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.