Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging



Rennison, Louise. 1999. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 0-06-028814-0.

SUMMARY:
This book is about the life and times of Georgia Nicolson as written through her diary. Georgia lives with her mother, father, baby sister and a crazy cat named Angus. she has a best friend named Jas and they hang out with other friends. they share their inner most thoughts, spend a lot of time with each other and talk about their favorite subject-BOYS!  Georgia falls in love with Robbie and Jas falls for Robbie's brother, Tom. But, Robbie starts seeing Lindsay, Georgia's rival- oh, and how will Georgia ever get her true love.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Set in England, this whimsical dairy-styled young adult book, follow the oh-so dramatic life of Georgia Nicolson and her friends. The characters in this novel will be identified with by teens. Teens in England are the same as teens in America. They go out, fall in love, have sleep-over and talk about the opposite sex.
they have rivals who they compete against to win their heart's desire.

LITERARY CRITERIA:
"Angus,...," truly follows the literacy criteria for realistic young adult novels. One can quickly read and follow Georgia's thoughts and feelings. The plot is believable in that teens are going through the same things the characters are. Through the setting of England may be exotic for most American teens, it will be appreciated. Written in journal style will appeal to teens- who doesn't want to read someone else's diary.

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:
Even though, the humor may be an asset to Angus,..., it may be a weakness. It is a British import and British humor may not be understood by American teens. Teens may be confused by "the Queen's English" used in this book, so much so a glossary of terms are listed at the end of the book.

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
Nestlé Children's Book Prize: (UK award, awarded by a charity, BookTrust)
The Branford Boase Award: British literary award presented annually to an outstanding novel for
        young people by a first-time writer
2001 Michael L. Printz Honor Book

From Booklist:
"...her Georgia is a wonderful character whose misadventures are not only hysterically funny but universally recognizable. This "fabbity, fab, fab" novel will leave readers cheering, "Long live the teen!" and anxiously awaiting the promised sequel."
 Michael Cart
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal:
"It will take a sophisticated reader to enjoy the wit and wisdom of this charming British import, but those who relish humor will be satisfied. Fresh, lively, and engaging."
Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Aloha, OR
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:
"6:00 pm
'Do you think Robbie really said I was sad and I flung myself on him?'
Jas was a real pal. "No, no of course not...er...you didn't, did you?'

6:30 pm
Oh why this? Why would he be such a pig as to say that? Oh I hate him, I hate him.

midnight
I hate him, I hate him

12:30 am
Oh I love him, I love him"

BOOK HOOK:
In the teen section of the public library, a teen librarian may set up a display of teenage angst and name it some thing like, "So, you think you life sucks?!" and then place every book for this mod on display.

The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things



Mackler, Carolyn. 2003. The Earth, My Butt and other Big Round Things. Cambridge, MA: CandleWick Press. ISBN: 0-7636-2091-2.

SUMMARY:
Fifteen-year old Ginny is goes to a private high school, is from a well-to-do family and she is fat. Ginny is very uncomfortable and self-conscious about it. She doesn't want anyone to see her body so she wears over-size clothes and does not allow her "make-out" buddy to touch her. Ginny has her own set of "Fat Girl Code of Conduct" that she lives by. Her mother is an adolescent psychologist and is constantly nagging on Ginny about her weight. Her dad is hardly around. Her sister is in the Peace Corp (actually to escape their mother). her big brother is home having been kick out of school for date rape. Ginny finally stand up for herself, stands up to her mother and finds the self-confidence she was lacking.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Ginny's character is identifiable with teen girls going through the same thing, Even through her humor, one can see over-weight teen girls giggling wile reading this book. Even though the setting of this book is Manhattan, it not very well used to develop the story. Meaning, after the setting is set and is not part of the story, it could be taken for granted that this story can happen everywhere. The plot may be exaggerated a bit, but it is still believable in Ginny's character. The Earth,... is written in first-person and in keeping up with today's technology, Ginny uses e-mail and she also uses a journal in her narrative.

LITERARY CRITERIA:
The plot of The Earth, ..., is very believable. One can visualize Ginny and what is happening to her. Her character allows the reader to feel her thoughts and feelings. As noted above, the setting is not well defined and can lead the reader that the story can happen everywhere. Written in the first person, Ginny also uses email and journal to tell her story. Although, this story is about an over-weight teen girl, and will obviously appeal to this general audience, the humor and how Ginny's character looks at her life and what she is going through and how she handles herself will appeal to others.

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:
Ginny's character is the strength of this book. Her outlook on life, though her own, will enchant any reader.
One weakness is on Ginny's character thinking about self-mutilation and is not really developed.

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
Michael L. Printz Award for Honor Book
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults

From Booklist:
"But Mackler writes with such insight and humor (sometimes using strong language to make her point) that many readers will immediately identify with Virginia's longings as well as her fear and loathing. Her gradually evolving ability to stand up to her family is hard won and not always believable, but it provides a hopeful ending for those trying stand on their own two feet."
Ilene Cooper Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

From School Library Journal:
"Some passages are very well done, but the book has an uneven quality in prose style and character development. Told through first-person narrative, journal entries, and e-mail, Virginia's story will interest readers who are looking for one more book with teen angst, a bit of romance, and a kid who is a bit like them or their friends."
Gail Richmond, San Diego Unified Schools, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:
The Fat Girl's Code of Conduct

BOOK HOOK:
Curriculum themes: Self- confidence, self-worth, self-acceptance, date rape, eating disorders, self-mutilation.

Boy Meets Boy



Levithan, David. 2003. Boy Meets Boy. New York: Random House. ISBN: 0-375-92400-0.


SUMMARY:
Paul goes out with his best friends, Joni and Tony. Paul and Joni have been friends since forever and she was the one he came out to in elementary school. Tony is also gay and lives with his parents, who have a problem with his homosexually. Paul meets Noah and while getting to know each other, they find out that they have been under each other's noses all along and begin dating. After breaking up with Ted, Joni begins to date Chuck, football player and a bully to Infinite Darlene, another football player who cross-dresses. Chuck and Toni's relationship upsets Ted, Paul and Infinite Darlene. Paul's ex, Kyle wants to get back with Paul, but Paul is deeply in love with Noah. Kyle had spread a rumor that Paul turned him "gay". Cautiously Paul let Kyle in after he apologizes for all he did and became friends again. Kyle is uncertain about his own sexuality and Paul is there for a shoulder to lean on. Paul tells Joni about his renewed friendship with Kyle and she in turns tells Chuck. Chuck begins to run a "pool" on which Paul will choose.
While dealing with his parents, Tony goes hiking 't fell the same.Paul. After the hike, Tony hugs Paul for listening, only to be scene, all rumors start flying. Noah breaks up with Paul, after hearing the rumor and also hearing that Paul kissed Kyle. Later, Kyle reveals to Paul that he stills loves him but Paul doesn't feel the same. Paul talks to Tony about Kyle but Paul reveals his feelings about his sexually and his parents' relationship with him. Paul wants to win back Noah; he has a seven day plan to get Noah back. For seven days, Paul carries out little task, such as origami on Noah's locker, a list of what he likes about Noah, a love song and finally confronting him. Noah is swept off his feet, he agrees to go to a dance with Paul. Everyone meets a Tony's house, since Tony's parents would not let him go to the dance with a date but rather in a group, to go to the dance.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Set in a libel town in New Jersey, that accepts the sexuality of its teen residents, the characters can live freely and as normal as their straight counterparts. Without this setting, the plot would not have flowed as it does. The characters are adorable and can be identified by young readers who may be going through, either gay or straight. As a supported of gay rights, one will enjoy a refreshing setting and plot involving gay teens.

LITERARY CRITERIA:
Boy meets Boy has some of the characteristics of a romantic novels, it has romance, both gay and straight. It had a happy ending (oops)! It contain a slight exaggerations. It certainly conveys hope and youthfulness. Adults readers may feel joy in finishing this book. It does pair likable couples (Paul and Noah), it is believable in nature, and it had a love-at-first-sight moment. The plot is based on what teens will go through, falling in love, falling out of love, rumors and bullying. As mention above, the setting enhances the plot and characters. It does posses a smoothness in style, it reads fast, keeping the reader interested in its plot and characters.

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESSES:
The greatness strength of this book is the openness of teen homosexuality, bisexually and trangenderness. With all the recent new reports of hate crimes against gay teens, suicides and a campaign against bullying, this novel portrays gay teen just as regular teens, with rumors, jealousy, betrayal and the ins and outs of teen life.
The weakness of the very ins and outs of teen life- OK, who is dating who, he kisses who, why is she seeing him, it makes one head spin. Although, teens readers will follow the quick reader and fast-paced plot, an adult reader may get confessed.

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
2003 Lambda Literary Award

“In its blithe acceptance and celebration of human differences, this is arguably the most important gay novel since Annie on My Mind and seems to represent a revolution in the publishing of gay-themed books for adolescents.”—Booklist, Starred

“Levithan’s prophecy of a hate-free world in which everyone loves without persecution makes this a provocative and important read for all young adults, gay or straight.”—School Library Journal, Starred

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:
Once again, it's the last scene: "what a wonderful world."

BOOK HOOK:
Curriculum themes: teen homosexuality, bisexually and transgender, acceptance, tolerance, bullyness, "nature vs nurture" debate (born this way or learner traits).


Sylvia M. Verdell, 2003.

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth



Partridge, Elizabeth. 2005. John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth. New York: Viking.
ISBN: 0-670-05954-4

SUMMARY: 
A photographic biography of the legendary John Lennon- from being raised by his aunt and uncle in Liverpool, England to his tragic murder on New York City.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
A true Beatle-manic and any rabid John Lennon fan will truly enjoy this book. The photos and pictures are the backbone of this book. Partridge transports the reader to Liverpool in the 1940, where John was raised by his relatives, his troublesome childhood, teenage antics, the formation and being a Beatle; even life after The Beatles. Partridge also takes the reader through post-Beatle life with Yoko and to his horrific murder in New York and his legacy.

LITERARY CRITERIA:
According to Verdell's Children's Literature in Action, literary criteria for biographies are accuracy, organization, design and style.
Partridge's accuracy is evident at the end of her book. Along with a regular bibliography, she includes "Source Notes". Chapter by chapter, Partridge list the source of the quote(s) or fact(s) by who stated it or where she acquired it. Also, there is a "Photograph Credit" page, listing the sources of all the photos in the book. She organized this book chronologically. In her introduction, she begins her book with "Bed-in for Peace" event. Partridge covers Lennon from birth to death and even his legacy. The design is magnificent. Photos and pictures, all in black and white, add to the grand overall beauty of the book. Though a non-fiction book, Partridge's style reads as a story than an informational book.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:
The greatest strength of this book is obviously to photos and pictures of The Beatles. Some may be disappointed with not a lot of information of the other Beatles, but it would not be a Lennon biography. 

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
Bccb Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Book Award

Young adult readers will be riveted, and Partridge is fair and open with the facts... book design is drop-dead gorgeous... -- The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

   Partridge cuts through the mythology and misinformation surrounding the life of the legendary singer/songwriter and goes a long way toward revealing the complexities of his personality. From School Library Journal

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:
All the photographs and pictures

BOOK HOOK:
Music history, John Lennon, and The Beatles.

Verdell, Sylvia. 2008. Children's Literature in Action. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian



Alexie, Sherman. Art by Ellen Forney. 2007. The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN: 0-316-01368-4

SUMMARY:
Arnold Spirit, Junior, to those on the Spokane Indian Reservation, had it bad the minute he was born. Arnold was born with Hydrocephalus, commonly known as "water on the brain". He is ridiculed and bullied all the time. Rowdy, the biggest bully torments him, but they are best friends. In order to break the cycle of poverty Arnold is in, he decides he wants to attend school off the "rez". He enrolls in a "white" school twenty miles away. At the new school, Arnold is exposed and experiences things he's never been through, such as dances, field trips and even falling in love. Arnold makes new friends with the "popular" kids and the "nerdy" ones, too. He even makes the basketball team.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Alexie's characters will enthrall the reader into this book. Written in the first person, Alexie's Arnold humorously takes the reader onto the reservation, connects one into the daily life and tragedies Arnold endures- hunger, walking twenty miles some days to get to school, deaths of family and friends. Set in a reservation in Spokane, WA, one is enlightened by Indian culture, in a Pow Wow and poverty on the reservation. Arnold's conflict of finding his own identity outside the "rez" is a self vs. self plot. But also his conflict of "betraying" his own culture leads to the plot of self vs. society and self vs.culture. Young readers will applaud Arnold for believing in himself and adventuring out of his comfort and experience life of the "rez".

LITERARY CRITERIA:
Readers will care for his characters. One will feel when Arnold goes through his trials and tribulations, to the point of crying while reading this book. The plot flows as readers follows Arnold events in his life. Obviously, the setting affects Arnold's story. The poverty and alcoholism among others on the "rez" directly molds Arnold's desire to escape. With the first person point of view style, readers will again feel what Arnold's is going through. The relevent theme of trying to find yourself in the room, coping with friends and family and going through "growing pains" in life is eviden in Arnold's story.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:
The greatest strengths in this novel was the humor in the writing and the cartoons accompanying some of the passages. Though, some may question and/or be offended by the portrayal of Native Americans in this novel, Alexie wrote to bring out the authenticity of this particular culture. One can see how others can object to language and the sexual "talk" between young boys, again, "it is how it is".

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
"Realistic and fantastical and funny and tragic-all at the same time." (VOYA (starred review) )
"Alexie's humor and prose are easygoing and well suited to his young audience." (Booklist )
"[Alexie] has created an endearing teen protagonist in his own likeness and placed him in the here and now." (Minneapolis Star Tribune )

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:  My favorite scene is the very last scene of the book:
   "Rowdy and I played one-on-one for hours. We played until dark. We played until the streetlights lit up the court. We played until the bats swooped down at our heads. We played until the moon was huge and golden and perfect in the dark sky.
    We didn't keep score."

BOOK HOOK:
Incorporate in these curriculum themes: Native Americans, family life, alcoholism, escapism, self-confidence, determination and self-esteem.

The Chocolate War



Cormier, Robert. 1974. Chocolate War. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf. ISBN: 0-440-94459-7

SUMMARY:
Freshman Jerry Renault attends Trinity School, a private Catholic all-boy preparatory high school. Jerry plays football and conforms to the rules of the school. But when the annual chocolate fundraiser arrives, Jerry refuses to sell any. Everyone is shocked! Under the command of the Vigils, a secret school society, Jerry is told not to sell the candy for ten days. However, after the teen days, he still refuses to sell. This disrupts the power of the Vigils and of the school. The Vigils harass and bully Jerry. He is even beaten up by the biggest school bully. Still, Jerry won't budge. In a final stance in this chocolate war, the Vigils set-up a boxing match in which the school body chooses the blows.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Written in the third-person and set on a private high school, Cormier characters were vivid and with little chapters devoted to them allows the reader into each personality. There are several themes in this book and they may be reveal to each reader differently: standing up for yourself, believing in yourself, non-conformity. Jerry experiences self vs self conflict, with the quotation in his locker reading, "Do I dare disturb the universe". Jerry also exhibits the self vs. others, by conflicting with the Vigils and with society, with the school.

LITERARY CRITERIA:
The conflict between characters is the whole story of The Chocolate War. The defiance of Jerry, the power-hungry Archie, the teddy-bear Goubert and the others is the whole story. It may the setting also that may to the story, since the story rarely occurs off campus. The theme of self-questioning and Jerry's sexual frustration also add to the story; the reader sees a bit into Jerry's persona. The plot flows as a great story building up to its climax.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:
In the beginnings of the novel, Cormier writes small chapters to reveal the persona of each character, how they interact with other and their happening.
A weakness may be that this is a "boy book". Girls may find it hard to get through it.

AWARDS AND OTHER REVIEWS:
An ALA Best Books for Young Adults

A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

A Kirkus Reviews Choice

A New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year

"The characterizations of all the boys are superb...  This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity."-School Library Journal, starred review

"The novel is cleverly written with a good sense of the realistic and a good ear for dialogue, qualities which will attract any reader."-Bestsellers

FAVORITE LINES/ PASSAGES:

After slapping Bailey in the face and accusing him of cheating, Brother Leon says this to the class:
"You poor fools," he said. "You idiots. Do you know who's the best one here? The bravest of all?" He placed his hand on Bailey's shoulder. "Gregory Bailey, that's who. He denied cheating, He stood his ground! But you, gentlemen, you sat there and enjoyed yourselves. And those of you who didn't enjoy yourselves allowed it to happen, allowed me to proceed. You turned this classroom into Nazi Germany for a few moments. Yes, yes someone finally protested. Aw, let the kid alone." Mimicking the deep voice perfectly. " A feeble protest, too little and too late." ... He turned to Bailey, touched the top of this head with the pointer as if he were bestowing knighthood. "You did well, Bailey. I'm proud of you. You passed the biggest test of all- you were true to yourself."


BOOK HOOK:
Curriculum themes to be considered: Bullying, self-confidence, self-believing, defiance, "secret societies"and conformity.