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."

Fahrenheit 451

Title: Fahrenheit 451
Author: Rad Bradbury
Author's Website: http://www.raybradbury.com/

ISBN: 978-0-329-93351-7

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks
Copyright Date: 1951

Genre: Classic

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 1997.

Plot Summary: Fahrenheit 451 is the temperature at which books burn. Guy Montag is a fireman in a world where books are outlawed and burned by himself and other "firemen". Television rules this society and Guy never questions this existence, until he meets Clarisse who shares with him how big of a part literature played in that past. Eventually, Guy is stealing books from homes instead of burning them, and comes to realize how shallow his friends and wife are. He longs for intellectual conversation, and befriends an old college professor whol ultimately helps him when the fire department comes to burn Guy's house down.
Critical Evaluation: Ray Bradbury does an excellent job of sharing a glimpse into a world without literature. He successfully infuses his novel with themes such as knowledge vs. ignorance, and provokes the reader to examine important values in our society.
Reader's Annotation: Guy Montag is a fireman in a world where books are outlawed and burned by himself and other "firemen". Will Guy come to realize the importance of literature, and will it be too late?

Booktalking Ideas: Censorship

Why did you include this book: Bradbury explores the danger and effects of too much television and emphasizes an importance in literature and learning.
Quote: A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it. Take the shot from the weapon. Breach man's mind. Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man? Me? I won't stomach them for a minute.

The Giver

Title: The Giver
Author: Lois Lowry
Author's Website: www.loislowry.com

ISBN: 978-0-329-69131-8

Publisher: Dell-laurel Leaf

Copyright Date: 1993

Genre: Dystopic 

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12-18

Awards: Horn Book, 1993. Newbery Medal, 1994

Plot Summary: In the year 2065, in a world of sameness Jonas is turning 12 years old which means he will get his life assignment. He is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories and works closely with The Giver, who gives him one memory of the past at a time, including color. Jonas is the only person allowed to carry these memories for the rest of the society and will be called upon if he ever needs to make decisions based on the past. Once Jonas realizes how much his society is missing out on he feels torn between staying and running away.

Critical Evaluation: Lois Lowry successfully creates a chilling world that at first appears to be a utopia in which there is an order, structure and happiness to society. They are void of heartbreak, war and poverty. It isn't until the reader learns alongside Jonas how much their society is missing out on, and how much joy is kept from each individual. 

Reader's Annotation: Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memory in a world of sameness. However, after receiving memories of the past world will Jonas be satisfied to stay living in a world with no color or music?

Booktalking Ideas: Individuality
Challenge issues if any: This story has been challenged because some feel that the message or warning behind the content is too old for children. However, I believe this book is perfect for young adults who are at an age where analytical skills must be developed.

Why did you include this book: This novel will have young adults questioning important concepts such as the right to individuality.
Quote: "You will be faced, now, with pain of a magnitude that none of us here can comprehend because it is beyond our experience. The Receiver himself was not able to describe it, only to remind us that you would be faced with it, that you would need immense courage."

The Host

Title: The Host
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Author's Website:

ISBN: 978-0-316-06804-8

Publisher: Little Brown

Copyright Date: 2008

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15 to adult

Awards: Book list, 2008. School Library Journal, 2008. Teacher Librarian, 2010.

Plot Summary: Melanie lives in a world that has been invaded by souls that use human bodies as hosts. When she is captured, she refuses to relinquish control of her mind to the soul placed inside of her. Instead the soul feels all of Melanie's emotions and soon starts falling in love with Jared, the man Melanie can't stop thinking about.

Critical Evaluation: Stephanie Meyer brilliantly nails a science fiction novel that will captivate both teenagers and adults. This suspenseful novel equally contains action, and emotion.

Reader's Annotation: In a world where humans have been invaded and their bodies used as hosts, Melanie refuses to relinquish control of her body to the "soul" placed inside of her. 

Booktalking Ideas: Good vs. Evil, humanity

Why did you include this book: This is a science fiction novel that can be enjoyed by readers who do not typically enjoy science fiction because it contains so many other elements.
Quote: "Eight full lives. Eight full lives and I've never found anyone I would stay in a planet for, anyone I would follow when they left. I never found a partner. Why now? Why you? You're not of my species. How can you be my partner? It's not fair. I love you."

1984

Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Author's Website:

ISBN: 978-0-451-52493-5

Publisher: Signet Classic

Copyright Date: 1949

Genre:  Classics

Reading Level/Interest Age: 9th-12th grade

Awards: Booklist 08/01/97, ALA Notable Children's Books 1995

Plot Summary: Winston Smith lives in Oceania, a future state ruled by Big Brother who is constantly monitoring and controlling the actions of the people. Winston begins carrying on an affair with a woman named Julia, something they could both be vaporized for. Ultimately, the Thought Police come for him, torture him and are able to successfully brain wash him and send him back into society.

Critical Evaluation: Orwell's brilliant novel shares his fear of a government that has grown out of control. The entire story reads as almost a warning of a possible future if we don't take an active stance to avoid relinquishing our civil liberties. 

Reader's Annotation:  Winston Smith lives in a world where Big Brother watches your every move and the Thought Police dictate what you’re allowed to think about. Will he risk his life by secretly rebelling against the government?

Booktalking Ideas: Censorship, Privacy

Why did you include this book: This classic novel is a literature staple that will have young adults considering the concepts of censorship, privacy and control. 
Quote: "People simply disappeared, always during the night. Your name was removed from the registers, every record of everything you had ever done was wiped out, your one-time existence was denied and then forgotten. You were abolished, annihilated: vaporized was the usual word."

Trapped

Title: Trapped
Author: Michael Northrop
Author's Website: http://michaelnorthrop.net/

ISBN: 978-0-545-21012-6

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 2011

Copyright Date: 2011

Genre: Adventure

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18

Awards: Booklist, 2011. Publisher's Weekly, 2011.

Plot Summary: After early dismissal from school due to the snowy weather, Scotty and his two best friends decide to stay after and work in the shop, not realizing that they will be stranded for the next week in the worst blizzard the country has ever seen. There are seven students in total that have to band together to find food, and warmth when the pipes freeze and the power goes out.
Critical Evaluation: Northrup successfully creates a page-turning novel that leaves readers fascinated, and anxious to see what happens next. Most teens will be able to appreciate that the story is told from the perspective of Scotty, a 15 year old high school student who is still worried about his bad breath, and zits even though their lives are potentially at risk. Northrup builds anxiety in the reader, while still providing a realistic teenage dialogue, and inner monologue.

Reader's Annotation: Seven High School students are trapped in their highschool during the country's worst storm, and forced to survive the cold with no power or heat.

Booktalking Ideas: Survival,

Why did you include this book: I chose this book because it is a fast-paced adventure read.
Quote: "It would've seemed impossible, even just a few days ago, but the snow was maybe three feet below the second-floor window-sill. I looked out. How long would it take to reach the windows?" It was already drifting up against some of them. Could it keep going long enough to cover them, like it'd covered the ones downstairs? There was no higher ground, no place left for us to go."