The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World

Title: The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World
Author: Robert Jordan
Author's Website: http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/blog/4-robert-jordans-blog/

ISBN: 978-0-7653-2488-7

Publisher: Tor Books

Copyright Date: 1990

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-adult

Plot Summary: Rand Al'thor is a regular sheep herder in a small town until Moiraine, a sorceress, comes to town and tells him he must leave with her right away as she has been looking for him for years. The two go on a long journey at the end of which Rand realizes he is the dragon reborn and saves the world from its darkest enemy.

Critical Evaluation: Jordan's writing is extremely detailed and verbose yet it is in these small details that subplots emerge and the story becomes full. 

Reader's Annotation: A classic quest story of a regular boy who comes to discover that he is destined for greatness. 

Booktalking Ideas: good vs. evil, mysticism, prominence of women,
Challenge issues if any: There are brief mentions of polygamy but there are not detailed sex scenes.

Why did you include this book: This book is considered part of one of the best fantasy series of our time by fantasy aficionados.  

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Author's Website: http://cslewis.com/

ISBN: 978-1-42340-945-8

Publisher: Geoffrey Bles

Copyright Date: 1950

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13-18

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book

Plot Summary: When Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy find a magic wardrobe at their Uncle's estate house, they realize it will transport them to a fantastical land where animals talk, trees are animated and they are to become kings and queens. They have to battle the white witch who has oppressive control over the land and ensures it is always winter. During their journey they meet the lord of the land, a lion named Aslan who aids them when their need is greatest.

Critical Evaluation: CS Lewis's writing style could be described as concise yet descriptive. He writes in old English style which conveys a sort of elevated use of grammar and syntax while still intended for a younger audience. 

Reader's Annotation: Four siblings find a magic wardrobe which transports them to a land where they become kings and queens. 

Booktalking Ideas: good vs. evil, redemption
Challenge issues if any: The only issue I could foresee would be the underlying Christian allegory in which Aslan clearly represents Jesus.

Why did you include this book: It is a classic story that remains just as enticing to young readers, teens and adults today as it was 60 years ago. 
Quote: One day you'll see him and another you won't. He doesn't like being tied down -- and of course he has other countries to attend to. It's quite alright. He'll often drop in. Only you mustn't press him, he's wild you know. Not like a tame lion.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky

ISBN: 978-0-671-02734-6

Publisher: MTV Books

Copyright Date: 1999

Genre: Fiction, coming of age 

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: School Library Journal Starred, 1999. Booklist, 1999. Kirkus Reviews, 1999.

Plot Summary: A freshman in high school, Charlie tells his stories through a group of letters to an unknown person. Through these letters we watch as he feels like an outcast, slowly makes friends, discovers mixed tapes, love and drugs.
Critical Evaluation: Chbosky provides an excellent perspective of what it is like to go through highschool through a teenager's eyes. His writing style perfectly captures the angst and naivety that Charlies seems

Reader's Annotation: Through a series of letters, Charlie shares his highschool experiences.

Booktalking Ideas: Friendship, secrets
Challenge issues: This books faces many important, controversial issues such as abortion, homosexuality and incest. We experience all of these things through Charlie's innocent eyes and are able to see how he processes them all.
Why did you include this book: I included this book because teens will be able to identify with some or all of the challenges that Charlies faces in his first year of high school.

Quote: "Dear friend, I am writing to you because she said you listen and understand."

Frankenstein

Title: Frankenstein: The Graphic Novel

Author: Mary Shelley  

Script Adaptation: Jason Cobley 

Illustrator: Shalvey Declan

Author's Website: www.jasoncobley.blogspot.com

ISBN: 978-1-906332-49-5

Publisher: Classical Comics

Copyright Date: 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Plot Summary: The graphic version of Mary Shelley’s novel about Dr. Frankenstein who creates a monster out of body parts which soon becomes an outcast in the community. He tells Dr. Frankenstein he will leave if he will make him a bride. Dr. Frankenstein becomes too frightened of what two monsters would be capable of so he destroys the bride and the monster kills the Dr.'s wife on his wedding night.

Critical Evaluation: The illustrations are arranged in classic comic book style fashion, varying in shape from panels, to full page illustrations, to overlapping boxes. The color scheme stays in consistent monochromatic shades of gold and blue, straying only with the occasional green country side. Often times, there are five or more scenes portrayed on a page, giving the reader the advantage of viewing multiple perspectives at once.

Reader's Annotation: The graphic version of Mary Shelley’s novel about Dr. Frankenstein who creates a monster out of body parts which soon becomes an outcast in the community

Booktalking Ideas: Humanity, Companionship, Loss

Why did you include this book: Teachers will find this text extremely useful for high school students. The original text is kept in tact, so students do not losw any of the value or story, they only gain captivating illustrations that compliment and add to the story. The long haired, muscular version of the monster in this version is different than the stereotypical “Frankenstein Monster” today (who is green and whose limbs are sewn together). I think this aspect would be beneficial for students who will be prompted to think about the monster from another perspective.

The Photographer

 Title: The Photographer

Author: Emmanuel Guibert and Didier Lefevre 

Colorist: Frederic Lemercier

ISBN: 978-1-59643-375-5

Publisher: First Second

Copyright Date: 2009

Genre: Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Plot Summary: A graphic novel that follows a photographer, a reporter and a group from Doctor’s Without Borders on a mission across a dangerous Afghanistan in order to treat the wounded and sick Afghani people.

Critical Evaluation: This book was a great introduction to someone who isn’t an avid reader of graphic novels. I appreciated how well the text and illustrations/photographs worked together to tell this group’s story. In some cases, a touch of humor or side story is shared only by reading the small captions in the illustrations and isn’t actually provided in the text of the story. Because of this, I felt like I had to examine each illustration and photograph closely – so as not to miss anything.

Reader's Annotation: A glimpse into a Doctor's Without Borders mission into Afghanistan.

Booktalking Ideas: War, Bravery, Health, Photography

Why did you include this book: This graphic novel is so creatively illustrated with strips of comic book style illustrations and real footage from Guibert’s trip. The black and white photographs are poignant and in some cases mildly disturbing adding an element of realism that the text couldn’t provide alone.

Hamlet

 Title: Hamlet

Original Author: William Shakespeare

Retold by: Bruce Coville

Illustrated By: Leonid Gore

Author's Website: www.brucecoville.com  

ISBN: 978-0803727083

Publisher: Dial Books

Copyright Date: 2004

Genre: Classic Literature

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13-18

Critical Evaluation: Coville does an excellent job of retelling one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. He in inclusive of almost all of the elements of the original, and beginners to Shakespeare will have a great foundation and understanding of Hamlet if the original is found confusing. These gloomy acrylic and pastel illustrations set the tone perfectly for a tragic story such as Hamlet. There is an almost dream-like feel to these hazy drawings, giving readers the feeling they are watching the story unfold from the shadows. Gore chooses to use deep blue and orange tones adding to the surreal atmosphere of his illustrations.

Reader's Annotation: This is the convoluted story of Prince Hamlet who seeks to avenge his father’s death by killing his Uncle and the tragedy that ensues once Hamlet sets off down that road.

Booktalking Ideas: Revenge, Betrayal

Why did you include this book: A great beginner novel for those that find Shakespeare confusing or hard to read. 

The Winter's Tale

Title: The Winter's Tale
Retold By: Bruce Coville
Illustrated By: LeUyen Pham
Author's Website: www.brucecoville.com  
Illustrator's Website: www.LeUyenPham.com

ISBN: 978-0803727090

Publisher: Dial Books

Copyright Date: 2007

Genre: Classic Literature

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13-18

Plot Summary: When King Leontes becomes convinced that his wife is being unfaithful, his jealousy sets off a chain of unfortunate events that ultimately seems to destroys his family. In true Shakespeare fashion – this tale ends with a twist.

Critical Evaluation: I was once again impressed with Coville’s ability to retell one of Shakespeare’s stories in a simpler way making the content much easier for younger readers to understand. Although this isn’t one of Shakespeare’s most famous tales, the themes and elements (such as jealousy) are ones that would be of interest to middle school students. These brightly colored illustrations seem to be made with oil paints. The full page, impressive illustrations are reminiscent of an animated Disney movie (circa the 90s). There is a definite whimsical dimension that they add to the text.

Reader's Annotation: King Leontes is a prime example about how jumping to conclusions can set off a serious of unfortunate events. 

Booktalking Ideas: Jealously

Why did you include this book: For students who have a hard time reading Shakespeare, the paired illustrations make his work easier to understand.