The American Teenager: It's Complicated by Robin Bowman

Bowman, R. (2007) It's complicated: the American teenager. New York: Umbrage Editions, Inc. ISBN: 9781884167690

Plot Summary: Over one hundred photos have been taken of teenagers from all over the United States. The black and white photos each capture the beauty of the teens and their setting. Each story is very different from the next. The first couple stories are from teenagers who tell of their experience after 9/11. They speak of their emotions, communities, and relationships with the people in their lives. Other stories include teens who have experienced violence, pregnancy, travels, illnesses, love, and every other aspect of life. The interviews are short and conclude with the name and location of the teen(s). Readers will read about the lives of teen parents, prom queens, athletes, dwarfs, naturalists,drug addicts, musicians, and so many other types of teens.

Critical Evaluation: Reading about the lives of teens from all over the states is very eye-opening. Several of these teens who were interviewed have stories that are both shocking and inspiring. The stories were kept brief so that readers will have the opportunity to understand the broad range of lifestyles. The black and white photography makes each photo unique. The photos are taken in the teens' natural environment which makes the subject so much more authentic. I like how between each twenty pages, the proof sheets show the pictures of all of the photos included in the book. Each story was so different from the next which provided a wide spectrum of personalities and life experiences.

Information about the Author: Robin Bowman is a photojournalist who is based in New York. Many of her photos relate to political and social issues. She currently lives in Maine.

Annotation: Robin Bowman is a photographer and writer who interviews over one hundred teenagers throughout the United States to find out about what has impacted their lives the most.
Curriculum Ties: Photography and social issues

Booktalking Ideas: Discuss black and white photography and how the photojournalist used it to capture her images.

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

Challenge Issues: Sexual content

Reason for Inclusion: The book received positive reviews from Elisabeth Biondi, the visual director of The New Yorker.

Genius: A photobiography of Albert Einstein by Marfe Ferguson Delano

Delano, M. (2005) Genius: A photobiography of Albert Einstein. New York: National Geographic. ISBN: 0792295447

Plot Summary: The amazing story of Albert Einstein's life is told through both photos and text. His life began in Ulm, Germany on March 14, 1879. He was always very curious as a child. At the age of 17, Einstein hated the way of life in Germany and decided to renounce his citizenship and move out of the country. After moving to Italy to live with his family for a while, he moved to Switzerland to enroll at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Upon graduating, he began working at the Swiss patent office, married Mileva Maric who then bore two sons. Some of Einstein's greatest accomplishments include his theory of relativity and winning the 1921 Nobel Prize in physics. The life of Einstein will surely inspire teens to think outside the box and pursue their interests.

Critical Evaluation: Readers will learn so many new things about Albert Einstein. I was surprised to find out about his role in civil rights movement. Most people know him for his theory of relativity and his expertise in physics. But readers will find out the depths of his personality and interests. I love how each photo is paired with a quote from Einstein. Each quote that is chosen is profound and memorable. The author did a fabulous job at writing a straight-forward story. The book is a quick and easy read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning about the life of Albert Einstein.

Information about the Author: Marfe Ferguson Delano has written a dozen books for National Geographic. She currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and two kids.

Annotation: Albert Einstein is one of the most well-known scientists that has made a tremendous impact on physics and on the world.

Genre: non-fiction, photobiography

Curriculum Ties: Science

Booktalking Ideas: List some facts about Einstein and have teens discuss their thoughts and reactions.

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

Challenge Issues: none

Reason for Inclusion: This books has received several awards including the James Madison Book Award Honor and was named an ALA Notable Book.

Your Own Sylvia by Stephanie Hemphill

Hemphill, S. (2007) Your own, Sylvia: a verse portrait of Sylvia Plath. New York: Random House Inc. ISBN: 9780375837996

Plot Summary: The story of Sylvia Plath is very interesting, and yet tragic. She is a well-known American poet and writer who has captured the hearts of many. Sylvia was born in Boston on October 27, 1932. Her father, Otto Plath, was a German and biology professor. Her mother, Aurelia Plath, had the desire to be a writer. When Sylvia was only 8 years old, her father died of diabetes. Stephanie Hemphill uses poetry to tell Sylvia's life story. Each poem is written from the perspective of different people in her life. Those people include her mother, father, brother, boyfriends, husband, professors, and other people who played an important role in her life. The poems begin from when Sylvia was a child and describes the relationship she had with her parents, her brother, and her husband, Ted Hughes. Readers will be shocked to see how Sylvia’s life comes to an end.

Critical Evaluation: The author does an extraordinary job at telling the story of Sylvia Plath's life through poetry. Although I have not been much of a fan of poetry, the fact that it was being used to tell a story made the verses very understandable. I appreciate how the author balances off the story with a brief summary of what each poem is speaking about. Readers will have a thorough understanding of the kind of person Sylvia Plath was and the kind of life she led. The poems are intimate and honest. After reading Your Own, Sylvia, I was intrigued with her life and wanted to learn more. The only disappointment was that not one of Sylvia's poems was used throughout the book. Having read all about her life, readers might want a sample of her work.

Information about the Author: Stephanie Hemphill lives in Los Angeles, CA. She has won the Myra Cohn Livingston Award for Poetry from the Children's Literature Council of Southern California for the book Things Left Unsaid.

Annotation: Sylvia Plath is a famous American writer who created poetry from her tragedies.

Genre: non-fiction, poetry

Curriculum Ties: elements of poetry

Booktalking Ideas: Read and discuss Sylvia Plath's poem, Ariel.

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

Challenge Issues: Suicide

Reason for Inclusion: Your Own, Sylvia received the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature.

Tales from the Arabian Nights (AUDIOBOOK)

Stephens, T. (2004). Tales from the Arabian nights [Playaway]. Naxos AudioBooks.

Plot Summary: The king of Persia was once married to a woman who turned out to be unfaithful. In the midst of his anger, he has her executed and decides to marry a new woman every night, and have her killed as well the next morning. The king's adviser is the man in charge of providing the king his brides. Soon, Shaharazad, the adviser's wise daughter, realizes the fear of the women and their families in Persia. She asks her father to let her marry the king. On the night of their marriage, Shaharazad has a master plan to tell the king a story. The story was so enticing that the king allows her to live so that she could finish it the next night. Night after night, Shaharazad tells the king of numerous folk tales without finishing the end so that he allows her to live another day. Some of the stories included are Aladdin and the Lamp, Sinbad the Sailor, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Each story is comes alive through the speaker who tells the stories with much enthusiasm.

Critical Evaluation: The Tales from the Arabian Nights is a story that has been on my list of books to read/listen to for a very long time. I was first introduced to the plot by the ACRL Conference keynote speaker, Sherman Alexie. Speaking of the importance of storytelling, her mentioned the power of Shaharazad's stories and the effect they had on the king. The stories that were told in this Playaway are loved by people of all ages. I was glad to have heard some of the stories in their original context rather than the Disney version. The characters all had a very adventuruous story to be told. I would have liked for more stories from the 1001 Nights to be included.

Information about the Reader: Stephens was born in London, England in 1969. He is a film actor who has been is several movies. He is most well known for his role in the James Bond film Die Another Day and the BBC film Jane Eyre.

Annotation:After a Persian king decides to take in a wife and kill her each night, Shaharazad makes the decision to marry him in hopes of saving her life by telling enticing stories that will keep her alive.

Genre: classic, adventure

Curriculum Ties: Baghdad culture

Booktalking Ideas:Discuss

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: murder

Reason for Inclusion: The Tales from the Arabian Nights is a classic that is loved and appreciated by many. The stories display the amazing power of storytelling.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (AUDIOBOOK)

Gaiman, N. (Author and Performer). (2002). Coraline [Audio Recording]. New York: Harper Collins Publisher.

Plot Summary:Coraline Jones is the only child and is in search of something to do so that she could stay entertained. She bugs her mother and father, but they continuously brush her off and instruct her to find something to do on her own. After she goes exploring throughout the house, she discovers a door that goes nowhere but to a brick wall. When she manages to enter through the mysterious door, she meets her "other" mother and her "other" father. Her world is duplicated and the people in this other world are cold, pale, and want her to stay in their world forever. When she makes it back to her own world, she discovers her parents missing. Coraline realizes she must be brave and return to the cold world beyond the door to make her life go back to normal.

Critical Evaluation: The fact that the author was the storyteller made the sound recording even more exciting. He did a fabulous job at creating voices for the various characters. The choice of music for the introduction and conclusion were excellent. It captured the essence of Coraline's world. Although the idea of Coraline discovering another world through a part of her house seems to have been done before, the characters are made much more dark and interesting with the black button eyes.

Information about the Author: Neil Gaiman was born and raised in England, but now currently lives in Minnesota. He has written several award winning books, comics, and short stories for people of all ages. His book, The Graveyard Book just won the Newbery Medal.

Annotation: When Coraline Jones discovers a door that leads to nowhere, she soon discovers that entering it will drastically change her world.

Genre: Supernatural

Curriculum Ties: none

Booktalking Ideas:Discuss books that have characters who have entered into another world.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: none

Reason for Inclusion: Coraline received the Hugo and Nebula award. Since the book was made into a movie, teens will likely become more interested.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Peters, J.A. (2004). Luna. New York: Little Brown and Company. ISBN: 0316733695

Plot Summary: Regan is constantly being woken up in the middle of the night to the sounds of her brother. He spends hours upon hours in the early morning dressing up in women's clothes and putting on make-up. Although this is not a big deal for Regan, she starts to realize the severity of her brother's issue when Liam, a.k.a. Luna, attempts to kill himself. Regan tries to help him by allowing unlimited access to her room to dress as she pleases. However, being stuck in a man's body becomes unbearable for Luna. Luna slowly comes out of her cocoon and goes down a path of self-discovery. Eventually, both Luna and Regan become aware of the steps she needs to take to become the person she wants to be.

Critical Evaluation: I enjoyed how Regan has flashbacks to scenes that explain her present situation. The story was constantly getting better as Luna goes through her metamorphosis. Although this book contains a very controversial subject matter, the author presents the characters in a very real manner. The story is very emotional and will give readers a whole new perspective on what it must be like to live in a body that doesn't feel like your own. Both teens and adults have a tendency to find a man who dresses in women's clothing as awkward. But Peters tells the story so well, that readers will sympathize and understand the situation of both Luna and Regan. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who is open to learning about the issues a transsexual people and their experiences.

Information about the Author: Julie Anne Peters has written several books for kids of all ages. She has a few novels coming out within the next two years, Rage: A Love Story and By the Time You Read This, I'll be Dead. She currently lives in Colorado with her partner, Sherri.

Annotation: Regan must deal with the fact that her brother is a transsexual and helps him through the process of morphing into the woman he wants to be.

Genre: Transsexuality and identity

Curriculum Ties: human sexuality

Booktalking Ideas: Read the first chapter in the book. It will definitely catch the attention of teens and adults.

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

Challenge Issues: transsexuality

Reason for Inclusion: Having read Luna for the class discussion, I though it was a very well written story that should be included in the database. Luna was also a National Book Award finalist.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Paulsen, G. (2007). Hatchet. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416936473

Plot Summary: Hatchet is about a 13-year-old boy named Brian Robeson whose parents just went through a divorce. On his flight to go visit his father in Canada, the pilot gives him a quick lesson on how to fly a plane. The pilot then unexpectedly suffers from a heart attack leaving Brian the responsibility to fly. He then crash lands into a lake in the Canadian wilderness left with nothing but the hatchet his mother gave to him before he left. After several months, Brian learns to survive in the forest using the little resources he has.

Critical Evaluation: The author does an amazing job at keeping readers interested. Both guys and girls will enjoy the adventures that Brian faces. He experiences several rebirths throughout the story. Readers will be amazed with the amount of strength Brian has and with the decisions he makes. He teaches himself how to fish, choose berries, build a fire, and more. The author does a fabulous job at showing the character’s perseverance and strength. I would definitely be interested in reading the sequels to the book.

Information about the Author: Gary Paulsen was born in 1939 and is a very popular author for young readers. He lives in Minnesota and has incredible amounts of life experiences that is reflected in his writing.

Annotation: After his plane crashes in the middle of the Canadian forest, Brian Robeson finds himself struggling to survive using his hatchet and the resources around him.

Genre: Travel and survival

Curriculum Ties: Canada

Booktalking Ideas: Librarian will read a first person narrative of Brian’s experience in the middle of the forest.

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

Challenge Issues: none

Reason for Inclusion: Hatchet has been awarded the Newbery Honor Book, ALA Notable Children’s Book ALA Best of the Best for Young Adults, “Booklist” editors’ Choice, and ALA Quick Pick.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Martel, Y.(2001). Life of Pi. New York: Harcourt. ISBN: 0151008116

Plot Summary: Pi’s family decides to relocate their zoo from India to New York on a large ship. While out at sea, a storm hits and causes a shipwreck, Pi is left shipwrecked with a tiger, a zebra, and orangutan. He struggles to survive using the little resources he has. While he is out at sea, he learns to deal with the difficulties that people face when they are struggling to survive. He puts all of his life skills to the test while dealing with the animals he has on board, especially Richard Parker, the tiger. Although his travels were ruined and he was left to survive at sea, Pi soon realizes the incredible amount of strength he possesses.

Critical Evaluation: The story was a bit difficult to get into at first considering it was long and detailed background on the reasoning for the transferring of the zoo from one country to another. But once the shipwreck occurred, readers will be drawn in and will find it difficult to even put the book down. The main character, Pi, has an amazing way of getting himself through his horrible situation both physically and mentally. Amazingly, he is found and is taken home. But at the end, there is a twist that will make you rethink the whole story. After I had finished, I wanted to read it again to figure out of the story was skewed by his state of delirium or if his story was that of a miracle.

Information about the Author: Yann Martel is a Canadian author who was born in Spain. He has lived in several countries throughout the world including France, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada. He has done lots of traveling and has won several awards for his work.

Annotation: Pi is on a ship with zoo animals heading for America when he is shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean. He is left to survive at sea with a tiger and the hope to someday be found.

Genre: Travel and survival

Curriculum Ties: India, religion

Booktalking Ideas: The librarian will read a first person narrative of Pi and his experiences with having to survive at sea with a tiger.

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

Challenge Issues: : none

Reason for Inclusion: Yann Martel has won several awards including the Man Booker Prize, Hugh MacLennan Prize, the Governor General’s Award, and the Journey Prize. Although he is an adult author, Life of Pi is a story that could be cherished by teens.

True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Avi. (1990) The true confessions of Charlotte Doyle. New York: Orchard Books. ISBN: 0531084930

Plot Summary: Charlotte Doyle is a thirteen-year-old girl who is about to embark on a ship with a crew of all men. Although her father ordered her to ride the Seahawk with two other families, the plans fell through and Charlotte was left with no other choice but to take the three-month voyage alone. Zachariah, the kind and friendly Black cook, warns her to not aboard the ship. After deciding to not go against her father’s orders, Zachariah gives her a dagger for protection. After several days at sea, she soon finds out the crew’s plans to murder Captain Andrew Jaggery. Since the captain in an employee of her father, she feels he is the only person to be trusted. Eventually, the captain reveals his true nature and uses Charlotte as a scapegoat. Throughout the story, Charlotte takes on the role of a crewmember to help relieve the workload on the other men. She experiences an incredibly rough time at sea and is eventually charged with murder. Find out how she gets herself into such a situation.

Critical Evaluation: This book has been one of the best books I have read for the genre study. The author eloquently constructs a story that will have readers enthralled. The author has an amazing way of getting into the head of Charlotte Doyle that I found myself conversing with her in my mind. When she decided to get onto the ship, the author does a great job at foreshadowing the dangerous events. But at the same time, the story is not at all predictable. The person that everyone thinks is going to die is actually the person that accuses Charlotte of being a murderer. Charlotte’s character is a bit rigid when she first boards the ship. But throughout the story, she grows into a woman of strength, bravery, and loyalty.

Information about the Author: Avi was born in New York and currently lives in Denver, Colorado. He has written over several dozens of books for children and young adults. He has won the Newbery Medal for his book Crispin and has also won awards for several other books.

Annotation: When Charlotte Doyle boards a ship without her family, she soon realizes the intentions of the crew to kill the captain and experiences an adventure of a lifetime.

Genre: Travel and adventure

Curriculum Ties: sailing and ships

Booktalking Ideas: The librarian can introduce the topic of sailing. Have teens imagine what it would be like to be at sea for three months on a ship with strangers who are planning a murder.

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

Challenge Issues: : none

Reason for Inclusion: Avi is an amazing author who has won several awards which include the Newbery Medal, Scott O’Dell Award, Christopher Award, and several others. The story itself is a great travel adventure that will have readers enticed from start to finish.

All the Way by Andy Behrens

Behrens, A. (2006) All the way. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN: 0525477616

Plot Summary: Ian is the typical nice guy who never seems to get anything but friendship from the girls he likes. While his two best friends Lance and Felicia are spending their summers having a blast, Ian is stuck working 6:30AM shifts at the mall’s donut shop. To keep himself entertained, he develops an online relationship with a beautiful college girl from South Carolina, Danielle. However, Ian has convinced Danielle that he is a good looking, experienced, and aggressive football player. After several weeks of convincing himself, Ian decides to take a road trip from Illinois to South Carolina in hopes of losing his virginity. Having unsuccessfully lied to his friends, they invite themselves along and have quite an adventure on the road. Throughout the trip, they experience several detours which involve Lance’s consistent girl chase, Danielle’s food poisoning, and the breaking down of “the creature”, his $350 aged yellow Oldsmobile. In the end, Ian realized that there is more to life than pretending to be the person that he wanted Danielle to believe he was.

Critical Evaluation: This book was a lot of fun to read. It was a quick and easy read that will surely give readers a good laugh. I was a bit turned off from the book jacket summary, but thought I should give it a chance anyway. I’m glad I did since the author did such a great job at character development. Although the story is about a boy who takes a road trip in hopes of scoring with a hot college girl, the experiences he has on the way are hilarious and priceless. The author does such a great job at describing the events that readers will wish they are part of the adventures. The friendship that Ian has with Lance and Felicia is touching. Despite the madness they experience, they truly come through for each other. I would definitely recommend this book to teens who are looking for something entertaining, but still profound.

Information about the Author: All the Way is Andy Behren's first young adult novel. He grew up in Chicago's suburbs but not currently lives in the city.

Annotation: In hopes of losing his virginity to a beautiful college girl who he met online, Ian and his two best friends take a road trip and have a maddening experience.

Genre: Travel

Curriculum Ties: United States Geography

Booktalking Ideas: Ask teens what they think about online dating. Explain how Ian pursues an online girlfriend by driving from Illinois to South Carolina in hopes of going “all the way”.

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

Challenge Issues: : Sexual content

Reason for Inclusion: Although the book was Andy Behrens first novel, the story was down to earth and would definitely capture the attention of any teen who is looking for a good time.

Whirligig by Paul Fleischman

Fleischman, P. (1998) Whirligig. New York: Holt. ISBN: 0805055827

Plot Summary:Brent Bishop is a typical high school student who is just as preoccupied with popularity and girls as any other high school boy. When he is invited to a party, he is humiliated by getting publicly rejected by the girl he likes. Having had a couple of drinks, he leaves and is horribly angry about the whole situation. On his drive home, he begins to wonder if his life is worth living. With thoughts of suicide on his mind, he lets go of the steering wheel and ends up in a fatal accident. Although he has no injuries, Brent has taken the life of a young woman. After he knows nothing will ever bring her back, he agrees to the mother’s wish which is to build a whirligig in the four corners of the United States: California, Washington, Maine, and Florida. As he travels to each state and builds his creations, he comes a step closer to repentance. Readers will also see how his whirligigs affect other people who encounter his woodwork.

Critical Evaluation:The alternating of stories from Brent’s life to the other characters that were affected by the whirligig was a bit confusing at first. But once readers understand how the author is constructing the plot, the story becomes even more interesting. I was amazed to see how a simple act of kindness could alter somebody’s life so drastically. The story was different from any other I have ever read. Just the title captured my attention. The author does a good job at developing the character’s emotions throughout his travels from state to state. Each story was quite simple, but had a very interesting way of connecting to the whirligigs. But that might have been the author’s intentions. I would recommend this book to anyone who has felt guilt or felt the need to seek a way to repent for any wrongdoing.

Information about the Author: Paul Fleischman has a poet and writer who has won the Newbery Medal for his book Joyful Noise. He lives in Pacific Grove, California.

Annotation:After Brent Bishop gets into a car accident and kills a girl, he makes amends with her family by building whirligigs in honor of her and places them around the United States.

Genre: Travel and death

Curriculum Ties: United States Geography, health education

Booktalking Ideas:Discuss the definition of a whirligig. Explain how Brent Bishop constructs them in hopes of bringing some peace to the mother of the girl he killed.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: : Drunk driving

Reason for Inclusion: The writer is an award-winning author. Fleishchman won the Newbery Medal for Joyful Noise and a Newbery Honor for Graven Images.

Zigzag By Ellen Wittlinger

Wittlinger, E. (2003). Zigzag. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 0689849966

Plot Summary:Robin is a junior in high school and her boyfriend Chris, is a graduating senior who will soon be attending Georgetown. With Chris being her first and only boyfriend, Robin is absolutely dreading the day he leaves even though they have the whole summer together. Soon, Chris finds out that his parents are offering him a summer program in Italy. Devastated, Robin decides to take up her Aunt Dory’s offer to drive across the country with her and her two bratty cousins. In result of the recent death of her aunt’s husband, the family is overrun with emotions. Although her two cousins, Marshall and Iris, are nearly impossible to deal with, Robin builds a strong bond with her relatives. They experience an incredible growth that changes their lives drastically. Although Robin never had any desires to leave her hometown, traveling across the United States made her discover the never-ending possibilities.

Critical Evaluation:When I first began reading the story, I found Robin’s character to be quite needy and annoying. Her endless complaints about her boyfriend’s departure were constant and frustrating. Readers will truly feel as if they are in the middle of the relationship with the constant complaints. When her Aunt Dory invites her to go on the cross-country road trip along with her two stuck up cousins, Marshall and Iris, the story doesn’t seem like it will take a turn for a better. Considering Dory’s husband and passed away just seven months prior, the family was in emotional turmoil. However, throughout the trip, readers will see an incredible growth in both Robin and her cousins that was completely unexpected. I loved how her relationship with her cousins evolves from extreme dislike into a deep friendship. They all experience the beautiful features of various states and enjoy the simple way of living.

Information about the Author: Ellen Wittlinger is an author of several young adult novels. She was born in Belleville, Illinois and has lived in various states throughout the country. After having two kids and becoming a children's librarian, she decided to begin writing novels for young adults.

Annotation:Having difficulty dealing with her boyfriend’s departure to Italy, Robin decides to take a road trip from Chicago to Illinois with her aunt and her two spoiled cousins. Little does she know how this trip will change her and her family.

Genre: Road travel and romance

Curriculum Ties: United States Geography, health education

Booktalking Ideas: : Imagine taking an incredible zigzag road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles. You would get to meet new people, see exciting places, and experience new perspectives on life. Now imagine that you have to do this with your two selfish, bratty, rude, and ungrateful cousins whose father just died. This is what Robin had to deal with on her cross-country road trip after finding out her boyfriend will be in Italy for the summer. But find out how her trip ended up with hidden surprises.

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

Challenge Issues: : Sexual innuendos, bulimia
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Reason for Inclusion: The story of family relations is quite touching and eye-opening. The author has a great reputation for her other YA novels. Wittlinger received the Printz Honor for the book Hard Love.

Rules of the Road By Joan Bauer

Bauer, J. (2005) Rules of the road. New York: Speak. ISBN: 014240425X

Plot Summary: Jenna Boller has one true passion- selling shoes. For the last year and a half, she has been one of the top employees at Gladstone’s Shoes. Although things are going well at her job, her alcoholic father has come back into her life and is causing a mess. Mrs. Gladstone, the owner of the company, demands Jenna to drive her across the country. However, Jenna is hesitant due to her limited driving experience. After being convinced by money and the opportunity to see new places, Jenna soon becomes Mrs. Gladstone’s driver and assistant. Spending weeks upon weeks together, Jenna is becoming aware of the challenges Mrs. Gladstone’s company faces. She soon becomes aware of Elden, Mrs. Gladstone’s son, who plans on taking over the business. His plans to make a larger profit by selling lesser quality shoes drives Jenna and Mrs. Gladstone to test their strength and patience. Throughout the trip, Jenna grows into a strong female who doesn’t take no for an answer, just as her mentor Mrs. Gladstone.

Critical Evaluation: The plot was definitely different from any other story I have ever read. The author did a great job at developing Jenna’s character. Readers were able to get an idea of how she was motivated and passionate about selling shoes. Although the book summary seemed a bit bland, the plot was a lot more exciting than I had expected. Traveling with an old crabby lady doesn’t seem like the most exciting road trip, but Jenna was able to learn a wealth of information about the shoe business and about herself. Readers grow to understand the reasoning for Mrs. Gladstone’s frustration and eventually will be supportive of her desires. The other storyline regarding her alcoholic father was very sad, and yet touching. Anyone who has ever had to deal with a loved one with drug abuse problems will definitely appreciate Jenna and her story. The love, frustration, and anger Jenna feels for her dad is quite powerful.

Information about the Author: Joan Bauer has written several books for young adults. Many of her books have won awards such as the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Delacorte Press Prize for First Young Adult Novel, and several more. She currently lives in New York with her family.

Annotation: In hopes of avoiding her alcoholic father, Jenna drives her boss across the country and learns more than she could ever imagine about business, friendship, and life.

Genre: travel and realistic-fiction

Curriculum Ties: business

Booktalking Ideas: : Have teens imagine what it must be like to take an amazing road trip from Illinois to Texas with everything being paid for, as well as some spending cash. Now have them imagine that trip take place with a 73-year-old rich, grumpy woman. Would the experience still be worth it?

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

Challenge Issues: alcoholism

Reason for Inclusion: Joan Bauer’s Rules of the Road is the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book prize, an ALA Notable Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Quick Pick, and an SLJ Best Book of the Year.

In the Space Left Behind by Joan Ackermann

Ackermann, J. (2007). In the space left behind. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 006072255.

Plot Summary: Colm Drucker is a responsible and good-looking fifteen-year-old boy who lives in Massachusetts with his mom and two sisters. While he is home alone, he discovers the family dog, Chester, has died. With his mom and baby sister in Las Vegas, Colm has no one to tell. Unsure that his mother is going to return due to her fondness of the Las Vegas lifestyle, he plans on buying his family home. One day, he unexpectedly received a phone call from his father who wants him to take a road trip to California and promises seventy thousand dollars. Despite his internal battle, Colm decides to take the trip so he could have a decent down payment for the house. On a road trip with a father he does not know, Colm is annoyed with the lies, dishonesty, and irresponsibility of his father. Eventually, he comes to learn about patience and understanding.

Critical Evaluation: Although Colm Drucker is offered a large sum of money to drive his father to California, readers are led to believe that something very extreme is going to happen. I had assumed that his father was wanted for owing a large amount of money for his gambling problem. However, it turns out that his father’s intentions are quite simple. This book is great for anyone who has lacked a father in his or her life. Even though there was not much of twist, the story was good and simple. The author does a great job at making connections in this father and son relationship. At the end of the story, readers see the significance of Chester, the family dog, and the importance of the road trip for his father. Colm’s character experiences a very subtle evolution. The road trip ended up being an eye opener and changed Colm from being angry to understanding.

Information about the Author: Joan Ackermann is an author, journalist, screenwriter, and playwright. She has written several plays and have recently had her play, Off the Map, adapted as a feature film. She is also the director of a theater, Mixed Company, which is located in Massachusetts. She currently lives in the Berkshires and works as a hiking guide.

Annotation: Although Colm Drucker’s father abandoned his family, he returns to give Colm a seventy thousand dollar offer to drive across the country with him.

Genre: Road travel

Curriculum Ties: United States Geography

Booktalking Ideas: First person narrative from Colm's perspective.

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

Challenge Issues: Although it is only mentioned briefly, Colm and his father do have a discussion about God and religion.

Reason for Inclusion: This book is great for teens who haven’t had a father in their life. Although most fathers have never given their kids the opportunity that Colm received, readers can get the perspective of how a parent may feel when they make the decision to leave their family.

Zane's Trace by Allan Wolf

Wolf, A. (2007). Zane’s trace. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 0763628581

Plot Summary: Zane Guesswind is born into a family with all sorts of problems. His mother was mentally ill and committed suicide while he suffers from epileptic seizures. In order to battle the voices he hears in his head, he uses his sharpie markers to write on the walls, his stolen 1969 Barracuda. When his grandfather dies, Zane is convinced that he is responsible for his death. As a result, he decides to take his older brother’s driver’s license along with the Barracuda on a road trip to Zanesville, Ohio. Zanesville is the site of his mother’s grave and where he plans on killing himself. On his journey, he meets Libba, Libba Ration. Throughout their journey, the talkative Libba helps Zane understand certain aspects in life. The relationship between the two characters is quite interesting and takes a surprising turn. With interwoven stories of people from Zane’s past, the story is intriguing and haunting at the same time.

Critical Evaluation: I was surprised to see how quickly I read through the book. When I first started, the story seemed very morbid and I was a bit skeptical about whether this was something I wanted to include in my genre study. But once I got half way through the novel, I realized how carefully the book was developed. The way the historical characters were interwoven into the story was at first confusing, but once it happened a few more times, readers then realize it is part of the narrative style. As someone who is not a huge fan of poetry, I was able to really appreciate the poetic elements throughout the story. The way the book came to an end was a great surprise, however, I wanted to know more. I found the author’s note really interesting at the end of the story. I love how the story included factual places. It made the story so much more interesting to find out that Zane’s destination was real.

Information about the Author: Allan Wolf is an author, teacher and poet who lives in North Carolina with his wife and three kids. He then became the director for Poetry Alive! which provides theatrical poetry shows across the United States.

Annotation: Zane takes a road trip to Zanesville, Ohio to kill himself at his mother’s grave. On his journey, he meets Libba and experiences changes that will alter his path.

Genre: Adventure

Curriculum Ties: United States Geography

Booktalking Ideas: Read a few stanzas of poetry from the book and discuss the meaning and poetic elements. Explain how the book is a novel but has many poetic features.

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

Challenge Issues: Suicide, robbery, mental illness

Reason for Inclusion: The mood of the book is very dark, but was included for those readers who want something different. I really enjoyed this book since it has a hopeful ending. The plot and characters are very edgy and definitely a worthwhile read.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Bradbury, R. (1979) Fahrenheit 451. New York: Random House. ISBN: 0345342968

Plot Summary: Guy Montag is a fireman. Not a fireman in a typical sense, but the kind of fireman who started fires- he would burn books. Living in a society that believed books were the cause of trouble and anxiety, owning books was forbidden. Anyone who is caught with books would be in a considerate amount of trouble. One day, he meets a girl who makes him take a different look on their reasoning for destroying information. When he begins to question why he does what he does, his world begins to change. He sees people in his life in a different light. His firefighter partner becomes cold and his wife becomes suicidal. Montag begins to realize that censoring people from ideas and emotions will only create an eternal emptiness. He makes a life-changing decision that will determine the future of his life and his society.

Critical Evaluation: Although many people may have qualms about science fiction, Ray Bradbury takes the story to a whole other level. I find this book absolutely fascinating. Although I have never been a real fan of science fiction, I was enticed by the exciting storyline. At first, you are upset with the Montag for doing being a fire fighter, but then readers realize that the society he lives in is what implements his reasoning. When he meets the young 17 year old girl, I realize how much of an impact a person can have on someone else's life. I would highly recommend this book to those who may think they are not fans of science fiction. This book will really change your mind.

Information about the Author: Ray Bradbury was born in Illinois in 1920. He is a novelist, poet, screenwriter, and essayist. He has four daughters, eight grand children, and he currently lives in Los Angeles.

Genre: Science-fiction

Curriculum Ties: Politics and censorship

Booktalking Ideas: Tell kids to imagine a world where people were not allowed to read, feel, or think for themselves. Describe how Guy Montag lived in a world like this, but did something about it.

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

Challenge Issues: Censorship and suicide

Reason for Inclusion: Fahrenheit 451 is a book that deals with an issue that has been a problem in the past, as well as in the present-censorship. Readers will have a whole new perspective on what it would be like to live in a world that is strictly censored.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Coelho, P. (1998) The alchemist. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 0062502182

Plot Summary: Santiago is a Shepard boy who lives a simple life in his homeland of Spain. He decides to travel from Spain to the desert in Egypt. He does this because of a dream he has. He dreams of a treasure that is buried in the pyramids. During his travels, he meets several people that change the course of his journey. In hopes of accomplishing his personal legend, he experiences bumps in the road when he is tricked by a thief in Tangier into giving him money and possessions. Feeling nothing but frustration and anger, he questions the purpose of his journey. After losing hope and inspiration, he meets a crystal merchant who gives him the opportunity to work and save enough money to continue on his journey. He then moves forward with his travels through Egypt with a caravan. The treasures he finds turn out to be the treasure he least expected.

Critical Evaluation: The Alchemist is one of those books that could be read over and over again and readers learn something new about Santiago and about themselves each time. The writer has a way of writing words that truly inspire. Santiago character is hopeful and determined to find out what lies at the end of his journey. The story is timeless. After reading this book, I was inspired to take my own journey. For teens who need a little push, Santiago's story will give readers a boost to get up and follow their dreams.

Information about the Author: Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947. He has written over two dozen books for adults. He is a prolific writer and a traveler himself.

Annotation: Santiago goes on a journey to follow his dreams and discovers a lot about himself on the way.

Genre: Adventure, travel, spirituality

Curriculum Ties: Spiritual studies

Booktalking Ideas: Ask students about their dreams and how far they would go to achieve them. Describe how Santiago has a dream that sends him on an incredible journey.

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

Challenge Issues: none

Reason for Inclusion:The Alchemist is a classic that teens would enjoy. It is inspiring and a must-read for both teens and adults.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Lowry, L. (1993) The giver. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0395645662

Plot Summary: Jonas is an eleven year-old boy who lives in a futuristic society where each person is given a job. Due to the way things are run, hate, violence, and pain do not exist in Jonas' society. Jonas' father, a Nurturer of Children, and his mother, a worker for the Department of Justice prepare him for his ceremony. The Ceremony of Twelve is where members of the community are given their assignment when they turn twelve. Unexpectedly, Jonas is given one of the most powerful jobs, Receiver of Memory. As Receiver of Memory, he is responsible for keeping all of the memories that do not exist within the community- pain, stress, war, so that they do not experience it again. The Giver is the person who passes on the memories and tries to help Jonas understand the reasoning of their society.

Critical Evaluation: As a reader who has never really enjoyed science-fiction, I was surprised to see how quickly I fell in love with the story, the plot, and the characters. Although the story takes place in some futuristic society, the emotions are very real and present. I would highly suggest this book to ages 9 to adult. Although the author simply constructs the storyline, it holds such profound meaning. Readers will definitely be stricken with suspense when Jonas makes the decisions he does.

Information about the Author: Lois Lowry has written dozens of books for young adults and received several awards for her work. She has been given the Newbery Medal for The Giver and Number the Stars. She currently lives in Boston and New Hampshire.

Annotation: When Jonas turns twelve years old, he is given the ultimate assignment in this futuristic utopia. How he uses his role will ultimately determine the state of his community.

Curriculum Ties: Communities, Politics

Booktalking Ideas: Describe the utopia that Jonas lives in. Imagine a world with no pain, war, sorrow, anger, etc. Find out what Jonas' role becomes in this exciting science fiction novel.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-adult

Challenge Issues: The assignment of Jonas' father, to care for babies and to give them injections when they are ill brings up a very heavy issue.

Reason for Inclusion:The Giver is not only a Newbery Medal winning book, but a book that people of all ages can relate to. It will make teens think twice about the motives of people within our society.

So B. It by Sarah Weeks

Bradbury, J. (2008) Shift. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416947325

Plot Summary: Heidi is a home-schooled 13 year-old girl whose past is a mystery. Her mother is mentally ill and is not able to answer all of the questions Heidi has. One of the few words her mother repeatedly says, Soof, urges Heidi to find out more about her mother’s life. With the support of her neighbor Bernadette, Heidi manages to take care of her mother and herself through her unusual streak of good luck. One day, Heidi discovers a roll of film that may possibly answer many of her questions. The young and brave young teen decides to take a bus from Reno, Nevada to Liberty, New York. On her journey, she does her best to “fly under the radar” by meeting mother-like figures. Readers know that Heidi’s character is strong-willed and determined through her courageous life-making decisions. Heidi soon finds out information about her past and questions whether knowing the truth is as important as just living in the present.

Critical Evaluation: Heidi’s character is incredibly strong and persistent. Since she has a strong urge to learn about things, it was disappointing to see how she was stuck in an apartment with a mentally disabled mother and an agoraphobic motherly neighbor. Aside from her interaction with the neighbor boy, Zander, she doesn’t have much interaction with anyone outside her home. However, Heidi’s decision to take a bus trip across the country independently made the story all the more exciting. Her experiences were quite simple. Except for the fact she had incredibly amazing luck that got her out of impossible situations. Although her journey was not action packed, the trip itself allowed her to grow emotionally. I was surprised to see how quickly I read through the book. The writing was simple and easy to comprehend. The title of the book is quite confusing, but once readers get about two-thirds of the way through, the title makes perfect sense.

Information about the Author: Sara Weeks is an accomplished author, singer, and songwriter. So B. It was her first YA novel and was placed on the ALA Best Books for Young Adults. The author lives in New York with her two sons and visits schools throughout the country to promote her books and reading.

Annotation: After Chris and Win come up with the brilliant of idea of biking cross-country, the two friends experience both highs and lows. But when Chris returns home by himself, he is questioned by the FBI and his life is no longer the same.

Genre: Mystery

Curriculum Ties: United States geography

Booktalking Ideas: Ask teens to imagine what it would be like to not know their past, to imagine what it would be like to have a mother that you could not communicate with because of her mental disability. What lengths would you go through to find out? Explain how Heidi took a leap of faith to discover her past.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: The book repeatedly uses the term retarded to describe the state of Heidi’s mother.

Reason for Inclusion:Sarah Weeks is a great character that lives in an unusual situation that not many teens find themselves in. But she uses her luck and guts to pursue something that she so strongly desires.

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury

Bradbury, J. (2008) Shift. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416947325

Plot Summary: After Chris and Win (short for Winston) spend four inseparable years of high school together, they slyly convince their parents to allow them to travel across the country, on bike. They set a date right after graduation to make their departure for Seattle, Washington from their home state West Virginia. Chris and Win meet hospitable people on their journey. Chris is the more organized and thought-out friend, while Win is the irresponsible, reckless kid whose life path is determined by his father’s desires. The journey is a bonding experience for the two friends. They learn so much about themselves and about each other. However, Win isn’t the friend Chris thinks and ends up ditching Chris towards the end of the trip. When Chris returns home back to his regular life, still angry at Win, he finds out that Win never made it home. Now being the man of question, Chris is determined to find out how and why Win’s journey went askew.

Critical Evaluation: Having experienced the feeling of being done with high school, most teens, and some adults, will relate to need to break out and explore other parts of the country. The author, Jennifer Bradbury, writes a vivid account of Chris and Win’s journey that is inspiring and entertaining. The story was fast paced and keeps readers enticed. The switch from chapter to chapter with scenes from the past and present was clever and well done. The mystery portion of the story was a bit predictable, but nonetheless, the storyline resembles that of a Law and Order episode. Aside from the interesting plot, the friendship between the two boys was well developed with just the right amount of emotion. I would highly recommend this book to both girls and guys who are up to a down-to-earth and exciting story. Bradbury manages to depict the changes that the teens experience within themselves and the evolution of their friendship.

Information about the Author: Jennifer Bradury lives in Burlington, Washington where she teaches English. She and her husband experienced bike riding across the country for their honeymoon. Shift is her first published novel. An interesting fact about Bradbury is that she was a one-day winner on the game show Jeopardy.

Annotation: After Chris and Win come up with the brilliant of idea of biking cross-country, the two friends experience both highs and lows. But when Chris returns home by himself, he is questioned by the FBI and his life is no longer the same.

Genre: Mystery

Curriculum Ties: United States geography

Booktalking Ideas: Show clips of road trip photos to spark discussion about cities that were visited by the characters throughout the book. The librarian can then explain a brief story of how two friends visited these places on a journey to find themselves and a bit of adventure.

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

Challenge Issues: Aside from Win disobeying his parents’ wishes, the characters were decent kids who did not get into much trouble. The book does not have any controversial subject matters.

Reason for Inclusion: Most teens dream of crazy ideas to do after their high school graduation. Shift is a great story about two friends who choose to take the risk of making a journey that will change their lives.

Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolver, B. (2001). Bean trees. Harper Torch. ISBN: 0061097314

Plot Summary: Missy is stuck in Kansas where girls are getting pregnant and marrying in their early teen years. Not wanting this for herself, she saves enough money for a windowless car, she changes her name to Taylor, and heads west on a road trip that will change her life. She unexpectedly is given a child when she stops for food on an Indian reservation. She is given no other choice but to take responsibility for the three-year-old girl whom she names Turtle. As she continues her journey, she and Turtle end up in Tucson, Arizona. With the little resources she has, Taylor manages to build friendships and get back on her two feet. She learns about the hardships of life through the stories of the new people in her life. Never having the intentions of becoming a mother, Taylor is faced with having to make a decision with will determine the path of her life, as well as the new child in her life.

Critical Evaluation: Kingsolver’s Bean Trees is a great story about a young woman who sets out on her own journey across the United States. The first couple chapters capture readers’ attention when Taylor is placed in a very uncomfortable situation which involves taking in an unwanted and abused young child when stopped on an Indian reservation. Although the story is quite genuine, the plot develops very slowly. The author develops more on the friendships Taylor builds with Lou Anne and Mattie, the two women who provide her the support when her resources run dry. Although this book is suitable for 7th through 12th graders, the story seems like it would attract older adults or mature teen readers. Taking on the responsibility of an abandoned three-year-old child is probably not most teenagers’ idea of exciting. But the decision to get up and get out will definitely be an idea teens can relate to.

Information about the Author: Barbara Kingsolver was born in Maryland. She writes fiction books and poetry. She established the Bellwether Prize, which is given to outstanding literature.

Annotation: When Taylor Greer decides to leave her hometown of Kentucky and take a road trip west, she hits a bump in the road when given the responsibility of an abandoned child. Faced with life changing decisions, Taylor experiences a growth with the support of her new circle of friends.

Genre: adoption, Indian reservations, and automobile travel

Curriculum Ties: United States geography

Booktalking Ideas: Asks students how many of them would love the idea of taking a cross-country road trip. Then ask how many of them would take on the responsibility of an abandoned child on their road trip. This was the situation Taylor was put in. So read and found out what Taylor decides to do.

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

Challenge Issues: One of the heart-breaking truths readers find out is how 3-year-old Turtle is sexually molested. Although the author does not describe how the molestation takes place, the mentioning of the topic could be disturbing.

Reason for Inclusion: Although Taylor starts out with the exciting plan to take a road trip, this story shows how some roads have obstacles. Sometimes the decisions teens make will define their future and Taylor’s story is the perfect example.

2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, S. (2007). The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. NY: Hatchet Book Group USA. ISBN: 978031613680

Plot Summary: Junior is a high school student who grows up on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Seattle. Although he was born with health problems and is constantly bullied, he still has a positive take on life. He realizes that he will be able to receive a better education if he were to attend the white school which is located miles away. His decision to make the move changes the way his best friend, Rowdy, and the rest of the people on his rez feels about him. He is seen as a traitor. Although he goes through extreme measures to attend his new school, he meets certain people that give him the confidence to be the person he wants to be.

Critical Evaluation: I love the way the author incorporates illustrated comics to match highlights in each chapter. Not only are the illustrations hilarious, but his writing is constructed in such an articulate manner. His writing style is honest and straight to the point. Readers will really feel as if they are reading straight out of somebody's journal. Many people do not get the perspective of a teen's experience on the reservation. This book is great for anyone who has been outcast for what doing what they love and believe in. Junior's story is inspiring and will make you laugh until you cry and cry until you laugh.

Information about the Author: Sherman Alexie has won several awards for his short stories and poems. He is also a filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for Smoke Signals. He currently lives in Seattle.

Annotation: Junior experiences life outside of the reservation at his new high school, but is shunned by his friends and community for doing what he feels is best for his future.

Genre: Diaries and Identity

Curriculum Ties: Ethics

Booktalking Ideas: Ask students what they know about Indian reservations. Explain how and why Junior wants study at a school outside of the rez and how it changes him as a person.

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

Challenge Issues: treatment of people on Indian reservations and male masturbation

Reason for Inclusion: The author has a wonderful talent for writing and has the gift of capturing the interest of readers young and old. He is a great storyteller and incorporates humor kids can relate to.

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Doctorow, C. (2008). Little brother. New York: To Doherty Associates. ISBN: 0765319853

Plot Summary: Marcus Yallow, a senior at San Francisco High School, is called into the vice principal’s office and being accused of hacking the school computer system and stealing test information. Without any proof, he innocently returns to class and he convinces his best friend, Darryl, to ditch the rest of school. Along with their friends Van and Jolu, they find themselves in the streets seeking clues to their favorite Alternative Reality Game, Harajuku Fun Madness. Interrupted by an earthquake, the teens realize that the cause of the movement was due to the terrorist bombing of the Bay Bridge. Having been at the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus and his friends are taken away by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once he was released and found out that one of the friends was missing, Marcus has become determined to find his friend and take down the DHS. Marcus’ world has become a place with extreme security devices since the attack. His city, including is family, now live in fear of potential terrorists. Marcus must use his hacking skills and guts to battle a giant, the DHS.

Critical Evaluation: The author does a fantastic job at developing Marcus’ character. After only the first couple chapters, we see that is more than just a typical teen. He is brilliant when it comes to computers, witty with adults and peers, and the daring students who does not fear ditching class. He is knowledgeable of technology, from getting around the Gait recognition system to his start of the underground Xnet using a simple game console, the Xbox. His ambition is what keeps the book suspenseful and exciting. There are times readers may feel frustrated with his illogical decisions to hold back information from the DHS, but he values his rights to privacy. Towards the end of the book, the idea of Marcus leaving San Francisco with Ange and his formal rival to escape his problems seemed a bit unrealistic considering the Department of Homeland Security is a national system. I thought it was a bit funny how in the end, he is only charged for stealing a cell phone.

Information about the Author: Cory Doctorow is a Canadian science-fiction author and blogger for various newspapers and magazines. He is co-editor of the weblog called Boing Boing. Other works of his include Overlocked: Stories of the Future Present and Futuristic Tales of the Here and Now. He recently became a father of a little girl names Poesy Emmeline Fibonacci Nautilus Taylor Doctorow.

Annotation: Marcus Yallow is a bold 17 year-old kid who knows the ins and outs of computer hacking and gaming. Soon after a deadly terrorist attack on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, Marcus and his friends are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Genre: Adventure/Terrorism

Curriculum Ties: Technology and social sciences

Booktalking Ideas: Ask students how many of them have used online social networking to communicate. Marcus Yallow creates an underground social network to access the ability to not be watched by the DHS who believes he was responsible for the bombings on the Bay Bridge.

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

Challenge Issues: Sexual content, rebelling against authority

Reason for Inclusion: Technology and authorities play a heavy role in the lives of teens. Readers will be able to relate to the characters and understand that flaws do exist in the system.

Marisa's Bio...

Hi everyone~

I was born & raised in Los Angeles and I currently live in Pasadena.

Soon, I will be graduating from the SJSU SLIS program in December 2009!!!!! Once I graduate, I look forward to doing some traveling and living abroad. If the travel bug doesn't consume me alive, then I hope to get my CA teaching credential at San Francisco State University.

I'm still debating between becoming a school, public, or academic librarian...I just love them all.

But until then, I enjoy working at the Pasadena City College library and being a children's librarian at the South Pasadena Public Library.