Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Brashares, Ann. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Delacourt Press. 2001.
ISBN: 0385730586.
$8.95. Paperback. 294 pages

Readers Annotation
Four girls and one magical pair of jeans embark on a summer adventure none of them will forget.

Plot Summary
For the first time since their birth, four best friends: Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen are spending the summer apart. Carmen, half Puerto Rican, buys a pair of jeans from a thrift store on a whim. Somehow, magically the jeans fit each girl although they have very different figures. Together they decide that the pants must have some kind of good mojo, so they create The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Each girl will wear the pants for a week before forwarding them to the next friend. Lena travels to Greece to visit her Grandparents. Bridget travels to Baja California to attend soccer camp. Carmen goes to visit her Dad in South Carolina. Tibby is the only girl staying home because she has a job at Wallman’s. Each of the girls faces a crisis that they must cope with alone. For each of them the Traveling Pants is the linking force in their friendship as they learn about love, family, and death.

Critical Evaluation
Brashares does a very complicated thing and makes it look easy. She takes four characters, gives them individual voices, and places in a story that manages to remain contiguous, easily read, and enjoyable. Brashares uses the epistolary format for part of the novel. Each girl has a set of troubles that she must learn to overcome. Lena must deal with the fallout from a misinterpreted situation with the boy Kostos. Bridget (Bee) has her first sexual encounter with a camp counselor. Carmen discovers her Dad is getting married again and will have a second family. Tibby befriends a little girl dying from leukemia. Although Brashares is dealing with big life changing subjects she is not heavy handed. The book is a little gem that I would recommend to any student.

Information about the author
Brashares is the author the the “Sisterhood” series of books. She also has a website that is connected to her blog. However her biography hasn’t been updated since 2008. You can find out more about http://annbrashares.com/

Genre
Fiction, epistolary novel

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Underage sex

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Sisterhood-Traveling-Pants-Book/dp/0553494791/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260311481&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Talk about how Carmen finds the pants and they fit all the girls.
2. Discuss the characters individual issues, for example: Lena and Costos.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 13 and up.

Why I included this title
This book is on the 2001 Best Books for Young Adults list.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Marr, Melissa. Wicked Lovely.
HarperTeen. 2007.
ISBN: 9780061214677
$8.99. Paperback. 352 pages.

Readers Annotation
Aislinn has always been able to see faeries, and now they taking notice of her.

Plot Summary
Aislinn, a seventeen-year-old Catholic schoolgirl has always been able to see faeries. Her grandmother has warned her to be careful not to acknowledge their presence or the consequences will be dire. Everything is fine until she catches the eye of the faery Summer King, Keenan. As he begins a game of seduction to lure Aislinn into becoming his Summer Queen, the Winter Queen (his mother ) plots to stop him. While the Winter Queen rules faery, winter continues to become longer and colder. The coming of the Summer Queen is destined to restore order to faery. Aislinn’s best friend Seth worries that he will lose her to Keenan. His fears are justified when Aislinn drinks the summer wine and dances in faery all night. Aislinn doesn’t know that the transformation to become the Summer Queen is already taking place. When she discovers that she is changing she runs to her safe harbor – Seth’s boxcar home. There she realizes that it is Seth’s love she craves and not Keenan’s. To save faery she agrees to become the Summer Queen in name only so that she and Seth can remain together as lovers.  This is book one of series.

Critical Evaluation
Marr’s novel is in keeping with the current trend of urban faery stories. Like Holly Black, Marr has created a faery world that exists side-by-side with our own. In both world’s there are only a few that have the gift of sight, and for them the world is far more dangerous place. However, Marr’s novel is not as gritty as the books by Black. While Wicked Lovely has some interesting difference, like Aislinn’s ability to choose which world she will inhabit, it lacks the danger prevalent in Black’s work. Marr tells us that faery is dangerous, but Black shows us it really is. Marr practically skips over the politics of the faery court. Instead, her story is more focused on the relationship between the Summer and Winter courts as parent and child. Marr’s story rambles around a bit, and seems a bit long. After reading both novels I think I could recommend both but for different reasons. If want more drama and violence you should read Holly Black’s Tithe, but if you want a love story, you should read Wicked Lovely.

Information about the author
At this writing Marr’s website is under reconstruction. Some pages are accessible but the home page is not. Instead you can look here for information about Melissa: http://www.harperteen.com/contests/wickedlovely/

Genre
Fantasy, Urban faery mythology

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Sexual situations

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_4_13?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=wicked+lovely+by+melissa+marr&sprefix=wicked+lovely
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how Aislinn can see faeries.
2. Discuss her relationships with Keenan and Set.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 15 and up.

Why I included this title
The book was recommended at Hickelbee’s books, and I enjoy the genre.

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Hale, Shannon. Book of a Thousand Days.
Bloomsbury. 2007.
ISBN: 9781599903781.
$17.95. Hardcover. 336 pages.

Readers Annotation
Locked in a tower for seven years with her mistress, Dashti is happy to serve. But when Lady Saren refuses to speak with her betrothed Dashti impersonates her, and she finds herself falling in love with the nobleman.

Plot Summary
16-year-old Lady Saren refuses to marry Lord Khasar, the man her father has chosen for her. As punishment she is locked in a tower with her lady’s maid, Dashti. Told from Dashti’s perpective as entries in a diary, we learn that before she became a maid she was a child of the steppes and orphaned. Because she could sing the healing songs she was trained to become a maid. Pledging herself to her mistress she soon learns that their fate is to be imprisoned together for seven years. Saren is miserable, while Dashti is joyful at having a place to live and food to eat for such a long time. Lady Saren is visited by two suitors. Lord Khasar who thinks the imprisonment will break her, and Khan Tegus from the neighboring city Song for Evela. Saren refuses to speak to either and forces Dhasti to speak to Tegus in her stead. Dhasti discovers that Tegus is as kind as Khasar is cruel. Their imprisonment is cut short by the destruction of the city. Dashti and Saren escape on foot. Together the girls discover that their destinies are more entwined than they had imagined.

Critical Evaluation
Hale’s novel is intriguing. Written in a diary style, it seems like a historic novel although it isn’t. The novel is based on an unknown story by the Brothers Grimm and has a fairytale vibe like her earlier Newbury winning novel The Princess Academy. This novel takes place in ancient central Asia, which has not been explored as story location in any novel I have read. Most critics said that they felt this book was magical, but I am not enamored. I found the story very slow, difficult to follow, and I barely finished it. Dashti is a well-developed character but the book held no surprises. From the beginning I knew how the book was going to end. I loved Hale’s Princess Academy, and her new graphic novel Rapunzel’s Revenge, but I will have difficulty giving this book a solid thumbs up.

Information about the author
Shannon Hale lives with her husband and two small children near Salt Lake City, Utah. She is the author of six young adult novels, and two adult novels. You can find out more about her on her website at http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html.

Genre
Fantasy.

Curriculum ties
None.

Challenge Issues
None.

Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book. You can find out more about this book on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thousand-Days-Shannon-Hale/dp/1599903784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260298468&sr=1-1.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss the imprisonment of Dashti and Saren.
2. Talk about their escape from the tower.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 14 to 17.

Why I included this title
I enjoyed Princess Academy, and Rapunzel’s Revenge and it was recommended by Hicklebee’s Books.

10 Things I Hate About You directed by Gil Junger

Junger, Gil (Director). 10 Things I Hate About You.
Touchstone Pictures. 1999.
Screenplay: Karen McCullah Lutz, and Kirsten Smith.
Based on a play by William Shakespeare.
Run time: 97 min.
Rating: PG-13

Watcher’s Annotation
Outcast Kat isn’t interested in dating anyone at Padua High School, but her sister Bianca is determined to set her up with Patrick so she can finally begin dating.

Cast
Heath Ledger, Patrick Verona
Julia Stiles, Kat Stratford
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cameron James
Larisa Oleynick, Bianca Stratford
David Crumholtz, Michael
Larry Miller, Walter Stratford
Andrew Keegan, Joey Donner

Plot Summary
This modern version of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, is set in Tacoma at the fictional Padua High School. Michael introduces new transfer student Cameron to the ins-and-outs of the campus. When Cameron spots sophomore Bianca Stratford, Michael warns Cameron to set his sites elsewhere because Bianca’s older sister will make his life hell. Katerina “Kat” Stratford is part of the loser crowd because is so hostile. Cameron, with help from Michael and Joey Donner, concocts a play to pay Patrick Verona, a guy with a possible shady past to date Kat, leaving Cameron and Joey free to vie for Bianca’s affections. Bianca slowly comes to like Patrick even though she doubts his sincerity. Kat is suspicious of Patrick’s interest in her, and when she uncovers the plan set forth by Cameron and Joey she leaves him at the prom. Patrick takes the money he earned for dating Kat and buys her a guitar. The pair makes up.

Critical Evaluation
This movie is very loosely based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Some of the names are a close match (like Padua High), and Stiles plays a shrewish kind of high school girl, but it is really a teen formula piece. The movie is teen-boy-meets-girl film, with little to recommend it beyond some very funny scenes. Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona steals the film with his rendition of “I love you Baby,” on the bleachers. When he looks at Stiles you really believe he is falling for her. Stiles as the smart-alecky Kat, shines when she gives her English professor hell during class. Together Stiles and Ledger have a definite chemistry that makes you wish they could have made another film together. Oleynick as Bianca, Kat’s boy crazy younger sister is charming, and her love interest Gordon-Leavitt is a classic good guy.  Miller as Dad Stratford is suitably clueless about his daughters, but he does have several a very good scene involving a pregnancy suit that he forces daughter Bianca to wear before she goes out.  Scenes of a drunken Kat dancing on a table, and flashing her breasts to spring Patrick out of detention could have been left out, but it seems that teen films require these scenes as part of their formula. I like this movie, and I seen it several times, but as soon as the singing scene is done I always shut it off.

Genre
Romantic comedy.

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Crude sex-related humor and discussion, teen alcohol and drug use.

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the film and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Internet Movie Database (IMDb) at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0147800/externalreviews
· Try to get reviews of the film from teens that have seen it.

Why I included this title
I like the film (within reason), and it is included on the ALA 2009 Best Films for Young Adults.

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Harrison, Kim. Once Dead, Twice Shy 
(Madison Avery, Book 1).
HarperCollins. 2009.
ISBN: 9780061718167
16.99. Hardcover. 240 pages.

Readers Annotation
Madison Avery went to the prom and died – sort of.

Plot Summary
When Madison Avery left the prom with a handsome stranger she doesn’t expect to die.  Before he could stab her with his sword she steals his amulet and gets away.  She discovers that although her body is dead and missing she still exists. Now she’s stuck in between life and death. Not really dead, but certainly not alive. As long as she carries the amulet she appears to be living so she continues to go to school. After all she’ll have to get a job someday. She doesn’t know why the dark reaper tried to kill her, and she isn’t going to sit around trying to figure it out. When the story begins Madison is already in training with Barnabas, to be a light reaper. Light reapers are the good guys who try to prevent the killings of the dark reapers. Madison has taken the amulet of the dark timekeeper Kairos. The timekeepers have the ability to move through the time stream. One is dark, the other light. It’s all about balance in the cosmos. Overseeing the reapers are the Seraphs, a high order of angels. Madison is also protected by a guardian angel named Grace, and she has a cute new boyfriend named Josh. If she can figure out why Kairos wants her truly dead, she might just have a chance of staying alive.

Critical Evaluation
Although she doesn’t admit it, it seems as if Harrison has been influenced by the cable television show Dead Like Me. With her usual joyfulness Harrison has created a world where grim reapers and guardian angels really exist. Yet unlike her Hallows series, this novel could have used a little more time in editing. There are plot holes, but Harrison is known to employ them in future storylines. Plus, the novel bogs down in several places. It’s almost as if she has left off writing the novel, come back to it and forget where she was. It is confusing. This is her first young adult novel and claims to be the first book in a series. We can only hope the future novels have more clarity.

Information about the author
Kim Harrison is the author of The Hallows series of books. You can find out more about her on her website at http://www.kimharrison.net/index.html.

Genre
Fantasy, horror, teen dating

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
None (the violence is very mild).

Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book. You can find out more about this book on Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Once-Dead-Twice-Madison-Avery/dp/0061718165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260231309&sr=1-1

Booktalking Ideas
1. Talk about how Madison becomes a reaper trainee.
2. Talk about her relationship with Josh.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult, ages 15 and up.

Why I included this title
The is the first YA novel by Harrison, and I am a fan of her Hallows series.

Twilight directed by Catherine Hardwicke

Hardwicke, Catherine (Director). Twilight.
Summit Entertainment. 2008.
Screenplay by: Melissa Rosenberg
Novel by: Stephanie Meyer
Run time: 122 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Watchers Annotation
Bella Swan, newly arrived in Forks, meets the handsome and mysterious Edward Cullen. Edward is a vampire, and he is driven to protect Bella from a trio of roving vampires.

Cast
Kristen Steward, Bella Swan
Sarah Clark, Renee
Billy Burke, Charlie Swan
Robert Pattinson, Edward Cullen
For a full cast list go to IMDb at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/

Plot Summary
Bella Swan has low expectations when she arrives in Forks, Washington. Introverted, Bella is surprised when so many boys are interested in her. It is Edward Cullen who attracts Bella’s attention. Beautiful and mysterious, Edward attempts to push Bella away, but he too is attracted. Bella known for her clumsiness is constantly at risk for injury. When she is nearly crushed by a truck it is Edward who saves her. Bella insists on discovering how Edward was able to reach her in time, but Edward refuses to tell her the truth. Bella and her school friends make a trip to the beach at the Indian reservation for a surfing excursion, it is Jacob Black a young Quileute Indian that tells her the myths of the cold ones. As she researches to local lore, Bella realizes the truth about the boy she loves – he, and his family are vampires. She approaches Edward with her new knowledge and he does everything he can to frighten her off. Bella is not deterred. Edward admits that his family is different from other vampire, they drink only animal blood, and he can read all minds, but not Bella’s. Their growing attraction escalates and they begin to date. During a vampire baseball game with the Cullen’s three rogue vampires appear. One of the vampires, James, smells Bella’s scent and attempts to attack. The Cullen’s whisk Bella away before James can harm her. James, a hunter, will not give up his hunt for Bella. He lures her away from Edward and proceeds to torture her while videotaping. His bite passes vampire venom into Bella. Edward and his family rescue Bella but she has been poisoned. Edward’s foster father, Carlisle saves Bella from becoming a vampire. Still healing from the attack by James, Bella now returned to Forks is going on a date with Edward to the prom. Jacob Black appears and warns Bella about Edward, but it is too late. Bella and Edward are in love and committed to each other, even though Edward refuses to make Bella immortal.

Critical Evaluation
The novel, by Stephanie Meyers is deeply romantic in an old fashioned way. It is similar in style to those written by the Bronte sisters, like Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights. The film, because of its reduced time does not achieve the same level of intensity as the novel. Kristen Stewart, as Bella tells her friend Angela that she is a strong and independent woman, that she should ask her love interest to take her to the prom. All those traits Bella seems to have in the beginning of the movie disintegrate when she meets Edward. She wants only to be with him, nothing more. When Edward warns her that he is a monster, Bella ignores the warning. Kristin Stewart as Bella walks through her lines. She is distant and emotionless. When Bella proclaims that she is irrevocably in love with Edward, she shows no visible signs of interest. There is no giddy smile, no joy in Stewart. Robert Pattinson is more believable as Edward. His determination to avoid Bella despite his attraction to his own “personal brand of heroin” is heartfelt. The two make a pretty pair as a couple, but there is no chemistry between the actors. The special effects for this film are lacking, especially those featuring Edward running. The director should have made more effort to include better special effects since the novel is held in such high regard by young women.

Information about the film
You can find out more about the film at IMDb, the Internet Movie Database at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259571/fullcredits - cast

Genre
Drama, fantasy, horror, thriller

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Sensual moments, violence

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the film and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Common Sense Media at http://www.commonsensemedia.org/search/twilight, or IMDb at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/externalreviews.
· Try to get reviews of the film from teens that have seen it.

Why I included this title 
The book and film are currently very popular with young women.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Murdock, Catherine Gilbert. Dairy Queen.
Graphia. 2006.
ISBN-13 9780618863358
$8.99. Paperback. 274 pages.

Readers Annotation
DJ Schwenk knows a lot about dairy farming and football, but she doesn’t know how to talk to Brian Nelson. While she’s busy helping on the farm and training Brian to be a better quarterback for the opposing team, she’s also learning how to talk about the things that really mean something.

Plot Summary
When DJ’s dad hurts his hip using the manure spreader on the farm, it’s up to DJ and her nearly silent brother Curtis to run things. Her two older siblings Bill and Win are away at college football training camp. Life is not easy, with so much to do on the farm, and when Brian Nelson arrives to help DJ is not pleased. Brian, captain of the rival Hawley football team has been encouraged by his coach, Jimmy Ott, to ask DJ for football training. Although DJ is a girl, she has been playing football with her brothers for years. With the agreement between DJ and Brian set in place, the two begin training on the farm. As their friendship grows, both teens find that they are attracted to each other. It isn’t long before DJ acknowledges that she is in love with Brian. Between farm work and football practice, both DJ and Brian gain skill and speed. DJ’s mom is a teacher and acting principal of a local elementary school. After DJ’s dad was injured, her schoolwork suffered and she failed her English class. Mom and the English teacher set up a schedule of writing so DJ will be able to graduate. Facing school and working the farm while training Brian is overwhelming. DJ often comments on how the Schwenk’s stop talking when anything bothers them. For DJ, it means she feels like a cow on the farm, slow and stupid, chewing her cud. She is anything but stupid. DJ decides that after all the training she has endured with Brian, she wants to try out for the Red Bend football team. When she is accepted on the team it drives a wedge in her budding romance with Brian. During the first game of the practice season, DJ scores a touchdown on an interception from Brian. Her team wins the game. Surprisingly, Brian pays her a visit the next day, and although he doesn’t formally ask DJ to date him, he hints that he might want to date a football player.

Critical Evaluation
The small town setting for this novel is unlike anything I have read before. Told in the first person by DJ brings the characters to life. The characters are honestly portrayed with all their foibles. One theme of the novel -- learning to speak for oneself is one that many families face. Life on a dairy farm is described in enough detail for teens to understand the difficult work facing a family of four, with a working mother and disabled father. The family isn’t very close at the start of the novel. Mom works long hours at two jobs, and Dad decides to learn to cook since he is housebound. Younger brother Curtis speaks so rarely that DJ barely knows him. None of speaks about the disagreement that drove the two oldest brothers away from the farm. Murdock has created two teens that could not be more different. Brian is growing up in a family that always talks about their problems, and DJ’s family keeps silent. Both teens learn that there is some good in each viewpoint. Murdock’s character, Amber (DJ’s best friend), seems to be gratuitously added into the mix. We find out fairly late in the story that Amber is a lesbian and also in love with DJ. The plot line is never expanded on in this novel. This novel is the first in a trilogy. The second novel is titled Off Season, and the last novel is titled Front and Center.  I would recommend this novel to reluctant readers because of its honesty and ease of reading.

Information about the author
Catherine Gilbert Murdock was born in the mid 1960’s. She currently lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two children. She has a website, but it doesn’t include much biographical information. You can find it here: http://www.catherinemurdock.com/catherinemurdock/cgm_home.html

Genre
Contemporary issues

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Underage drinking, homosexuality

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Dairy-Queen-Catherine-Gilbert-Murdock/dp/0618863354/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss DJ's tomboy nature, and how she loves sports.
2. Talk about her Dad’s injury and how DJ assumes most of the work on the farm.
3. Discuss DJ and Brian’s relationship.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 14 and up.

Why I included this title
This book is listed with the ALA 2006 Best Books for Young Adults.

New Moon directed by Chris Weitz

Weitz, Chris (Director). New Moon.
Summit Entertainment. 2009.
Screenplay by Melissa Rosenberg
Novel by Stephanie Meyer
Run time: 130 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Film Annotation
In the second installment of the Twilight saga film adaptations, Bella celebrates her 18th birthday with Edward and his family. When the Edward and Cullen’s leave Forks soon after, Bella is bereft. Only her friendship with Jacob Black seems to restore her happiness.

Cast
Kristin Stewart, Bella Swan
Robert Pattinson, Edward Cullen
Taylor Lautner,  Jacob Black
Billy Burke,  Charlie Swan
For full credits go to IMDb at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259571/fullcredits#cast
 
Plot Summary
In this movie, based on the novel by Stephanie Meyers, Bella is left desperately depressed in the wake of the departure of the Cullen’s from Forks, Washington. For several months Bella stares out the window, ignoring the world around her. Desperate, her father recommends that she return to her mother rather than remain where the memories of her lost love haunt her. Bella does not want to leave, so she forces herself to reestablish contact with her friends. She discovers accidentally that she will have visions of Edward when she is in danger. From this moment she pursues dangerous situations so she might see him. She brings to motorcycles to her friend Jacob Black. Together they rebuild the bikes. While Bella has been sulking, Jacob has been growing – muscles mostly. He is now a buff teenager who still harbors a crush on Bella.  However, Jacob begins to withdraw from Bella too. He has his own supernatural issues to deal with. One afternoon Bella climbs to the meadow she and Edward had once visited. Unfortunately she meets the vampire Laurent. Just as he is about the dispatch her, five very large wolves come out of the woods and attack Laurent. Jacob comes to Bella and begs her to remember a story he once told her. That night she dreams about werewolves. With her new knowledge she pursues Jacob and discovers that the five wolves she saw, were all members of the Quileute tribe, and Jacob is one of them. Putting herself in harms way becomes Bella’s pastime. After she cliff dives and nearly drowns, Alice Cullen arrives. Convinced that Bella has perished, Edward decides to provoke the Volturi into ending his existence. Bella and Alice arrive in time to save Edward, but not without consequences. Bella is to become a vampire because she knows too much. When they return home safely, Edward and Jacob face off in a battle for Bella but she stops them both. Edward tells Bella that he will only transform her if she agrees to marry him.

Critical Evaluation
Like most movies based on books, New Moon has both good and bad moments. The storyline follows the basic plotline of the book, but leaves out most of the detail. Jacob Black, was supposed to have grown very large with the beginning of his transformation. The actor, Taylor Lautner became muscular yet not as big as described in the book. The original casting of Kristin Stewart as Bella, and Robert Pattinson as Edward remains a mystery. There are moments of dreadful acting between the two. During the scene where Edward tells Bella he is leaving, Stewart can only manage to bat her eyes and barely move her lips while talking. Pattinson seems to mumble most of his lines in the movie, and there is little chemistry between the actors. The chemistry between Lautner and Stewart is subtler, and for a few moments it seems that ice queen Stewart may succumb to Lautner’s charm and washboard abs. The best moments of the film are all centered on the werewolves. The computer generated images (CGI) special effects are absolutely phenomenal. The transformation from young men to wolves is instantaneous and seamless. It is utterly believable. The newest villains in this film, the Volturi, are suitably creepy. We can only hope that the acting for the next two movies improves, and comes up to the standards created by the CGI technology.

Information about the film
You can find out more about the film at IMDb, the Internet Movie Database at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1259571/fullcredits - cast

Genre
Drama, fantasy, horror, thriller

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
None. This film is not currently in DVD release.

Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this film. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could watch the film and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have seen the film.

Why I included this title
The books and earlier film are very popular with young adults.

ttyl by Lauren Myracle

Myracle, Lauren. ttyl (Talk To You Later).
Amulet Books. 2005.
ISBN 0810987880
$6.95. Paperback. 233 pages.

Readers Annotation
Maddie, Angela and Zoe are best friends approaching their sophomore year of high school with high expectations. Their mistakes along the way may cause arguments, but it also brings them together.

Plot Summary
Three best friends (“The Winsome Threesome”) embarks on their sophomore year of high school. Maddie (Mad Maddie) has just gotten her drivers license, and has a pretty bad temper. Angela (SnowAngel) loves to be in love, and pursues boys relentlessly. Zoe (zoegirl) the good girl of the group finds herself in a dangerous situation with a teacher. The story told completely in IM (instant messaging) covers only a small part of the school year. Within that short time (September 7 to November 20) the girls each experience a traumatic event that nearly drives them apart. Maddie attends a frat party with a Jana (the high school queen bee), only to get drunk for the first time. She ends up dancing topless on a table. Soon after pictures start appearing on the Internet much to the girl’s horror. Angela thinks she finds the boy of her dreams in Rob, but he turns out to be a jerk. When she spins into depression her friends come to her rescue, but it’s only when she finds another crush that she is healed. Zoe, the “good girl” of the bunch, likes going to church with her 24-year-old teacher Mr. H. The naïve Zoe does have a little crush on the teacher, but she is unprepared when he hits on her. This event brings the girls back together again after a tumultuous couple of months. As the story ends the girls are planning a camping trip together during Thanksgiving break.

Critical Evaluation
Although Lauren Myracle states that she wanted to write a book that was true to life for teenage girls, what she has done is create three characters that a single aspects of one overall personality. Each character is only one part of the whole, and that creates characters that have personalities that are stilted and unreal. The overall format of the book is a take off of earlier pioneering works of experimental literature. Told in short IM missives, the story can be difficult to follow for a novice. Overall, this story worries me. My feeling is that this is a missed opportunity to talk about issues of love, sex, and safety with our young women. The entire time I was reading this novel I was thinking – where are the parents? But maybe that is the point.

Information about the author
Lauren Myracle was born on May 15, 1969. You can find out more about her on her lovely website at http://laurenmyracle.com/index.html. She also has an account on MySpace.

Genre
Contemporary Fiction

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Sex, alcohol, language, and bad driving

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/ttyl-Talk-You-Later-Internet-Girls/dp/0810987880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258313225&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss the format of the book.
2. Talk about the characters Maddie, Angela and Zoe.

Reading Level/Age
Young Adult. Ages 13 and up

Why I included this title
This book is included in the 2005 ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.

Fade by Lisa McMann

McMann, Lisa. Fade.
Simon Pulse. 2009.
ISBN 978416953586
$15.99. Hardcover. 256 pages

Readers Annotation
Dream catcher Janie and her boyfriend/partner Cabel try to uncover a sexual predator at Fieldridge High School.

Plot Summary
In this second book of the series, dream catcher Janie and her partner/boyfriend Cabel are assigned to a new case. They are investigating a possible sex offender at their high school. At first, Cabe doesn’t want Janie on the case, but when she accepts it he is forced to work with her. When Janie begins falling into the dreams of her classmate Stacey, she knows that she is on the right track. Stacey dreams of being sexually assaulted by a man she can’t identify. Janie is helping but her gift is taking its toll on her health. She realizes that she is slowly losing her sight and her hands are becoming crippled. Soon she can no longer drive. When Martha Stubin’s files come into Janie’s hands she discovers more about her gift – she will go blind, she will be crippled, but she will also be able to help people. As the case progresses, Janie discovers that there are multiple offenders. Invited to a house party by one of the teachers involved Janie is drugged with GHB. Although drugged Janie is able to protect herself, and get enough evidence to arrest all three men. Cabel and Janie have more love-angst-filled moments together. They are finally able to go on their first date together. As this story ends the pair are finally graduating from high school.

Critical Evaluation
Fade is written in the same style as Wake. Each chapter is broken down by date and time, giving a clear timeline of events. Much of the book is written in short clipped sentences, and sometimes sentence fragments. This book is grittier than the last. The subject matter is more adult in nature as it deals with themes of sex and sexual violence. As Cabe and Janie explore their love through sex, the author is not explicit, but it is an important and realistic aspect of their growing relationship. The chapters of the book that deal with the discovery and arrest of the perpetrators are realistic. Looking through Janie’s drug induced stupor is disturbing. It left this reader clenched in fear for her safety. The story does end well, with Cabe and Janie again facing unexpected aspects of their relationship, but finding a way through it to each other.

Information about the author
Lisa McMann currently lives in Arizona. She was born of February 27, but won’t divulge her year of birth. She got the idea for Wake from a dream. You can find out more about Lisa McMann on her website at http://lisamcmann.com/ or on her blog at http://lisamcmann.blogspot.com/.

Genre
Paranormal Fiction. Mystery.

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Sex and Violence

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Fade-Lisa-McMann/dp/1416974482/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258251914&sr=1-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1.  Discuss Janie and Cabel’s next case (sexual predator on campus).
2.  Talk about Janie and Cabel’s relationship and how it continues to develop.
3. Talk about Janie’s discovery of the effects of her curse.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 15 and up.

Why I included this title
This is the second book in a series that I really like, and the first book (Wake) made the 2009 Top 10 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.

Wake by Lisa McMann

McMann, Lisa. Wake.
Simon Pulse. 2008.
ISBN 9781416953579
$8.99. Paperback. 224 pages.

Readers Annotation
17-year-old Janie keeps getting sucked into other people’s dreams, and she can’t control when or where it happens.

Plot Summary
Janie Hannagan falls into other people’s dreams. This happens whenever she is near someone who is sleeping. She has seen her share of naked-in-front-of-a-crowd dreams, falling dreams, and sex dreams. She can’t tell anyone about her curse, but when she falls into classmate Cabel Strumheller’s dreams he begins to figure out what is happening. As their relationship develops Janie tells Cabel that it is driving her crazy. Janie and Cabel’s relationship is uneasy because he doesn’t tell Janie the truth about his life or work. Janie’s job at a convalescent hospital helps pay her bills, but can also cause problems when patient’s dream. When she meets Martha Stubin, a patient, she is drawn to her. Since Martha is blind, Janie spends time reading to her. When Mrs. Stubin dies she leaves Janie some money to help pay for college. She also calls Janie a “catcher.” This is the first time Janie has ever had a name for her ability, and it is the first time she meets someone who shares her talent. Janie blames Cabel for many things. It is not until he forces her to meet his boss, police captain Fran Komisky, that he is able to tell Janie everything.  Cabel has been working undercover to crack a drug ring. Captain Komisky knows about Martha Stubin, and she offers Janie a job working with Cabel. As Janie continues to work with the police she also learns about lucid dreaming. Through lucid dreaming she is able to help people through her dreams. As the book ends, Martha Stubin visits Janie in her dreams. Mrs. Stubin tells Janie that she will come to Janie in her dreams to teach her how to be a better dream-catcher.

Critical Evaluation
Wake is an original work of fantasy fiction that is like no other. Each chapter is broken down by date and time, giving a clear time line of events. Much of the book is written in short clipped sentences, and sometimes sentence fragments, which completely make sense in the situation. Janie only has bits and pieces of her own life because she is continually drawn into other people’s lives through their dreams. As Janie enters the dream sequences the font changes creating an additional layer of clarity to the events. This makes the book a very quick read. Janie and Cabel are both intriguing characters. Their attraction to one another is romantic and edgy. Both Janie and Cabel have had damaged childhoods and are struggling to survive in an adult world. While those portions of the book are difficult to read, McMann treats the subject with integrity.  This is book one of a planned trilogy.  Book two, Fade, is also included in the blog.  Book three, Gone, is schedule for release in February 2010.

Information about the author
Lisa McMann currently lives in Arizona. She was born of February 27, but won’t divulge her year of birth. She got the idea for Wake from a dream. You can find out more about Lisa McMann on her website at http://lisamcmann.com/ or on her blog at http://lisamcmann.blogspot.com/.  She also has accounts on Facebook, MySpace, an Twitter.

Genre
Paranormal Fiction

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
Drugs

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Wake-Lisa-McMann/dp/1416974474/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258239398&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss Janie’s ability to fall into people’s dreams, and how she thinks it is a curse.
2. Talk about Janie and Cabel’s relationship and how it develops.
3. Talk about Mrs. Stubin and how she identifies Janie as a fellow dream-catcher.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 15 and up.

Why I included this title
This book is on the 2009 Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Dessen, Sarah. Just Listen.
Speak. 2006.
ISBN 9780142410973
$8.99. Paperback. 400 pages

Readers Annotation
Annabel Greene seems to have a perfect life. She models and is popular at school, until her friendship with the vindictive Sophie ends bitterly.

Plot Summary
Annabel Greene, the youngest of three sisters seems to have it all – a wonderful family life, and a career as a local model. Yet, she has secrets that she can’t tell anyone. Her middle sister suffers from anorexia, her mother has had bouts of depression, and she doesn’t want to model anymore. Caught in a toxic relationship, her best friend, Sophie blames Annabel for attempting to sleep with her philandering boyfriend. What Sophie doesn’t know is that her boyfriend, Will tried to rape Annabel at a party. Now ostracized by nearly everyone on campus, Annabel accepts that she will never be able to tell the truth about what happened that night. Although ostracized by many of her classmates, Annabel develops a budding relationship with the tall loner Owen. Owen, a local DJ, draws closer to Annabel through music and discussions about his issues with anger management. Through her relationship with Owen, Annabel learns to listen to herself, and to speak her truth.

Critical Evaluation
Beautifully realized with honest characters this book is a classic young adult novel. Dessen’s portrayal of Annabel, a fragile frightened teen, is so realistic that many young women will believe she exists. It is rare to find a literary character that is so realistic. Young women will think (as I did), that if this can happen to Annabel – it can happen to anyone. Annabel’s vindictive best friend Sophie is over-the-top. From the first meeting with Annabel and Clarke, she oozes a troublesome meaness that never changes. Sophie never grows up or changes until the very end. Annabel’s friendship with Owen is disconcerting at times. Although Owen is the same age as Annabel he seems much older and wiser. Their budding relationship is sweet and it is the only time Owen seems equal to Annabel.

The parallel story about Annabel’s family is also very honest. Annabel’s family is fragile. Her episodically depressed mother, and a severely anorexic sister contribute to her self-imposed silence. How can Annabel tell her family about her own experience when they are so entwined with metal illness? When Annabel finally does tell her family, she finds that they will listen and help her. This book is definitely a two-hankie read, but well worth it.

Information about the author
Sarah Dessen was born in 1970. She has lived most of her life in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She currently has nine novels in print. She has a wonderful biography that you can read at http://www.sarahdessen.com/bio-press. This novel has won many accolades, including:

• A Booksense Top Ten Pic
• An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
• A New York Times Best Seller
  

Genre
Contemporary Fiction.

Curriculum ties
This book could be use for discussion about mental health issues like: depression and anorexia. It could also be instrumental in discussions about rape, or attempted rape.

Challenge Issues
None.

Challenge defense ideas
There are no apparent challenge issues associated with this book. In the case that a challenge comes up, there are some things that you can do to start. You could read the book and become familiar with the content. Refer to the library collection development policy, and get reviews from reputable sources and teens that have read the book.  You can find some reviews on amazon.com hhttp://www.amazon.com/Just-Listen-Sarah-Dessen/dp/0142410977/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258220278&sr=1-1

Booktalking Ideas
1.  Discuss Annabel's is ostracized for something she didn’t do.
2.  Talk about how Owen helps Annabel overcome her inability to tell what happened to her.
3.  Talk about how Annabel copes with her sister Whitney's struggle with anorexia. 

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. 14+.

Why I included this title
This book is included on the 2007 ALA Best Books Young Adults.

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block

Block, Francesca Lia. Weetzie Bat.
Harper & Row. 1989.
ISBN 0060205342
$12.89. Hardcover. 88 pages.

Readers Annotation
Weetzie and her best friend Dirk live happily together in Shangri-L.A. Together they build a happy home with their lovers and Weetzie’s children.

Plot Summary
In this modern fairy tale, Weetzie Bat, a girl on the fringe of society, meets Dirk, a young gay man. The two become best friends. Together they build a near utopian home for themselves. Both Weetzie and Dirk wants to find love. Dirk finds his soul mate in Duck, while Weetzie discovers “My Secret Agent Lover Man.” The foursome lives happily together until Weetzie decides she wants to have a child. My Secret Agent Lover Man balks at the prospect of becoming a father, but Weetzie persists. Dirk and Duck offer to become surrogate fathers, and later when My Secret Agent Lover Man returns after the birth of their daughter, the four friends/lovers settle down to raise their child. My Secret Agent Lover Man, an independent filmmaker, is blessed with a second child. Tender-hearted Weetzie decides she wants to raise this child with her daughter, Cherokee. The addition of “Witch Baby” livens up the household even more. When Charlie Bat (Weetzie’s father) dies, it is the first great grief felt by the friends. The toll of deaths (the unspoken AIDS crisis) takes its measure with Duck, who leaves his long-time lover. Dirk searches for Duck. He finds him in San Francisco. In the end, the friends are seated around a dinner table together, and Weetzie understands that love is a choice, and she and her family can exist happily together.

Critical Evaluation 
This first novel by Block has moments when it reaches the sublime.  Grandma Fifi giving the Genie to Weetzie.  Weetzie's three wishes coming true, and the intense happiness felt by the foursome living together in Grandma Fifi's Hollywood home.  There is a level of magical realism that suits the storyline.  Yet I found myself confused at times.  There is no clear timeline. The story begins when Weetzie and Dirk meet in highschool. Soon they are going to concerts and bars, hanging out at Grandma Fifi’s house. After Grandma Fifi dies and leaves the house to Dirk and Weetzie, I was no longer clear on the ages of the protagonists. Were they still teens or young adults? Wikipedia states that Weetzie is about 23 years old at the end of the first novel, but I don’t agree with that assessment. She could be any age. Although not openly stated it is obvious that Block is talking about the AIDS crisis when she discusses the friends that have died in the gay community. I wish she had been more open, speaking more clearly about the disease. I deeply appreciate the honesty and hopefulness portrayed in this novel.

This is a very short easy-to-read novel.  It is also part of a series of books called Dangerous Angels.  The series includes Weetzie Bat, Witch Baby, Cherokee Bat and the Goat Guys, Missing Angel Juan, and Baby Be-Bop.

Information about the author
Born on December 3, 1962, Francesca Lia Block is a native of Los Angeles. Weetzie Bat was written while she was attending UC Berkeley. She is a prolific writer who has completed more than 25 novels. In 2005 she received the Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Library Association. You can find out more about her at http://www.francescaliablock.com/.

Genre
Fiction, Contemporary Issues

Curriculum ties
None

Challenge Issues
This book is loaded with controversial issues. Librarians should be prepared for challenges. Issues will include: sexuality, homosexuality, and abortion.

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Weetzie-Bat-Francesca-Lia-Block/dp/0060736259/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258216146&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss how Weetzie doesn’t like high school very much because no one understands.
2. Talk about how she meets Dirk and they become best friends.
3. Mention that Dirk is a young gay man.
4. Talk about the images of magical realism in the story (Genie, and Lanka Witch).

Reading Level/Age
Young Adult. Ages 16 and up.

Why I included this title
This book was suggested by SJSU Assistant Professor Joni Bodart as a "must read."

Dunk by David Lubar

Lubar, David. Dunk.
Houghton Mifflin. 2002.
ISBN: 0618439099.
$6.99. Paperback. 256 pages.

Readers Annotation
The first time Chad hears the new Bozo at the dunk tank he decides that he wants to become one too.

Plot
Chad Turner doesn’t want to spend another summer doing nothing but hanging out on the Jersey Shore. He can’t convince his Mom that he’s ready for a job so he spends his time running errands for vendors and hanging out with his best friend Jason. While he wants to work he also wants to see Gwen, a summer worker at the shore. Everything changes the day he hears the new Bozo at the dunk tank dragging in his marks. Chad becomes enchanted with the idea of becoming a Bozo just like the guy in the tank, but he is soon disappointed. Chad discovers that the new Bozo is actually his mother’s new tenant upstairs. Malcolm, the new tenant, has secrets of his own. At first the two develop a dislike for each other. However, when Chad’s best friend, Jason becomes very ill, it is Malcolm that takes Chad under his wing and begins to teach him the art of becoming a Bozo. Chad learns that the power of laughter can help his friend recover from a serious illness, and the confidence he gains helps him to win Gwen.

Critical Evaluation
Author David Lubar is a master at creating male characters that are realistic and believable. Like many teen novels this book deals with a character that is trying to move beyond his parent’s expectations. Chad, who is quiet and unassuming, longs to break out and say the things he can’t voice. He wants to tell his mother that he longs to work as a Bozo, he wants to tell Gwen that he likes her, he wants to tell the neighbor (Malcolm) he thinks he is a jerk. But he can’t find his voice until he listens to Malcolm. As Malcolm fills a part of the void from his missing father, Chad comes to have a grudging respect for his new mentor. The real change for Chad comes when his friend Jason faces a grave illness. Chad must face the possibility that his friend might die. For Chad, finding his voice through the Bozo makeup gives him a power he never had. It is only while wearing costume that he is able to finally tell Gwen he would like to take her out. In the end Chad discovers that his true power is in creating laughter. Chad and his friends will keep readers entertained and asking for more.

Information about the author
To find out more about David Lubar you can visit his website at http://www.davidlubar.com/. Like most authors, he does not offer much biographical information, but his FAQ page is interesting because he answers questions about the writing process.

Genre
Fiction. Contemporary Issues.

Curriculum ties
None.

Challenge Issues
Violence, Criminal behavior, Alcohol and drug use

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Dunk-David-Lubar/dp/0618439099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258086600&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1.  Discuss why Chad wants to be the Bozo so badly.
2.  Talk about how Chad discovers that there is more to being the Bozo than just insults.
3.  Discuss how Chad finds that humor can help his friend Jason get well again.


Reading Level/Age
Young Adult. 12+.

Why I included this title
I have become a Lubar fan after reading Hidden Talents and True Talents. I would suggest his books to any reluctant reader.

Boy Toy by Barry Lyga

Lyga, Barry. Boy Toy.
Houghton Mifflin. 2007.
ISBN-13: 9780547076348.
$8.99. Paperback. 409 pages.

Readers Annotation 
18-year-old Josh remembers his first sexual experience with Eve. The problem is that he was 12 and she was his teacher.

Plot
When Josh Mendel was 12 years old his life changed radically. Sexually abused by is history teacher, Evelyn (Eve) Sherman, Josh has spent the last five years avoiding contact with everyone except his best friend, Zik. Faced with the impending release of Eve from prison, Josh experiences post-traumatic flash backs of his time with his abuser. Now a high school senior, Josh is preparing for college, the biggest baseball game of the season, and the prom. Yet he can’t help recalling his first sexual encounters as he begins a tentative relationship with Rachel, who was once a good friend. Rachel won’t take no for an answer in her pursuit a reconciliation with Josh. However, Josh’s fear of reprisals and loss of control cause him to reconsider his past and present. There is much that Josh doesn’t understand about his time with Eve. Josh’s parents try to be supportive, but with their own relationship crumbling they cannot see that he needs their help. Josh feels that the entire town knows what happened to him, and they judge him for his actions. It is through his relationships with Zik and Rachel that Josh gains the courage to find Eve and confront her about her actions.

Critical Evaluation
The author, Barry Lyga, portraits the characters in this book honestly. Josh’s life changed forever after his encounters with Eve. His anger issues, and his PTSD symptoms are true for a young person who has been sexually abused. The moments of sexual pleasure are honest and straightforward, but not erotic. Lyga doesn’t pull punches in dealing with such controversial material. However, I found it difficult to believe that a young man who has been in continuing therapy for five years would not have attempted to make amends to his friend Rachel earlier. I thought that his paranoia was overplayed until Josh reveals what his baseball coach said to him. Even five years later, Josh is a powder keg waiting to explode when confronted with this part of his past. Josh’s need to escape the town he has lived in for years is exemplified in his desire to go to a college far away where he won’t be known by anyone. All of the situations Josh’s find’s himself in – choosing a college, quitting baseball, developing a healthy relationship all seem to depend on escaping home. The final chapters regarding his final confrontation with Eve are difficult to believe. Most abuse victims do not seek out their abusers, nor do they believe that they were the instigator of the crime after 5 years of therapy. I found it difficult to believe that no one ever told Josh (especially his therapist) that he was not at fault. This novel deals with heavy issues and is controversial because of it. This book won “The Cybils Award” in 2007.

Information about the author
There is little biographic data about Lyga. Wikipedia notes that he was born on September 11, 1971, and currently lives in the Southwest. You can find a little more information about him on his website at http://barrylyga.com/new/about.html. He also has a blog at http://barrylyga.com/new/671.html. You can also follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/barrylyga.

Genre
Narrative fiction, contemporary issues

Curriculum ties 
None

Challenge Issues
Sexuality, sexual abuse, violence

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0064471764/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1.  Discuss how Josh is really good at math and baseball, but has trouble with relationships.
2.  Talk about how Josh blames himself for what happened with Eve and Rachel.

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. 16+.

Why I included this title
I heard many good things about this book and felt that I should read it.

The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees

Voorhees, Coert. The Brothers Torres.
Disney/Hyperion Books. 2008.
ISBN: 978-142310306-6.
$8.99. Paperback. 316 pages.

Reader’s Annotation
Frankie Towers has always admired his older brother Steve, but when Steve begins hanging out with the local cholos Frankie starts to think that maybe Steve is taking gaining respect a little too far.

Plot Summary 
Growing up in the town of Borges, New Mexico has its ups and downs. 16 year-old Frankie Towers has a crush on Rebecca Sanchez. He wants to ask her to the homecoming dance, but before he gets up the nerve, senior John Dalton has already asked. Frankie’s older brother Steve Towers is a star athlete, can get a date anytime, and has a college scholarship waiting for him. Yet, Steve wants to earn the respect of the neighborhood cholos too. He spends more time with his new friends than his family, trying to learn to be a man by demanding respect from his peers and fighting. Frankie doesn’t understand it and he never tells his parents when Steve begins to stay out all night. Frankie’s best friend, one-eyed Zach is on his case too. As Frankie and Rebecca become closer Zach feels left out until he begins dating. Frankie never expects to be drawn into the race and gang problems of his town, but when the bullying John Dalton and his buddies give him a beating, big brother Steve demands that Frankie retaliate. When Rebecca discovers that John beat Frankie, she snubs him, and decides to go to the homecoming dance with Frankie after all. It doesn’t help that the Dalton family is buying the local restaurants, including his Mom and Dad’s Los Torres restaurant. Meanwhile, Steve grows further from his family and deeper into gang life with dire consequences. Frankie discovers that family and friends are more important than respect and revenge.

Critical Evaluation
Voorhees’ characters are realistically presented. Frankie’s teenage voice and his problems are accurately portrayed. It is his brother, Steve’s increasing desire for respect amongst his peers that galvanizes Frankie’s growth in the novel, and Steve’s eventual failure. The additional characters: Zach, Rebecca and Flaco are clearly drawn and represent a more levelheaded aspect to the novel. It is the character of the bully John Dalton that is never fully developed. Just like the bad boy films of the 80s his rich jock character never grows beyond being a bully. It would have been nice to see this character becoming more, just as Frankie and Steve grow in understanding. The other bad guys in this book, the cholos, are generic gang members at best. We never read much about them beyond several scenes involving Steve and Flaco, but we understand just how bad these dudes are when Flaco refuses to become involved leaving his friendship with Steve behind for a time. Laced with mild swearing and Spanglish the novel is entertaining and worthwhile reading.

Information about the author
There is little bibliographic material available on this author. You can see a trailer for the book at http://coertvoorhees.blogspot.com/, and find out a little more about the author at http://coertvoorhees.com/CoertVoorhees.html.

Genre(s)
Contemporary life, Issues

Curriculum ties
Health and Sexuality, Anti-gang information

Challenge Issues
Sexuality, gangs, violence, underage drinking, race and class

Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Brothers-Torres-Coert-Voorhees/dp/1423103068/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256763423&sr=8-1.
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens who have read it.

Booktalking Ideas
1.  Discuss how Frankie wants to take Rebecca to the homecoming dance, but has trouble asking her.
2.  Discuss the relationship between the brothers. Frankie and Steve are brothers but Steve seems to have more opportunities than Frankie. 
3.  Talk about gangs.  Steve wants the respect of the cholo gang, but he is unprepared for the cost.
4.   Talk about the highschool social hierarchy.  There is a definitely social hierarchy in Frankie’s high school. Is this a reflection of your school?

Reading Level/Age
Young adult. Ages 16 and up

Why you included this title
This book is a YALSA “Top 100 in 2009” book choice.