Alphabetical Listing of Blog Items

48 Shades of Brown (novel). Earls, Nick. Houghton Mifflin Company; 1999. ISBN:0618452958.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (novel).Alexie, Sherman. Little Brown and Company: 2007. ISBN: 9780316013680.

Artemis Fowl (novel). Colfer, Eoin. Hyperion Books for Children; 2001. ISBN: 0786808012.

Atomic Learning (database). http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/. Atomic Learning, Inc. : 2010.

Bamboo People (novel). Perkins, Mitali. . Charlesbridge: 2010. ISBN: 9781580893282.

Blue Bloods (novel). De La Cruz, Melissa. Hyperion Paperbacks: 2006. ISBN: 9781423101260.

The Book Thief (novel). Zusak, Markus. Listening Library: 2006. ISBN: 0739337270.

Code Orange (novel). Cooney, Caroline B. Delacorte Press; 2005. ISBN: 0385732597.

Copper Sun (novel). Draper, Sharon. Atheneum Books for Young Readers: 2006. ISBN: 9780689821813.

Daisy Kutter: The Last Train (novel). Kibuishi, Kazu. Viper Comics: 2006. ISBN: 0975419323.

Dark Horse (Music). Nickelback. Roadrunner Records: 2008. ASIN: B001FSDOZO.

Defiant Heart (novel). Bateman, Tracey. Avon Inspire: 2007. ISBN: 9780061246333.

Entertainment Weekly (Magazine). Nelson, Martha, Ed. New York: 2010.

Empress of the World (novel). Ryan, Sara. Speak: 2001. ISBN: 0142500593.

Game Informer (magazine). Sunrise Publications: Minneapolis, MN: 2010. ISBN: 10676392.

Getting the Girl (novel). Zusak, Marcus. Scholastic Inc: 2004. ISBN: 043938950x.

Ghostgirl: Rest in Popularity (novel). Hurley, Tonya. Little Brown and Company: 2008. ISBN: 9780316113571.

Glee: The Complete First Season (movie/television). Murhpy, Ryan. 2oth Century Fox: 2010. ASIN: B0032JTV6U.


The Graveyard Book (novel). Gaiman, Neil. Harper Collins Publishers; 2008. ISBN: 9780060530921.

Hattie Big Sky (novel). Larson, Kirby. Delacorte Press: 2006. ISBN: 9780440239413.

The House on Mango Street (novel). Cisneros, Sandra. Vintage Contemporaries: 1984. ISBN: 0679734775.

The Hunger Games (novel). Collins, Suzanne. Scholastic: 2008. ISBN: 9780439023528.

Iron Man (movie/television). Favreau, Jon. Paramount: 2008. ASIN: B001C08RHA.

Learn360 (database). http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?Pageid=371217&GradeLevel=3360056. AIM Education, Inc. : 2010.

Little Brother (novel). Doctorow, Cory. A Tom Doherty Associates Book: 2008. ISBN: 9780765323118.

LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (movie/television). Chu, Jon. Paramount: 2010. ASIN: B003VQO4U2.

Mad Magazine (magazine). Ficarra, John, Ed. Warner Brothers: New York: 2010.

Meridian: Going to Ground (novel). Kesel, Barbara. CrossGeneration Comics: 2001. ISBN: 1931484694.

Mockingjay (novel). Collins, Suzanne. Scholastic Press:2010. ISBN: 9780439023511.

The Necromancer (novel). Scott, Michael. Delacorte Press; 2010. ISBN: 9780385735315.

Parrotfish (novel). Wittlinger, Ellen. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers: 2007. ISBN: 9781416916222.

The Peacemaker (novel). Copeland, Lori. Tyndale Fiction: 2004. ISBN: 0842369309.

Point Blank: An Alex Rider Adventure (novel). Horowitz, Anthony. Philomel Books: 2001. ISBN: 039923621X.

Princess of the Midnight Ball (novel). George, Jessica Day. Bloomsbury: 2009. ISBN: 9781599903224.

Purple Heart (novel). McCormick, Patricia. Balzer + Bray: 2009. ISBN: 9780061730900.

A Sally Lockhart Mystery: The Ruby in the Smoke (novel). Pullman, Philip. Alfred A. Knopf: 1985. ISBN: 9780375845161.

Say Yes to the Dress (movie/television). TLC:2010. ASIN: B0043LMF1O.

Seventeen (Magazine). Shoket, Ann, Ed. Hearts Magazines: New York: 2010.

The Shamer's War (novel). Kaaberbol, Lene. . Henry Holt and Company; 2004. ISBN: 0805077715.

Smile (novel). Telegemeier, Raina. Scholastic: 2010. ISBN: 9780545132053.

Sold (novel). McCormick, Patricia. Hyperion: 2006. ISBN: 9780786851713.

The Sorceress (novel). Scott, Michael. Delacorte Press; 2009. ISBN: 9780385735292.

Speak (novel). Anderson, Laurie Halse. Farrar, Straus, Giroux:1999. ISBN: 0374371520.

Stormbreaker (novel). Horowitz, Anthony. Philomel Books: 2000. ISBN: 0399236201.

Student Research Center (databases). http://web.ebscohost.com/src/search?vid=1&hid=9&sid=6c01f425-4d61-40c2-bc36-cd69a8218585%40sessionmgr15. EBSCO Industries, Inc. : 2010.

The Things a Brother Knows (novel). Reinhardt, Dana. Wendy Lamb Books: 2010. ISBN: 9780375844553.

What I Saw and How I Lied (novel). Blundell, Judy. Scholastic Press: 2008. ISBN: 9780439903462.

Wii Sports: Tennis (game). Nintendo: 2007. ASIN: B00212H6VG.

World Book Online for Public Libraries Info Finder (database). http://www.worldbookonline.com/pl/infofinder/home. World Book: 2010.

Young Sherlock (movie/television). Levinson, Barry. Paramount: 2003. ASIN: B0000AUHPC.

LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers

Chu, Jon. LXD: The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. Paramount: 2010. ASIN: B003VQO4U2.

Plot Summary:
"Some people can be trained to attain their gift, others are born with it, but all must choose their destiny." That's how the narrator begins this innovative program. People with supernatural abilities live among us and are apart of the LXD. There are also those who do not posses supernatural abilities, but desire to help the LXD with their mission. In the beginning, the plot casts a wide net that is seemingly unconnected, but as the chapters progress the intricate web begins to take shape. The first chapter shows Trevor Drift, a high school senior with a strict, overprotective father. Trevor has known that something is different about him since childhood, but unsure of the significance. His father forbids attending the senior prom. Trevor disobeys and attends the dance with unexpected results. At the dance another student pushes Trevor around and his response is some completely amazing dance moves. The DJ notices his talent and makes a phone call. Several men show up and begin dancing with Trevor in the same amazing style. It is as if gravity does not apply to them. The next shot is Trevor leaving his home with these men with a suitcase in hand. Later a man shows up to Trevor's home and has a 'fight' with Trevor's dad. This fight is dancing, yet the idea of a violent fight is obvious.

Critical Evaluation:
This program has been described as ground breaking, and it's hard to find adequate words to describe the skill of the dancers. Unlike a typical television program the story is broken up into unique chapters. For example, chapter three is called Robot's Story and there is virtually no dialogue. The actors communicate through action including phenomenal robot style dancing and the audience is given brief phrases written on the screen periodically to move the plot along. A narrator speaks before each chapter and explains the movement of the plot to the audience. This convention is not obvious, but the result is very effective and gives an epic feel to the story. Jon Chu, the creator/director is known for Step-Up and Step-Up2, both movies that revolve around dance. The actors/dancers are racially diverse, but there aren't very many women. The director uses different film techniques that really add to the idea of these teens having supernatural powers. At times the film slows down, not into slow motion, but slow enough to see the dance moves clearly. The music is showstopping including many different styles. With a comic book feel and supernatural dancers it will be interesting to see how this show evolves.

Reader's Annotation:
The Uprising has started. Which side are you on?

Genre:
Adventure/Fantasy

Talking Points:
Rebellion
Dance
Film making

Interest Age:
7th +

Why I Included This:
This is so awesome, I wanted to share.

Young Sherlock

Levinson, Barry. Young Sherlock. Paramount: 2003. ASIN: B0000AUHPC.

Plot Summary:
Some characters in literature have captured our imagination to the extent that we want to know more about them. Young Sherlock is not based on any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books, but simply on the characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The movie is narrated sporadically by a young Watson. He is sent to a new school in London and his bed is next to Sherlock Holmes. Before Watson can introduce himself, Sherlock takes a long look and rattles off Watson's history by the process of deduction. Becoming friends quickly it is obvious that Sherlock Holmes as a teen has the gift of solving complex problems which doesn't endear him many people. A fellow student challenges Sherlock to a competition. This arrogant student, Dudley hides a trophy and gives Sherlock one hour to find it. The entire school turns out to watch Sherlock try and solve the 'crime'. True to form, Sherlock is successful and Dudley is resentful. Desperate to get back at Sherlock, Dudley sets him up and Sherlock is expelled for cheating. In the midst of the school happenings strange murders are happening in London. The incidents appear to be suicides, but Sherlock is convinced otherwise. As a teen Sherlock is not taken seriously as having the ability to help the police. Determined to solve the murders Sherlock and Watson work on their own catch the murderer.

Critical Evaluation:
Young Sherlock was directed by Rain Man director Barry Levinson and produced by the famous team of Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Marshall. The movie is well cast with Nathan Rowe as a serious and intense Young Sherlock. Alex Cox plays John Watson as the practical, sensible one trying to keep up with Sherlock. The setting is very believable with 19th century London carefully recreated. The mood is dark and brooding at times, yet retains the freshness of youth. The movie makes an effort to explain some of the mannerisms we associate with Sherlock Holmes. For example, the term, "Elementary my dear Watson," was a term used by Sherlock's mentor Mr. Waxflatter, the traditional hat associated with Sherlock was a gift from his mentor upon his death, the cloak a prize from the defeat of his first villain and the pipe a gift from Watson. Detective Lestrande is included in this tale. His irritation with Holmes begins because Holmes is a teenager and constantly points out murders and crimes that Lestange misses. It is fun to add some flesh and blood to these details. The music during the scene where Sherlock and Watson are running to save the damsel in distress sounds very much like music from the Indiana Jones movies. Sherlock is intelligent and gifted but mostly full of adventure and dangerous situations. This Sherlock Holmes does not disappoint.

Reader's Annotation:
Great literary characters stand the test of time.

Genre:
Mystery/Action

Talking Points:
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Victorian England

Interest Age:
7th +

Why I Included This:
The collection needed a classic.

Dark Horse by Nickelback

Nickelback. Dark Horse. Roadrunner Records: 2008. ASIN: B001FSDOZO.

Overview:
The sixth and newest album by popular rock band Nickelback is full of what the band does best; quirky, unusual lyrics that push the edge and rhythms that really rock. A few track titles are "Something in Your Mouth", "S.E.X." and "Never Gonna Be Alone." It's easy to see what the first two tracks are about, so when a meaningful ballad comes along; it is a nice surprise. The band is originally from Canada and this album won the Juno Award for album of the year, a category is reserved for the top selling albums. Nickelback has included three ballad/meaningful songs which seems unusual for a rock album; the ballad mentioned above, "If Today Was Your Last Day," and "I'd Come For You". The critics were divided on this release, it was either love or hate. PopMatters commented that the band is, "...at a creative low point." While ChartAttack called Chad Kroger, "a genius". Lead singer and guitarist, Chad Kroger writes much of the groups lyrics. The general public has overwhelmingly received the album and is patiently waiting for a new release. Dark Horse has spent one hundred and five weeks included in the Billboard 2oo and is number one hundred ninety one on the Billboards top 2oo albums of the decade. With sales over five million world wide this is Nickelback's fourth straight multi-platinum album.

About the Artists:

The band members include: Chad Kroeger who is the lead vocalist and plays guitar, Mike Kroeger plays bass, Ryan Peake plays guitar and drummer Daniel Adair. The band has been a family affair, Chad and Mike are half brothers and cousin Brandon Kroeger use to be the drummer. Mike Kroeger is credited with creating the band's name. While working the counter at Starbucks he became known for saying, 'Here's your nickel back,' when handing back a customer's change. It's good that the band change their name, before they were called the Village Idiots.

Interest Age:
8th +

Talking Points:
Sex and the importance of protection
The music business

Challenge Issues:
Language
Sex

To be prepared for a challenge you must be familiar with the item! And encourage all involved in the process to familiarize themselves with the entire product, not just the questionable parts.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why I Included This Item:
To add variety to my collection.

The Book Thief

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. Listening Library: 2006. ISBN: 0739337270.

Plot Summary:
This is the story of Liesl Meminger. When the book begins in Germany in 1939, Liesl is nine years old and on a train traveling to her new foster parents house. On the trip her six year old brother dies. Liesel's life with her sickly mother and absent father is difficult, but she is not happy about living with foster parents and assumes her mother will be coming back for her. Liesl steals her first book near her brother's grave. It is a Grave Digging Handbook. Even though Liesl is not a good reader, she can't help taking the book. Life with her foster family, Hans and Rosa Hubermann is not bad. Rosa is all burrs and bristles, but deep down she cares for the little saumensch (pig in German), a term of endearment for Rosa. Hans spends a great deal of time teaching Liesl to read and helping her through the night. Liesl has terrible nightmares about her brother on a regular basis. Rudy Stiener is Liesl's neighbor and eventually best friend. They walk to school together and Rudy is usually vying for a kiss. Max Vandenburg is the son of a Jewish man who saved Han's life during the first World War. To repay the debt the Hubermanns hide Max in their basement to save him from the Jewish internment camps. Max and Liesl develop a strong bond over books and words. The book concludes in 1943 when Lielsl is fourteen years old.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the best book I have read this year, and with two materials classes, that is saying a lot. The audio book is read by Allan Corduner and is riveting. The story is narrated by death which has an unsettling feel. The reader never really trusts that things are going to be okay because only negative is associated with the narrator. Not because Death's tone is negative or oppressive, it isn't, just simply because of who he is. Death is surprising in a couple of ways, first is his humanity. At different instances his heart aches and even he tires of the destruction and devastation of the war. Second is his use of colors which he needs as a distraction from the suffering of humans. The book is divided into eight parts, each part has a small list of what is featured in the following pages. Descriptive language is throughout the novel. Images are easy to conjure with such help from the author. The language also evokes emotion and reflection that I have not experienced in other books. Death's logical narration allows the simplicity and power of the story to come through without wading past unnecessary details. There aren't many books out there that deal with the experience of German citizens during World War II. Knowing the back story about Hitler and the war adds lays of understanding without adding more pages to the 552 page book. Markus Zusak explains that the idea for the book came from listening to his parents stories about their childhood in Germany and Austria. It is easy to see why this book was on so many best book list and a 2007 Michael Printz Honor Book.

Reader's Annotation:
We meet many different people through out our lifetime. In the end, we all meet death.

Information About the Author:
Award winning author, Markus Zusak was born in 1975, the youngest of four siblings. Born in Sydney, Australia, Markus currently lives there with his wife and daughter. His past times include surfing, playing on a soccer team that never wins and watching movies.
Markus' books have garnered praise from Australian awards to twice being named a Printz Honor Book. The Book Thief and The Messenger are the two titles recognized for the Printz Award. Mark has signed a movie deal for The Book Thief with a possibility of release in 2011.The next book due out is Bridge of Clay, sometime in 2011.

Genre:
Historical Fiction/World War II and the Holocaust

Curriculum Ties:
World War II
Hitler and Hitler Youth
Germany citizens during the war

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th +

Challenge Issues:
Language

To be prepared for a book challenge you must read the book! And encourage all involved in the process to read the book, not just the questionable passages.
Make sure the institution's procedure is followed, this is a protection for all.
ALA provides written guidelines it would be handy to have a hard copy available.

Why I Included This Book:
One of our textbooks talked highly about the author and the book.

Wii Sport Tennis

Wii Sports: Tennis. Nintendo: 2007. ASIN: B00212H6VG.

Overview:
Before actually playing a game on a Wii, a player needs to build a Wii Me. A Wii Me is your 'profile/avatar' on the game. You pick a person to represent you by choosing hair color, clothes and features. The program can also keep track of statistics. Once this housekeeping is accomplished your profile can be used on any Wii Sport game. Tennis can be a one player, or up to a four player game. Computer controlled players with varying skill levels can be place on the court. Each player takes a turn serving then returning the ball. The game controller must be moved like a real tennis racket so the avatar on the screen will hit the ball. The avatar moves around the court on its own, the player controls the racket, it takes some practice, but is pretty easy to maneuver. The game follows traditional tennis scoring. The Wii has been touted as a great way to get moving and get some exercise. Recent studies have shown that using the Wii doesn't negate the need for real exercise. The player's heart rate does not maintain its pace using a Wii because of the stop and start nature of game play. The Wii is excellent for older folks who can't get around well, but still want some fun.

Interest Age:
Any age

Why I Included This Item:
Teens love video games. Any teen can play this game, you don't need to be a master at video games.

Iron Man

Favreau, Jon. Iron Man. Paramount: 2008. ASIN: B001C08RHA.

Plot Summary:
Wealthy, playboy Tony Stark is the CEO of Stark Enterprises, a wildly successful weapons manufacturer. After a night of gambling and casual sex, Tony goes to Afghanistan on business. His convoy of Humvees is attacked and Tony is critically wounded. To save his life a surgeon implants a device in Tony's chest that keeps shrapnel from entering his heart. This device needs a power source, so Tony walks around attached to a car battery. Tony is held captive by terrorist who want him to build a specific Stark Enterprises missile that will give them dominance in the region. Not one to be pushed around, Tony pretends to build the missile, but is really building a suit of armor that will enable him to escape. This plan is successful and Tony makes it back to safety and America. The experience has produced a paradigm shift in Tony's attitude about weaponry. He no long wants to build and sell weapons. Obediah, his partner at Stark Enterprises completely disagrees and has a few secrets of his own. Tony builds a new, and better suit and Iron man is born.

Critical Evaluation:
The opening scene of this movie is one reason why teens join the military. The movie makes it look appealing as a convoy of Humvees travel down a road in Afghanistan with machine gunners positioned on top of the vehicles and AC/DC's Back in Black blaring. In an interesting twist, the soldiers are not Army or Marines, but airmen/airwomen from the Air Force. Everyone in the convoy is dead after a fierce attack leaving only the star of the movie, Robert Downey Jr., alive, so far textbook movie making. Surprisingly, there is actually a decent plot here and a great statement about America's weapons build up. The devastating effect of the weapons are not hidden or sugar-coated, innocent people have died and will continue to die. This movie was a summer release and has the appropriate action sequences including a huge fight scene as the climax. The movie makers leave plenty of room for a sequel or two.

Reader's Annotation:
A leopard can't physically change his spots, but a warrior can become a peace maker.

Genre:
Action/Science Fiction

Talking Points:
The effects of war
The business of war
Fortitude: having the strength to change your mind.

Interest Age:
7th +

Why I Included This:
I was looking for a teen movie on Netflix instant and this is what I found.

The House on Mango Street

Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Vintage Contemporaries: 1984. ISBN: 0679734775.

Overview:
Esperanza is caught between two worlds: childhood and adolescence, Hispanic and American. She wants things to be different, the house, her family, the way girls are treated. We get small glimpses into Esperanza's life and realize she is not unhappy, but confused and trying to make sense of growing and fitting in amongst a different culture. An interesting vignette about shoes illustrates the point. The girls find a couple pairs of high heeled shoes and have fun strutting around. They go down the street to the store and notice men treating them differently. One scolds them for wearing such shoes and another wants a kiss. The girls go home and hide the shoes not minding when the mother throws them out. Many times we think we are old enough for something and then we realize being young is not so bad after all. Meaning can be represented in the smallest things. Esperanza wants to exert her own power and not give it away, "I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am the one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate"(pg. 89).

Critical Evaluation:
Told in small vignettes, Esperanza's story is full of longing and hoping. This book is an important read for high school students because it deals with problems like prejudice and the treatment of women. It also shows that growing up has it's hills and valleys. Multicultural books are important for American students to understand what life is like for teens of another skin color. Many of the things we take for granted are confusing to immigrants. It is useful for students of all nationalities to see their experience reflected in literature. At the same time, much of Esperanza's journey is similar to any teen, the desire for autonomy, exerting your own power, to be confident in who you are. Sandra Cisneros taps into what it means to be human and specifically female. We are all sisters with shared experiences and we should look out for one another.

Reader's Annotation:
We all have obstacles and victories. How you handle it and who you become is up to you.

Information About the Author:
Born in Chicago in 1954, Sandra Cisneros was the only daughter among seven children. Graduating from Loyola University in 1976 with a degree in English and in 1978 with a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Iowa. Sandra has worked as a educator and college recruiter. Her poetry and fiction has won international attention; Bad Boys, My Wicked Wicked Ways and Caramelo are a few titles. Still busy writing, Sandra lives in San Antonio Texas and is working on a children's book.

Genre:
Multicultural Fiction/Hispanic Americans

Curriculum Ties:
Immigrants
Hispanic Americans
Culture of Families

Booktalking Ideas:
Discuss the way different cultures view women.
How do you treat people who look or talk different than you do?


Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th +

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Include This Book?
I enjoy coming of age stories. It is important for teens to have access to stories about people who have experiences that are different than there own. It is also important for any teen of any background to be able to find themselves in literature.

Atomic Learning

Atomic Learning. http://www.atomiclearning.com/k12/. Atomic Learning, Inc. : 2010.

Overview:
Many people assume teens know everything about computers. They may be able to surf the web and win online games, but using computer programs does require skills that can't always be navigated instinctively. Enter Atomic Learning, a wonderful resource that allows teens to choose an application from a very large list and find a tutorial that explains how to use it. These applications can be searched by version, platform and type, so the instruction is very specific. Today's teens are assigned school work that require technology. Giving a PowerPoint presentation is a typical requirement in many high school classrooms. With this database a teen can learn how to navigate Excel, GoogleDocs and Word to name a few. The database also provides video workshops on topics like, how to create a Wiki, Podcasting and blogging. Unusual to websites and databases a customer support phone number and hours of operation are listed for assistance. A video is also provided showing how to navigate and use Atomic Learning. Equipped for the handicapped, font sizes can easily be changed and most of the videos are closed captioned. This site is excellent for anyone who is not tech savvy. A public library should include this database because technology is a required skill for many things including job applications and resume building. Teens need to graduate high school with a proficiency on basic computer programs.

Interest Level:
9th+

Why I Included This Item:
This is a great resource to help with school projects and can be used on your own.

Learn360

Learn360. http://www.learn360.com/Search.aspx?Pageid=371217&GradeLevel=3360056. AIM Education, Inc. : 2010.

Overview:
Learn360 is a database provided by Iowa's Area Education Agencies to the Iowa public schools. The local schools provide a user name and password to make the database available to the student from any location. The search limiters on the home page are very easy to use, divided by subject area, grade level and media format. Because the student can choose the grade level from which to search, the experience is adapted to the individual's needs and abilities. The wide array of media formats available is impressive: video clips, full video, newsreel, speeches audio and speeches video are several examples. An amazing resource is the A&E Television Networks featured videos. Filed by subject these videos are full length, around 45 minutes, and provide enough information to be used towards state standards. The site tells you what standards each video meets. Today's teens are so visual, with many watching movies and television on their computers, this is a smart way to use a teen's learning style. Hollywood Film Clips for Character Education is another feature. Clips from popular movies have been sorted by grade, character trait and state standards. Teens can learn about character without rolling their eyes at outdated hairstyles and clothes, these clips are hip and current. Under subject area is the term, "vocational guidance.' This area provides video clips about job interviews, resume writing and life skills. This is a fabulous resource for a school library. If a public library could afford the database it would be a great compliment to EBSCO.

Interest Level:
9th-12th

Why I Included This Item:
It is such a fabulous resource I want to spread the word.