Matched by Ally Condie
Posted: December 14, 2011 Filed under: Matched by Ally Condie | Tags: Ages 13 - 18, Choice, Conformity, Dystopia, Family, Love, Science Fiction Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Condie, A. (2010). Matched. New York, NY: Penguin. ISBN: 0525423648. 384 pages.
Plot Summary: Cassia lives in a “Society” where everything is decided for her and the rest of the members by Society Officials. From her meals to her wardrobe, everything is predetermined, thus lessening the potential “stress” decision-making might cause Society members. When Cassia was young she did not think much of the lack of self-determination in her life. Now, she is 17, of age to be given her “match,” her ideal life mate that Society Officials will choose for her, as determined by algorithms and scientific data. At the match ceremony Cassia is happy to be matched with her close childhood friend, Xander. Their match is an unusual one, as the scientific method of determining matches makes it statistically unlikely that both people in a match will be chosen from the same Borough, but Cassia and Xander are that exception, and they are both pleased. They are each given a “match microchip” to view on their “ports” once they return home. Match microchips contain information about your match, so you can get to know your match better. Even though they have known each other for years, Cassia puts the microchip into her home’s port. And then something unpredictable, irregular, and seemingly erroneous happens, which, in a society built on predictability, regularity, and precision, stuns Cassia. While watching the match microchip about Xander, a face other than Xander’s flashes on the screen. And she knows who it is: Ky Markham, a boy who cannot be matched with anyone, because he has been classified an “aberration” by the Society because of some unsanctioned actions that his father took. And Cassia knows Xander is the match for her, or is he? Ever since his face appeared on the screen, Cassia cannot stop thinking about Ky, and the Society Officials are trying desperately to recover from this error.
Critical Evaluation: As far as Dystopian novels go, Matched is a great one. Condie weaves intricate details of a freedomless, future society with the authentic thoughts and feelings of a 17-year-old girl. Matched is its own novel, with nods to the dystopian novels, particularly The Giver and The Hunger Games, who have come before it. The voice of Cassia is strong and clear as she struggles with her feelings, her obligations, and her new found perspective on the society she has lived in and followed the rules for all of her life. The reach of the Society’s control is demonstrated again and again, by small events in addition to the larger ones. For example, Cassia receives an artifact from her grandfather for her matching ceremony. Artifacts have mostly been disposed of, as they are considered unnecessary, but her grandfather has held on to this one, a metal compact, from Cassia’s grandmother. In a tiny, unnoticeable compartment Cassia finds a small slip of paper with a bit of a poem written on it. Most poetry has been eliminated from Cassia’s society, except for a few works that have been archived. This bit of a poem was on an older type of paper, and Cassia was fairly sure that if she put the paper in the incinerator at her home, Society Officials would be able to determine that a foreign, even forbidden, object had been incinerated. She could get her whole family in trouble for burning a wisp of paper, so she finds another way. And this way of thinking, this trying to outsmart Society Officials, continues as Cassia starts to see her way of life differently. This book is accessible for teens of all ages and its message leaves much to be discussed and considered.
Matched was favorably reviewed and received several awards and honors. Matched is a New York Times Best Seller, was named number six on YALSA’s 2011 Teen’s Choice Top Ten, was on the 2011 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers and Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers lists, and was on Publishers Weekly’s Best Children’s Books of 2010 list as well.
Reader’s Annotation: Cassia lives in a “Society” where everything is determined for her and the rest of the members of the Society. So, when something unplanned happens, when there is a glitch, Cassia is stunned out of her rule following and starts looking for the truth.
Information about the Author: Ally Condie is a former high school English teacher who keeps her license current, as she says, “just in case,” (Condie, 2011). She lives outside of Salt Lake City, UT with her husband and three sons.
Matched is the first book in a trilogy, something I did not know until I was doing research for this blog post. The second book of the trilogy is Crossed, which was released November, 1, 2011, and the third, and final, book of the trilogy is scheduled to be released in November 2012.
Genre: Science Fiction
Subgenres/Themes: Science Fiction: Dystopia
Topics Covered: Freedom, Choice, Love, Conformity
Curriculum Ties: Social Science, Political Science
Booktalking Ideas:
- Would you choose to be matched or to be a single?
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 13 – 18
Challenge Issues: There are no obvious challenge issues associated with this book. Preparation for any challenge can include the librarian’s: reading of the book, adhering to the library’s collection development department, and possessing reviews of the book from well-regarded sources.
Why is this book included? I found out about this book from a classmate in this course, I was excited to read it because it was fairly current, and I had not heard of it before.
References
Condie, A. (2011). Bio. Retrieved from http://www.allysoncondie.com/bio/
Teen Ink
Posted: December 14, 2011 Filed under: Teen Ink | Tags: Ages 14-18, Alcohol Abuse, Bullying, Coming of Age, Discrimination, Family, Friendship, Identity, Issues, Life Is Hard, Love, Magazine, Non-Fiction, Poverty, Racism, Sexuality, Social Justice, Stereotypes, Violence Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Teen Ink (magazine). Newton, MA: The Young Authors Foundation, Inc.
Plot/Content Summary: Teen Ink is a magazine that does not employ writers, reporters, or artists. The content of the magazine is entirely made up of submissions from teens from all over the country. Topics covered are diverse, from health issues to discrimination, teen activism to sports. Teens write fiction and non-fiction and provide paintings, photographs and other forms of artwork for the magazine. Each monthly issue contains articles written around specific themes, in the December 2011, issue the themes were “Celebrating the Season” and “Sibling Stories.” The magazine is organized with the following “sections:” Art Gallery, College Directory, College Reviews, Community Service, Environment, Feedback, Fiction, Health, Heroes, Nonfiction, Points of View, Poetry, Pride & Prejudice, Reviews: Book, Reviews: Movie, Reviews: Music, Reviews: Video Games, Sports and Travel & Culture. The wide range of topics covered provides a place for teens with varying interests to enjoy both reading as well as contributing to Teen Ink.
Critical Evaluation: Teen Ink is packed full with interesting and high quality writing and artwork. The honest, authentic teen voices that can be found throughout the pages of the magazine lend it depth and significance. The teen contributors to Teen Ink, both young women and young men, are creative and intelligent, interesting and interested. Teen Ink provides an opportunity for teens to become published writers and artists, “Hundreds of thousands of students have submitted their work to us and we have published more than 45,000 teens since 1989,” (Teen Ink: About Us, n.d.). Teen Ink empowers and engages, it provides an important forum for teens to exchange ideas and discuss issues important to them. It is by teens and for teens making it a great resource for information and inspiration. The magazine is used in English, creative writing, and journalism classrooms across the country. Several books have been published by the Teen Ink organization, they are entitled Teen Ink and contain themed collections of essays gathered from the magazine. The Teen Ink website contains content from the magazine as well as content unique to the web and is an additional place for teens to engage and exchange thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Genre/Format: Print and Online Magazine
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 14 -18
Challenge Issues: There are many real issues that young adults deal with covered in this magazine, so there might be a challenge to some of the content. However, this magazine has been praised by The New York Times, The Boston Globe, Teacher Magazine and many more. In response to challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies.
Why is this magazine included? Teen Ink is the perfect magazine for older teens of both genders to include in a library collection. I found it when I was in search of interesting and independent teen magazines that do not simply repeat the same beauty tips and celebrity gossip as many magazines on the market.
Hear Me Out: True Stories of Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia a Project of Planned Parenthood of Toronto
Posted: December 14, 2011 Filed under: Hear Me Out - True Stories of Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia a Project of Planned Parenthood of Toronto | Tags: Bisexual, Bullying, Coming Out, Family, Friendship, Gay, Gender, Homophobia, Identity, Lesbian, Non-Fiction, Racism, Sexuality, Transgendered, Transsexual, Violence Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Planned Parenthood of Toronto. (2004). Hear Me Out: True Stories of Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia. Toronto, ON: Second Story Press. ISBN: 1896764878. 197 pages.
Plot/Content Summary:
We all need a space to tell our stories, to be heard. So for me being able to tell this story is an important act of resistance. I tell my story often and loudly. I tell it to break the silence, to educate, to inspire. I tell my story in the hope that someone who hears me might think about the revolutionary potential of simply loving themselves and sharing their stories.
ayden isak hoffman-scheim
Hear Me Out: True Stories of Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia, pg. 51
Hear Me Out is a book of stories, teen stories, true stories by teens about themselves. These teens are volunteers with Toronto’s Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia (T.E.A.C.H.), “a peer-based program run by Planned Parenthood of Toronto to educate and change negative attitudes about gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered [GLBTT] people.” These teens are brave, they’ve been through a lot, and they are here to tell their stories, to educate and inform, and, perhaps most importantly, to make sure other GLBTT young people know that they are not alone. Each chapter is written by one young person, the chapters range from coming out stories to stories about homophobic violence and bullying to stories of first love and family acceptance. Issues of culture and race are woven throughout the book, as the teen voices come from diverse backgrounds. Through it all, the wise, honest – and brave – voices of teens come through loud and clear.
Critical Evaluation: This book is important, as it addresses serious subjects from the perspective of the teens experiencing what is being discussed. Hearing from the teens themselves makes this book powerful and moving as well as telling and illuminating. One only has to read the first page to realize that reading Hear Me Out is going to be a different experience than reading any other book. It is honest, authentic, and interesting. Even people in GLBTT communities will learn from the diversity of experiences and voices, and people outside the community will get a glimpse into what life is like for the young people in the book, and possibly other GLBTT youth that readers may know. Many of the teens also speak specifically about the T.E.A.C.H. program, which could be useful for those interested in starting a similar organization. The back of the book includes a brief glossary and section of short biographies of each of the 19 teen contributors.
Reader’s Annotation: Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and transgendered teens tell their stories in their own words of what life is like for them. Their stories describe adversity and struggle as well as achievement and triumph.
Information about the Author: n/a
Genre: Non-Fiction
Category: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Transgendered youth
Topics Covered: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Transsexual, Homophobia, Racism, Bullying, Violence, Family, Friends, Identity, Coming Out
Curriculum Ties: Gender and Sexuality
Booktalking Ideas: Read a piece from any of the essays, like the quote included above in the “Content” section.
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 12 -19
Challenge Issues: This book is all about GLBTT youth and sends a message of the importance of acceptance, so it could very well be challenged. In response to any challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies. Also, there are several positive reviews of the book, including reviews by VOYA and Booklist.
Why is this book included? Initially found in the YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults 2006 list, under the GLBTQ heading, this book is included because young adult collections should address the needs and issues of the diverse communities they serve.
References:
Planned Parenthood of Toronto. (2004). Hear Me Out: True Stories of Teens Educating and Confronting Homophobia. Toronto, ON: Second Story Press.
Precious directed by Lee Daniels
Posted: December 13, 2011 Filed under: Precious directed by Lee Daniels | Tags: Ages 14 and up, Bullying, Coming of Age, DVD, Emotional Abuse, Family, Friendship, Growing Up, Life Is Hard, Movie, Multicultural Literature, Physical Abuse, Poverty, Race, Racism, Sexual Abuse, Social Justice, Stereotypes, Teen Pregnancy, Urban Fiction, Violence Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Daniels, L. (director). 2009. Precious, Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire (DVD). Santa Monica, CA: Lionsgate. ASIN: B002VECM4A. 110 minutes, Movie Rating: R.
Plot Summary: Clarisse “Precious” Jones is sixteen, pregnant, illiterate and living a life of unimaginable horror and suffering. The physical and emotional abuse, that Precious endures at the hands of her mother is so brutally and meanly inflicted, that most viewers will wonder how a person could be so incredibly cruel. Precious lives with her mother. Her father only appears every so often, and his visits resulted in the rape and impregnation of his daughter Precious. The depths of abuse and cruelty leveled at Precious might make another person crumble, but she pushes forward. She keeps trying to make a life for herself, dreaming, in beautifully filmed fantasy sequences, of being a much adored star. When she is kicked out of her high school for being pregnant, Precious attends an alternative school. There, Precious has a teacher who believes in her students, often when they do not even believe in themselves. At her new school, Precious finally learns to read and write and she literally and figuratively finds her voice.
Critical Evaluation: This film is intense. I expect that people familiar with the type of abuse and suffering Precious is subjected to, could experience some level of post traumatic stress. Others, who have been fortunate enough not to have experience with this level of cruelty and brutality will likely find themselves in disbelief. But, there is something about the acting and directing and scenery and dialogue that forces us to look at Precious’s life and recognize that there are people who suffer in similar ways. Even those viewers who do not want to believe will be hard pressed not to, given the gritty realism of the film. There is sadness and such devastating circumstances that viewers could become overwhelmed by emotion, but there is a tempering force. Precious is strong, sometimes witty and often triumphant, and these moments, make worthwhile the viewer’s endurance of the suffering in the movie.
Critics loudly applauded this film; it received numerous awards and nominations, fifty film organizations nominated Precious for a variety of awards, the film won several of these. Here are some highlights:
- The 2010 Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress, Mo’Nique (Won); Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Geoffrey Fletcher (Won); Best Picture, Precious (Nominated); Best Director, Lee Daniels (Nominated); Best Actress, Gabourey Sidibe (Nominated); Best Film Editing, Joe Klotz (Nominated)
- The 2010 Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Precious (Nominated); Best Performance By An Actress In A Motion Picture – Drama, Gabourey Sidbie (Nominated); Best Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role In A Motion Picture, Mo’Nique (Won)
- Independent Spirit Awards: Best Feature, Precious (Won); Best Director, Lee Daniels (Won); Best Female Lead, Gabourey Sidibe (Won); Best Supporting Female, Mo’Nique (Won); Best First Screenplay, Geoffrey Fletcher (Won)
- NAACP Image Awards: Outstanding Motion Picture, Precious (Won); Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, Precious (Won); Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, Gabourey Sidibe (Won); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Mo’Nique (Won); Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture, Geoffrey Fletcher (Won); Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical or Television), Lee Daniels (Won); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, Mariah Carey (Nominated) and Paula Patton (Nominated); Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, Lenny Kravitz (Nominated)
An extensive list of awards and nominations for the film can be found here.
Reader’s/Viewer’s Annotation: Abused and ignored Clarisse “Precious” Jones is sixteen, pregnant, and illiterate. When she gets kicked out of school for being pregnant, she starts attending an alternative school, with a teacher who believes in her, and her journey toward a life of her own begins.
Information about the Author/Director: In addition to being a director, Lee Daniels is an actor and a film producer. Notably, he produced the highly acclaimed film Monster’s Ball for which Halle Berry won the Best Actress Academy Award and which won the Best Screenplay Academy Award as well (Lee Daniels, n.d.).
Genres: Drama
Curriculum Ties: Discussions of poverty, abuse, acceptance, self-respect, self-esteem
Reading/Viewing Level/Interest Age: Ages 14 to adult
Challenge Issues: Violence; Emotional Sexual, and Physical Abuse; Mature Language. In response to any challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies.
Why is this film included? While this movie is difficult to watch and painful at times, it also sends a message of hope and the strength of the human spirit. It is feels frightening real and provides a voice to Precious, and other young women, who deserve to have their voices heard.
References:
Lee Daniels. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Daniels
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Posted: December 13, 2011 Filed under: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton | Tags: Family, Fitting In, Friendship, Gangs, Growing Up, Identity, Issues, Love, Outsiders, Realistic Fiction, Social Concerns, Social Status, Violence Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Hinton, S.E. (1967). The Outsiders. New York, NY: Speak. ISBN: 014038572X. 188 pages.
Plot Summary: In Ponyboy Curtis’s world (yes, that’s his real name), there are two things you can be: a greaser or a Soc, short for Social. Greasers, like Ponyboy and his brothers and all their friends, live on the east side. They are poor, they slick back their hair and are often considered “hoods” or JD’s, juvenile delinquents, by non-greasers. Socs, on the other hand, live on the west side, are wealthy, and are not considered to be hoods, but often behave like JD’s toward the greasers. It seems that when Socs get bored, they beat up greasers for entertainment. One night 14-year-old Ponyboy and his friend Johnny get jumped, not the first time either of them has been attacked by Socs, but this night things go terribly wrong. What will happen to Johnny and Ponyboy, who will help them, and how will they survive?
Critical Evaluation: S. E. Hinton was 16 when she wrote this classic coming-of-age novel in the 1960’s. The Outsiders contains universal themes relevant today. Tweens and teens struggle with fitting and not fitting in, being labeled and pre-judged, going along with or against the crowd. All of these challenges are presented in a compelling and engaging story, which is filled with narrator Ponyboy’s thoughtful reflections and raw emotions. The honest real-life situations of The Outsiders set it apart from other books, for young adults, from the 1960’s. Perhaps because she herself was a young adult, Hinton captured authentic voices and her readers responded with great delight. This classic is still meaningful and alive and well today.
Reader’s Annotation: Ponyboy Curtis lives with his two brothers on what some would consider to be the wrong side of the tracks. When a fateful event brings Ponyboy and his friend Johnny together with the rich socialites, their lives change forever.
Information about the Author: Susan Eloise Hinton was born in Tulsa, OK, in 1950. She still calls Tulsa her home. The Outsiders, which takes place in Oklahoma, was inspired by people and the social situations in her own Oklahoma high school. Her first book was The Outsiders, but she has continued writing, with her most recent book, Some of Tim’s Stories, a book of short stories, being published in 2006. (Hinton, n.d.)
In 1988, Hinton was given the first ever Margaret A. Edwards Award. She has written several novels for young adults, children and adults. Several of her novels have been made into movies, including The Outsiders, directed by Francis Ford Coppola and released in 1983.
Genre: Issues, Realistic Fiction
Subgenres/Themes: Issues: Social concerns: Gangs
Topics Covered: Social Status, Fitting In, Outsiders, Gangs, Violence, Love, Friendship, Family
Curriculum Ties: As The Outsiders is a classic, it could be read for an English class with lots to dissect and discuss,
Booktalking Ideas:
- Imagine being in trouble, the kind of trouble you have no idea how to get out of…
Reading Level/Interest Age: 12 – 16
Challenge Issues: Profanity and violence. In response to any challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies. Also, the book is considered by many to be a classic and was, and still is, highly praised by critics.
Why is this book included? As a young teen, I loved this book (and the movie) so much that I decided I would memorize the book. I was a dreamer, to say the least. It took me forever to learn the first two sentences and I lost interest in memorizing after that, but not in reading it and re-reading it and re-reading it again. A classic in YA lit!
References:
Hinton, S. E. (n.d.) Biography. Retrieved from http://www.sehinton.com/bio.html
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling
Posted: December 13, 2011 Filed under: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling | Tags: Audiobook, Coming of Age, Family, Fantasy, Friendship, Growing Up, Lo, Love, Magic Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Rowling, J.K. (2009). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7). New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN: 0545139708. 784 pages.
→Spoiler alert: This review may include information revealed in the Harry Potter books 1 through 6. ←
Plot Summary: In this, the last book of the wildly popular Harry Potter Series, Harry, now 17, must seek out the hidden objects that are sustaining life for the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. Each of the books in the series has gotten more dark, Harry’s journeys more dangerous, and this one is no exception. Harry’s quest to defeat Voldemort is more harrowing and challenging than ever. This book contains bravery and triumph, in addition to heartbreak, sorrow and devastating loss. In the midst of trying to save the wizarding world from unimaginable evil and to keep himself alive, Harry is transitioning from Hogwarts school boy to a full-fledged wizard and a grown man. This is one coming of age story readers will not want to miss, full of drama, danger, friendship and love. Harry’s last book will not disappoint his fans one bit. The only problem is, it leaves us wanting just one more…
Critical Evaluation: In this nearly 800 page finale, Rowling, astoundingly, does it again. The elaborate, magnificent fantasy world she created in the first Harry Potter book comes alive again, with enough of the familiar to satisfy and comfort and enough new elements to thrill and engage. This is gripping reading at its finest. The characters are charismatic, unique, and multidimensional. The story is riveting and unpredictable. The book mixes the fantastical with, realistic young adult story lines of friendship and love, family and loyalty. This mix keeps Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows grounded and believable, even as unbelievable as many of the elements are. This is a great book for boys and girls, reluctant and eager readers alike, and, of course, fans of fantasy.
Of note, is that this book and the entire Harry Potter series are excellent choices for audio books. The audio books are unabridged, so they take many hours to listen to, but the reader, Jim Dale is himself magical in his ability to act out each role as if a different person were performing. Highly recommended.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was named the best book of 2007, by Newsweek‘s Malcolm Jones, was on Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of 2007 list, and was on the 2008 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list, among many other honors and awards.
Reader’s Annotation: Harry Potter, now 17, must take a dangerous and circuitous journey to seek out the hidden objects that are sustaining life for the evil wizard Lord Voldemort.
Information about the Author: J. K. Rowling started writing stories as a young child. The idea for Harry Potter came to her while she was on a train. She did not have a pen, so she spent the four-hour train ride just dreaming up Harry and his magical world. She says “I think that perhaps if I had had to slow down the ideas so that I could capture them on paper I might have stifled some of them.” (Rowling, 2011).
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final book in a seven-book series, books one through six are: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,
Genre: Fantasy
Subgenre/Theme: Fantasy: Magic
Curriculum Ties: n/a
Booktalking Ideas:
- How would it feel to be the only person who can save your world from evil and destruction?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 9 – 18
Challenge Issues: There are those who claim the books promote the occult and witchcraft. In fact, the Harry Potter series is number one on the ALA’s Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009. In response to any challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies. Also, there are several positive reviews of the book, and it has won several awards and honors, some are mentioned above.
Why is this book included? The great popularity of the Harry Potter series makes it a natural choice for a young adult collection. Also, I really enjoyed the audio books of books one through six, so I was thrilled to get to listen to number seven.
References:
Rowling, J.K. (2011). Biography. Retrieved from http://www.jkrowling.com/en/
Teen Voices
Posted: December 7, 2011 Filed under: Teen Voices | Tags: Activism, Ages 14-18, Bullying, Discrimination, Emotional Abuse, Family, Friendship, Growing Up, Health, Identity, Issues, Love, Magazine, Non-Fiction, Outsiders, Physical Abuse, Poetry, Poverty, Race, Racism, Sexuality, Social Justice, Stereotypes, Teen Pregnancy 2 Comments
Bibliographic Information: Teen Voices (magazine). Boston, MA. ISSN: 10747974.
Plot/Content Summary: Teen Voices is not your average teen magazine. It is a print and online magazine for teen girls, BY teen girls. The mission: “Teen Voices supports and educates teen girls to amplify their voices and create social change through media.” Teen Voices is not just a magazine but a non-profit organization that supports teens’ development in creating the magazine and mentors teens through the process. Teen Voices also supports teen girls’ leadership development and social justice awareness and activism.
Articles in Teen Voices cover a wide breadth of topics, like arts and music, book reviews and author interviews, diversity and equality, food, health, the media, careers, teen activism, relationships, social networking. The magazine also includes fiction and poetry written by teen girls. Recent articles include:
- Recent Events in Egypt from a Girl’s Eye View
- Girl’s Hurt by Gang Violence
- Got the Knowledge to Go to College? Teen Voices Helps You on Your Way!
- When Relationships Get Tough, Can They Be Too Rough?
- Got the Facebook Blues?
Critical Evaluation: The content of Teen Voices, like the voices it represents, is diverse and intelligent. Since teens are creating content, the magazine is highly relevant and authentic. Articles cover real-life issues and, while there is always room for fun, the magazine addresses young women as competent, intelligent people with the ability to think and analyze and question the status quo. Other teen magazines, with their emphasis on appearance and social status, do not compare to the depth and strength of the content in Teen Voices. Teen Voices and its staff have received awards and honors, that acknowledge the important and life-changing work that the organization does.
Genre/Format: Print and Online Magazine
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 14 -18
Challenge Issues: There are many real issues that young women deal with covered in this magazine, so there might be a challenge to some of the content. However, this magazine has won awards and has a positive review in School Library Journal. In response to challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies.
Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Posted: December 7, 2011 Filed under: Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith | Tags: Activism, Ages 13 - 17, Civil Rights, Coming of Age, Contemporary Life, Discrimination, Family, Friendship, Issues, Love, Multicultural Literature, Race, Racism, Realistic Fiction, Social Justice Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Leitich Smith, C. (2001). Rain is Not My Indian Name. New York, NY: HarperCollins. ISBN: 0688173977. 144 pages.
Plot Summary: Cassidy Rain Berghoff knows about loss. Her mother died when she was eight and her best friend, Galen, just died, on New Year’s Eve, the night before Rain’s 14th birthday. Rain is a “mixed blood” American Indian, “I’m Muscogee, Creek-Cherokee and Scots-Irish on Mom’s side, Irish-German-Ojibway on Dad’s,” (Leitich Smith, 2001, p. 20). She lives in a small town in Kansas with her brother and his fiancée and her grandfather. Her father is in the military stationed abroad. Living in a small, mostly white, town, Rain has had to face prejudice and stereotyping. She explains that in school most talk of Native Americans comes up around “Turkey Day,” as she calls it. Her response? “I usually get through it by reading sci-fi fanzines behind my text books until we move on to Kwanza,” (Leitich Smith, 2001, p. 13). This is a young woman who knows who she is and does not let others define her. With the loss of Galen, Rain has put herself in a self-imposed exile for months, but when anti-Indian prejudice is expressed around Rain’s Aunt’s Indian Camp summer program, Rain has to decide how to respond. She does so with grace, strength, and sensitivity.
Critical Evaluation: Leitich Smith lets us enter Rain’s world via Rain’s witty, sensitive, voice, and through journal entries at the start of each chapter, that add authenticity to the novel. The writing is warm and appealing and the story deals with complex real-life issues for which there are no easy answers. Readers may take the journey with Rain, as she attempts to figure out who she is and what her culture means to her. This novel gives reader,s who are not familiar with contemporary Native American lives, a window into one family, dealing with every day life, facing anti-Indian prejudice, and celebrating the richness and gifts of their cultures. Many novels with Native American characters are historic novels, keeping Native Americans locked in the past. Beverly Slapin of Oyate sums up the book’s coverage of Native American issues, “Smith (Muscogee/Creek) deftly tackles such dominant icons and artifacts as football mascots, fake dreamcatchers, Elvis, and Anime and places them in a contemporary Indian cultural context alongside fried bologna sandwiches, two-steps, and star quilts,” (Slapin, 2001, p. 116). This book was an Oklahoma Book Award Finalist; for this title Smith was selected to be part of the 2001 Writers of the Year in Children’s Prose by Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers.
Reader’s Annotation: Six months ago, Rain’s best friend died and she’s been in a self-imposed exile ever since, but when anti-Indian prejudice is expressed regarding her Aunt’s Indian Camp summer program, Rain has to decide how — or IF — to respond.
Information about the Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith writes books for all ages, from young children to young adult and adult. She has published picture books in addition to short stories, essays, and young adult novels. Leitich Smith’s website (http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/) is a wonder of resources for readers and writers. It includes recommended reading lists, advice for those interested in becoming writers, and extensive information about Leitich Smith and her writing.
Leitich Smith is genuinely interested in the world and people around her and generously shares her talents and insights. She is a tribal member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and some of her works include authentically portrayed American Indian characters, something that is unfortunately often lacking in books about American Indians. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, also a writer, Greg Leitich Smith (http://gregleitichsmith.com/).
Genre: Multicultural Fiction, Issues, Contemporary Life, Realistic Fiction
Subgenres/Themes: Multicultural Fiction: Multicultural Americans: Native Americans; Issues: Social Concerns: Activism, Racism; Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Curriculum Ties: Civil Rights, Discrimination
Booktalking Ideas:
- Identity Development
- Young Adult Activism
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 13 – 17
Challenge Issues: There are no obvious challenge issues associated with this book. Preparation for any challenge can include the librarian’s: reading of the book, adhering to the library’s collection development department, and possessing reviews of the book from well-regarded sources.
Why is this book included? This book is included because of its critical praise as well as its subject matter. There are not that many books for young adults about contemporary American Indian life. And, though the main character is fourteen years old, the content is relevant for older teens as well, and the writing is accessible for older teens at a lower reading level.
References:
Leitich Smith, C. (2001). Rain is not my Indian name. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Slapin, B. (2001). Rain is not my Indian name. MultiCultural Review, 10(3), 115-116.
Juno directed by Jason Reitman
Posted: December 4, 2011 Filed under: Juno directed by Jason Reitman | Tags: Ages 15-19 to Adult, Comedy, Drama, DVD, Family, Friendship, Growing Up, Love, Movie, Premarital sex, Romance, Sexuality, Teen Pregnancy, Teen Sex Leave a comment
Bibliographic Information: Reitman, J. (director). 2008. Juno (DVD). Los Angeles, CA: 20th Century Fox. ASIN: B000YABYLA. 96 minutes. Movie Rating: PG-13.
Plot Summary: Sixteen and pregnant, Juno MacGuff, has a lot to figure out. First, she must tell her dad and stepmom the news; they are supportive. She knows she is not ready to be a mother, so she has some decisions to make. She discovers that she does not want to have an abortion. The option she chooses? Adoption. She then sets out to find the perfect parents for her as yet unborn child. She finds what she deems to be the ideal couple in Mark and Vanessa Loring and she begins to establish a somewhat awkward but honest relationship with them. She is also not quite sure how she feels about the boy who fathered her baby, Paulie, who has been her close friend for years and has had a crush on her for a long time as well. While she remains somewhat coolly distant from him, Paulie and many viewers suspect she feels more than she is willing to admit.
Critical Evaluation: Juno is a charming movie. The dialog is witty, straightforward, and intelligent and the characters possess a truthfulness not always found in movies. The storyline and the characters are compelling, making viewers care about what happens to the young protagonist and her friends and family. The movie demonstrates that a person does not have to be a grown up to become pregnant, but becoming pregnant, as least for Juno, can make a person grow up. Her obvious caring about the life of her soon to be born child and her decisions around that demonstrate that her pregnancy forced her to grow up fast. Her teen angst and insecurities demonstrate that she is not all grown up yet. With its humor and warmth, to some extent, this movie romanticizes teen pregnancy, but the honesty and integrity of the movie as well as the fact that it is highly entertaining make it worth a watch. “The film received four 2008 Academy Awards nominations: Best Original Screenplay, which Diablo Cody won, Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Ellen Page” (Juno, Wikipedia).
Reader’s/Viewer’s Annotation: When sixteen year old Juno MacGuff discovers she is pregnant she realizes she is not ready to be a mother, so she goes in search of the perfect parents for her as yet unborn baby.
Information about the Author/Director: When asked in an interview about his first reading of Diablo Cody’s Juno script, director Jason Reitman stated, “Page One and I was just like, it was instantaneous. I was like “Oh my god, this girl can write.” Then it just becomes a question of, “Well she can write, but is there a story here?” then about halfway through, by the time we got to the ultrasound scene, I was pretty confident that if I didn’t direct this movie I would regret it for the rest of my life [emphasis mine].” (Douglas, 2007).
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Curriculum Ties: n/a
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 15 to 19 to adult
Challenge Issues: Premarital sex, teen sex, sexuality, teen pregnancy. In response to any challenges, one can refer to the library’s collection development policies.
Why is this film included? It is a great movie, and with its humor and honesty, I believe it is destined to be a teen classic.
References:
Juno (film). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juno_%28film%29
Douglas, E. (2007). Jason Reitman Tackles Teen Pregnancy in Juno. ComingSoon.net. Retrieved from http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=39765
What Are You? Voices of Mixed-Race Young People by Pearl Fuyo Gaskins
Posted: November 19, 2011 Filed under: What Are You? Voices of Mixed-Race Young People by Pearl Fuyo Gaskins | Tags: Ages 13-25, Discrimination, Family, Friendship, Identity, Mixed-race, Multiracial, Non-Fiction, Racism 1 Comment 
Bibliographic Information: Gaskins, P. F. (1999). What are you? Voices of Mixed-Race Young People. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN: 0805059687. 273 pages.
Plot/Content Summary: “What are you?” a question some people hear every day, particularly people of mixed racial heritage. Pearl Fuyo Gaskins, herself a mixed-race child of an Asian-American father and a European-American mother, interviewed 80 mixed-race young people about their experiences growing up in the US. Gaskins’ book includes poetry, essays and portions of interviews with approximately 45 of these young people. The young people address discrimination, racism, dating, family dynamics, identity. They discuss that issues that are unique to being mixed race as well as issues that are universal to young people in general. Readers of mixed race heritage are likely to find validation and reflection from the book as well as new ideas to consider. Those reading the book who are not from a mixed race background will likely find a great deal of insight and information from the brave young people who share their stories. The book also includes an extensive, annotated “Resources” section at the end.
Critical Evaluation: In What Are You? Gaskins has managed to take on a big and complicated topic with grace and intelligence. The diversity of the voices in the book lend it great accuracy. Chapters are organized by common themes experienced by multiracial youth, and many of their voices appear in multiple chapters. Gaskins explanatory and exploratory pieces throughout the book reflect and expand on the young people’s thoughts and feelings. Their voices are authentic and clear and leave readers feeling as if they have gained insights into hard-to-grasp topics. These issues are complex and multifaceted, but hearing directly from the people who experience them brings the issues down to a human level, reminding us that no matter what we are, we all have similar needs to be accepted, celebrated, and loved for exactly who we are. Derek Salmond, age fifteen says, “People often ask me the question, ‘So, what are you anyway?’…I say, “I’m a human being. Why? What are you?” (p. 21).
Reader’s Annotation: Mixed-race young people, in their own voices, tell of the joys and pains of living in a culture that wants them to “check one box.”
Information about the Author: After the dedication page, the first line of What Are You? is, “I’ve wanted to write this book since I was fifteen years old,” (p. vii). Gaskins was herself a mixed race child, born in 1959, a time when interracial marriage was illegal in many states. As Gaskins grew up she experienced many of the same things that the young people in her book describe: racism, discrimination, feeling invisible and alone. Gaskins watched as consciousness grew within multi-racial communities as well as in society as a whole. She wrote this book for the mixed-race young people today, it is a book, she says, “I wish I’d had when I was a teenager,” (p. 8).
Genre/Category: Non-Fiction
Topics covered: Identity, Mixed-race, Multi-racial, Racism, Discrimination, Family, Friends
Curriculum Ties: Social Studies, Race in America
Booktalking Ideas:
- There are so many great quotations to read to stimulate discussion, like, “People often ask me the question, ‘So, what are you anyway?’…I say, “I’m a human being. Why? What are you?”
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 13 -25
Challenge Issues: There are no obvious challenge issues associated with this book. Preparation for any challenge can include the librarian’s: reading of the book, adhering to the library’s collection development department, and possessing reviews of the book from well-regarded sources.
Why is this book included? A good collection includes a diversity of books. This book contains the voices of mixed-race youth, a group often underrepresented in literature, so is an important piece to include in a collection for young people.
References:
Gaskins, P. F. (1999). What are you? Voices of mixed-race young people . New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
gr8 reads 