Say Yes to the Dress

Say Yes to the Dress. TLC:2010. ASIN: B0043LMF1O

Overview:
Some women dream about their wedding day throughout childhood. Kleinfeld's Bridal in New York City exists for these women. It is amazing just stepping through the doors into the expansive showroom/store. Consultants are assigned to an individual bride and work specifically with them through the entire process from finding a dress to alterations. Each visit begins with the bride and whom ever she brings along meeting with the consultant to explain the type of dresses that is desired. Some brides show up with a best friend and a mom. While other have a complete entourage that at times includes the groom! Once the bride explains what type of dress she desires, then THE question is asked, "What is your price point?" Some brides are on a budget as low as $2,000.00 while others have a larger range, $25,000.00. The consultant's work really begins now. He or she must search through Kleinfeld's massive inventory and find that perfect dress for that magic price. Grabbing several choices the consultant helps the bride try on each dress. This is where the fun can begin. Typically the bridal party is very vocal with their opinions about which dress looks best. Sparks can fly and feelings can be hurt. The program is usually following two - three brides per episode so the pace is fast and the stress can be high. This program appeals to the high school prom set where looking at beautiful dresses is a hobby. The show remains neutral on the business of weddings and highlights the human drama of trying to make one occasion that perfect day. Lessons may be learned from these television brides. My daughter has learned that I will not pay thousands of dollars for a wedding dress, I'm still saving for prom.

Reader's Annotation:
It's your special day. Pick the dress YOU want.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Coming of Age/Romance

Talking Points:
Wedding Customs
Marriage
Industry of Weddings

Interest Age:
6th +

Why I Included This Item:
It is all the rage with my sixteen-year-old daughter and her friends.

The Hunger Games

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

Plot Summary:
Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 in the Seam. Her father was killed in a mining accident when she was eleven and Katniss has been the only source of provision for her mother and younger sister, Prim. District 12 is one of the poorer districts in Panem, a country controlled by the Capitol. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by fear and intimidation. The biggest ploy is the Hunger Games, a yearly ritual that is mandated by the Capitol. Each district must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen. The winner brings needed food and pride back to their district. The point of the games? To be the sole survivor. Only one tribute can win and they are required to kill each other to reach that point. Katniss' twelve year old sister, Prim is chosen for the games and Katniss volunteers to take her place. A boy named Peeta who has feelings for Katniss is chosen as well. Katniss and Peeta are immediately whisked off to the Capitol to prepare for the games. The Capitol is a foreign world compared to District 12, different food, strange accents and children killing each other for sport is entertainment.

Critical Evaluation:
This book is a masterpiece. Told in first person, we always know what Katniss is thinking and doing. Her perceptions are not neutral, but she is basically a reliable narrator. Suzanne Collins gives Katniss a humanity and depth of character that is rare in today's novels. The chapters dealing with Rue and her murder show us the depth of the Capitol's inhumanity by highlighting Katniss' humanity. In the middle of all the stress and horror, the author still let's us glimpse the sixteen year old girl who can't figure out how she feels about a boy. The normalcy transposed with the brutality is an effective plot device. The world of Panem is fictional, but not completely unrealistic, this basis in partial realty is surreal and a great springboard for discussions. Could a government actually be so cruel to it's citizens? Unfortunately we just need to look back in history to see the answer.

Reader's Annotation:
Katniss struggles each day to find food to keep her family alive. In the games she must fight each day to keep herself alive while depriving the other tributes of that luxury.

Information About the Author:
Suzanne Collins began her writing career writing for children's television programs like Clarissa Explains It All and Little Bear. Her first published fiction was Gregor the Overlander. The five book series titled, The Underland Chronicles, was based on the idea of Alice in Wonderland.
Suzanne is forty-seven years old and lives in Connecticut with her husband. She was on the list of Time Magazines most influential people of 2010. A little know fact is that Suzanne has written a picture book, When Charlie McButton Lost Power.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Dystopia

Curriculum Ties:
War
Loyalty
Morality

Booktalking Ideas:
Could you take part in a rebellion against the government? If so under what circumstances.
Could you withhold important information from someone you love?


Reading Level/Interest Age:
7th +

Challenge Issues:
Violence

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 Include This Book?
I loved the Underland Chronicles. This book brings up important topics that are of interest to teens.

World Book Online for Public Libraries Info Finder

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

Overview:
World Book Encyclopedia hosts World Book Online for Public Libraries Info Finder. This database is targeted at a teen audience and provided on the resource web page of our local public library, Drake Community Library. The Encyclopedia Online for Public Libraries Info Finder home page provides various supports concerning research including links to 'how to do research' and a 'citation builder', which give complete step by step instructions for doing a research project. A really neat feature is 'interactive earth'. This takes geography to a whole new level with four separate resources. The 'explore Iowa' guide is a student's dream for a state report. Many resources are listed with links to cities, public officials and state facts. Another interesting feature is access to world newspapers. Countries are listed in a drop down menu, chose a country and a list of the major newspapers come up with links to their web pages. Virtual tours are provided for a small amount of topics in different curricular areas.The virtual tours offer a great way to connect with today's visually oriented students, unfortunately, the amount of available virtual tours is small, hopefully World Book will expand this in the near future. Lastly, the encyclopedia offers students several ways to find information. A student can use a topical approach with curricular subjects or a simple 'A to Z' search. This resource draws students in. The home page has a rotating earth that catches your eye and is divided up by topics in different colors with a minimal amount of text. This simplicity doesn't fill the student with insecurity or dread; some databases can be overwhelming. The material presented is timely and updated, only one link did not work as I was searching.

Interest Level:
7th-12th grade

Why I Included This Item:
A public library needs to have great homework resources.

Student Research Center

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

Overview:
Student Research Center is part of a subscription to EBSCO Host. The home page is very user friendly with links to a new search, a dictionary or an encyclopedia. The dictionary link provides a list of fifteen words that come before and after the word you are searching and several definitions are given. The home page allows the user to search by curricular topics and refine the search by lexile or format. If an assignment requires specific types of resources like primary source documents or radio and television news transcripts, a user can search only within this format. If the information needed is not found a link is provided to 'other databases' and leads to EBSCO Host. The site features a box with the most recent popular searches, this may be helpful at a school library when many students are working on similar projects. Databases can be very tricky to use. This 'student' version of EBSCO does a great job of taking the mystery out of the research process. The regular EBSCO search page has numerous limiters and many choices. With only six limiter choices the ease of the homepage lets a student get to the information they require. The information presented is current and timely.

Interest Level:
6th -12th grade

Why I Included This Item:
To round out my collection with a research resource.

Mad Magazine

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

Overview:
Mad Magazine began in 1952 and is still going strong 58 years later. One reason, nothing is sacred in Mad Magazine. Spoofs abound on every topic discussed in popular culture and politics. The Fundalini Pages, Random Acts of Mindless Department and the Self Loathing Department are a few of the regularly featured 'articles'. Part of the magazine looks like a comic book and the advertisements are spoofs as well. The May 2010 issue spoofs the Amish fireplace sold in other 'normal' periodicals. The inside back cover of each issue contains a 'Mad Fold-In'. The page asks a question like, "What stratospheric condition caused many not to fly this year?" The picture sort of relates in a 'Mad Magazine' kind of way. The reader folds the page so point A can meet point B and then the question has found an answer. "Sky high airline luggage fees is the answer to the above question.

Critical Evaluation:
Popular with the teen audience, Mad Magazine's anti-establishment humor fits right into the teen developmental phase of questioning authority. This magazine reminds me of a cleaner print version of Saturday Night Live. Never one to take itself too seriously, the magazine states in the fine print, "A similarity without satiric purpose to a living person is a coincidence." I'll bet Mad Magazine is a fun place to work.

Genre:
Popular Culture

Talking Points:
Politics
Art
Satire
The line between satire and defaming

Interest Level:
9th +

Why I Included This Item:
Everyone needs a little humor.

Game Informer

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

Overview:
Game Informer, claiming to be the world's first #1 video game magazine, is a wealth of information for serious gamers. It contains reviews of new and existing games, articles about important figures in the gaming industry and the trends among the gaming companies themselves. The range of games presented follows the rating spectrum from 'E' for everyone to 'M' for mature. Newly released games are discussed in-depth as to there contents and a bit of history about the project from inception to the store. Hardware is also discussed with tips and advice about design flaws or specific functions.

Critical Overview:
This monthly magazine has testosterone written all over it. The advertisements are all men and relate to sports, the military or electronics. About an inch wider than a traditional magazine, Game Informer is made from a less glossy type of paper. Colorful, detailed images cover virtually every page giving the reader a glimpse of the graphics of the particular game being discussed. The print is small and a bit hard to read, this magazine is not for the casual gamer, but for a hardcore enthusiast. The front and back covers are a combined full page spread highlighting a new release or popular game. The text is kept to a minimum so the graphic is not hidden or overshadowed. Compared to other magazine covers, Game Informer is extremely visual with the look and feel of a graphic novel.

Genre:
Popular Culture

Talking Points:
Violence
War
Process of making a game

Interest Level:
9th +

Why I Included This Item:
I wanted a magazine that boys read.

Seventeen

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

Overview:
Seventeen is targeted to high school girls as primarily a fashion magazine. Each issue contains articles about make-up, style tips and what's new in the fashion world. The magazine also has a few articles about how to deal with friend or boyfriend problems and information about the latest hunk or hottie as they are now called. One of the issues I looked through had a lengthy article about marijuana usage and it's harmful effects. Certain issues have a particular focus for example, the right bikini for your body type or how to find the perfect fitting jeans. Celebrities are through out the magazine in advertisements or articles. A helpful feature is a picture of the cover is on the table of contents page with page numbers directing the reader to the specific article. The covers are tastefully done with celebrities like the winner of America's Top Model or a singer. There is no plunging necklines or scantly clad women.

Critical Evaluation:
This magazine is a marketers dream. Girls pour over the latest issue of Seventeen learning what is hot and what is not. The magazine could use more diversity. Even though two of the issues I picked up had an African American women on the cover, women of color are not well represented within the magazine. Much of the content is fluff and fashion, but towards the end of each issue a heavier topic of relevance is discussed.

Genre:
Popular Culture

Talking Points:
How advertisers market to specific teen groups.
Specific articles in the magazine.
Importance of physical appearance in our society.

Interest Level:
9th +

Why I Chose This Item:
I have noticed many girls at the library reading this magazine.

Entertainment Weekly

Nelson, Martha, Ed. Entertainment Weekly. New York: 2010.

Overview:
This weekly magazine appeals to teen's interest in popular culture involving movies, music, books, video games and theater. The covers usually feature stars of current television programs or movies. Weekly features include the MustList highlighting ten recommendations for the week, sneak peeks of upcoming movies and/or television series and reviews of movies, books and music. The advertisements are slick and a combination of commercials for featured programs and the normal magazine fare; alcohol, electronics and medication. A few times a year special editions are published that focus on interesting aspects of the industry, for example: The 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years and a Holiday Movie Preview. Reading this magazine on a regular basis will keep you informed and on top of whatever is going on in the entertainment industry.

Critical Evaluation:
This is the type of light reading a lot of teens prefer. Adults would call this brain candy, but teens enjoy popular culture. If you listen to teen conversations, many times the topics revolve around entertainment themes and issues. They are tuned into the next new thing and want to experience it. Not everyone has the Internet at home, magazines like Entertainment Weekly provide a way for those individuals to keep current. The magazine is about 50% text and 50% visual. Many pages resemble a web page in there design and format with the text in blurbs around the pictures. This magazine is great for reluctant readers because of it's design and high interest topics.

Genre:
Popular Culture

Talking Points:
Current Trends
Movie Ratings and Movies in General

Interest Level:
9th +

Why I Chose This Item:
I like to watch films and this magazine caught my eye.

Glee: The Complete First Season

Murhpy, Ryan. Glee: The Complete First Season. 2oth Century Fox: 2010. ASIN: B0032JTV6U.

Plot Summary:
William McKinley High School is your average suburban school. The social order is typically ruled by jocks and cheerleaders who show their dominance by throwing slushies into the faces of the less popular or depositing them into the dumpster. The teaching staff is populated by an OCD counselor, an overweight gym teacher, a caring Spanish teacher and the cheerleading coach from hell. The premise of the show is an attempt by the caring Spanish teacher, Mr. Schuester, to start a Glee Club. This small action begins a war over funding with the cheerleading coach from hell, Sue Sylvester. The goal for the first season is for the Glee Club to win Regionals to justify their funding. There is humor, drama and teenage pregnancy along the way. Each episode features lots of music and fun.

Critical Evaluation:
Glee effectively uses stereotyping to set up the cast at William McKinley High School with these groups represented: jocks, cheerleaders, geeks, homosexuals, handicapped individuals, students of ethnicity, sluts and a bad boy. The stereotyping goes even further with a 'dumb jock', slutty cheerleaders and fashion savvy gay student. The basic high school stereotyping works because for many students it is true and they can relate to the characters. In the midst of the fluff, the shows does tackle some heavy issues like: teen pregnancy, abstinence, bullying, loyalty and having a place to fit in. As typical with television this is not a program based on complete reality, there is no way a regular high school student could come up with the costumes they wear or that a school board would allow some of the more suggestive dance/song numbers. Enough of the program resonates with students to out weigh the missteps.

Reader's Annotation:
A good song can fix just about anything.

Genre:
Contemporary Life/Coming of Age/Romance/Sports

Talking Points:
Teen Pregnancy
Being Gay in High School
Acceptance

Interest Age:
6th +

Why I Included This Item:
I heard teens talking about the program and was interested.

Point Blank: An Alex Rider Adventure

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

Plot Summary:
Alex Rider is back to school and recuperated from his first mission for MI6. School seems petty and uninteresting after his work for the agency. One day as Alex is leaving school he notices a guy in a white car selling drugs to the students. This makes him angry and he takes matters into his own hands. How hard could it be for a secret agent to catch a small time drug dealer? Well, millions of dollars of destruction later, Alex is back in the office of Mr. Blunt of MI6. Luckily the government needs him for another mission so the whole drug dealer incident can be forgotten. Alex is asked to infiltrate a prestigious school in the Alps where the rich and famous send their wayward teenage sons. His mission is to attend the school and find out what they are up to. This adventure includes a beautiful girl, suspense and lots of danger.

Critical Evaluation:
Anthony Horowitz knows how to write an adventure novel. Alex Rider's escapades are realistic enough to almost believe even though he must have nine lives and a very busy guardian angel. Teenage boys check these books out quite regularly and heartily recommend them. The draw is the idea of a person their age who can make a difference in the world and solve a problem that the adults can't. The books in the series build on one another with the same characters making at least brief appearances. I like that Alex is not some boy genius like Artemis Fowl or has special powers like Harry Potter. He is an average teen that has taken karate lessons and learned several languages, no wand required. Alex also gets our sympathy right off. His parents are deceased and his only relative, the uncle he lived with died in the first novel. The author primes us to like Alex and it works. He is vulnerable and strong, sometimes kicking himself for his actions. Alex is pretty much the typical teen.

Reader's Annotation:
The most exciting school day is worse than the most boring day of a teenage spy.

Information About the Author:
Anthony Horowitz had a horrible childhood. Born in England and part of a wealthy family, he was overweight, unhappy and lived at a boarding school. One positive result from such unhappy circumstances was Anthony's ability to make up a good story. The very popular Alex Rider series is celebrating it's tenth year and was made into a movie in 2006. To date there are eight Alex Rider novels, another just completed will finish the series.
The newest series from Anthony Horowitz is The Power of Five, a supernatural thriller with a boy protagonist. Also part of Anthony's resume is writing for television including Foyle's War and an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot, both seen on PBS' Masterpiece Mystery.

Genre:
Adventure/Espionage and Terrorism

Curriculum Ties:
Espionage
Terrorism
Children doing adult's work

Booktalking Ideas:
Could you take on the identity of another person?
The ability to work under pressure, knowing it is life and death.
Would you be able to kill someone in self defense?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
8th +

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Include This Book?
I really liked the first book in the series.