Alphabetical List

After
Anna Dress in Blood
Beauty Queens
Boy on Cinnamon Street, The
Bring It On
Chocolate War, The
Cinder
Clockwise
Clueless
Deadly Cool
Envy
First Part Last, The
Forever
Girl Who Chased the Moon, The
Girl's Guide to Witchcraft
Graveyard Book, The
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The
Hitler Youth
Hunger Games, The
I Am the Cheese
I Heart You, You Haunt Me
Jump
LEGO Harry Potter
Make Lemonade
Monster
Paper Covers Rock
PC Gamer
Perks of Being a Wallflower, The
Persepolis
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Right Behind You
Rosebush
Run Like Hell
Secret Hour, The
Seventeen Magazine
She's the Man
Skateboarder Magazine
Speak
Speak Now
Sugar Queen, The
Teen Vogue
Thirteenth Tale, The
Time Machine, The
Trapped
Tron 2.0
Twilight
Twilight: The Graphic Novel
Vincent Boys, The
Warbreaker

Tron 2.0

Buena Vista Games. Tron 2.0. Monolith Productions (2003). ASIN B00007JZB3.

Plot Summary

Tron 2.0 is a video game based on the movie Tron Legacy.  The video games starts off with a rather lengthy introduction to the story line.  Jet hears his father being abducted but when he gets to his lab, he is immediately digitized and put into the Tron world.  The user can then begin to explore the game.  While practicing moving, the user can walk up to other players and get information about how the game works.  If a user already knows how to play the game, however, they can bypass this step and go right into the battling mode.  There are four difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard and Insane.  Tron 2.0 fairly well done graphics that resemble what the movie looked like enough that fans of the new movie, and the original, will enjoy this game.

Critical Evaluation

I felt like this game was hard.  Maybe it's my lack of video game skills, but it was hard to understand all the aspects of the game.  There are a million things that the user has to remember and items that need to be collected or used in different ways.  Moving the character isn't too difficult but trying to line up exactly with whatever being interacted with was a bit more challenging - and this was all on the easy setting.

That being said, the world created is as unnerving as the world in the movies.  The graphics look similar, if not very life-like.  If someone is very into video games, this seems like a good game for them to get into.  If someone doesn't have that much experience, they may want to try something with a little less going on before tackling this game.

Reader’s Annotation

Become part of Tron and fight to win battles and prestige and eventually try to figure out what happened to Jet's father.

Author’s Information

Buena Vista Games was a subset of Disney and along with Disney Interactive, produced video games on any and all Disney associated products.  In 2007, Disney merged these two subsets and it is now called Disney Interactive Studios.  

Genre

Video Game

Book Talking Ideas

Many teens were intrigued by the new Tron movie.  This is a way for them to become part of the Tron world by interacting with all of the crazy computer programs hidden inside.  It is a difficult video game, so that is also something that might draw in players looking for a challenge.  

Reading Level/Interest

15/15

Challenge Issues

There is some violence in this video game, and it is rated T for teen.  That also means that it has been deemed appropriate for younger players.  No real challenges are expected. 

Why Include This Title?

This is the type of video game that has a very specific market.  Those who like the Tron movies will love this game.  This is true for many video games out there.  Teens need to figure out what they like and then go from there and if they aren't sure, why not try Tron 2.0 and see how it goes?

Girl's Guide to Witchcraft

Klasky, Minday. Girl's Guide to Witchcraft. Red Dress Ink (2006). ISBN 0373896077

Plot Summary

The main character, Jane Madison, is a librarian at the Peabridge Free Library.  The library is struggling with budget cuts; they already they have a coffee bar to attract more people to the library and now dress in period costume.  Instead of getting the raise that she deserves, Jane’s boss informs her that she can live for free in an ancient cottage on the library grounds, instead of having to pay rent for an apartment.  It is inside this cottage that Jane finds a secret basement full of old spell books.  Without thinking, she performs a spell and awakens a smart aleck feline familiar, Neko (who presents in the form of a very fashionable, witty gay man.  His first line in the book is “girlfriend, we have got to get you some better shoes”).   Her use of magic attracts the attention of David Montrose, a warder who is in charge of watching out for Jane.

But finding out she is a witch and can do magic is the least of Jane’s problems.  She is in love with her Imaginary Boyfriend, Jason, who comes into the library to study several times a week.  Suddenly Jason seems to be taking an interest in her and begins to talk to her more and eventually asks her out.  She ends up being intimate with him only to find out that he is married.  After this, Jane goes into a depression spiral and spends all of her time down in the basement with the magical books, which are in disarray.  After several days down there, Jane decides she needs to catalog and organize the books.  She devises her own system and records everything on her laptop.  Jane eventually gets over Jason, with the help of her best friend, familiar, and grandmother, near the end of the book. 

Critical Evaluation


Jane is the type of person who blindly does things without thinking them through.  She knows something is off about her relationship with Jason but she doesn’t second guess it or take time to really think about why she is having those feelings.  She is too practical to think magic is real, at first, but once she accidentally does a spell, she finds out the consequences of rushing into things she doesn’t know a lot about. 


The characters are relatable, if somewhat taken from stock characters.  Jane is a stereotypical librarian in most respects, and she even goes through a transformation - geek to chic.  The magic is fun and Jane doesn't take it too seriously.  The heartbreak of finding out about Jason is one that readers feel too.  But, the fact that things end badly with him probably isn't too shocking either.  This book, overall, takes a fun look at magic with an awesome librarian as the protagonist.  It presents the idea that if a fact loving librarian can believe in magic, maybe the readers can too.


Reader's Annotation


What would you do if you suddenly found out that you can do magic, your imaginary boyfriend becomes real and you still have to worry about the fate of the library on top of it all?


Author's Information


Mindy Klasky has written fifteen novels under many genres.  Mindy went from being a lawyer, to being a librarian and now she currently is a full time writer.  Discover more of her magic by visiting her website: http://www.mindyklasky.com/.

Genre


Fantasy / Adult Crossover

Book talking ideas


There are so many fun things about this novel that would entice young adults.  Jane has an amazing best friend who always sticks by her, she somehow summons a fashion forward familiar, in human form, who helps her with all things magical.  And she is a librarian.  Librarians are awesome, as we all know, and she is no exception.

Reading Level/Interest Age


16/16

Challenge Issues


There is some sexual content in this book.  As it is written for adults, some of the content, such as drinking, may not be suited to some people's tastes but the people involved are all of legal drinking age.  Nothing is graphic or explicit.  Everything done in the book is between consenting adults so even if there were challenges, it would be hard for them to gain any footing.

Why Include This Title?


Jane goes through things that many women go through.  This is a fun fantasy novel, chick lit basically, that will appeal to the younger readers who are looking for something a little more in depth than what is available in many YA books.

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

Schroeder, Lisa. I Heart You, You Haunt Me. Simone Pulse (2008). ISBN 978-1-416-95520-7 

Plot Summary

Lisa Schroeder’s I Heart You, You Haunt Me is written in verse and tells the story of Ava, a girl mourning over the death of her boyfriend Jackson.  Not long after his dead, Ava starts to feel Jackson's presence in many aspects of her life and can even smell his after shave.  This makes it even harder for Ava to accept the loss of her boyfriend and best friend.  

Critical Evaluation

In this beautifully written book, Ava comes to terms with the pain of Jackson's loss and comes to some much needed realizations concerning the circumstances of his death.  The entire book is one long verse, which makes it very quick to read, but also lends the idea that the reader is experiencing all of Ava's thoughts and feelings at the same time as she is.  

It was difficult to get to know Ava very well.  While she is a sympathetic character just based on the fact that she lost someone she loved, it is hard to really connect with her.  This may be ok, though, as the feelings that Ava has towards everything are feelings that many have when they lose someone.  Making the narrator someone who the reader doesn't know too many specifics about makes this book more easily relateable.  

Reader's Annotation

Coming to terms with the death of a loved one can be difficult, which Ava experiences first hand when her boyfriend dies suddenly.

Author's Information

Lisa lives in Oregon and has written many books for young adults.  She spent her summers growing up reading and playing outside.  Much more information about her and her excellent YA novels can be found here: http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Book talking Ideas

This book is written in free verse, which makes it a very fast read and one that has a very nice flow to it.  The book is all about loss and how one young girl copes with it.  This book can be used to help those who are suffering from a similar situation or have in the past.  Reading passages from books, short ones, always seems like a great way to get people interested.  

Reading Level / Interest Age

14/14

Challenge Issues


Despite the utter despair that Ava suffers through, this book doesn't feature any graphic scenes that would make parents uncomfortable.

Why Include This Title?

This covers the topic of loss in a very unique, lovely way. Ava could represent any reader making this the perfect book for teenagers.

Rosebush

Jaffe, Michele. Rosebush. Razorbill (2011). ISBN 9781595143839

Plot Summary

                 Jane wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of how she got there.  Soon, as family and friends start to visit her, the night’s events start to come back to her.  She starts to realize that it is no accident that she is there and that someone close to her wants her dead.  With threatening messages on her mirror showing up and creepy phone calls, Jane tries desperately to figure out who wants her dead before it’s too late.

Critical Evaluation

This book is probably one of the most intense, mystery steeped books I've ever read. I could not have enjoyed it more. The plot is so twisty-turny that I couldn't stop reading - even when I was getting carsick on the way home from vacation.  Everyone Jane knows seems to have a secret and could possibly have ill intent towards her.  In the end, it is the person least expected who is the attempted murderer.

Jane is a very believable character.  Her relationship with her mother is less than perfect but much of that is Jane’s doing.  She has a hard time figuring out where she belongs and who she is.  The story is wrapped up well and the journey to get to the ending is a wild ride readers will love.

Reader’s Annotation

Jane can’t remember anything from the night that ended with her in the hospital.  This is the story of her piecing events together and realizing that being in the hospital was no accident. 

Author’s Information

Michele graduated with a PhD from Harvard in Comparative Literature, after which she left academia to write.  She writes both YA and adult books, fiction and thrillers.  Her website is here: http://www.michelejaffe.com/.

Genre

Thriller/Suspense

Book Talking Ideas

I’d being by asking them what they would do if they all of a sudden couldn’t remember what happened the night before.  Then I’d ask what if you were in the hospital, beat up extremely badly, and couldn’t remember what happened?  Jane assumes it was some sort of accident but a sinister plot lurks just underneath the surface.

Reading Level/Interest

12/12

Challenge Issues

There is some teen drinking in this book, but it isn’t the main focus by any means.  Jane has a harder time than necessary remembering what happened because of all the pain killers she’s on at the hospital but, because there is a medical reason, challengers shouldn’t have too big a problem with that.

Why Include This Title?

This is a very well written YA thriller.  The form of going from the present, where the character can’t remember anything, to the past where clues are pieced together, is a sure fire way to get readers hooked.  This is a quality that YA books need to have in order to be successful and Rosebush has it.

Clockwise

Strauss, Elle. Clockwise. Create Space (2012). ISBN 9781466440968

Plot Summary

                Casey is a time traveler.  She goes back in time without any notice, and it can happen anytime, any day.  Luckily, no time passes in the present while she is gone, but she can be stuck in the past for weeks or even months before she goes back.  When she returns to the present, the only sign that she has gone are the dark circles under her eyes.  Time does continue on, however, when she is in her present, so when she goes back, people often ask her hard questions about what happened to her and where she has been.  When Casey goes back, she must try to fit in with the current culture.  She picks strategic spots to bury items that she can retrieve once she travels back in time. 

                Casey’s time travelling becomes even more of a problem when a very aggressive (and abusive) man in the past starts showing interest in her and wants to marry her.  It is all Casey can do to avoid him and try to survive until she is returned to her own time. 

Critical Evaluation

I've never read a time travelling novel quite like this one. The way Casey has to have actual skills to survive in the 1860s was a realistic aspect to the story that many lack. She uses her instincts and creates ways for her to be better prepared when she goes back in time. She is smart, not just bookish but street smart in her own way. While she has that boy obsession that every heroine in YA novels has, it's very real. Being married now for years, at first I was thinking "Man, Casey, what is so great about this one guy?" But then I started to think back to how I was in high school and the boys I crushed on. I was the exact same way!

When Casey goes to the 1960s, I wasn't really sure why that was necessary - but Strauss had a good reason for that. I also found it kind of coincidental that Nate goes on so many "trips" with her. But I can see why it was needed to forge a good bond between Casey and Nate and make their relationship be based on something other than "love at first sight." Everything wraps up very neat and tidy, maybe a little too tidy, but who doesn't love surprise coincidences and connections between seemingly random parts of a story? This was a relatively quick read and I'd recommend it!

Reader’s Annotation

Come discover how time travel is a lot harder than one might originally think and explore a world before only read about.

Author’s Information

Elle writes YA and children’s novels.  Her first book, a women’s novel, was published when she was living in Germany.  The only problem is that it was in German and she, and no one she knows, speaks German.  More about her and her books can be found here: http://ellestraussbooks.blogspot.com/.

Genre

Adventure / Historical Fiction

Book Talking Ideas

This is a story about what is would really be like to time travel.  Casey doesn’t magically become dressed in 19^th century clothes when she arrives, so she has to make her own way.   There is a love interest, for all those romantics, yet a lot of adventure and near-misses of danger. 

Reading Level/Interest

14/14

Challenge Issues

I don’t see really any reasons why this book would be challenged. 

Why Include This Title?

This is an interesting take on the time travel genre.  I liked that it combined both adventure and historical fiction.  It can probably be considered historical fiction as Casey does spend a lot of time in the past.  

The Thirteenth Tale

 Setterfield, Diane. The Thirteenth Tale.  Washington Square Press (2007). ISBN 9780743298032

Plot Summary

                Margaret Lea lives with her father above their bookshop.  She loves everything about reading and books.  She loves biographies and has even written a few herself.  An elusive and ailing writer, Vida Winter, who never talks to any reporters, writes to Margaret and asks her to come write her biography before she dies.  Margaret has never heard of Vida Winter so she readers her book Thirteen Tales of Change and Desperation.  The book ends up only having twelve tales and Margaret decides to go find out more about Vida.

                As Margaret listens to stories from Vida’s life, she is forced to confront her own past.  The events at Angelfield, Vida’s childhood home, are startling and disturbing with an ending that defies expectations.   The story of her life becomes the final, thirteenth tale. 

Critical Evaluation

                The Thirteenth Tale is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever read.  This is an adult book but one that teenagers can benefit from.  Setterfield’s writing is so enthralling that, while the book is not terribly fast passed, readers enjoy every moment of it.  The secrets about Vida’s life are quite shocking.  The ending is one that not many, if any, will see coming.  The format of the writing is also interesting.  There are scenes of Margaret in the present and her interactions with Vida and then there are the flashbacks.  Margaret is not allowed to ask any questions, just sit, listen and record making this a very cohesive tale without many interruptions. 

                The way Vida chooses to tell her story is logical – the events line up and she usually begins where she left off, or soon thereafter at the beginning of the next important milestone in her life.  While YA novels are wonderful, a lot of times they strive to be entertaining and are a little less substantial.  This book is one that can appeal to everyone, adults and teens alike, and it written extremely well.

Reader’s Annotation

Terrible secrets lurk just underneath the surface of Vida Winter’s life and with the help of biographer Margaret Lea, light is creeping into those mysterious places.

Author’s Information

                Diane has taught at various universities in England and France where she published various academic works on her specialty, French literature.  The Thirteenth Tale is her debut novel.  A more in depth biography can be found here: http://www.bookbrowse.com/biographies/index.cfm/author_number/1376/diane-setterfield

Genre

Adult Crossover

Book Talking Ideas

This is the story about coming to terms with events in one’s past.  The book features twins that couldn’t be more different along with a setting that will take the reader’s breath away.  This is half a historical fiction novel and half in the present.  This format makes for very intriguing writing.

Reading Level/Interest

16/16

Challenge Issues

This book features themes such as self-discovery, death, loss and other serious topics.  They are handled in a very well manner, however, so challenges will most likely be scarce. 

Why Include This Title?

This book may one day be considered a classic.  The writing is beautiful, as I’ve said, and the story is one that readers will remember and associate with great storytelling.  It is another adult book that is suitable for teens to read.  

Princess of the Midnight Ball

George, Jessica Day. Princess of the Midnight Ball. Bloomsbury USA Children’s (2010). ISBN 978059994559.

Plot Summary

                When the reader first meets the princesses, they are being scolded by their father for always wearing out their dancing slippers every night.  The princesses have no way of explaining what they are doing every night, though and this is the mystery needing to be solved in the book. The younger girls can find humor even when being scolded and the older girls are also rather sarcastically funny. 

The hero in this tale goes by the name of Galen.  He is what every teenage girl wants in a man.  He has a sense of chivalry when it comes to women and always has the yearning to do what's right without thought of reward.  He is strong, sensitive and clever.  He also has a very witty sense of humor, to match the princesses.  He has an unusual hobby for a boy his age.  He knits throughout the book and in the end; the knitting is what really saves the day.

Critical Evaluation

The characterization is one of the main draws of this book as well as the fast paced and well realized story line.  This novel contains magic, romance, suspense, twelve flower-named princesses, and one gallant gardener with a love of knitting.  It seems as if this novel should appeal to all young adults. The themes of this book are pertinent and will appeal to today's youth.  The princesses have grown up without a mother.  The death of a parent, or even divorce, is something that many teens have to deal with during their early years and one that is often hard to come to terms with.

                George's books are fast-paced, fun reads with likeable, relatable characters.  While they appeal to young readers because of the general themes George uses (love, family, identity, etc.), there are some drawbacks to her type of writing.  Not all teens enjoy fairytale retellings.  If someone doesn’t like this genre, they probably won’t try her books. 

Reader’s Annotation

This is the story of twelve sisters who wear out their dancing shoes every night fulfilling a promise made long ago by someone else. 

Author’s Information

                Jessica earned a BA degree in Humanities.  She has written 7 books, some for children and some for young adults.  Most of her stories are retellings of fairy tales.  She took eight years of German and even studied Old Norse.  More about her and her books can be found here: http://www.jessicadaygeorge.com/.

Genre

Fantasy

Book Talking Ideas

I’d lead with saying this is a fairy tale remake.  The humor is extremely smart – I would probably read a passage from the book.  I’d mention, also, that the hero – you know, the big macho man here to save the day? – loves to knit.

Reading Level/Interest

12/14

Challenge Issues

This book is as clean as they come. 

Why Include This Title?

Fairy tale retellings are very popular in YA literature right now.  I felt there needed to be an example of one in this collection of materials.  

Envy

Olsen, Gregg.  Envy.  Splinter (2011). ISBN 9781402789571

Plot Summary

                As if the cover of this book isn't creepy enough to get readers to buy it, the story Olsen writes is relevant and captivating. While the book is fiction, the events depicted are based on true stories Olsen read about in the news (there is a note about this at the end of the book).  Twins Hayley and Taylor must put the pieces together when their old friend Katelyn dies mysteriously.  Some say it was suicide as she was found in the bathtub with the plugged in coffee machine in the bathtub with her.  As events unfold, however, Hayley and Taylor use their telepathic abilities to try and figure out what really happened.   What they discover is a web of lies and bullying, perpetrated by one of Katelyn’s former best friends, Starla.

                Meanwhile, the twins are dealing with some of their own problems when a nosy reporter won’t stop looking into the girls’ abilities.  When she discovers the truth and threatens to expose them, the twins are forced to take drastic measures.  In this gripping tale of the dangers of cyber bullying, readers will be so enthralled they won’t be able to stop reading until the story is finished.

Critical Evaluation

Hayley and Taylor are girls that readers can relate to, for the most part. Perhaps not in the telepathic way but Olsen portrays them as having very realistic personalities and characteristics of girls their age.  Envy gets readers to think about real world problems while being immersed in a fictitious world at the same time. At times, I wished I had been able to know Katelyn better and I definitely wished that the twins would have said some of their thoughts out loud to Starla. She is such a terrible person and she really could have used some humble pie. 

The mystery of Katelyn’s death is suitable drawn out.  The reader doesn’t find out what really happened that day until the end of the book.  It’s a fun ride, though, piecing together all of the clues and the reality of what actually happened will surprise everyone.

Reader’s Annotation

Haley and Taylor set out to discover how their friend Katelyn died but will end up needing to save their own lives in the process.

Author’s Information

Gregg Olsen is a NYT bestselling author with a total of 13 books published right now.  Envy was his first trip in the YA genre.  He currently lives in Washington with his twin daughters.  His website is here: http://www.greggolsen.com/.

Genre

Fantasy/Horror

Book Talking Ideas

I would hold up the book, so everyone could see the cover.  It is a haunting image and one that people will either be turned off by or want to read immediately.  This book not only has a huge mystery to solve, the main characters are telepathic twins.  That’s pretty cool.

Reading Level/Interest

12/14

Challenge Issues

Other than some scary scenes and thrilling aspects, this book will probably remain off the challenge board’s radar. 

Why Include This Title?

This is a book that combines a very real problem (cyber bullying) with a fairly realistic setting.  There are some magical elements to the story to make it just so far removed from reality that teens will be able to explore the topic without being too real about it.  It is also just a YA mystery book that is written well.

She's the Man

Fickman, Andy. She’s the Man. Lakeshore Entertainment (2006).

Plot Summary

                Much to her dismay, Viola’s beloved girls’ soccer team gets cut at her high school.  When her twin brother, Sebastian, decides to ditch the first weeks of class at his new school, Viola decides to take matters into her own hands.  Dressed as Sebastian, Viola makes it onto the boys’ soccer team.  However, living as an undercover girl in a dorm full of boys is bound to cause some awkward, and hilarious, situations.  None of this matters because Viola gets to do what she loves – play soccer.  But things start to get messed up when the love triangles start getting out of hand and Viola herself falls for her hunky room and teammate.  This movie is based on Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night. 

Critical Evaluation

                Amanda Bynes is hilarious as a girl playing a boy.  This movie is very funny, in an obvious way and in another more subtle way.  The supporting characters bring the chaos that is this film to life and their comedic timing make this movie an even bigger success.  At times, it seems that Viola puts herself into unnecessary situations – like changing five million times during the carnival.  She spends two minutes as Viola, takes 5 minutes to change and then spends another 2 minutes as Sebastian before going to change again.  But, for the most part, this just adds to the comedy of this movie.  The confusion of who likes who and who’s lying to who makes this a gleeful movie that is fun for every teen.

Reader’s Annotation

Can Viola, in pursuit of her love of soccer, pull of being her brother Sebastian without anyone finding out?

Author’s Information

She’s the Man was directed by Andy Fickman.  He has directed other such popular films as The Game Plan  and You Again.  An interesting interview with Andy can be found here: http://www.stanforddaily.com/2011/05/06/fick-ing-around-with-director-andy-fickman/.

Genre

DVD

Book Talking Ideas

Most teenagers have at least heard of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, even if they haven’t read it.  The film adaptation is hilarious, as is the play, and it may make understanding the play easier once they know who are the characters are.  For the girls I’d mention that Channing Tatum is the leading man.  For the boys, I’d mention that Amanda Bynes is just the beginning of cute girls in this movie. 

Reading Level/Interest

15

Challenge Issues

There is some minor sexual content in the film but nothing that would make this movie unfit for teens of any age.

Why Include This Title?

She’s the Man, while a fun comedy, is also an example of the kinds of movies being produced for teenagers right now.  They are based on books or plays and there is always some sort of modern twist to them.  

Teen Vogue

Teen Vogue. Gina Sanders (2003). www.teenvogue.com

Plot Summary

                Teen Vogue is a magazine all about fashion and beauty.  It is meant to be a teenage version of the iconic fashion magazine Vogue.  Each issue features a celebrity on the cover.  Inside there are beauty and fashion tips and information.  Teen Vogue tackles more serious topics in every issue that may not be present in other teen oriented magazines.  Some of these issues may include teen pregnancy and STDs. 

Critical Evaluation

                Teen Vogue is printed in a smaller format than most magazines, making it more compact and easier to carry around.  This makes the magazine stand out already.  Then the heavy emphasis on fashion and beauty make this a must read for any teen looking to keep her look fresh.  At times, the ad pages seem to bog down the rest of the content.  The magazine can appear quite cluttered because every page has a ton of color on it.  But the content is great.  The serious topic covered all are important information for teens to have and if they can read about it in a magazine and become more aware, all the better.

Reader’s Annotation

Teen Vogue is the teenager’s one stop shop for all things fashion related.

Author’s Information

As mentioned above, this magazine came into existence when those at Vogue decided to make a magazine specifically for teenagers.  The current editor in chief is Amy Astley.  In fact she has held that position ever since the launch of the magazine in 2003.

Genre

Magazine

Book Talking Ideas

This is a magazine for those girls who are really into fashion.  However, if someone is just getting interested in fashion, this magazine would also make a great read for them.  Anyone interested in young celebrities will also enjoy this magazine as there is usually one featured in every issue. 

Reading Level/Interest

15/15

Challenge Issues

Some parents might be ward of a magazine that includes articles about teenager STDs but the articles are always well written and contain good information that teens need to have. 

Why Include This Title?

This is a magazine designed especially for teenagers.  It is unique in its format and covers topics specifically for teens.  It is a perfect fit in a set of YA materials.

PC Gamer

PC Gamer. Future Publishing (1993-). http://www.pcgamer.com/.

Plot Summary

                PC Gamer is a magazine that covers all things video game.  In each issue there are previews of games coming out soon, critical reviews of current games on the market, some tips and cheats for the most popular games being played and so much more.  Each review comes with a percentile rating of the game.  No game has ever gotten a 100% rating.  Letters from the reader are included in each issue of the magazine as well as articles on real life issues involving gaming. 

Critical Evaluation

                This magazine appears to cover all the most popular, and most talked about, video games.  Not only that, but it reports any important news or information concerning any aspect of the video game market.  There is always some eye catching game character on the cover.  The section where readers’ letters are added to the magazine is a way to show that someone actually reads what you send in.  Gaming is the kind of culture that involves other people’s help or input when trying to win a game.  The features on the website that accompany the print version of the magazine make this a great buy for anyone interested in any aspect of video games.

Reader’s Annotation

Here you will find tips, tricks, news, previews, reviews and so much more about all the new and popular video games. 

Author’s Information

PC Gamer was founded in Britain in 1993.  There are two versions of the magazine: a UK version and a US version.  Logan Decker is the current Editor in Chief of the US version.

Genre

Magazine

Book Talking Ideas

I’d lead with the idea that this magazine may have the exact tip to conquering that tough video game you’re battling with right now.  Then I’d just tell them what this magazine has to offer and I’m pretty sure video game enthusiasts won’t hesitate to check it out.

Reading Level/Interest

14/14

Challenge Issues

The magazine itself would probably never be challenged.  It would be more of the actual games themselves being challenged.

Why Include This Title?

Video games are so much a part of teen culture, especially teen boy culture, that this magazine seemed like the perfect choice for this grouping of resources.

Make Lemonade

Wolff, Virginia Euwer.  Make Lemonade.  Perfection Learning (2006).  ISBN 9780756968175

Plot Summary

Jolly feels stuck in her surroundings and the fortuitous meeting with LaVaughn helps her see how life could be different. Looking to make some money to attend college, LaVaughn answers a babysitting ad and becomes Jolly's babysitter and friend.  Jolly needs a push to make better choices and to accept help when she really needs it and LaVaughn is the perfect person to push her.            Jolly soon starts getting a tentative grasp on her life that consists of two young children fathered by two different men.  LaVaughn encourages Jolly to do things to better herself and her situation and in the process, LaVaughn learns some life lessons, too.

Critical Evaluation

This story makes the reader want to do something. I feel like I wanted to jump into the pages and help scrub Jolly's house clean and hug those little kids. The name of the book comes from making the best out of the circumstances life has given you.  This is a story that makes the reader want to do better.  It makes the reader want to look out for those people in their lives that need their attention and a little guidance.   The story is told in free verse which makes it a very quick read.  The story is compelling enough to keep the reader’s attention, too. 

Often times, whatever a teenage is experiencing seems like the end of the world.  This book can put into perspective how bad things can get but, at the same time, help them develop empathy towards others.  It is a novel that will hopefully spur its readers to action and develop those basic human instincts to help others in need.

Reader’s Annotation

Come make lemonade out of the bitter lemons dealt to single mother Jolly with some help from her new babysitter LaVaughn. 

Author’s Information

Virginia graduated from Smith College and became a high school English teacher.  She started writing children’s books when she was 50 years old and is still writing today.  Her website is here: http://virginiaeuwerwolff.com/.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Book Talking Ideas

This has some insight into what it would be like to be an uneducated single mother of two.  Learn who she copes with the stresses of making enough money to live on and any other problem life feels like throwing at her. 

Reading Level/Interest

12/14

Challenge Issues

There is some mature content in this book.  Teen pregnancy and sexual harassment are the two big ones.  Nothing is graphically told so as far as books to be challenged, this will probably be low on the list.

Why Include This Title?

I liked the way this book was written, in free verse.  It gave it more of a realistic feel, as if we were experiencing the events just as the characters were.  The message is very appropriate for teenagers to read about and think about.

The Vincent Boys

Glines, Abbi. The Vincent Boys. CreateSpace (2012). ISBN 978146797338

Plot Summary

                Ashton is the good girl in town.  She always does everything she is supposed to.  Her boyfriend, Sawyer, is the golden boy and they make the perfect perfect couple.  But Ashton is growing tired of always having to live up to the expectations put on her.  She longs to return to the mischievous ways of her childhood.  This is when her eyes start to wander to Sawyer’s cousin, Beau.  The three have been friends since childhood, and Beau has loved Ashton for that long, but has never made a move because of the respect he has for Sawyer. 

                But Sawyer is away for the summer on a camping trip.  And Ashton is bored and looking to get into some trouble.  She sets her sights on Beau and before they know what’s happening, feelings start to form that will not go away.  This is a funny, heartbreaking story of self-discovery, betrayal and friendship.

Critical Evaluation

                The Vincent Boys is about a love triangle that doesn’t involve any kind of supernatural creature.  Finally!  Ashton has had to act perfectly for most of her life and she is starting to grow wary of the responsibility.  No reader can blame her for wanting to blow off a little steam.  But we can blame her for blatantly cheating on her very loyal, amazing boyfriend.  Sure, he has unrealistic expectations of her and they may not really belong together, but there were better ways for both Ashton and Beau to handle the situation.  Beau should have insisted on Ashton breaking up with Sawyer before they didn’t anything at all.  Ashton shouldn’t have used Beau to live out her wild girl fantasies only to drop him once Sawyer gets back into town.

                Even though the characters are flawed, these are realistic flaws.  People cheat all the time for a million different reasons.  Some people just don’t understand it, but it happens.  Even though the reader is annoyed at the way they go about it, Beau and Ashton do seem a better fit than Ashton and Sawyer and the reader roots for them.  Sawyer is a great guy but he obviously doesn’t know who Ashton really is.  This is a story not only about the love triangle between the main characters, it is also the story about Ashton discovering who she really is inside and figuring out a way to be that person without letting everyone down. 

Reader’s Annotation

Will Ashton be able to figure out which Vincent brother is right for her before her entire world is shattered?

Author’s Information

 Abbi has written several books in the YA genre as well as an adult novel.  She is addicted to twitter and can be found here: http://www.abbiglines.com/p/about-abbi.html.

Genre

Realistic Fiction / Sexuality and Gender

Book Talking Ideas

I’d lead with the idea of a love triangle that involves only humans.  So basically a story that could actually happen is what The Vincent Boys is all about.  Ashton is the typical good girl who wants to let her hair down – but in a major way.  Teens might be interested in why she would throw away her perfect boyfriend for the town bad boy.

Reading Level/Interest

16/16

Challenge Issues

There is some sexual content in this book, but the majority of the book deals more with the self-discovery aspects Ashton faces along with the conflicting feelings she has towards the Vincent boys. 

Why Include This Title?

I felt like a realistic version of the love triangle was a welcome change from all of the paranormal romances out there.  While this book does seem on the lighter side, some good messages and lessons for teens are included in the book, most of which are discussed above.

LEGO Harry Potter

Traveller’s Tales. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4. Warner Bros (2010).  ASIN B002BSA2XY

Plot Summary

                The LEGO Harry Potter game covers the first four years at Hogwarts.  When the game begins, a small video is shown as way of introduction.  It shows Harry being delivered to the Durselys, his letter coming from Hagrid, their trip out to the shack at sea, and then the game begins when Harry and Hagrid reach The Leaky Cauldron.  Players can switch between Hagrid and Harry.  Hagrid is most important at the beginning because magic is required to do a lot of the tasks.  Harry and Hagrid quickly move through simple tasks such as finding and placing a door handle and gathering ingredients and placing them in a cauldron to advance to the next scene.              Coins are collected and Hagrid assembles several objects which earn him points that lead to some sort of end goal or advantage.

Critical Evaluation

                At first the game seemed odd because the players don’t actually talk.  They just make really weird grunting sounds.  But after a while it became kind of humorous.  The graphics are not lifelike at all, but they’re not supposed to be.  It is the LEGO world if it was animated.  It was really hard to figure out how to move the players since the default settings aren’t to use the arrow keys.  Even after playing it for a while it was still tricky to get them to go where I wanted them to.  And when Hagrid needs to cast a spell, if any person walking by is around, they are automatically lit up as the future recipient of the spell, so players have to wait for people to get out of the way before doing anything.  That being said, this is a fairly simple game, one that everyone can play.  There aren’t any special tricks or skills needed to be able to play this game and that makes it a great one for teenagers, especially those who aren’t that skilled in video games.  Plus, this version doesn’t require a gaming console and can be played on the computer at home or at the library. 

Reader’s Annotation

                Explore the world of Harry Potter like never before in this LEGO inspired video game.

Author’s Information

Since 1999, Traveller’s Tales has mainly focused on creating video games that tie in with television and movies.  They have created LEGO video games for other popular films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman.  Check out their video games here: http://www.ttgames.com/.

Genre

Video Game

Book Talking Ideas

Since Harry Potter fans have no doubt experienced this magical world through book and film format by now, why not take a trip into Harry’s world through a game.  And not just any game, a LEGO version.  All of your favorite childhood things combined into one package.

Reading Level/Interest

13/13

Challenge Issues

Parents may have a problem with their child playing video games or casting fake spells in the magical world of Hogwarts, but the library can’t control how often teenagers play games.  We can only provide materials that teens will like and then the parent has to do the rest.

Why Include This Title?

I felt like this is a good representation of a video game that someone might play if they really don’t like video games all that much.  Myself being one of those people (and I was like that as a teen), it was nice to pick something that would appeal to a wide group of people, not just those who like video games. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Chbosky, Stephen. The Perks of Being a Wallflower. MTV Books (1999). ISBN 978-0-6710-2734-6

Plot Summary

                Charlie shares his freshman year of high school experiences in a series of letters to a “friend,” whom the reader never finds out the identity of.  Charlie mostly sticks to himself until he meets brother and sister Patrick and Sam.  Together, they introduce him to many life experiences such as parties, drinking, drugs, music, movies and much more.  Charlie learns about himself as he tries to figure out who he really is.  His English teacher gives him extra books to read in addition to the class assignments and later asks Charlie if he knows how smart he is.  Charlie is the type of person that really doesn’t know how amazing he is.

                This growing up story features Charlie coming to terms with his Aunt Helen’s death, and what happened before that, and realizing how every choice that has been made in the past, whether good or bad, has led to his existence.  Charlie deals with issues such as being unsure of his sexuality and trying to figure out who he really is.  Charlie is able to observe situations and people from afar and understand things not many people can about them.  At one point in the story, Charlie says to Sam and Patrick that he feels infinite.  This is a phenomenal coming of age story that will leave readers pondering what being a wallflower really means and the benefits that come from that. 

Critical Evaluation

                The letter format of this story adds something to this already incredibly written story.  Charlie, or so he is calling himself for anonymity, tells each experience with great detail and gives all the important information and insights.  The reader immediately connects with Charlie’s honest and open way of retelling important events.  The supporting characters of this novel are written in such a way as to believable.  Sam and Patrick do seem a little too loose with life at times, but this is not uncommon for young people to be.  The relationship between Patrick and Brad, and the ending of it, is still very relevant today, almost 15 years later.  It is still not generally acceptable to be gay, especially in high school. 

                Even though his friends and family urge him to get out and do more things, sometimes I wish Charlie would just be happy being Charlie.  He tries drugs and starts smoking and dates a girl he is completely uninterested in because his friends think he should.  Maybe he wanted to a little bit, but for the most part, he just goes along with whatever his friends are doing.  However, Charlie does end up only doing those things he really wants to long term.   Overall, this book covers so many teen topics that it is a must read for the older teen age group.

Reader’s Annotation

Come read about Charlie’s life and discover what it is like to be infinite.

Author’s Information

Stephen graduated from the University of Southern California filmic writing program and he directed films before he ever wrote a novel.  His credits include mostly screenplays but he wrote The Perks of Being a Wallflower and it was published in 1999.  It has been made into a film due out in September of this year.   

Genre

Sexuality and Gender

Book Talking Ideas

Mentioning the unique format of this novel is sure to grab readers’ attention.  A novel made up of extremely forthright letters is an intriguing idea.  Plus, this book is being made into a movie and who doesn’t love that?  Teens need to read it now so they can compare it to how it is adapted to film.  Stephen Chbosky wrote the screenplay, though, so I’m betting it’ll be pretty awesome.

Reading Level/Interest

14/14

Challenge Issues

There is mention of drugs, teen drinking, molestation, abortion, and basically anything a challenger would look for when wanting to ban a book.  However, the life lessons contained in this one novel far outweigh some mentions of things that most, if not all, teens already know about. 

Why Include This Title?

Besides the unique format, Charlie is a narrator that at one point or another in his narrative, is relatable to most teenagers.  This book covers a vast number of topics pertinent to teens and is a book that needs to be read and discussed.  

Paper Covers Rock

Hubbard, Jenny. Paper Covers Rock. Delacorte Books for Young Readers (2011). ISBN 978-0-3857-4055-5

Plot Summary

                The book starts with Alex facing the fact that he couldn’t save his friend, Thomas, from drowning.  He and his other friend Glenn were both there when Thomas died but neither could get to him in time to save him.  Or so Alex thought.  Alex starts to get suspicious of Glenn when he begins acting weird and wanting to take out their English teacher, Miss Dovecott, whom the thinks knows more than she should.  Miss Dovecott came upon the boys just after Thomas drowned, which normally wouldn’t be a problem – if nothing funny was going on. 

                Alex tells his story in a journal that he hides in the library.  The more Alex begins to find out about that day, the more he thinks Thomas’ death may not have been an accident.  Glenn his hiding a secret that Thomas knew and Glenn may have seen an opportunity and taken it.  Alex writes poetry in his journal, and for class, that informs what’s happening in his real life. 

Critical Evaluation

                This book really reminded me of A Separate Peace.  While Paper Covers Rock has its differences, the main theme of a friend having an accident and trying to figure out if it was an accident or not is shared by both.  The poetry is especially good in this book, and really adds an element to this story.  The obvious objectification of Miss Dovecott is slightly offensive, as if every boy in the school imagines her as a sex object before a teacher. 

                It is hard to really connect with Alex as a person.  He seems a little too detached from what is actually happening around him.  He hides out in the library instead of facing what is going on.  He lets Glenn push him around instead of just telling him to drop it.  But this story is still worth a read.  The writing is basically good and, even with its flaws, the story does have a way of capturing the reader.

Reader’s Annotation

Alex has to figure out the truth of what happened when his friend drowned, whether or not Glenn wants him to. 

Author’s Information

Jenny was a high school and college English teacher for 17 years before she started writing.  She not only writes YA fiction but plays, too.  Her short biography and an interview can be found here: http://papercoversrock.co/?page_id=2.

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Book Talking Ideas

The blatant mystery that this book presents is intriguing for anyone.  A boy drowns while his friends try to save him.  But that’s not all that was going on – not by a long shot.  A forbidden attraction between a student and a, rather young, teacher and a boy with a secret make this book an amazingly thrilling book to read.

Reading Level/Interest

14/14

Challenge Issues

This book features teen drinking and some gay themes.  These aren’t very prevalent so not many challenges are expected. 

Why Include This Title?

This is a book that will definitely appeal to both girls and boys but especially boys.  My list is a little heavy on the teen girl interest, so I felt it important to include this title.