Books For Teens

I know it's been about forever that I've posted on my blog. I'm going to work on that. Really I am.

In the spirit of Christmas, I want to share a "cause" with you! It's Books for Teens which is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). The mission is to provide high quality books to teens that really need them. Books can change a young person's life. They can help someone in a bad situation see that they are not alone and that there are solutions to problems that they face every day. Check out the site and give! It's the season!

Ascendant -- by Diana Peterfreund

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

This is the sequel to Rampant so it may will contain spoilers! In Rampant we meet Astrid Llewelyn and her unicorn-obsessed mother, Lilith. Astrid once thought that unicorns were imaginary and that her mother was just a little crazy. However, a chance encounter with a small unicorn known as a zhi takes Astrid into a world she wished never existed.

In Peterfreund's world, unicorns are savage, poisonous beasts and virgin women like Astrid are unicorn hunters. They are actually the only humans who can sense and kill the powerful and intelligent creatures.

In the first book, Astrid learns about the hunters' connection and ability to sense and connect with the unicorns. Whenever they are around unicorns their senses and skills improve. The unicorns and the hunters share an uneasy, strange bond. In the first book, Astrid uses this bond to her advantage to destroy an entire mega-herd of angry kirin unicorns.

In Ascendant, when Astrid encounters and helps a member of the Gordian drug company manage a captive herd of einhorn unicorns, she finds that not only is she able to sense unicorns, but she's also able to feel "transcendent." Astrid describes the feeling of being surrounded by creatures she normally would be hunting like this: "I caught my breath and reveled in their nearness, suddenly hungry for the feel of them, the scent, the strange comfort their nearness brought me. I wanted this," (p. 169).

Astrid is working for Isabeau Jaeger, who is now head of Gordian pharmaceuticals. Astrid feels safe for a while under her care. Her work managing Isabeau's captive herd of einhorn allows her to take college classes and make money for the other hunters back in Rome.

A lot of strange things are happening around Europe, however. Every time a hunter is found, she loses her eligibility (read: virginity) almost immediately. Also, Cory is losing her ability to sense unicorns. Working with Isabeau helps Astrid understand more about what the Remedy isn't and keeps her hoping she'll find out what it is.

In Ascendant, we also see Astrid think she's found herself only to see her losing her sense of self over and over again. The things that Astrid wants for her life are tragically just out of reach. Over all of this is the sense that Alexander's powerful and dangerous karkadann, Bucephalus, is still watching her and reaching through her dreams. What he wants from her is alien and uncertain.

I can't wait to read another book in this series. I'm tentatively hopeful it will be out in the next few years. (Fingers crossed!)

For more information:
HarperTeen with a great book trailer
Diana Peterfreund's website

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan

Summary

The story is about two teens, both named Will Grayson. Each Will narrates the story in alternating chapters. The first Will is friends with a huge, unrelentingly cheerfully gay, rich football player named Tiny. The other Will falls for Tiny.

The plot of the story is very loose: two kids who otherwise would have never met do meet in Chicago at a very improbable place under unlikely circumstances. Tiny's musical, which he's producing with the school's help and funding, is also something that advances the story since both Wills become entangled in it. The ending of the story is really beautiful, and of course, I'm not going to give it away.

What I Thought
I loved Will Grayson, Will Grayson. The story was delightful from start to finish. However, as much I enjoyed the two Wills, it's Tiny that the story really revolves around. Each Will becomes caught up in his hugeness, his over-the-top wonderousness. As each different Will experiences Tiny, their lives are changed.

This read was really great fun for me. The supporting characters are all fully realized, too, which is a neat touch. Will Grayson number 2's mom, for example, is very interesting. Figuring out what happened in her life would be a story in itself. Jane, Will Grayson the first's, love interest is one of the coolest girls I've read about in any story.


Check out more info:
In the meantime, check out  John Green's page.


A nice interview with both authors.

SLIS 5420 - Module 14 - Thirteen

Module 14 - Thirteen edited by James Howe

Bibliography
Howe, James (ed). Thirteen:  Thirteen Stories that Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003. ISBN 978-0689828638

Summary
This short story collection of 12 stories and 1 poem (to make thirteen entries in all) all center around the theme of being thirteen and how each author felt about their own experiences. While the stories are made up, the authors reveal that the feelings captured in each are very real in afterwords to each story. There are also pictures of the writers from when they are thirteen, which is a nice touch.  It's interesting how "grown up" some authors look at thirteen, while others look so young still.


What I Thought
I did not expect to enjoy this collection so much. My last experience in reading short stories was when we read them in high school and college. They weren't my choice and I started to feel resentful to short story collections (unfairly) because of that. However, reading Thirteen reminded me that short stories are fun! My favorites out the book were the first two. I've enjoyed other books by Bruce Coville (The Monsters of Morley Manor being my favorite) and was delighted at the same sense of fun and action that took place in this first story in the series, "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" At the end of the story, Coville talks about what inspired him to write that story and about how he felt when he was thirteen.  My other favorites were the next story by Meg Cabot, "Kate the Great" and the strange, unsettling story by Stephen Roos, "Picky Eater." Both of those stories dealt with youthful relationships in a very interesting way.

Outside Reviews

"The authors of these 13 original entries (12 stories and one poem) have one thing in common: each understands what it is like to stand in that murky bog between childhood and adulthood. Their writings, all of which feature a 13-year-old protagonist, poignantly and often humorously capture the excitement, angst and uncertainty that mark the experience of growing up. Lori Aurelia Williams's impoverished and taunted hero Malik considers joining a reputedly violent gang because they will give him the high-status shoes he covets; and Ellen Wittlinger's heroine, Maggie, a budding writer, tries out a new identity under a pen name. Others tentatively test the waters of romance or plunge into infatuations. For example, Murphy Murphy ("Yeah, you read it right.... It's like a family curse," he says of his name), the blinded-by-love star of Bruce Coville's "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" agrees to act in a skit despite his terrible stage fright, in order to impress his beloved Tiffany; several embarrassments, one Heimlich maneuver and an accident later, he lands in the hospital with a broken leg. Howe (who previously edited The Color of Absence: 12 Stories About Loss and Hope) orchestrates a lively assortment of voices; what readers may enjoy most, however, are the authors' comments on their own adolescences--accompanied by photos of themselves at age 13."

Roback, D., Brown, J., Bean, J., & Zaleski, J. (2003). 13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen (Book). Publishers Weekly, 250(46), 65. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"Just as 13 is an age with agonies and ecstasies, this collection ranges from the trivial to the powerful. The stories cover bar mitzvahs and brand names, emerging sexuality and death. Conflicts between growing desire for popularity and emerging moral and social consciousness dominate the collection. Howe's own "Jeremy Goldblatt Is So Not Moses" is a hilarious and moving tale of homelessness and social conventions. Conformity conflicts with eco-awareness in Todd Strasser's funny "Squid Girl." Stephen Roos's poignant and powerful "Picky Eater" explores the darker side of fitting in. Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin provide the weakest contribution, a trite paean to adolescence. Each contribution closes with a painfully awkward photograph of the author at 13, a wonderful reminder that the authors, too, shared the pain. Focus on change and growth gives strength to this offering."

(2003). 13: Thirteen Stories That Capture the Agony and Ecstasy of Being Thirteen (Book). Kirkus Reviews, 71(18), 1176. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.


Using this book in the library
This book is excellent for giving library staff and professionals a taste of the writing style of many YA and Juvenile fiction writers. Some library staff are excellent at diving in and reading these authors' works and books, but others are reluctant. A short story collection like Thirteen is a great place to give someone a taste of what each author is like and show them some good writing in bite-sized portions.

For fun:
Think about your own life when you were thirteen. It took me a while to remember since I'm pretty sure I'm suppressing most of the memories, LOL. But I remember walking home one day from school (a long walk) and I took the back way along the Metroparks. Everything was gold and leafy. Wet leaves were on the sidewalk and I was thinking as I walked. I was wondering if I was gay or not. I couldn't decide! I didn't make a decision that day, either. I guess I just figured it would resolve itself on its own.

SLIS 5420 - Module 13 - Silver Diamond

Module 13 - Silver Diamond v.1 by Shiho Sugiura


Bibliography
Suguira, Shiho. Silver Diamond v.1. Tokyopop, 2003. ISBN: 978-1-4278-0965-0

Summary
Rakan is a handsome, orphaned boy who lives alone in his grandfather's house. He has a talent for growing flowers, is sweet and friendly, but mostly a loner. Chigusa is a "monster" from another world who is accidentally transported to our world. When they meet, there is a confrontation, confusion and ultimately, acceptance. This is because Rakan looks like the evil prince from Chigusa's world. Another man is transported to Rakan's world, Narushige, who owns a talking snake (who can also transform into a gun). These three make an unusual, but interesting group as they start to learn about each other and the world around them.


What I Thought
While there are many series out there that have people from other worlds come into contact with each other, there is something original about Sugiura's manga. The world that Chigusa and Narushige come from is bleak. Rakan's world is bursting with flowers. When he encounters Chigusa, he accidentally causes his "gun" to grow. Later, he grows an entire "gun" tree. This is because in the other world, there are plant analogues for most technologies. Rakan is considered a "sanome" which is someone who causes things to grown. This explains Rakan's green thumb!

The ways that Chigusa, Narushige and the talking snake, Koh, experience Rakan's world are funny. It's also very touching to see the two adult characters respond to Rakan's instinctive kindness. Both Chigusa and Narushige have been "discarded" and considered "trash" in their world. Rakan values them and treats them with respect and demands respect back. Chigusa's understanding (or rather, misunderstanding) of this respect is where much of the humor lies. Chigusa is always saying inappropriate things, hugging too much and otherwise being "pervy" by accident.

This is one of my favorite manga series. I love the quiet theme of respect that underlies the story. There is a great sense of human dignity that is lightened by the silly humor of Chigusa and the snake, Koh. So far there are seven volumes available and it's worth reading. The plot gets more involved, more characters are added and more is revealed as the manga continues.

Outside Reviews

"Koh can conveniently transform into a sword, so when Chigusa discovers him they begin to duel in an extremely artistic manner with their snake-sword and plant-guns. That sums up the loopy appeal of this series. The plot elements are a mishmash, but the characters all look impossibly pretty and they fight with insanely symbolic weapons. I think Silver Diamond would be a must buy for fantasy shounen ai fans. I’m curious to see if the second volume settles down a bit since first volume spent plenty of time setting up the characters and their relationships with each other. Is Rakan the true prince of Chigusa’s world? How will he manage to go to high school while taking care of two otherworldly warrior house guests?"

TangognaT. (2008, January 11). Silver diamond volume 1. Retrieved from http://www.tangognat.com/2008/12/11/silver-diamond-volume-1 

"All of the characters introduced so far are likeable and interesting. Rakan is practical and thoughtful, and though he realizes pretty quickly that his houseguests have something to do with his origins, he’s reluctant to ask questions about it, lest the normal life he wants for himself be threatened. Chigusa is enigmatic but smiles often and seems kind. Late arrival Shigeka functions somewhat as a go-between between the other two, answering questions as well as raising them, particularly where Chigusa’s true nature is concerned...On the whole, I come away with a very favorable impression of Silver Diamond and am genuinely interested to see where the story goes from here. If the purpose of review copies is to hook people on new series they might not ordinarily have investigated, then mission accomplished."

Smith, M. (2008, July 23). Manga review: silver diamond, volume 1. Retrieved from http://www.popcultureshock.com/manga-review-silver-diamond-vol-1/43863/ 

Using this book in the library
This manga series is a great addition for older teens. It's especially appealing to girls who love shonen-ai (boy love) mangas. This type of manga is written by women for women. It involves pretty boys hanging out with other pretty boys. All of the men (even the evil ones) in this manga are eye-candy, for sure.


For fun:
Take a sneak peek inside the mangas at the Tokyopop website. There is an interactive viewer for the story that you can also see below.

SLIS 5420 - Module 12 - A Hole in My Life

Module 12 A Hole in My Life - Jack Gantos

Bibliography
Gantos, Jack. A Hole in My Life. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002. ISBN: 0-374-39988-3

Summary
Writer Jack Gantos tells the story about how he wound up in prison for smuggling drugs and how he learned to become a writer in the process.


What I Thought
This story of Gantos' life resonated with me. Gantos wanted to be a writer but felt he had nothing to say. As he takes a journey to smuggle drugs (his ticket off the racially divided island of St. Croix), he is really embarking on a journey where he confronts himself. One of my favorite parts of the story is where he is in his jail cell and finds the words "WHAT WE HAVE HERE IS A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE" scratched above the mirror. Gantos comments on this saying, "Some wit had carved it into the cinder block so that each time he looked in the mirror he reminded himself that the biggest failure is self-communication," (p.158). Gantos felt that he hadn't been honest with himself and when he finally was, he was able to write.

As Gantos deals with himself honestly, he starts to find his voice as a writer. This self-examination is very important for everyone, especially young people. Finding yourself by exploring who you are is essential. Without good self-communication young people may find the wrong mates, wrong jobs and not find their perfect fit.

Outside Reviews

"In this dual-layered memoir for high schoolers, Newbery Honor-winner Gantos details his short-lived criminal career as well as his transition from wannabe writer to serious author. Twenty years old and desperately seeking money for college, he recklessly agreed to sail a boat full of hashish from St. Croix to New York City. He explains: "This was the jackpot. The answer I was looking for...I didn't think of the danger involved with breaking the law.: But he was caught and send to a federal prison. As a teen, Gantos always knew he'd be a writer, but he never knew what to write about or how to start. During his 18-month incarceration, however, he learned to look within himself for material. Gantos' hope is to inspire, not scare, teens, but he relies on blunt prose throughout, including grisly descriptions of jailhouse violence. The result: a humorous, frightening, heartbreaking, and above all, honest introduction to the world of nonfiction."

Rodman, B., & Pricola, J. (2002). HOLE IN MY LIFE (Book). Teacher Magazine, 13(7), 50. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"The autobiographical account of the author's search for his magical muse is thwarted by a get-rich-quick scheme of pirating a ship of pot up the coast. Gantos takes his consequence in the dregs of prison and reinvents a plan to spring free his intellectual aspirations. This candid, vivid, and illuminating page-turner emphasizes the salvation of journaling while showing how smart choices can right wrongs. Audio version available from Listening Library."

Follos, A. (2004). Hole in My Life (Book). School Library Journal, 50(11), 67. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Using this Book in the Library
This story is great to expose to young adults who are all in the process of finding themselves and learning about the consequences of their actions. This book would make an excellent book-club discussion pick.

For Fun
Visit Jack Gantos' website. The site is designed mostly for children, however, it's interesting to see Gantos today, knowing what he went through as a teen.

SLIS 5420 - Module 8 - Beastly

Module 8 - Beastly by Alex Flinn

Bibliography
Flinn, Alex. Beastly. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-06-087416-2

Summary
In this fun retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, the Beast is the narrator and we get to experience his inner transformation. This story follows the original legends fairly closely. There are some small twists and of course, the setting of modern day New York City changes things, too.

What I Thought
I enjoyed that the author chose to tell the story from the Beast's viewpoint. This gives the story a guy-friendly twist that a romantic fairy-tale wouldn't otherwise have. The author writes in a note at the end of the story that the fairy tale is very much a story "of two abandoned teens who find one another" (p. 303). This is a very satisfying way to understand the story: the Beauty of the story is abandoned by her father and the Beast is abandoned due to his appearance (which of course is the outside being made manifest to the world by the witch/fairy).

Reading this story, you definitely know what is going to happen. We know the fairy tale. We know how things turn out. However, you can't help rooting for the Beast in this story. Kyle (the Beast) is such a self-obsessed pretty-boy jerk at the beginning of the story. His inner transformation as he learns to love and care for others in this story is enjoyable to read. The author reveals his changes slowly, pulling away layers of his selfish protection bit by bit. His final triumph is just as satisfying in every other Beauty and the Beast story.

Outside Reviews

"Flinn is known for her gritty novels that openly address serious issues such as peer pressure and domestic abuse. This spin-off of "Beauty and the Beast" is no exception. Kyle Kingsbury is good looking, rich, a ladies man, and one of the most popular students at Tuttle High School. He's the type who everyone wants to be or be around. However, while he might be beautiful on the outside, he is selfish, arrogant, and cruel on the inside. Kendra, an unattractive and unpopular girl who Kyle never noticed before, refers to his behavior as "beastly." To get even with her for that remark, he publicly humiliates her at the school dance, sealing his fate. Later that night, Kendra reveals to Kyle that she is a witch, and that she is going to teach him the most important lesson of his life. The author explores important values through the depiction of Kyle and the people who are there for him (and those who are not) after his transformation. The story is well written and grips readers right from the beginning with an online chat session with Kyle/Beast and other fairy-tale characters. And, since it's told from the Beast's point of view, it will appeal to boys who otherwise might not pick it up. Beastly has romance, true love, tragic circumstances, magic, action adventure, and hope. It's a must-read for all fairy-tale fans, and has a knockout cover to boot."

Rosenblum, D. (2007). Beastly. School Library Journal, 53(11), 122. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"Flinn delivers a lighthearted and contemporary twist on Beauty and the Beast, and while there is nothing shocking nor any striking departure from the original, her retelling is eminently satisfying. Kyle Kingsbury is a gorgeous high school freshman, spoiled rotten by his famous anchorman father, a man who'd rather dole out cash than affection. Kyle attends the exclusive Tuttle School in New York City and torments those poor unfortunates who lack his looks and wealth. When he humiliates a girl at school, she transforms him into a horrific-looking creature. Kyle's only hope for breaking the spell lies in finding true love--as he reports online in meetings of the Unexpected Changes chat group (other members include Froggie and the mermaid Silent Maid). Flinn follows the fairy tale's original plot points closely, but falters in her depiction of the story's bad guys, over-the-top caricatures that simply ring false in her up-to-date setting. Kyle's father, for example, spends literally three minutes with him each day, the time it takes him to heat his dinner in the microwave. Even so, the happily-ever-after ending is rewarding, if not surprising."

(2007). Beastly. Publishers Weekly, 254(43), 58. Retrieved from Academic Search Complete database.

Using this Book in the Library
This book is makes a great addition to other fairy-tale inspired books. An excellent display of a mix of YA, juvie and adult books can be made with Beastly,  Jane Yolen's Briar Rose, the graphic novel series, Fables and Jack of Fables, Firebird by Mercedes Lackey, War for the Oaks by Emma Bull, Neil Gaiman's stories such as Anansi Boys, Stardust and the Sandman series, The Sisters Grimm books by Michael Buckley and Birdwing by Rafe Martin. There are even more wonderful myth and fairy-tale spin-offs out there, and of course there are many wonderful picture-book adaptations. Expanding the list to include classic Greek and Roman myths opens up even more books for this fun display. From my experiences recommending fairy-tale spin-offs, patrons who enjoy fairy tales will read any age-range book: they are looking for the fun of getting into the fairy-tale world.

For Fun:
A movie version of this book is coming out in March, 2011. Looks good! This is the official movie website and here's a trailer for the movie:

SLIS 5420 - Module 8 - Catching Fire

Module 8 - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Bibliography
Collins, Suzanne.  Catching Fire. Scholastic Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8

Summary
This book is the sequel to The Hunger Games. So anything I say here will definitely be a spoiler for the first book. Don't read any further if you don't want to be spoiled.
* * *
That said, here's the summary.

Katniss Everdeen who was one of the winners of last year's Hunger Games is preparing with Peeta and Haymitch to do the district tour. This isn't the usual tour: Peeta and Katniss are the only two to win the Hunger Games together. Their act of rebellion at the end of the first book (intentional or not) has set off insurrections throughout the various districts. President Snow even pays a visit to Katniss to scare her into submission. It almost works.... but things never go as Katniss or President Snow plan. Katniss has become a symbol of hope to many: the Mockingjay that wasn't ever meant to exist.

When Katniss and Peeta are ready to hear about the next Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, they can't believe what happens. The Quarter Quell is particularly mean-spirited and very much aimed at Katniss and Peeta, denying them any hope or any happiness.

What I Thought
I've read this book twice now. Both times, I couldn't put the book down in the third part. I had to keep reading. I had to keep following Katniss' journey. I had to stay with her.

Katniss is an amazing character. She is intelligent, brave and resourceful. Her solution for the win at the end of the first book--that she and Peeta would either commit suicide together by eating the berries or see if the Game Master would let both of them win was amazing. However, her actions have set off rebellions in various districts. She never wanted to be a symbol of the rebellion, but she became one. Things get even worse by the end of the novel.

This story amazing. Katniss feels very real. Her hurts, her fears, her hopes all seem tangible. She is the narrator and we get to know her so well. She feels her short-comings and hates them. She tries to use her strengths not only to her own advantage, but also to the advantage of those she loves and cares for.

I came to know Katniss through the first book. In the second novel, there is a lot of action, a lot of scares and plenty of twists and turns. I have heartily recommended this book to everyone I know and I wish everyone would read it. It's about freedom. It's about fairness and justice and it's about being human.

Outside Reviews

"...the Hunger Games are fast approaching, and since this is the seventy-fifth anniversary, these Games will be a quarter Quell, an opportunity for the Capitol to add a cruel twist. This year’s twist seems particularly so, but Katniss and company are equal to it. The plot kicks into another gear as the fascinating horrors of the Hunger Games are re-enacted with their usual violence and suspense. Many of the supporting characters—each personality distinct—offer their own surprises. The stunning resolution reveals the depth of the rebellion, while one last cliffhanger sets the stage for a grand finale. Collins has once again delivered a page-turning blend of plot and character with an inventive setting and provocative themes."

J., H. (2009). Catching Fire. Horn Book Magazine, 85(5), 555. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"Catching Fire begins where The Hunger Games (Scholastic, Inc., 2ÜO8) ends. The story is told by Katness Everdeen, who survived the games in the fírst book, where the winner was the person who has killed the other participants, Katness manipulated the Gamemasters so that she and the boy Peeta, her competitor, both lived. Through her actions in the previous games and the Victory Tour, Katness becomes the symbol of the rebellion in the Districts to overthrow the cruel Capitol. After the Victory Tour, the government leaders announce that the living winners of previous Hunger Games are required to fight each other. As the book ends, Peeta has been captured and is in the Capitol, and the Districts are in rebellion again. This fast-paced book is filled with action and intrigue. Katness is a resourceful 16-year-old who strives to take care of her family and friends. Although the story seems to take place in the future, the reader can readily identify with its believable characters. Because Katness tells the story, we understand why she makes certain decisions. This book would appeal to readers who identity with action heroes who work to fight injustice."

(2010). Catching Fire. Library Media Connection, 28(4), 72. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.



Using this book in the library
Many libraries have been participating in their own versions of the Hunger Games. I heard about this at a workshop I attended recently that revolved around games and libraries.We never did find out exactly what they did in their own Hunger Games. So, I thought about how I would construct my own idea of The Hunger Games. It would be a four hour long program. Teens would be grouped into 12 different groups representing the 12 districts. There would be a lottery and 1 male and 1 female "tribute" would be chosen. At this point, the groups would collaborate to design outfits for their tributes. Then, they will present their tributes to the rest of the group where we would have a paintball contest in the parking lot "to the death." Winners receive excellent prizes and everyone would leave with a book of their choice.

For fun:
Visit the "official" Hunger Games website, Mockingjay.net. If you are even a casual fan of the Hunger Games trilogy, you'll enjoy this site. There is fan-art, fan-made videos, biographies and information about the upcoming movie.

Make sure you watch the excellent fan-made-trailers. My favorite is this one:

SLIS Module 7 - Fat Kid Rules the World

Module 7 - Fat Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going

Bibliography
Going, K.L. Fat Kid Rules the World. G.P Putnam and Sons, 2003. ISBN: 0-399-23990-1

Summary
Overweight 17 year old Troy Billings hates himself and his life. He has no friends, thinks his family hates him and is miserable and wants to commit suicide. Instead, his life changes when the legendary Curt MacCrea "saves" Troy's life at the subway station. Curt enlists Troy in his new punk rock band as the drummer. This dramatically changes Troy's life and gives him something to believe in and look forward to in life. Curt, however, has his own problems. He's a dropout and his parents don't care if he lives or dies. Troy isn't sure if he can handle the pressure of being a punk rock drummer, but something in him wants to try anyway.

What I Thought
I love this story! I love Curt and Troy and I enjoy seeing how life changes for the better for both of them. Self-expression is very important in this story. When Troy learns to start expressing himself, his world changes for the better and he gains courage. It's wonderful to watch Troy, who used to be friendless and suicidal change into a person who embraces himself, his size and everything about himself. It's slow, but it starts to happen and I felt that it will continue even after the story ended.

I love Curt's descriptions of art and expression. He's the one that teaches Troy that it doesn't matter what you like: enjoy it no matter what. Shout out who you are. He teaches Troy that we are all mortal, all busy "stuffing our faces." Curt is a lonely person, too, and when he and Troy find each other, there's a beautiful friendship that starts to grow.

Since both Troy and Curt are outsiders, I think that anyone on the outside of the social norm can relate to them. Their growth as people, especially Troy's growth, is fun to watch. Also beautiful, is Troy's reconciliation with his father and brother. When Troy is able to love himself, he can reach out to others.

Outside Reviews

"Overweight and friendless, high school senior Troy Billings is standing on the edge of the  subway tracks contemplating suicide when a dirty and disheveled young man engages him in conversation and prevents him from taking the plunge. He's Curt MacCrae, a legend at Troy's school for being "the  only truly homeless, sometimes student, sometimes dropout, punk rock, artist god among us." For reasons that Troy does not at first understand, Curt invites him to join his band as a drummer, even though Troy has only minimal experience with music. Both characters are strongly defined. Hyperactive and frustratingly enigmatic, iconoclastic Curt has the soul of an artist, as well as a self-destructive streak fed by incessant pill-popping. Troy's obesity is over stated (references to his sweating and huffing-and-puffing seem to appear on every page), but his emotional neediness is palpable and genuinely moving. As the friendship between the boys develops, Troy explores New York's punk music scene (about to give his debut performance, he throws up on the stage; the  audience loves it) and comes to a better understanding of both his brother and (wonderfully portrayed) widowed father. But his emerging sense of self-worth also leads him to make a decision that could destroy his friendship with the increasingly troubled Curt. In this gritty and intense novel--perhaps more of a character study than a plot-driven story--these two disparate and desperate teenagers attempt to save each other and, quite possibly, end up saving themselves as well."

Sieruta, P. (2003). Fat Kid Rules the World. Horn Book Magazine, 79(4), 456. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"Big, fat, miserable, insightful Troy, 17, is contemplating suicide but is saved by Curt, a cadaverous, brilliant, homeless, druggie guitarist and neighborhood punk rock icon. Determined to make Troy his drummer, Curt becomes a sometimes part of Troy's truncated family. Troy's dad, a bitter ex-Marine who cannot fathom his fat son, undergoes subtle growth to become the  pair's unlikely savior. Funny, frightening, gritty, passionate, and real, this is an amazingly textured study of complex personal growth of almost symbiotic characters in crisis."

Hofmann, M. (2005). Fat Kid Rules the World. School Library Journal, 51(11), 59. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

Using this Book in the Library
We are using this book for Teen Read Week 2010 since the theme is "Books With Beat." The book is part of a display and a reading list that includes other YA books that deal with music or poetry.

For Fun:
Watch a home-made book trailer for this story.

SLIS 5420 - Module 7 - Does My Head Look Big in This?

Module 7 - Does My Head Look Big in This? - Ramda Abdel-Fatah


Bibliography
Abdel-Fatah, Ramda. Does My Head Look Big in This?  Orchard Books, 2005. ISBN: 978-0-439-91947-0

Summary
Amal Mohamed Nasrulla Abdel-Hakim is a junior in high school in Melbourne,  Australia. The story is set in 2002 and Amal has made a very important decision: like her mother and one of her friends, she has decided to wear the Muslim head scarf, the hijab, full time. The story starts with this decision and shows how her friends, family and peers react to her decision. Amal has other concerns, too: boys, friendship, faith and grades. It's a fun, fast-paced read and good chick-lit.

What I thought
Amal is a very engaging narrator. I connected with her right away and learned a lot about "real" Muslims, as opposed to the media's sensational depiction of those who follow Islam. Amal's faith is important to her, but so are her grades and her friendships. She is a smart, funny, sharp young woman. Some of the best parts of the book are Amal's sarcastic quips to enemies and ignorant peers. Her relationships with her family, friends and neighbors is very interesting and enlightening. Amal is a person I would like to know and I also would love to meet her friends and family. All of the characters in the story are interesting, quirky and memorable.

Amal is a good ambassador for her faith. She is strong and while she isn't perfect, she does try to respect other's beliefs, and wants others to respect hers. Sometimes she doesn't succeed and finds herself too judgmental, but she learns from her mistakes. I learned a lot about Islam. Many people think that the Koran and Muslim faith is supposed to keep women down. Amal showed me that her faith does not hamper her or other strong women in their ability to be what they wants to be in the world. I learned a lot about Islam in a non-confrontational, fun way. In a post 9/11 world, it's important for all of us to learn to understand each other, and this book is a great teacher.

Outside reviews

"With an engaging narrator at the helm, Abdel-Fattah's debut novel should open the eyes of many a reader.  Headstrong and witty, 16-year-old Amal, an Australian-Muslim-Palestinian ("That means I was born an Aussie and whacked with some seriously confusing identity hyphens") decides during winter break from her posh private school that she's ready to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, fulltime, as a testament to her faith.  Amal knows she will face discrimination by classmates and misinformed people but she is committed to her decision; her parents are initially concerned, but ultimately rally behind her. Their worries, in fact, are well-founded:  Amal attracts her share of stares and taunts both at school and around town, but she finds strength, not only from her convictions, but from her close-knit group of friends, who for various reasons--being Japanese, Jewish, nerdy or body-conscious--are perceived as being outside "the norm." As Amal struggles with her identity in a post-9/11 world ("Do you have any idea how it feels to be me, a Muslim, today? I mean, just turn on the television, open a newspaper.… It feels like I'm drowning in it all"), her faith--and an array of ever-ready quips--help her navigate an often-unforgiving world.  Using a winning mix of humor and sensitivity, Abdel-Fattah ably demonstrates that her heroine is, at heart, a teen like any other. This debut should speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider for any reason."

(2007). Does My Head Look Big in This?. Publishers Weekly, 254(21), 56. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"With Does My Head Look Big In This, Abel-Fattah has not only taken the typical chick lit genre to a new level, but she also filled it with a number of uniquely drawn characters, such as Amal's aunt and uncle who have militantly assimilated into Australian culture with their gift shop-looking living room and the polar opposite aunt and uncle who are bound and determined to arrange their daughter's marriage. And most memorable is the Greek neighbor; Amal befriends the prickly woman and slowly learns of her sad life story. But for the teen girls who will surely enjoy this book, there are a good many annoying snobs, smart-yet-sensitive boys, and girls with the body and identity issues thrown in to round out the group. Abdel-Fattah has effectively managed to create a book that, like in the style of the short-lived television show My  So-Called Life, would appeal both to teens and their parents (although with the pretty shiny polka dots on the cover, I predict that mainly teens will be attracted to it)."

Waters, J. (2007). Does My Head Look Big in This?. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, 14(7), 9. Retrieved from Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts with Full Text database.

Using this book in the library
This book would be a great book club pick. It has so many different topics that would be fun to discuss. It also helps people learn to understand and respect people who are different from them. The theme of tolerance and understanding is threaded throughout the book.

For more information and an enjoyable read:

An interview with Randa Abdel-Fattah

SLIS 5420 - Module 4 - Going Bovine

Module 4 - Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Bibliography
Bray, Libba. Going Bovine. Delacorte Press, 2009 ISBN: 978-0-385-73397-7 

Summary
This book is an epic trip across America that is both funny, touching and surreal. Cameron has been diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease and while he is dying, he may be saving the world or having an amazing hallucination. A large cast of interesting characters flesh out this excellent, fun story. Winner of the 2010 Printz Award.

What I thought
Normally, I don't like stories that may or may not be in the narrator's head. However, this story is such an amazing trip, I didn't mind. In some ways, the story reminds me of a few other novels, such as Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and my favorite Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins. The surreal nature of the story is both fun and disturbing. I am of the opinion that the entire trip, the saving the world and everything takes place in Cameron's dying mind. However, that doesn't take away from the real-life feelings the book invokes. It is a book about celebrating life, being yourself and following dreams. The characters of Balder the Garden Gnome and Gonzo the little person are wonderful. They feel like real people that I wish I could meet.

Outside Reviews

"When sixteen-year-old Cameron was five, he jumped ship on the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disney World and nearly drowned. “The thing is, before they pulled me out, everything had seemed made of magic . . . But the minute I came to on the hard, glittery, spray-painted, fake snow. . . I realized it was all a big fake. The realest thing I’d ever experienced was that moment under the water when I almost died.” This sets the theme for the even wilder ride that follows, when Cameron’s erratic behavior leads to a diagnosis of  Creutzfeldt-Jakob (a.k.a. mad cow) disease. With the student body that used to ignore him throwing a save-Cameron pep rally and decorating the gym with paper cows, Cameron and his friend Gonzo, a hypochondriac dwarf, flee the hospital on a mission (as detailed by a punk-rock angel named Dulcie) to save the world from “dark energy”—or do they? Bray gleefully tosses a hallucinogenic mix of elements into the adventure—snow globes, fire demons, a talking yard gnome, a demon-fighting New Orleans jazz musician, and more—but their origins can all be found in Cameron’s mundane prediagnosis life. So is his trip “just a ride,” as his Mom once told him about “It’s a Small World”? Readers will have a great time trying to sort everything out and answer the question at the heart of it all: even if Cameron’s experiences are all a dream,  are they any less real?"

C. M., H. (2009). Going Bovine. Horn Book Magazine, 85(5), 553. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

"In Libba Bray's unconventional novel, winner of the 2010 Michael L. Printz Award, Cameron, the 16-year-old down-and-out protagonist, meanders through varied phantasmagoric experiences after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jacob ("mad cow") disease. Cam has given up trying to succeed at home, in school, or as one of the cool kids. Instead, he sinks further into disassociation from his world until he is visited by Dulcie (reminiscent of Quixote's Dulcinea), a possibly hallucinatory punk/angel, who convinces Cam there could be a cure, if he is willing to assume great risks in searching for it. And so begins Cam's bizarre quest to thwart evil, unravel the mystery of the disappearing Dr. X--who may hold the key to a cure, but might also be plotting to destroy the world--and beat his terminal diagnosis. Cam is accompanied on this dark roadtrip of an increasingly spongy mind by Dulcie, a hypochondriacal dwarf named Gonzo, and a resilient yard gnome who could possibly be the ancient Viking god, Balder. [Bray] ably narrates this psychedelic ride, with a deft touch of teenage angst and ennui. There is so much going on that listeners could easily lose the twisting thread in an instant of inattention. Filled with slang, four letter words, humor, pathos, satire, absurdities, sex, drugs, rock 'n roll, and the fight between good and evil, this is not a journey for the faint of heart."

Spencer, R. (2010). Going Bovine. School Library Journal, 56(4), 57. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.

Using this book in the library
This book is very unusual and is most likely for older teens. It would be an excellent project to work through some of the mythology and physical science that is mentioned in the book. The science takes on mythic proportions in the terms of alternate universes and the Norse mythology may not be familiar to all readers. Mad Cow Disease is interesting as well, since it is not caused by a virus or any other organism. Instead, bad proteins, called prions, are to blame. These topics may be fun to explore in a book club that has members who enjoy learning new things.

For fun
A few subplots in this story involved garden gnomes. Cameron's father shows his son pictures of "liberated" gnomes taken on trips and photographed in front of landmarks. His father thinks this is clever and funny. One of the characters, Balder, is an enchanted yard gnome. There is a site called "Free the Gnomes." Libby is making a commentary on this practice. In France, 79 yard gnomes were discovered alongside a river bank. People are stealing property and using it to create dubious art.