Welcome!

This is Julian Zamora's YA Blog for LIBR 265: Materials for Young Adults, Ages 15-18. The links on the right tab include Tags for the different materials that I added to my YA Collection.

Please post if you have any comments.

Enjoy!

Julian Zamora

julian.v.zamora@gmail.com

Vladimir Tod Book Review

28. Eight Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Type: Book Review
Title: Eight Grade Bites (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod #1)
Author: Heather Brewer
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
Pages: 182 pages
ISBN: 978-0142411872
Year: 2007
Genre: Vampire, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

Reader's Annotation: For Vampires like Vladimir Tod, eight grade bites... literally.

Summary: Vladimir Tod hates middle school. Nothing is going right.  However, he is a vampire. Vladimir must learn how to handle his vampire qualities. Vlad has to hide blood in his school lunches, slather on the sunscreen, and keep his fangs under control.  He also learns that he is being hunted by a vampire killer.

Critical Evaluation: Although this book is geared for students in grades 5-8, the content itself is entertaining enough for teenagers who are 15, especially young boys.  The characters needed to be developed a bit further, in order to add depth to their lives.  However, there is suspense and mystery at many times throughout the book, as Vladimir seeks to find the truth about his own life.  

This ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, will inspire those readers who may not want to read even when presented with an interesting book.  Even though this novel discusses the made-believe life of vampires, this book does have positive role models of his close knit friends and his surrogate family.  What's interesting about Vlad is his un-coolness and unpopularity, even though he is a vampire.    

Challenge Issues:

• Vampire content
• References to blood sucking
• Violence through killing of characters. 

Challenge Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Author: Heather Brewer 

Akira Manga Review

32. Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo Manga Review

Type: Manga
Title: Akira #1
Author: Katsuhiro Otomo
Publisher: Dark Horse

ISBN: 978-1569714980
Ages: 15 and up
Pages: 364 pages
Year: 2000
Genre: Manga, Sci-Fi

Reader's Annotation: Tokyo is dead but the power of Akira cannot be stopped.

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about the post-apocalyptic world of Tokyo and the survival of Tetsuo and Kaneda.

Summary: This manga comic has two main characters, Tetsuo and Kaneda, set is a post-apocalypse Tokyo in the year 2019.  Their world changes as "paranormal abilities begin to waken in Tetsuo, making him a target for a shadowy agency that will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like the one that leveled Tokyo. At the core of the agency’s motivation is a raw, all-consuming fear of an unthinkable, monstrous power known only as Akira". - Amazon

Critical Evaluation: This monthly reprint of the original is a very popular series.  On Amazon.com it received a full 5/5 stars from customer reviews and 4.34/5 starts on Goodreads.com website.  It is considered as being the best graphic novel manga series ever because of its narration and imagery.

Challenge Issues:

• Comic books
• Too graphic in violence

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Nana Manga Review

26. Nana by Ai Yazawa

Type: Manga
Title: Nana

Author: Ai Yazawa

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1421501086
Pages: 192

Reader's Annotation: Nana and Nana are friends. Nothing can stop their need for adventure and success in Tokyo.

Summary: Nana Komatsu is a young woman who's endured an unending string of boyfriend problems. Moving to Tokyo, she's hoping to take control of her life and put all those messy misadventures behind her. She's looking for love and she's hoping to find it in the big city. Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is cool, confident and focused. She swaggers into town and proceeds to kick down the doors to Tokyo's underground punk scene. She's got a dream and won't give up until she becomes Japan's No. 1 rock'n'roll superstar. This is the story of two 20-year-old women who share the same name. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, they somehow meet and become best friends (Amazon). 

Critical Evaluation: The world of Nana is a world exploding with sex, music, fashion, gossip and all-night parties.  What's interesting is how the imagery and the text reflects that world she is discovering for the first time.   

Challenge Issues:

• Comic books and not books.
• Literature not challenging enough.
• References to sex and parties.

Challenge Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

The House of Night Book Review

23. Marked (House of Night, Book 1) by P.C. Cast

Type: Book Review
Title: Marked (House of Night, Book 1)

Author: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 978-0312360269

Pages: 306 pages
Year: 2007

Genre: Vampire

Reader's Annotation: You can't leave the House of Night.

Summary: This book is part of the House of Night series, which follows Zoey Redbird while she attends the school, House of Night.  Here, she trains to become a vampyre.  She soon finds out that the leader of the Dark Daughters club is misusing her own Goddess-given gift. Zoey must figure out what she will do with her own powers in order to survive the House of Night.

Critical Evaluation: With an average rating of 3.79 our of 5 stars on Goodreads, this book is very popular among readers of vampires.  In this magical world of the House of Night, everyone is training to become a vampyre.  What's different about this series than some of the other vampire ones, is that you discover Zoey's own powers and how she learns to control it.  This type of writing makes it more exciting and suspenseful for the reader, one where teenagers will surely wish they were vampyre.

Challenge Issues:

• Vampires

Challenges Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Crank Book Review

10. Crank by Ellen Hopkins Book Review

Type: Website Review

Title: Crank 

Author: Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 978-1442471818
Year: 2013
Pages: 576 pages
Ages: 15 and up

Reader's Annotation: There is only one thing in life, and that's crystal meth, known as CRANK.

BookTalk Ideas: Idea about how drugs can take over someone's life and never let go.

Summary: Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless. Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life. (Amazon)

Critical Evaluation: Crank is a fast paced story about how drugs can mess up and consume a person's life. In this case, it is the drug choice of crystal meth.              

Challenge Issues:

• Drugs and Violence
• References to sexual behaviors

Challenge Defense Ideas: 

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Author: Hopkins has written several verse novels exposing teenage struggles such as drug addiction, mental illness,and prostitution, including Crank, Burned, Impulse, Identical, Glass, Tricks, Tilt, and Fallout. Glass is the sequel to Crank, and Fallout, the third and final book in the series, was released on September 14, 2010. Perfect was released on September 13, 2011, and is a companion novel to Impulse. Ellen Hopkins's most recent book, Tilt, was released September 11, 2012, and is a companion from the point of view of the teens mentioned in Triangles. Hopkins explained she feels they needed their own story after the release of Triangles. Hopkins also plans on releasing a sequel to Burned, Smoke, in 2013 (Wikipedia)

College Scholarships Subscription Database

6.  College Scholarships Subscription Database Review

Type: Subscription Database Review (Scholarships)
Link: http://www.collegescholarships.org/
Ages: 15+

Overview: This website is good for high school aged teenagers who want to find scholarships that will pay for college based on various merits. This organization lists thousands of scholarships for high school students applying for college. They are scholarships from all over the nation.

Critical Evaluation: The library should add this to the online collection, as part of a link on the public library site for Young Adults.  The website is easy to use, however, students should be aware of the ads that can be deceptive and also have links for scholarships.  . These are sometimes located at the bottom or right side of the page and have scholarship links in blue block shapes.  Be careful and wary of these links because half are legitimate sites, but the other half want you to buy their 'information' for scholarships.

The useful portion of the website has some good links and information regarding scholarships.  No matter what your criteria, the user is able to look for scholarships based on Subject, by State or by Type.  Most of the useful links are located on the left side of the website so they are easy to locate.  

Booktalking Ideas: An idea for a book talk would be to highlight free money that students can receive if they spend some time applying for these scholarships.

Challenge Issues:

• None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Saga Graphic Novel Review

28. Saga: Volume One by Brian K. Vaughn

Type: Graphic Novel

Title: Saga: Volume One
Author: Brian K. Vaughn
Publisher: Image Comics
ISBN: 978-1607066019
Pages: 160

Ages: 14 and up
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

Reader's Annotation: Follow these two lovers, aliens from different planets and worlds, as they try to stay alive in this science fiction graphic novel series.

Summary: When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds.

Critical Evaluation:  Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults.  The art from this graphic novel is geared towards adults and can even be considered a "cross-over".  The graphic illustrations are both a combination of bigger drawings and your typical framed drawings.  Younger teenagers are warned that there are pictures of the the human body, specifically when Alana is breastfeeding her newborn baby, and even images of the act of sexual intercourse.

This graphic novel is a struggle of survival for both Alana and Maiko.  The story is quick, with breaks of violence and suspense, as they try to survive from the people of Landfall and the moon Wreath.  The storyline is funny, serious and very dramatic.  Vaughn brings both of these character through life, with witty storytelling and a fast-paced illustrations.      

Challenge Issues:  

• Issues of racism
• Too much violence
• Complex issues for adults
• References and images of sexual behavior

Challenge Ideas: 

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

American Born Chinese Graphic Novel Review

40. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Type: Graphic Novel Review
Title: American Born Chinese
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2008
ISBN:  978-0312384487
Ages: 12-17

Reader's Annotation: I am American. But I was born Chinese. Who will accept me? How do I fit in to this world that I love so much?

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about being different, being an outsider, and not being accepted for who he is.

Plot Summary: Jin Wang, is a new student in America. He wants to be American but is made fun of by his classmates. He is secretly jealous of the All-American boy, Danny. Danny, coincidentally is ashamed of his his Chinese cousin Chink-Lee. The third story is that of the "Monkey King", who is adored by his subjects, master of the arts of kung-fu, he is the most powerful monkey on earth. But the Monkey King doesn't want to be a monkey. He wants to be hailed as a god. All three stories are told in this book, and they are intertwined at the end of the novel.

Critical Evaluation: Winner of the Michael L. Printz Award, this is given by the American Library Association to the best book written for teens based on literary merit.  This book is well written and makes you feel for Jin Want and his desire to be accepted as a person and not looked down because he is simply Chinese. At the same time, the graphic design is very simple, with the majority of the writing in a bubble at the top of each frame.  The comic book manga is in color and is not the greatest illustrations, but its simplicity and cartoon drawings make it easy to understand.  

Challenge Issues:

• Racism
• Stereotypes
• Insensitivity

Challenge Defense Ideas: 

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Kitsuni Game Review

44. Kitsuni by SecondDimension Game Review

Type: Game Review
Title: Kitsuni
Creator: SecondDimension
Link: http://www.ludumdare.com/compo/ludum-dare-29/?action=preview&uid=14838
Genre: Puzzle, 1st person

Summary: This is a first person game, where the user inhabits the bodies of various animals, in an effort to acquire precious gems. The user advances through various landscapes which are essentially puzzles.

Critical Evaluation: This very innocent game is very easy to use. It uses tranquil scenery and the use of mazes to get around the game.  The "many puzzles make smart use of the body-switching mechanic, while the entirely mouse-based controls do a lot with very little, even if they're a bit fiddly and sluggish currently. It's the beautiful angular art that makes it, however" (Ludumdare Website).

Challenge Issues: 

• Teenagers should not be playing games at the library.
• Teenagers should be reading instead.

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Fullmetal Alchemist Manga Review

31. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

Type: Manga
Title: Fullmetal Alchemist (Book 1)
Author: Hiromu Arakawa

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1421540184
Pages: 576
Ages: 14 and up

Reader's Annotation:

Booktalk Ideas: Idea about the power and magic of alchemy and how it shouldn't be used and put in the wrong government's hands.

Summary: This manga comic is about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use the magic of alchemy to do various requests. Alchemy is a type of power that can change the natural world.  Edward lost an arm and a leg and is trying to get it back. His brother Alphonse Elric is stuck in the body of a body armor made out of steel because they tried to use alchemy to bring back their mother.  He's being used by the government for his powers, but we soon learn that the government is using alchemy for something even far worse than Edward imagined.

Critical Evaluation: This manga is very popular among 13 year olds and up.  The idea of alchemy is very interesting because it's a combination of magic and science and teenagers love magic. The reader becomes Edward, including the ability to practice alchemy, for which only a few people in the world know how to do. At the same time, the female readers will take a liking to the characters in this manga and because of the plot.  
FullMetal Alchemist has a lot of action and drama.  What's really interesting is that it has philosophy and with various important people who create order within this world such as the war maker and the peace seeker.  Readers will also be happy with the ending of the comic, which many stories do not.  Highly recommend.

Challenge Issues:

• Use of alchemy in the books
• Manga comics are not books
• Students should not be reading about fantasy

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Points of View Reference Center Subscription

25. Points of View Reference Center Subscription Review

Type: Subscription Database
Title: Points of View Reference Center
Ages: 15 and up

Summary: A full-text database designed to provide students with a series of essays that present multiple sides of a current issue. The database provides more than 280 topics, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument), counterpoint (opposing argument), and Critical Thinking Guide.

Critical Evaluation: This subscription is very unique because it provides the type of information that you don't find in your standard textbooks.  What teens will really take advantage is the hot topic issues in the United States today. Topics like Immigration, Abortion, Citizens Rights, Foreign Policy, and Religion.  By providing essays that provide both sides of the argument, students can learn the facts and make their own choices in life on where they stand.

This subscription can specifically help high school students who usually have to pick a hot topic issue and argue for a certain position. These essays can help students point them in the right direction and expand their knowledge on all these topics.

Challenge Issues:

• None

Challenge Ideas: 

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

I am Legend Book

24. I am Legend by Richard Matheson Book Review

Type: Book Review
Title: I am Legend
Author: Richard Matheson
Publisher: Orb Books (3rd Edition)
ASIN: B00E299RE0
Year: 1997
Genre: Zombies, Sci-Fi

Reader's Annotation:  Welcome to the post-apocalyptic world of Earth, where disease, war, or natural disaster has wiped out the human race. A few people live, except there are zombies that live among us.  Grab your trustiest weapon and follow me on this great reading adventure all about Zombies.

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about being the only survivor in a world filled with zombies that want to kill you. Older adult content applicable to older teens and adults.

Summary: This novel is about Dr. Richard Neville has survived the wiping out of a disease that has turned humans into zombies. They are technically zombie vampires that cannot be in the sunlight. Richard kills the zombies during the day, and at night he gets drunk and hides in his home.  This is when the zombies come out, so he must hide.

Matheson provides the reader with an inside look into the life of a lonely man, someone who hast lost his wife and kids to the disease.  This is a great novel for older teenagers and adults who are looking for a good zombie book with some violence, but with some psychological mind games thrown in.

Critical Evaluation: This novel is very long. You get the sense of the vast amount of time that Dr. Richard Neville spent alone, and how difficult it must have been to keep surviving in this way.

Challenge Issues:

• These books have too much violence, and leave the reader thinking about violence and harm to others.  
• I know it's popular, but it needs to controlled.

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Just One Year Book

39.  Just One Year by Gayle Forman Book Review

Type: Book Review
Title: Just One Year (Just One Day #2)
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
ISBN: 978-0525425922
Pages: 336
Genre: Romance

Reader's Annotation: "Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.  Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began..."

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about romance. Ideas about finding your one true love and never letting her go.

Summary: This is the sequel to the book Just One Day, by Gayle Forman. Unlike that book, this one is written through the point of view of the male character, Willem.  He must find Lulu and relive his wonderful experience he had in Paris.

Critical Evaluation: This is an excellent companion to the book, Just One Day by Gayle Forman.  Willem's perspective provides the audience a deeper view of his way of life.  We are able to understand what he is going through as a musician, and how it is for a male character of falling in love with Lulu.  

A good quote that represents Willem's love for Lulu is when he states that "only after I'd been filled up by her, by that day, did I understand how empty I really was" (Forman).  The themes of happiness, excitement, sadness, and emptiness are what Willem goes through for a whole year after he never saw Lulu again. What we experience in the novel is more about Willem discovering things about himself and less about an actual romance or love story.    

Challenge Issues:

• Romance
• Sadness

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Science Online Subscription Database

14. Science Online Subscription Database

Type: Subscription Database

Title: Science Online
Link: http://www.fofweb.com.sdplproxy.sandiego.gov/Science/default.asp
Ages: 15 and up

Reader's Annotation: Need research for your science project? Visit the Science Online Database for articles experiments and other great resources. 

Summary:  For students and teachers.  This database has printable diagrams, definitions, biographies, experiments, timelines, and essays in specific subject areas such as earth science, biology, chemistry, weather and more.

Critical Evaluation: This is a great resources for students who need help in their science projects or are working on a research paper in the subject of science, ecology and conservation. Also, this free resource can also help students learn the different science topics because of the different diagrams and definitions provided.  Sample topics include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Space and Astronomy, and Weather and Culture. The database is really easy to use, and students will get a lot of use from this, rather than going to Google and trying to look up information on their own through unreliable sources.

Challenge Issues:

• None

Challenge Ideas:

• Science Subscriptions are a much needed resources for teenagers.
• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Batman Dark Victory Graphic Novel

16. Batman: Dark Victory by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

Type: Graphic Novel Review Series

Title: Dark Victory
Author: Jeph Loeb and Time Sale
Publisher: DC Comics
ISBN: 9781563898686

Ages: 13 and up
Genre: Graphic Novel

Reader's Annotation: "A hero separated from the very people he has promised to protect. A city beset by freaks becomes a battlefield against gangsters.  And a young boy, orphaned by tragedy, and destined for greater things."

Summary: This Batman Graphic Novel is a different

Critical Evaluation: The artwork in this Batman graphic novel makes the characters very menacing and darker than usual. They are different from other graphic novels in that there are good "visual contrasts - heavy blacks and thin lines, black panels on the same page, with very tiny, dense backgrounds and big empty spaces" (Tim Sale 2001.

This different retelling of a classic Batman story, follows batman as he tries to solve the murders of the Hang Man killer, who is ending the lives of police officers in Gotham City.  This graphic novel is very dramatic, with each individual chapter or comic ends with a new death, and a new villain.  This graphic novel also incorporates Robin as his sidekick, showing Batman as having a sweet spot for another orphan, just like himself. Their contrasting upbringing works well because they both seek revenge on those that ruined their lives.  A must read for Batman fans, as well as a murder mystery that will surprise you till the very last chapter.

Challenge Issues:

• Graphic Novel
• Content of violence

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members. 

Fairy Tail Manga Review

34. Fairy Tail by Hiro Mashima

Type: Manga
Title: Fairy Tail 1

Author: Hiro Mashima

Publisher: Kodansha Comics USA
ISBN: 978-1612622767
Pages: 208
Year: 2008

Ages: 15 and up

Reader's Annotation: Who doesn't want to become part of a wizard's guild? Join Lucy and her quirky and magical adventures.

Summary: Fairy Tail follows the adventures of Lucy Heartfilia, a teenage wizard, who joins the titular wizards' guild and teams up with fellow guild member Natsu Dragneel as he searches for the dragon Igneel (Wikipedia Fairy Tail).

Critical Evaluation: This very popular manga comic was translated to English in 2008, with the original Japanese version printed in 2006.  What makes this Manga popular is the character of Lucy, and her desire to be part of the wizards' guild.  She's cute and adorable and reader's seem to cheer for her.    

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about the magic of being a wizard. Ideas about adventure and friendship.

Challenge Issues:

• Comic Books
• Material not challenging enough
• Not literature but just pictures

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.  

Game Informer Magazine

13. Game Informer Magazine

Type: Magazine Subscription
Title: Game Informer Magazine
Link: http://www.gameinformer.com/
Publisher: GameStop Corporation
Ages: 14 and up

Summary: This magazine is one of the nations most popular magazine.  It features articles, news, strategy and review with games for computers and various consoles. It's total circulation is about 7.6 million, making it the 3rd largest magazine in the United States.

Critical Evaluation: Considering it is the 3rd largest magazine in the U.S., there are readers out there who are interested in this content.  Since teenagers love playing games, in various formats, the library should subscribe to this very popular magazine in order to get teenagers to visit the library.  They have reviews of games on these consoles: Playstation 4, XBox One, PC, Wii U, 3DS and Vita.

What also makes this magazine popular is the increase use of celebrities in video games, the increase of the quality of storytelling, and the popularity of older adults playing video games for leisure.  Game Informer is the main stay of gamers, and should be bought because of the review of games, opinion of fellow gamers, and the look at the newest upcoming games.

Challenge Issues:

• Young adults should not be reading about games. They should be reading literature.

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Reading about something teenagers are interested will keep them coming back to the library.
• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.

Just One Day Book Review

29. Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Type: Book Review
Title: Just One Day
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Speak
ISBN: 978-0142422953
Ages: 12 and up
Genre: Romance

Reader's Annotation: We were all young once. We made mistakes. We loved. We cried. And in the end, we were better for it.

Summary: Allyson Healey's life is exactly like her suitcase—packed, planned, ordered. Then on the last day of her three-week post-graduation European tour, she meets Willem. A free-spirited, roving actor, Willem is everything she’s not, and when he invites her to abandon her plans and come to Paris with him, Allyson says yes. This uncharacteristic decision leads to a day of risk and romance, liberation and intimacy: 24 hours that will transform Allyson’s life. - Amazon

Critical Evaluation: It seems like we have already read this story.  A girl gets lost and then is 'found' through romance and adventure.  However, readers will be whisked away on this love journey through experiences and love, all in a 24 hour period.  

An interesting take on the teenage romance novels, the point of view of the girl will make readers read the other book, Just One Year, which is from the perspective of Willem.  Critics agree that this book will make female readers swoon about the perfect day she spent with Willem. They will feel joyful and sadness and appreciative at the same time.  This good story line is part of the well created narration of Forman.  She is a talented writer who makes you feel for Allyson's character, and her growth as a young woman going through love, heartbreak and eventual self-identity.

BookTalk Ideas: Ideas about how to be careful of how and with who you fall in love with.

Challenge Issues:

• Sexual content

Challenge Ideas:

• Be familiar with the themes in the material and how they relate to young adults today.
• Stay calm and remember to not be personally offended by their comments or concerns.
• Libraries provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
• Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
• LISTEN to what they have to say and reiterate our freedom to read and be without censorship.
• All material for young adults are under the review of the branch manager and even further up, the Library Director and even City Council members.