a whole collection of experts at your fingertips.

Evaluative comments with rating:
5/5 TVs - This one hits it right out of the park and into your tv screen. Read it!

As a work of art, Whatcha Mean is stupendous. It looks beautiful and it looks like a book you'd want to revisit over and over again. At first glance Whatcha Mean looks like it's more style than substance and it occasionally treads into "this is a little too busy for the eyes" territory. However upon closer inspection, Whatcha Mean provides crucial step-by-step guides in a fun and never tedious manner. It's jam packed with info and tons of different perspectives with no two sections ever looking the same. This is a book that zine makers —regardless of experience and age— will revisit time and time again.

Suggested Audience (age range): All ages

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Funny, Offbeat, Descriptive, Jargon-filled, Lush, Engaging

Readalikes: D.I.Y.: The Rise of Lo-Fi Culture - Amy Spencer, Indie Publishing - How to Design and Produce Your Own Book - Ellen Lupton,  Zine Scene - Francesca Lia Block & Hillary Carlip,

Booktalking hook:

Page 20 Great Moments in Zine History traces zines from Benjamin Franklin to Thomas Edison to Cold War Russia. Great comedy!

Reason for inclusion: Beautiful cover, Personal interest in zine and comics culture.

Category: Nonfiction – Recreational/Zines

Stolen Sharpie Revolution

Editor: Joe Biel

Bibliographic Info:

Biel, Joe. (2003). Stolen sharpie revolution: a diy zine resource. Portland, OR: Microcosm Publishing.

Descriptive Summary:

Stolen Sharpie Revolution is a jam-packed guide to zine and mail art culture that also serves as a practical how-to guide on making and designing zines. Stolen Sharpie Revolution showcases the ins and outs of producing zines, selling and distributing zines, and reaching out to other zine writers. It also doesn’t shy away from some of the realities of zine culture, including predators who sometimes prey on potential victims through zines. Tons of resource lists and zines suggestions round out Stolen Sharpie Revolution.

Evaluative comments with rating:

4/5 TVs - Go outside and take this book with you

Stolen Sharpie Revolution is an invaluable resource for seasoned zinesters and neophytes just learning about zines. The writing is clear and never condescends, the step-by-step guides are straightforward and useful, and a number of different perspectives on zines and zine related culture are presented. Stolen Sharpie Revolution only falls short in that it may be a little inaccessible for those unfamiliar with underground and punk culture, it might prove a little overwhelming at first. However, once a reader delves into Stolen Sharpie Revolution and zine culture, this will serve as a lifesaver over and over again.

Suggested Audience (age range): 13+

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Inspirational, offbeat, reflective, candid, richly-detailed

Readalikes: Evasion, Cometbus, Maximumrocknroll, Broken Pencil, Zine-O-File, Ghost Pine - Jeff Miller

Booktalking hook:

From the intro:

Somehow Sharpies exchange hands over and over and I'd like to think that's a good thing. I think ideas are meant to be like that, shared and passed on so that everyone can appreciate them. That is what this zine is about, creative exchange. Not to show you how things must be done but to give you a jumping off point and a few hints to do things your own way.

Reason for inclusion:
Familiarity with the publishing company and their prior works.

Category: Magazine/Zine/Zines

Broken Pencil magazine

 

Title: Broken Pencil

Editor:  Lindsay Gibb

Bibliographic Info:

Gibb, Lindsay. (2013). Broken pencil, 1 (58).

Descriptive Summary:

Broken Pencil’s primary focus is on zine culture, but it also covers independent arts, culture and music. This issue of Broken Pencil has a strong LGBTQ focus, but also includes the regular comics, guides, reviews of zines, books, comics, graphic novels and music, as well as short stories exclusive to Broken Pencil.

Evaluative comments with rating:
4/5 – Worth turning off your TV for.

There is no better document of zine culture in North America. Broken Pencil covers the margins and then some. The magazine is incredibly inclusive and no subculture should feel overlooked. This is a great accessible magazine that really attempts to great cross-country links between regional art and culture scenes. It attempts to showcase the best in underground culture while at the same time shining a spotlight on artists and projects that may as well exist in the fringes if it wasn't for Broken Pencil. It's a great guide for arts oriented teens who wondering what's happening in the rest of the country.

Suggested Audience (age range): 14+ Mildly offensive language and some mature themes

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Thoughtful, richly detailed, engaging, descriptive

Readalikes: Maximumrocknroll, Shameless, Bitch, Quill & Quire, Razorcake

Booktalking hook:

From page 33 Zine Philosophy: "What interests me about zines is that they carry an aura unlike anything else. it's impossible to grab a zine and not feel like you can make one too. They look easy. They look personal. And their significance is double: they deliver content and a quiet call to the reader to make their own."

Reason for inclusion:

Familiarity with the magazine and its publisher.

Category: Magazine/LGBTQ/Zines

Welcome to Tranquility

Author: Gail Simone

Bibliographic Info:

Simone, Gail. (2008). Welcome to Tranquility. La Jolla, CA: Wildstorm Productions.

Descriptive Summary:

What happens when old superheroes get put out to pasture? Apparently they retire to Tranquility. Tranquility is a city whose citizenry is made up of superheroes with their glory days behind them, their often superpowered descendents, their former enemies, and the non-powered law enforcement who attempt to keep the peace. The local sheriff, the granddaughter of the mysterious Black Glider, has her work cut out for when a murder of a beloved former hero occurs. Those involved are reluctant to talk and there are hints of something sinister bubbling beneath the surface of this superhero paradise.

Evaluative comments with rating: 3/5 TVs – Better than most of what’s on TV

Gail Simone is one of the better comic book writers in the industry and usually manages to combine wit and humour with strong female characters, Welcome to Tranquility is no exception. Unfortunately, Welcome to Tranquility tries to do a little too much within its confines. “Historical” material is introduced alongside the story’s present-day narrative and rather than enhancing the storytelling, it detracts from it and confuses the reader. Welcome to Tranquility is a fun post-modern take on superheroes (think a more lighthearted Watchmen), but it works best for readers who have a solid handle on superhero comics, but might be a little tired of superhero conventions.

Suggested Audience (age range): 14+

Readers’ advisory notes (appeal factors/readalikes):

Appeal factors: Action-packed, intricately plotted, plot-driven, world-building, funny, suspenseful, offbeat

Readalikes: The Watchmen - Alan Moore, 1963 – Alan Moore, Astro City – Kurt Busiek, Young Heroes in Love – Dan Raspler, America’s Best Comics – Alan Moore, Ex Machina – Brian K. Vaughan

Booktalking hook:

Sheriff Lindo: That harmless old guy? That used to be the most powerful maxi goin'. Had a magic word that turned him from an accountant into a superhero. Only, he had an accident. Forgot the word. Now he reads dictionaries, every single word, all day long, tryin' to find that word again. That one's Hebrew, I think. These people, Collette. They told the Nazis to shove it. Sometimes literally. Don't make them a punchline.

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the author’s prior works.

Thomasina Lindo (main character) of Welcome to Tranquility was named Best Female Character in the Glyph Comic Awards

Category: Graphic Novel/Mystery

Rucker Park Setup

Author: Paul Volponi

Bibliographic Info:

Volponi, Paul. (2007). Rucker park setup. New York: Speak.

Descriptive Summary:

Mackey must find the strength and courage to come forward after his friend and basketball teammate, J.R., is stabbed to death. But those qualities aren't so quick to come to the fore, especially given Mackey's role in J.R.'s murder. In basketball, everyone's counting on Mackey to come up big, that's the easy part. The hard part is coming up big when he knows he'll be letting everyone down.

Evaluative comments with rating:

5/5 TVs - TVs are dated, reading isn't - pick up this book!

Volponi's (and Rucker Park Setup's) strength is dialogue. Often when reading YA novels, the dialogue sticks out like a sore thumb and seems dated, that isn't the case with Volponi. His characters speak like kids speak, they think like kids speak and that's what makes his work so realistic. It's also precisely why the stakes in Rucker Park Setup matter, the reader cares about the characters because they're believable. Volponi's writing is deft and difficult, the conclusion of Rucker Park Setup isn't happy, pat, or simplistic, but it is very real and that's why this is book is worth recommending.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-16 (some strong language and violence)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Issue-oriented, disturbing, emotionally intense, suspenseful, slang-heavy, moving

Readalikes: Sentences: The Life of MF Grimm - Percy Carey, Snitch - Allison van Diepen, The Outsiders - S.E. Hinton, Bluford High: Blood is Thicker - Paul Langan, Bronx Masquerade - Nikki Grimes

Booktalking hook:

From page 11:

"Stove's got the game ball under his arm and a whistle hanging from his neck. Only J.R.'s not here—because I fucked up so bad. And his killer's standing right there, cool as anything, like he doesn't have to think twice about me giving him up."

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the book and author from shelving it

Category:  Urban Fiction/Street Lit/Thriller/Murder/Realistic

Response

Author: Paul Volponi

Bibliographic Info:

Volponi, Paul. (2009). Response. New York: Speak.

Descriptive Summary:

Three high school friends, in need of quick cash, devise a low risk plan to steal a Lexus and pass it off to a local chop shop. The fast cash is alluring to Noah, who is a already a father, and too hard to pass up. Things don't go quite as planned and Noah winds up on the receiving end of a baseball bat from a white attacker. Was Noah a victim of a hate crime? Is Noah ready to be a man and take responsibility for his own actions?

Evaluative comments with rating:
4/5 TVs - Much better than after school special/movie of the week

Volponi's dialogue and experiences with the justice system are his strengths in Response - a quick meaningful read that explores issues of coming of age and racism. Response isn't quite as strong as Rucker Park Setup and it might be because the territory seems slightly well-worn and the ending seems just a little too easy. That's not to say that Volponi isn't lobbing any softballs when it comes to race relations here. Response reads like a modern-day version of Do The Right Thing, but only maybe with a little more realism (if that's possible). Volponi does his best with a complicated issue, it's not his best work, but it's a far sight better than a lot of attempts at understanding the complex nature of hate crimes. A worthy read for anyone with an interest in Urban Fiction.

Suggested Audience (age range):14-18 (some strong language and violence)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors:
Issue-oriented, disturbing, emotionally intense, suspenseful, dialogue-rich, reflective

Readalikes: The Skin I'm In - Sharon Flake, The Bully/The Gun - Paul Langan, Monster - Walter Dean Myers, Dark Dude - Oscar Hijuelos, You Don't Even Know Me: Stories and Poems About Boys - Sharon Flake, After Tupac and D Foster - Jacqueline Woodson

Booktalking hook:

To what extent do you think hate crimes occur in Nova Scotia? What about in Halifax?

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the author from shelving.

Category: Urban Fiction/Street Lit/Race Relations

Jumped

 

Author: Rita Williams-Garcia

Bibliographic Info:

Williams-Garcia, Rita. (2009). Jumped. New York: Amistad.

Descriptive Summary:
Violence is on the horizon at inner city school when Trina bumps into Dominique on the wrong day at the wrong time. Leticia is unsure whether to get involved and try to stop the violence, or mind her own business and remain a bystander. Rita Williams-Garcia examines the anatomy of violence from three very different and unique perspectives in Jumped.

Evaluative comments with rating:

5/5 TVs - There's nothing like this on TV!

Jumped is great! Finally something produced by adults that realized that bullying doesn't just happen in a vacuum and a bully is something more complex than just a simple aggressor. Williams-Garcia alternates voices and perspectives with Jumped's chapters and in doing so she creates well rounded, fully formed characters that give readers a better sense of how and why violence takes place and how it affects and afflicts our community all.  The blame is shared in Jumped and like any good book, there are no easy answers. Jumped's somewhat disturbing ending is a good jumping off point for discussions about violence, bullying, and what we can do to avoid these incidents and behaviours. It's not easy, but at least Jumped is willing to be realistic about it and start discussion rather than just suggesting that we "unlike" bullying.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-18 (some mild language and violence)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Slang-heavy, dialogue-rich, suspenseful, character-driven, issue-oriented, reflective

Readalikes: Give a Boy a Gun - Todd Strasser, Just Another Hero - Sharon Draper,  The Orange Houses - Paul Griffin, Rucker Park Setup - Paul Volponi

Booktalking hook:
From Page 21:
"Like she don't see I'm here and all the space around me is mines so keep your pink ass on that side of the lane. No. She cuts a knife right through my space then turns. And I slam my fist into my other hand because shes's good as jumped and I say, "Her. I'm gonna kick that ass at two forty-five."

Reason for inclusion:

Familiarity with the author – I had come across the book previously when shelving.

• 2009 National Book Award Finalist
• ALA Best Book for Young Adults 

Category: Realistic/Award-winning

The Giver

Author:  Lois Lowry

Bibliographic Info:

Lowry, Lois. (1993). The giver.  Ember: New York.

Notes: This is a 2011 reprint of the work

Descriptive Summary:
Jonas lives in a well oiled society where differences fear to tread and where the job you will have for the rest of your life is given to you in the Ceremony of Twelve. When Jonas's name is finally called and he learns that he has been selected to receive a high honor. Jonas soon falls under the tutelage of The Giver to prepare him for the honor. Jonas is to receive the collective memories of the community and in doing so he experience feelings and emotions he had never previously encountered. He also uncovers the reasons for the homogenous society. The Giver and Jonas devise a plan to bring change to the community, but that change can only come about if Jonas leaves everything and everyone he knows behind.

Evaluative comments with rating:

5/5 TVs - a modern classic

Stories like this are always important for young adults, teens, and children. It's a great way for children to learn to question why things are the way they are and how a homogenous life can lead to stagnation. I'm not always big on stories like this simply because the characters usually only exist in order to serve a grander issue (and this novel is no exception), but when the writing is as rich and beautiful as Lowry's; it's easy to overlook. The Giver is a nice "big ideas" book that serves as a modern day parable. It's not bogged down by heavy sci-fi settings and because of that it's accessible to a wide array of readers. The ending isn't pedantic and it's a pleasant surprise that it's open ended. Lowry doesn't dumb anything down for her readers. Lois Lowry creates a nice literary touchstone for a new generation of readers and nurtures a healthy questioning attitude in them.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-15

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Haunting, serious, compelling, world-building, reflective, strong sense of place

Readalikes: Divergent - Veronica Roth, The Chrysalids - John Wyndham,  Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury, Gathering Blue - Lois Lowry, Unwind - Neal Shusterman, Matched - Ally Condie

Booktalking hook:

Show clips from movies like the Village and the Hunger Games featuring similar societies that prize people knowing their place and role.

Reason for inclusion: Recommendations by several blogs.

1994 Newberry Medal winner

Category: Controversial/Award-Winning/Science Fiction/Classic

Abortion: Opposing Viewpoints

 

Editor: Tamara Roleff

Bibliographic Info:

Roleff, Tamara L. (1997). Abortion: Opposing viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press Inc.

Descriptive Summary:

The series's credo seems to be: "Those who do no know their opponent's arguments do not completely understand their own" and in keeping with that this volume presents both sides of the abortion debate. Some of the leading philosophical and ethical minds of our times present arguments on either side of the abortion debate.

Evaluative comments with rating: 

2/5 TVs - You might find better information elsewhere

It's hard to recommend this book when the majority of resources that are listed are pro-life. The book attempts to present a balanced look at both sides of the abortion debate, but then proceeds to favour the pro-life side when it comes to presenting organizations to contact. Having said that, the book does do a good job of granting equal "air time" to both sides of the debate and presenting some of the less extreme views on both sides.

Suggested Audience (age range): 16 - 18 (reads more like a university text than a high school one)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Thoughtful, richly-detailed, thought provoking, serious, issue-oriented

Readalikes: Other volumes in the Opposing Viewpoints series, Animal Liberation - Peter Singer, The Fetal Position: A Rational Approach to the Abortion Debate - Chris Meyers, Abortion (Ethical Debates series) - Jacqui Bailey, A Defense of Abortion - Judith Thomson

Booktalking hook: 

With North Dakota signing into law three bills restricting abortion and Canadian Conservative backbencher MPs nearly mutinous over abortion rights this month, there is probably no better time for a crash course on the abortion debate.

Reason for inclusion: Series was recommended by a colleague

Category: Nonfiction - Homework

Homo

 

Author: Michael Harris

Bibliographic Info:

Harris, Michael. (2012). Homo. Toronto: James Lorimar &  Company Ltd.

Descriptive Summary:

Will Johnson has the unenviable task of coming out in Chilliwack, BC. It is never easy and Homo charts Will's coming of age and his coming out as he discovers gay culture and online dating, confronts his fears and homophobia and learns to stand up for his friends. Along the way, Will Johnson learns to accept himself.

Evaluative comments with rating:
4/5  TVs - a new Canadian classic

Homo is at is best when dealing with the inner turmoil of its young lead, Will Johnson. Michael Harris captures his voice and inner workings perfectly and creates a likeable young hero struggling to do right by himself and those he loves. Homo hits snags when it comes to dealing with the characterization of its supporting cast - no one is very fully formed and by the conclusion of the novel the reader begins to feel that there's a few dangling plot lines and unresolved conflicts. Homo may be a tad short, but it covers a lot of ground from AIDS and HIV to LGBTQ solidarity to the problems of tolerance.

Suggested Audience (age range): 16-18 (mild language and depictions of sex)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Realistic, candid, angst-filled, character-driven, issue-oriented

  
Readalikes/Watchalikes: Queer as Folk (tv series), Rainbow Boys - Alex Sanchez, Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan, What They Always Tell Us - Martin Wilson, Bullied - Jeff Erno

Booktalking hook:
What exactly does it mean to tolerate someone's sexuality or orientation? Is the word tolerate a positive thing or a negative thing?

Reason for inclusion: Striking title and familiarity with the publisher.

Category: LGBTQ/Canadian/Series

Valentine Princess: A Princess Diaries Book

Author: Meg Cabot

Bibliographic Info:

Cabot, Meg. (2006). Valentine princess: A princess diaries book. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

Descriptive Summary:

The odds are stacked against Princess Mia in this pseudo prequel/sequel of the Princess Diaries ("written" in 2002, published in the real world of 2006, and set after the 4th and before the 5th volumes of the series, but published significantly after both). Grandmere doesn't believe Mia's one true love, Michael is right for her and is set on proving it. Michael, not a fan of Valentine's Day, isn't doing much to prove Grandmere wrong and Princess Mia is in a panic hoping that Michael will come around and profess his love on Valentine's day.

Evaluative comments with rating:
Incomplete - TV's on the Blink and so is this book

I felt like I was walking into this book halfway through. It took a fair amount of searching to discover the backstory to the Princess Diaries and I felt like I needed a scorecard to keep track of all of the characters and their relationships to each other. Meg Cabot's writing is frantic and (supposed to be) funny, but I felt that its idiosyncratic nature (written mostly in the style of a freshman's diary) was a bit hard on the head and the eyes.

Having said all that, I still could see how this would be a good read for someone who is a reluctant reader. The writing is fast-paced, simplistic and, at 86 pages, incredibly short. It would be a good gateway book for someone who is already familiar with the Disney film series of the same name.

I don't feel qualified to rate this book. Its design, use of multiple fonts, and frequent use of all caps made for a very hostile read.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12 - 18 (though younger readers may not pick up on some of the pop culture references)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Character-driven, fast-paced, funny, romantic, conversational

Readalikes: Princess Diaries series, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Ann Brashares, Gossip Girl - Cecily Von Ziegesar, Pretty Little Liars series - Sara Shepard, How Not to be Popular - Jennifer Ziegler

Booktalking hook:

From page 51:

Ode to Michael
Oh, Michael, can't you see
You and me were meant to be?
Just like Britney's got her Justin
For you I will always be lustin'
You're the best I ever had —
I'm your Jennifer, you're my Brad.

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the series due to its high profile

Category: Chick-Lit/Romance/Series

Star Wars: Red Harvest

Author: Joe Schreiber

Bibliographic Info:

Schreiber, Joe. (2012). Star wars: Red harvest. New York:

Ballantine Books.

Descriptive Summary:

A Sith Lord intent on creating a formula that grants immortality steals a rare orchid from the Jedi and in doing so unleashes a cannibalistic zombie plague on the Sith academy and hundreds of dark side apprentices. A bounty hunter and a Jedi horticulturalist are all that stand in their way in this prequel to Schreiber's Death Troopers - the first Star Wars horror book since the Galaxy of Fear series.

Evaluative comments (rating):

3/5 TVs - Worth reading instead of watching the Phantom Menace

Schreiber spends a lot of time jumping around from character to character without ever giving the reader much of a chance to care about them before they inevitably end up dead. The book suffers from a lack of familiar characters and settings — there really isn't much to connect for newer Star Wars readers (no primary, secondary, or even tertiary characters from the films make an appearance).
The concept is great and the writing is suitably creepy, but whereas Death Troopers featured Han Solo, Chewbacca, and 21B, Red Harvest doesn't have much beside a nod to the 'fake' working name of Return of the Jedi (Blue Harvest - used to confuse curious onlookers looking for a sneak peak at the then new Star Wars movie). Red Harvest is good, but it could have easily been so much better.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-16

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Action-packed, fast-paced, bleak, creepy, menacing

Readalikes: Marvel Zombies series, World War Z - Max Brooks, Death Troopers - Joe Schreiber, The Keep - F. Paul Wilson, The Enemy - Charlie Higson

Booktalking hook:

Show any kid with a pulse this cover and tell them it's about zombies with light sabers and watch their brains explode.

Reason for inclusion: 

Eyecatching and somewhat graphic cover coupled with a soft spot for the Star Wars series.

Category: Science Fiction/Horror

Pop

Author: Gordon Korman

Bibliographic Info: 

Korman, Gordon. (2009). Pop. Toronto: Scholastic Canada.

Descriptive Summary:

Marcus Jordan moves to a new town and has designs on being named his school's quarterback. In a stroke of luck, he manages to find himself being mentored by former NFL linebacker, Charlie "Pop" Popovich — father of Marcus's chief rival. All isn't quite right with Charlie and his son Troy appears dead set on keeping Charlie away from Marcus. Marcus realizes that Charlie's problem isn't an overprotective son, but Alzheimer's brought on by football injuries. Marcus does his best to help Charlie, but their schemes put them at odds with a family on the edge of heartbreak and tests the limits of their friendship.

Evaluative comments with rating:
3.5/5 TVs - Better than Brian's Song (tv movie), not better than I Am Third (autobiography that it was based on)

Pop is at times a little corny, a little out of date, and a little lacking, but overall it's a sweet and often sad story about a complex issue that affects more than just former NFL players. The hook (former NFLer befriends and mentors young boy) might seem a bit far-fetched, but the issue - what do with a loved one when Alzheimer's sets in - is sadly relateable to many. Not necessarily a Korman classic, but worth a read for teens looking for something realistic and melancholic.

Suggested Audience (age range): 12-18 (all ages)

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Realistic, serious, character driven, bittersweet, moving

Readalikes: Bleachers - John Grisham, The Cardturner - Louis Sachar, Extra Innings - Robert Newton Peck, Stupid Fast - Geoff Herback, Leverage - Joshua C. Cohen

Booktalking hook:

With concussions in sports becoming big news, Pop and its story of a former NFL linebacker battling Alzheimer's brought on by numerous tackles throughout his career is incredibly relevant, especially in light of the deaths of athletes like Junior Seau.

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the author’s prior works.

Category: Canadian