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. 

Teen Ink

Title: Teen Ink

Publisher: The Young Authors Foundation

Copyright Date: 1989

Genre: Magazine

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13-19

Critical Evaluation: Teen Ink is a national magazine devoted entirely to teen photos, art and writing. The most impressive part of this magazine is that all work is created by teens aged 13 - 19 and relies 100% on teenage submissions around the country for content. There are no staff writers! Teens can write about anything from heartbreak, to drug use and Teen Ink gives them the space and the freedom to do that. Teen Ink is distributed to over 5500 schools.

Reader's Annotation: Teen Ink is a nationwide magazine devoted entirely to teen writing, photos and art. 

Why did you include this magazine: Teen Ink serves as an inspiration to teens as it is a publication featuring only the creative work of their peers. It is a creative outlet meant to inspire and instill self-worth.

Catching Fire

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Author's Website: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Copyright Date: 2009

Genre: Dystopian

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist Starred, 2009. New York Times, 2009. Publisher's Weekly Starred, 2009.

Plot Summary: After Peeta and Katniss win the Hunger Games by outsmarting the Capitol, the Capitol is angry and watching her very closely. She and Peeta are forced back into the Hunger Games the following year for the Quarter Quell - the seventy fifth anniversary.

Critical Evaluation: This follow up book is just as riveting as the first. Collins nails another fast paced, suspenseful journey of redemption, survival and love. This book ends with even more of a cliff hanger than the first one, leaving readers pining for the third and final book. 

Reader's Annotation: Catniss and Peeta are being watched closely by the capital and are made to participate in the Quarter Quell, another Hunger Games arena. 

Booktalking Ideas: power, rebellion, free will

Why did you include this book: This book is the incredible follow up the Hunger Games and continues the plot and story of Katniss Everdeen. 
Quote: “We had to save you because you're the mockingjay, Katniss," says Plutarch. "While you live, the revolution lives.”

Mad Magazine

Title: Mad Magazine
Editor: Harvey Kurtzman
Publisher: William Gaines
Magazine Website: http://www.madmagazine.com/

Copyright Date: 1952
Issue: 515

Genre: Humor Teen Magazine

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Critical Evaluation: MAD Magazine's ingenious articles poke fun at celebrities and current world issues while simultaneously keeping their readers current on up-to date issues. Its many satires and comical illustrations are perfect for teens who can appreciate sarcasm and humor. 

Reader's Annotation: Mad Magazine publishes articles and illustrations on a monthly basis that depict current up-to-date world issues. 

Challenge issues if any: Some could find the illustrations offensive. For instance, the issue that I was viewing depicts the statue of liberty with enormous breasts and the title "Our national obsession with plastic surgery." And while the illustration might be offensive, the article itself is an educational read that questions the nation's obsession with altering our bodies.

Why did you include this magazine: I included this magazine because it has been a part of our culture and country for 60 years. It causes teens to question things they take for granted such as marketing tactics and celebrity news. 

My World 2.0

Title: My World 2.0
Artist: Justin Bieber
Artist's Website: http://www.justinbiebermusic.com/teeshirt/

ASIN: B0037AGASG

Label: Island

Release Date: 2010

Genre: Teen Pop, R&B

Reading Level/Interest Age: 10-18

Awards: American Music Awards: Favorite Pop Rock Album

Song List: 
-Baby
-Somebody to Love
-Stuck in the Moment
-U Smile
-Runaway Love
-Never Let You Go
-Overboard
-Eenie Meenie
-Up
-That Should be Me

Critical Evaluation: Justin's music is catchy, upbeat and something that makes you want to dance and sing along to. For being so young, he has worked with quite a few established and successful artists such as Usher and Ludacris which helped contribute to the success of this album.

Challenge issues: Due partly to Justin's age, all of his songs are appropriate for young adults and do not contain any controversial or challenging material.

Why did you include this CD: This CD is very popular amongst teenagers, particularly teenage girls. Because several songs on this CD have become number 1 hits on the radio, I found it important to carry in the library. 
Lyric: "And I'm in pieces, baby fix me. And just shake me 'til you wake me from this bad dream."

Divergent

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Author's Website: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/

ISBN: 978-0-06-202403-9

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Copyright Date: 2011

Genre: Dystopian

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: New York Times, 2011. Publisher's Weekly starred, 2011. School Library Journal Starred, 2011.

Plot Summary: In this dystopian world, everyone is born into one of five factions. Abnegation (selflessness and service), Candor (truth), erudite (intelligence), Amity (peacefulness) and dauntless (the brave). On your 16th birthday you are given an aptitude test with a recommended faction. You can choose to stay in the one you were born into, or make the switch to another. Beatrice has always felt like she didn't belong in Abnegation and chooses Dauntless on her 16th birthday. However, her aptitude test comes back as Divergent which is dangerous and she is advised not to tell anyone. She begins her training at dauntless which includes jumping off of buildings, moving trains and combat fighting. She soon learns that Divergent means she possesses qualities of all of the factions which the leaders find to be very dangerous (i.e. hard to control). Her Divergent nature is what helps her to save the day, when all of the dauntless are turned into brainwashed soldiers ordered to kill the abnegation.

Critical Evaluation: Roth succeeds in producing a fast paced novel with sympathetic and realistic characters. Her writing is clear and concise and this story provokes deeper thoughts regarding human nature. 

Reader's Annotation: In a world where you must choose one of five factions to belong to, Beatrice quickly realizes she is different than the others, making her special and susceptible to danger. 

Booktalking Ideas: Equality, Free-will, Oppression.
Challenge issues if any: There is some gun violence at the end of the story but it is not unnecessarily graphic.

Why did you include this book: This is a quick paced, action novel that is sure to provoke deeper thoughts about humankind. 
Quote: “We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.”

The Hunger Games Movie

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Producer: Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik

Director: Gary Ross

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Sutherland.

Rating: PG-13

Copyright Date: 2012

Genre: Dystopian

Interest Age: 14-18

Plot Summary: In the dystopian world of Panem, two children from each of the country's twelve districts are offered up to fight to the death in the annual hunger games. When Katniss Everdeen's sister is chosen, she volunteers to take her place. Katniss and Peeta Mellark (the male tribute) pair together in the arena to become the victors.

Critical Evaluation: The movie stayed very true to the original book, following the plot line fairly closely and accurately. The soundtrack to this movie worked brilliantly with the plot to build tensions and emotions. During the reaping it is worth noting that it is very reminiscent of Nazi Germany. The children all seem to be wearing old, vintage clothing and silently waiting for their names to be chosen. Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job of playing Katniss and depicting the actress's confusion regarding how she feels about Peeta and Gale, her long time friend. 

Reader's Annotation: Rebellion, Oppression, Survival

Booktalking Ideas: Katniss Everdeen lives in Panem where two children from each of the twelve districts are forced to participate in the annual hunger games where they have to kill one another in order to survive. 
Challenge issues: It is definitely a disturbing premise and there are violent scenes. However, the movie did an excellent job of not showcasing the violence or making it too gory. 

Why did you include this movie: I included this movie for the same reason I would have included the book. It's an incredibly thought provoking and fast paced story about love and the will to survive. 
Quote: “Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.”

Treasure Island

Title: Treasure Island: The Graphic Novel
Author: Tim Hamilton

ISBN: 978-1-59961-119-8

Publisher: Spotlight Puffin Books

Copyright Date: 2005

Genre: Classic, Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13-18

Awards: none

Plot Summary: When Jim Hawkins finds a treasure map he goes off in search of the buried treasure but not without battling Long John Silver and a few other pirates first.

Critical Evaluation: These black and white illustrations are reminiscent of newspaper comic strips – laid out in separate square and rectangle boxes. Although the lack of color is slightly disappointing – these pencil and ink illustrations succeed in animating this story and bringing it to life. Most of the characters faces are not displayed in much detail, giving the reader pause when the occasional detailed close-up is featured — only a handful of times throughout the novel.

Reader's Annotation: The treasure map adventure of Jim Hawkins and the pirates.
Booktalking Ideas: Adventure

Challenge issues if any: Some violence, but mostly in the spirit of sword fighting and adventure.

Why did you include this book: High School students might prefer this graphic adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson original novel for the simple fact that it is illustrated, and teachers can feel confident that it retains much of the original text. This version would also be beneficial in an art class, as students can analyze the techniques that Hamilton graciously shares at the back of the book. Readers will see the several stages the artwork goes through before it is final, as well as view some of the photographs of the muses that the illustrations were modeled after.
Quote: I now felt for the first time the joy of exploration. The isle was uninhabited; my shipmates I had left behind, and nothing lived in front of me but dumb brutes and fowls.

Graceling

Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Author's Website: http://kristincashore.blogspot.com/

ISBN: 978-0-15-206396-2

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Copyright Date: 2008

Genre: Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist starred, 2008. Publisher's Weekly starred, 2008. Kirkus Reviews starred, 2008.

Plot Summary: Katsa, the niece of a King, has an exceptional skill in being able to kill anyone with her bare hands. This skill, coupled with her two toned eyes, mark her as a Graceling. Unbeknownst to her uncle, she protects the innocent throughout the seven kingdoms. When she meets Po, a mind reader, the two pair together to save multiple kingdoms from evil Graceling, Leck.

Critical Evaluation: Cashore moves the story along with great speed. While this book quickly becomes a page turner, there is a lack of development and a certain level of predictability. 

Reader's Annotation: Katsa and Po, two Gracelings with the skill to read minds and kill, help protect the kingdoms with which they live. 

Booktalking Ideas: Good vs. Evil
Challenge issues if any: There is some level of violence, however Katsa goes out of her way to try and avoid killing anyone.

Why did you include this book: This is a fast paced fantasy story, one that takes you out of the everyday world and into one where more things are possible. 
Quote: "They would all say, when they woke to their headaches and their shame, that the culprit had been a Graceling boy, graced with fighting, acting alone. They would assume she was a boy, because in her plain trousers and her hood she looked like one, and because when people were attacked it never occurred to anyone that it might have been a girl."

Meanwhile

Title: Meanwhile
Author: Jason Shiga
Author's Website: www.shigabooks.com

ISBN: 978-0-8109-8423-3

Publisher: Amulet Books

Copyright Date: 2010

Genre:  Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 2010. ALA Notable Books, 2010. School Library Journal, 2010.

Plot Summary: A graphic novel version of a choose-your-own-adventure book about a young boy who enters an ice cream shop. The flavor he chooses is only the start of his fate.
Personally, I found this book to be slightly confusing. Each glossy page has a tab that can take you to a page further along in the book, or you follow a specific colored line to the following page. Quite a few of the paths lead you back to where you started, and there are quite a few dead ends. Once you gather your bearings on how the book works, readers will appreciate the unique story lines and teenagers will enjoy having the authority to choose their path.

Critical Evaluation: These simple, brightly colored cartoon illustrations are reminiscent of the Simpsons. Each small illustration is within a box, with several boxes to a page, very similar to a regular graphic novel. The captions all appear in white bubbles within the box and instead of reading them from left to right, readers need to follow the tubes (some leading up, then right, then down and then backwards).

Reader's Annotation: A graphic novel version of a choose-your-own-adventure book about a young boy who enters an ice cream shop. The flavor he chooses is only the start of his fate.

Booktalking Ideas: Graphic Novels and how illustrations help move the story along.
Why did you include this book: I included this book for the graphic novel fans, as well as students who are weary of graphic novels. I assumed that a choose-your-own-adventure would be a good start.

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins

Title: The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins
Author: Barbara Kerley
Author's Website: www.barbarakerley.com

ISBN: 978-0-439-11494-3

Publisher: Scholastic

Copyright Date: 2001

Genre:  Non-fiction

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 2007. Caldecott Medal Honor, 2002. School Library Journal, 2001.

Plot Summary: The true story of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins – one of the first to create life size molds of dinosaurs in 1853. This story is entertaining and educational at the same time. Not only will readers learn how Waterhouse created his molds, but it could also inspire a passion in students for paleontology or a similar scientific realm. Readers instantly like Waterhouse and will feel equally invested in the molds that were destroyed when he comes to America. Readers are also provided with significant information at the back of the book including extensive author and illustrator notes.

Critical Evaluation: These gorgeous, vibrantly colored illustrations are truly what bring this story to life. Although meant for an older audience, both older and younger readers will be drawn to these stunning paintings. Selznick even includes a couple of double page spreads with no text at all. Readers will want to linger on each page and soak up as much of the intricate detail as they can.

Reader's Annotation: The true story of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins – one of the first to create life size molds of dinosaurs in 1853.

Booktalking Ideas: architecture, dinosaurs

Why did you include this book: This non-fiction tale brilliantly depicts a true story very rarely taught in schools. Although meant for an older audience, both young and old readers will find the story and illustrations compelling.

Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse

Title: Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse
Author: Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Josee Masse
Author's Website: marilynsinger.net

ISBN: 978-0-525-47901-7

Publisher: Dutton Childrens Books

Copyright Date: 2010

Genre: Poetry

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 2010. Horn Book, 2010. School Library Journal, 2010. ALA Notable Book, 2010.

Plot Summary: This absolutely genius book shares poems about popular fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty etc. and then shows the same poem in reverse (bottom to top) which presents a very different meaning. Each page is dedicated to a different poem and its reversed version – dubbed the “reverso” by Singer. Students will be amazed at what a difference punctuation can make in the meaning of a sentence as reversos only allow changes in punctuation and capitalization.

Critical Evaluation: These brightly colored illustrations are just as impressive as the creative dueling poems. Each gorgeous illustration is split down the middle depicting both meanings – but somehow each illustration is seamlessly appears as one. An exceptionally noteworthy illustration shows a happy red riding hood, running through the forest eating berries. On one half of the page we see a sly, hungry looking wolf who somehow morphs into forest trees on the second half of the page.

Reader's Annotation: A collection of poems that are shown reversed – which then reveals an entirely new poem.

Booktalking Ideas: Poetry, Punctuation

Why did you include this book: This book serves as an excellent introduction to poetry.
Quote: A beast can love beauty.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Title: Daughter of Smoke & Bone
Author: Laini Taylor

Author's Website:

ISBN: 978-0-316-13402

Publisher: Little Brown

Copyright Date: 2011

Genre:  Fantasy

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Children's Choice Book Award Nominee for Teen Choice Book of the Year (2012),  Andre Norton Award Nominee for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy (2011)

Plot Summary: A talented art student living in Czechoslovakia who has always felt different from her peers, accidentally discovers how unusual she really is.  By traveling through a magical door which opens onto any street in the world, Karou has spent her young life running strange errands to purchase teeth for her adopted family, a family of creatures who resemble monsters but who treat her kindly and rear her with love.  Her life changes on one such trip to Morocco when a beautiful Angel tries to slay her.  Her search to understand why leads her to question what is good and evil, beauty and ugliness, angelic and demonic, but mostly, where she fits in.
Critical Evaluation: This is a rich, satisfying fairy tale of a book where "good" and "bad" are not what they first seem;  Beautiful angelic conquerors can be demonic in their actions and the monstrous creatures pressed into slavery can be as pure-of-heart as angels, but only if the world is seen with eyes truly open.

Reader's Annotation: Can Karou find out the truth about who she is, where she came from, what and who are truly good in her world and what is worth fighting the save.

Booktalking Ideas: The nature of good and evil, seeing beyond the surface, worlds at war

Challenge issues: A few references to religion that might be offensive to some and a few religious terms used like demon and angel, though they aren't used in a religious context.  Discreet sexual scene that is still appropriate for older teen readers.
Why did you include this book: The writing is so lyrical, rich and atmospheric, but still accessible to readers of this age, that this is a must-read.  Unusual locations in Czechoslovakia and Morocco.
Quote: "Once upon a time, a little girl was raised by monsters. But angels burned the doorways to their world, and she was all alone."

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

Title: The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Author: Peter Sis
Author's Website: www.petersis.com

ISBN: 978-0-374-34701-7

Publisher: Frances Foster Books

Copyright Date: 2007

Genre:  Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Horn Book, 2008. Caldecott, 2008. Booklist, 2007. School Library Journal, 2007. ALA Notable Books, 2008

Plot Summary: This book is narrated by very simple one text sentences. However, the illustrations themselves each have (what can almost be described as) a caption. This is where the real information lies – information about the influence of Western Culture, and important dates in the soviet union’s history. The story is broken up by informational timelines from Sis’s personal journal. Also breaking up the story are colorful double page spreads. This simply told story is powerful in its impact, and teenagers are sure to identify with the themes of rebellion, fear and art.
Critical Evaluation: Most of the panels are created in black and white with only one or two colored accents which help to draw in the reader’s eye. The double page spreads however, are bursting in color, one in particular illustrates two members of the Beatles playing guitar on sunny green hills with other bits and pieces of Western Culture scattered throughout: Allen Ginsberg, Harlem Globetrotters etc. Sis easily highlights the contrast between Czechoslovakia and the West just by use of color (or lack thereof).

Reader's Annotation: The true story of what life was like growing up in a communist Czechoslovakia and how America influenced Peter's life.Booktalking Ideas: Telling stories through illustration, communism, activism

Why did you include this book: This book shares some brief communist history in a unique and interesting way through text and illustrations.

Quote: "A group of guys with long hair meet in front of the National Museum and get chased by the police. When they are caught, the police pull out scissors and give them haircuts."