The 9/11 Reports: A Graphic Adaptation

Title: The 9/11 Reports: A Graphic Adaptation

Author: Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon

Publisher: Hill and Wang

ISBN: 978-0-8090-5738-2

Recommended for Grades 10 and up

Genre: Non-Fiction-Graphic Novel

Reader’s Annotation:

A graphic novel adaptation of the 2004 The 9/11 Report: The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, this book reworks the 800 page report to a readable and understandable form.

Plot Summary:

On September 11, 2001 the world changed when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked by terrorists. In 2004 The 9/11 Report: The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States was released. Jacobson and Colon bring the report to life in graphic novel form. The book details the events leading up to 9/11, what took place on the day of the attacks, and the response to what occurred. The book also includes fold out time lines of the events that took place on September 11^th. The book depicts images of the terrorists that were involved as well as key members of the government and military.

Evaluation:

The graphic novel form makes The 9/11 Report easy for teens to read and understand. The importance of what happened on that day will not be lost on teens who do not wish to read the entire report.

Notes:

The 9/11 Report: The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States is available through W.W. Norton & Co., ISBN 978-0393060416

The AIDS Update

Title: The AIDS Update
Author: Alvin and Virginia Silverstein and Laura Silverstein Nunn
Publisher: Enslow Publisher, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0766027466

Recommended for Grades 7 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
A lot has changed about AIDs since the disease was first discovered. This book gives an updated look at AIDs and its effects on the world in order to help the reader to understand the disease more clearly.

Plot Summary:
Put together in a straight forward and easy to understand manner with numerous pictures, this book makes it easy for young adults to learn facts about AIDs and HIV. Published in 2008, The AIDs Update presents current information about how AIDs has spread, what has been learned about it, and the work that is being done to find a viable treatment and cure. The book provides basic information about the disease, what effects it has on the human body, how it is spread and how it can be prevented. A glossary, index and list of references are included to further understanding of the topic.

Evaluation:
The book provides insightful and current information about the battle against HIV and AIDs. It helps teens to learn the truth about these diseases that continue to take lives all over the world.

The Arrival

Title: The Arrival
Author: Shaun Tan
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
ISBN: 0439895294

Recommended for Grades 6 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Needing to find a better life for his family, one man sets off to a new country. Here he must learn a new language and culture with only the kindness of others to help him through.

Plot Summary:
In this wordless graphic novel, the reader follows the journey of a man as he leaves his home and family to make a new life in a new country and prepares to have his family come and join him. He is overwhelmed by the new culture, language, and way of life. He is assisted by other immigrants and learns why they came to this land. Later, when his family joins him, his daughter is seen assisting a new immigrant find her way as others helped her father.

Evaluation:
By telling the story without words, this book will help teens feel what immigrants feel when they leave their home and family behind to make a new life in a strange land. It will help to teach tolerance for immigrants that they may meet.

Artemis Fowl

Title: Artemis Fowl
Author: Eoin Colfer
Publisher: Hyperion Books For Children
ISBN: 0-7868-0801-2

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction- Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Artemis Fowl needs money. And fast. What is a genius 12 year old to do? Steal fairy gold of course.

Plot Summary:
Artemis Fowl is the twelve year old genius son of an Irish crime lord. His father has been kidnapped and his mother has been driven insane. The only way Artemis can think of to save his parents is to use his brain power to steal leprechaun gold from the fairyfolk. With his bodyguard Butler at his side nothing can stop him.

Nothing, that is, but Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) Unit. While Artemis hopes to ransom her in exchange for the fairy gold, Holly and her magical comrades are confident that their magic and technology will easily defeat a twelve year old human. Little do they know that Artemis will be a more challenging opponent than they could ever have imagined. The battle between Artemis and the fairyfolk could tear the world apart.

Evaluation:
Artemis Fowl is a story about greed and the limits it can push people to. Though Artemis is the classic anti-hero, his cunning and intelligence makes him an appealing character for teens who are rebelling themselves.

Notes: There are 5 other titles in the series-
The Arctic Incident
The Eternity Code
The Opal Deception
The Lost Colony
The Time Paradox

Astro City: Life in the Big City

Title: Astro City: Life in the Big City
Author: Kurt Busiek, Brent E. Anderson and Alex Ross
Publisher: Wildstorm
ISBN: 156389551X

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy-Science Fiction-Graphic Novel

Reader’s Annotation:
Superheros are admired by those they protect. But it is easy to forget that they are people too.

Plot Summary:
In Astro City, there are superheros everywhere. They are part of daily life and are admired by the citizens. In six stories, the views of the citizens toward the superheros and the feelings of the superheros themselves are revealed. Each of the stories begins with the main character stating how much they love Astro City, but each end with the sign "You are now leaving Astro City: Please drive carefully" as the character leaves. The book begins and ends with the Good Samaritan, the main superhero of Astro City, who wishes to do nothing more than fly for the sheer pleasure of flying, or spend a little time with love-interest and superheroine, Winged Victory. Other heroes, Jack-in-the-Box, the First Family, and Cracker Jack are also featured.

Evaluation:
With many popular movies showing superheros as real and flawed, Astro City: Life in the Big City does just that. Teens will enjoy the human side of the superhero story.

Notes:
There are five other graphic novels in the Astro City series.
Astro City: Confession
Astro City: Family Album
Astro City: Tarnished Angel
Astro City: Local Heroes
Astro City: The Dark Age Book One

The Bad Beginning: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1

Title: The Bad Beginning: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1
Author: Lemony Snicket
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 006075589X

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Things are starting badly for the three Baudelaire children. Very badly. And they're getting worse. Much, much worse.

Plot Summary:
Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire have just been informed that their parents have died and their home has been destroyed in a terrible fire. They are now being shipped off to the home of their distant relative Count Olaf, who treats them horribly. He schemes to have the children participate in a play called "The Marvelous Marriage" in which he will legally marry Violet in order to obtain the Baudelaire fortune. If Violet or Klaus try to stop him, baby Sunny will be killed. Each child must use their skills, Violet as an inventor, Klaus as a researcher, and baby Sunny's love of biting, in order to escape Count Olaf.

Evaluation:
The Series of Unfortunate Events is morbid and is filled with tragedy, but also love and humor. Difficult words are often defined to help build the vocabulary of the reader and subtle word play will keep older teens interested.

Notes:
There are 12 other books in The Series of Unfortunate Events:
The Reptile Room
The Wide Window
The Miserable Mill
The Austere Academy
The Ersatz Elevator
The Vile Village
The Hostile Hospital
The Carnivorous Carnival
The Slippery Slope
The Grim Grotto
The Penultimate Peril
The End

In 2004 Paramount Pictures released Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events based on the first three books in the series.

The Book of Wizard Craft: In Which the Apprentice Finds Spells, Potions, Fantastic Tales & 50 Enchanting Things to Make

Title: The Book of Wizard Craft: In Which the Apprentice Finds Spells, Potions, Fantastic Tales & 50 Enchanting Things to Make
Author: Janice Eaton Kilby, Deborah Morgenthal and Terry Taylor
Publisher: Lark Books
ISBN: 1579902065

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
For anyone who has ever wanted to make magic in their own home, this is the book for them.

Plot Summary:
Jam packed with illustrations, information and fun, this is the perfect book for a young reader who has fallen in love with any one of the recent wizard-themed book series. The book takes classic at-home science experiments and gives them a wizard twist. There are also a number of crafts that they can use to decorate their rooms or throw a wizard-themed party. Along with the hands-on projects, there are interspersed sections of information about different mythological creatures and legends.

Evaluation:
The book is filled with humor that encourages both creativity and safety. Young adults will enjoy turning their home into their own school of witchcraft and wizardry.

Bridge to Terabithia

Title: Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0690013590

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer to be the fastest kid in the 5th grade. He never thought that his greatest competition would be a GIRL!

Plot Summary:
Jess Aarons has practiced for the big 5th grade race all summer. He knows that this year he is going to be the fastest kid in the class. But the new kid in town, Leslie Burke, doesn’t care that running is a boy’s sport and joins the race. No one is more surprised than Jess when Leslie wins.

Jess and Leslie, who discover they are next door neighbors, soon become best friends. Together they use their imagination to create the mystical land of Terabithia where they can escape from their families, school and bullies. When tragedy strikes, Jess must find the strength to carry on and remain the king of Terabithia without Leslie by his side.

Evaluation:
Paterson’s book is an honest and heartfelt look at the death of a child through the eyes of a child. This book can help teens deal with tragedies that they may face in their own lives.

Notes:
Katherine Paterson’s book is loosely based on the true story of her son and his best friend. The story of that tragedy can be read here: http://www.takoma.com/archives/copy/2005/06/features_takomaarchives0605.html

In 2007 Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media released a theatrical adaptation of the book.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Title: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Author: Roald Dahl
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 0141301155

Recommended for Grades 6 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Poor Charlie Bucket only gets one chocolate bar each year, and only on his birthday. When chocolate maker Willie Wonka announces that five golden tickets to his factory are hidden in his chocolate bars it would take a miracle for Charlie to win.

Plot Summary:
Charlie Bucket loves chocolate more than any other food. Unfortunately his family only has enough money to buy him one chocolate bar every year on his birthday. When Willy Wonka, the owner of the local chocolate factory, announces that he has hidden five golden tickets in his chocolate and those who find the bars will be allowed to tour the factory, Charlie knows that it will be a miracle if he wins. But luck is on Charlie’s side.

Inside Mr. Wonka’s factory are a number of marvelous rooms, and his fantastic employees, the Oompa Loompas. What starts out as an exciting tour soon turns more sinister as each of the other four children start to disappear before Charlie’s eyes. Each one of them is a victim of their vices and as they disappear, the Oompa Loompas warn the remaining children of the dangers of each vice in turn. With only Charlie left he wonders, how long before he disappears to?

Evaluation:
The four other children who tour the factory and the consequences of their actions, plus Charlie’s reward, help to provide a positive role model for young readers.

Notes:
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator is the sequel to this book.

Two theatrical adaptations have been made of this book: the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory put out by Paramount Pictures and 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory released by Warner Brothers.

City of Bones

Title: City of Bones
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
ISBN: 1416914285

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Clary Fray just witnessed a murder. Even though she is in a club full of people, no one else saw the strangely tattooed murderers. Clary has to discover if she is going crazy or if something more sinister is going on.

Plot Summary:
When Clary Fray sees a trio of tattooed teens kill another boy, no one else believes her because no one else can see the murderers, and the victim disappears. Next her mother disappears after a monster attacks her apartment. She manages to kill the monster with the help of Jace, one of the tattooed teens. Before long she discovers that these teens are called Shadowhunters, a group of demon and monster hunters. Clary’s mother was one of these Shadowhunters and Clary needs their help to get her back. Clary must embrace her heritage and learn about the power she has inside of her. And the closer that she gets to Jace the more secrets she learns about her family's past and the true identity of the father she never knew.

Evaluation:
Clary struggles with discovering the truth about who her mother really is and learning who her father is. Jace’s adoptive brother Alec struggles with the internal conflict of his homosexuality and keeps it a secret from his family. Both serve as positive examples for teens facing their on conflicts.

Notes:
There are two other books in the “Mortal Instruments” series:
City of Ash
City of Glass

Clothing, Cosmetics, and Self-Esteem Tips: Making the Most of the Body You Have

Title: Clothing, Cosmetics, and Self-Esteem Tips: Making the Most of the Body You Have
Author: Joan Esherick
Publisher: Mason Crest Publishers
ISBN: 1590849515

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
With obesity being a growing epidemic in today's society, many girls' self esteem suffer because they do not fit the archetype of "beauty." This book helps girls to learn how to make the most of the body one has.

Plot Summary:
This book is geared towards young girls. Rather than recommending diet and exercise regimes, this book is filled with advice and tips on how to feel confident and beautiful with the body that one has. It covers skincare, make-up, hair, clothing and the inner-self. It gives information on how to healthily look and feel better. It also gives great facts, such as that Marilyn Monroe was a size 14.

Evaluation:
This book fills a need of helping young girls feel confident with themselves rather than following fad diets and crazy exercise regimes.

Coraline

Title: Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0380977788

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy-Horror

Reader’s Annotation:
Coraline loves to explore. On her first day in her new home she discovers a locked door, and the bricks behind it once it’s opened. One day the bricks are gone and a passage is open and Coraline goes exploring…

Plot Summary:
Coraline and her family have moved into a new house. Corlaine explores every inch of the house and the grounds. Except for one room. It is locked and when her mother opens it they discover a wall of bricks blocking the doorway. When Coraline opens the door herself the bricks are gone. Journeying down the mysterious passage, Coraline discovers another house almost exactly like her own. There is Other Mother and Other Father and her neighbors also, but there is one major difference. They all have black buttons for eyes. For Coraline to stay in this other world she must let Other Mother replace her eyes with buttons. When Coraline discovers the fate of the other children Other Mother had seduced into the Other World, she and her friend the cat must figure out how to escape, find the souls of the children that Other Mother has stolen and make it back to the real world.

Evaluation:
Coraline faces the temptation of the Other World, which on the surface appears to be perfect and everything that she wanted. She is willing to put herself and her chance of escaping at risk in order to help save others. Gaiman's book helps to teach the classic lesson of “be careful what you wish for.”

Notes:
In 2007 Focus Features released a 3D theatrical adaptation of Coraline.

Ella Enchanted

Title: Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 0060275103

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Ella has been given the gift of obedience by her fairy godmother. But the gift is more of a curse as Ella is forced to obey any command given to her. Ella must find her fairy godmother to remove the “gift” and set herself free.

Plot Summary:
When she is born, Ella’s fairy godmother gave her the “gift” of obedience. This gift turns into more of a curse when Ella’s evil stepsister, Hattie, figures out that Ella follows every order that she is given. Ella leaves home in order to find the fairy that cursed her and have the curse removed. Her life is complicated when she meets the handsome Prince Char. She refuses to be used as a weapon against Char by being ordered to assassinate him. And she refuses to be ordered to marry him. Ella needs to gather her inner strength in order to break her curse.

Evaluation:
This fun retelling of the Cinderella fairytale shows girls the power of finding your voice and following your heart.

Notes:
In 2004 Miramax films released a theatrical adaptation of the story.

Ender's Game

Title: Ender’s Game
Author: Orson Scott Card
Publisher: Tor Books
ISBN: 0312932081

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Science-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Ender is the brightest and most talented student in his class. The government is training him to be the next great fleet commander of the military. But can Ender handle the strain that the training brings?


Plot Summary:
Andrew “Ender” Wiggins is a third. He is the third child that his parents had, which, due to overpopulation of the planet, is against the law. Amazingly despite this the government selects Ender, takes him away from his family at the age of 6 and sends him to the elite Battle School for training. To train their future soldiers, the school has the students playing video games to simulate what war with Earth’s enemies, the alien “Buggers,” would be like. Ender is promoted quickly through the ranks of the school and is soon promoted to command school. Here he is put through a series of grueling simulations all leading up to his final test. It is only at the end of this test that Ender learns the true motivation of the Battle School and why he and his classmates are being trained. The truth nearly kills Ender, and he must do what he can to make it right.

Evaluation:
Ender’s Game is an interesting look at the depersonalization of the military and the moral implications that this raises. Ender hopes that his savage and cruel tactics in a virtual battle will get him kicked out of school, not knowing how much is truly at stake.

Notes:
Card revised Ender’s Game in 1991, changing some of the political facts to reflect the time, such as the fall of the Soviet Union.

There are 10 other books in the Ender’s Game series:
Speaker for the Dead
Xenocide
Children of the Mind
Ender's Shadow
Shadow of the Hegemon
Shadow Puppets
Shadow of the Giant
First Meetings
A War of Gifts: An Ender Story
Ender in Exile

Eragon

Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0375826688

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Riding through the wood, young Eragon discovers a beautiful smooth rock. Eragon soon discovers this is no rock, but a dragon egg. Eragon is about to become the last dragon rider.

Plot Summary:
Eragon was just an ordinary orphan who was living with his uncle and cousin. When hunting in the woods one day he discovers a beautiful blue rock. After taking it home Eragon realizes that it is not a rock, but an egg, and it hatches into dragon. Eragon and the dragon bond and he finds he can communicate psychically with her. He names her Saphira. When soldiers come to his village looking for the dragon egg, they kill Eragon’s uncle. Eragon flees with the local storyteller Brom. Through Brom, Eragon learns that he is the last Dragon Rider, warriors who are bonded with dragons. Evil King Galbatorix wiped out the dragon riders and now tyrannically rules over the land. Eragon and Saphira join the rebellion and set out to defeat King Galbatorix and bring peace to the land.

Evaluation:
Having written the book when he was only 19, Paolini serves as a role model for teens who are interested in writing. At 25 he has already released 3 bestselling novels.

Notes:
There are 2 other books in the Inheritance Cycle with a fourth book in the works.
Eldest
Brisingr

20th Century Fox released a film adaptation of Eragon in 2005.

The Golden Compass

Title: The Golden Compass (Northern Lights)
Author: Philip Pullman
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0679879242

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Lyra Belacqua and her dæmon Pantalaimon are headed to the north to rescue her friend Roger and her father Lord Asriel. With a mysterious alethiometer that can answer any question to guide them, they set off in an adventure filled with new friends and peril.

Plot Summary:
Lyra Belacqua lives in a parallel world where every human's soul takes the form of a dæmon that can shape shift until they reach puberty. Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, must journey to help rescue Lyra’s friend, Roger, and other children who have been mysteriously disappearing. Before she leaves, Lyra is given an alethiometer that can answer any question for those who are able to read it. Lyra journeys to the north where she discovers a sinister plot to sever children from their dæmon, which causes death in the victims. The energy released when the link is cut causes a tear that leads to parallel worlds. Lyra and Pantalaimon, with the help of an armoured bear called Iorek Byrnison and an adventurer, Lee Scoresby, must stop these atrocities from happening.

Evaluation:
Many religious organizations have criticized Pullman's work, and it is important to keep this in mind when recommending it to young readers. The books are imaginative and inspiring, but are tailed by controversy.

Notes:
There are two other books in the His Dark Materials series.
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

In 2007 New Line Cinema released a theatrical adaptation of The Golden Compass.

The Golden Compass is published outside the United States as Northern Lights.

Hamlet

Title: Hamlet
Author: William Shakespeare
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300101058

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction-Play

Reader’s Annotation:
Hamlet's father is dead at the hands of his uncle. Now Hamlet attempts to prove his uncle's guilt and avenge his father's death, but at the cost of everyone he loves.

Plot Summary:
Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, has been visited by the ghost of his father. His father's spirit has told him that his Uncle Claudius killed him before marrying Hamlet's mother. In order to reveal the truth to his mother, Hamlet pretends to be mad and sets up a play for Claudius mimicking the way Hamlet's father died. As Hamlet become more determined to prove the Claudius is guilty, the death toll in the palace of Denmark grows.

Evaluation:
Hamlet can help introduce teenagers to plays and Shakespeare's work.

Notes:
Their have been numerous film adaptations of Hamlet. Information on these adaptations can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamlet_on_screen

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN: 0590353403

Recommended for Grades 6 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Four little words just changed Harry Potter's life forever: "Harry-yer a wizard."

Plot Summary:
On Harry Potter's 11th birthday, he does not expect anything. He lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin who treat him like a servant and he has never had a proper birthday. That is until a giant man named Hagrid breaks down the door and reveals Harry's wizard heritage to him. Harry begins studying at the Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry. Harry learns that his parents, who he always thought died in a car crash, were murdered by the dark wizard Voldemort who was destroyed while attempting to kill Harry. But Voldemort is not dead, and the first thing he wants to do on his return is kill Harry Potter.

Evaluation:
Harry Potter has become a worldwide book phenomenon. Teens will relate to Harry as he struggles for acceptance and his own identity.

Notes:
There are 6 other books in the Happy Potter series:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

In 2001 Warner Brothers released a film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Title: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Publisher: Harmony
ISBN: 1400052920

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction- Science-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
The Earth is about to be destroyed for a hyperspace bypass. Arthur Dent is about to hitch a ride off the planet and begin an adventure he never dreamed of.

Plot Summary:
Arthur Dent's day is not starting out well. His house is about to be demolished to make room for a bypass. He is laying in front of a bulldozer when his friend Ford Prefect takes him away to have a pint at the nearby pub. Ford has no concern for Arthur's house because Ford is actually from a planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betelgeuse and that knows the Earth is about to be demolished for an hyperspace bypass. The two of them hitch a ride on a nearby space ship and escape Earth's destruction. They soon find themselves in the company of Ford's semi-cousin and President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox, another earthling, Trillian, and the clinically depressed robot Marvin. They travel the galaxy in search of the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything.

Evaluation:
Adams' sci-fi classic is filled with wonderful and zany humor. The character of Arthur captures the feeling of being out of the loop that many teenagers can relate to.

Notes:
There are four other books in the Hitchhiker's series:
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Life, the Universe and Everything
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
Mostly Harmless

In 2005 a film adaptation of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was released by Touchstone Pictures.

Holes

Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 0374332657

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Stanley Yelnats IV has bad luck. Very bad luck. And it just got him arrested.

Plot Summary:
Stanley Yelnats IV and his family have been cursed with bad luck since his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing, great-great grandfather forgot to fulfill a promise he made to a gypsy. The curse catches up to Stanley when a pair of stolen sneakers fall out of the sky and he is arrested for their theft. He is shipped off to the juvenile correction camp, Camp Green Lake. Here he and the other boys must spend their day digging holes in the dried lake bed. The warden of the camp is looking for the treasure of Kissing Kate, an outlaw from the old west who buried her treasure there. When Stanley and his new friend, Zero, attempt to escape the camp, they unwittingly lift the Yelnats curse and change the lives of everyone involved.

Evaluation:
This novel is filled with humor but also serious topics like racism and imprisonment. Teens will enjoy the story while seeing the deeper message.

Notes:
There is a companion novel to Holes called Small Steps.

In 2003 Walt Disney Pictures released a theatrical adaptation of Holes.

Hoot

Title: Hoot
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0375821813

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Someone has been sabotaging a construction site. But it is more than just pranks; there are lives at stake.

Plot Summary:
Roy has just moved to Florida from Montana. He has no friends and is made fun of for being a cowboy. When Roy meets Mullet Fingers he discovers that Mullet has been sabotaging the construction site of a new pancake house. There are endangered Burrowing Owls that have made their home in the ground at the site. Roy, Mullet Fingers and Mullet Fingers' step sister, Beatrice, join forces to save the owls.

Evaluation:
Roy and his friends stand up to and succeed against a large corporation to help the environment. They can inspire teens to do their own work for the environment.

Notes:
In 2004 a theatrical adaptation of Hoot was released by Walden Media and New Line Cinema.

How to Draw Manga

Title: How To Draw Manga
Author: Katy Coope
Publisher: Tangerine Press
ISBN: 0439317452

Recommended for Grades 6 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction- How-to-Draw

Reader’s Annotation:
16 year-old Katy Cooper creates a book about creating manga specifically for the young reader.

Plot Summary:
Katy Cooper creates straight forward and easy to understand instructions on how to draw manga characters. She focuses on figure drawing and helps the reader to understand how to create characters that are in proportion. She also has instructions on how to pose the figures. The hand drawn appearance of the pictures in the book gives it the feel of looking into a person's sketch book, and the casual and fun instructions make it feel like you have a personal instructor.

Evaluation:
Because this book was created by a teenager, it is easy for teens to understand, follow and relate to. All of the final pictures still show the texture of the color-pencils and are not professionally cleaned-up. This makes the images a more achievable goal for those using the book.

Howl's Moving Castle

Title: Howl's Moving Castle
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
ISBN: 0688062334

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Teenage Sophie is cursed to look like she is in her 90's. The only person who can reverse the curse is the Wizard Howl, but he has a reputation of eating young girl's hearts. At least Sophie looks old.

Plot Summary:
Sophie Hatter has resigned herself to an uninteresting life. She works at her family's hat shop, and never expects to go on any adventures. One day the evil Witch of the Waste, disguised as a customer, comes into the shop. When Sophie insults her, she punishes her by making her look as though she is in her 90's. Sophie leaves home to seek a counter curse from the Wizard Howl in his moving castle. She strikes a bargain with the fire demon Calcifer, whom she meets in Howl's fireplace, that if she can break the contract between the demon and Howl, that he will break her curse. Sophie takes on the roll of Howl's cleaning lady in order to find out how to break the contract. Over time she finds that Howl is indeed stealing her heart; she is falling in love with him. She must now rush to break the spell and keep Howl from another woman before it is too late for her.

Evaluation:
Sophie suffers from low self-esteem and believes that her destiny of living a boring life can not be changed. Sophie serves as a role model for younger girls that destiny is not written in stone as she breaks free and changes her life for herself.

Notes:
There a two sequels to Howl's Moving Castle:
Castle in the Air
The House of Many Ways

In 2004 Howl's Moving Castle was adapted into a Japanese animated film by Hayao Miyazaki.

Inkheart

Title: Inkheart
Author: Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Scholastic Chicken House
ISBN: 0439852706

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Meggie and her father love books, but he never reads them aloud. He has the power to read a character right out of a book.

Plot Summary:
12 year-old Meggie Folchart lives with her father, Mo. They live in a house full of books, but Mo never reads aloud to her. When a man named Dustfinger one night shows up and calls Mo "Silvertounge." He warns them that a man named Capricorn is after them and the trio flees to Italy. Meggie learns that Capricorn and Dustfinger were once characters in a book. Mo has the power to read characters out of books, but also read people in. When he read out Capricorn and Dustfinger he accidentally read in Meggie's mother. Capricorn now wants to use Mo's power to read wealth out of books and to produce other villainous characters. When Mo is captured, it is up to Meggie, Dustfinger and some new friends out of books to save him.

Evaluation:
Inkheart captures the wonders that can come from reading. Teens will use their own imaginations to bring the characters to life for themselves.

Notes:
There are two other books in the Inkworld Trilogy:
Inkspell
Inkdeath

In 2009 New Line Cinemas released a film adaptation of Inkheart.

Life, in Pictures: Autobiographical Stories

Title: Life, in Pictures: Autobiographical Stories
Author: Will Eisner
Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co.
ISBN: 0393061078

Recommended for Grades 10 and up
Genre: Autobiography- Graphic Novel

Reader’s Annotation:
Eisner helped to shape comic books as they are now known. Using this style, Eisner tells his own story.

Plot Summary:
Will Eisner's work has helped to create the graphic novel and comic book as they are known today. Through five semi-autobiographical stories, Eisner expands upon his difficult life. Annotations at the ends of the stories help to show the true facts behind them. Each story encapsulates Eisner style in monochromatic images filled with emotion and action. Introductions at the beginning of each work further help to tie the stories to Eisner's life.

Evaluation:
As teens interests in graphic novels rise, learning the history of who helped to create this genre may become more appealing to them. Eisner's life was difficult and could be inspirational for those who want to become involved in comics.

Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Life

Title: Lincoln Through the Lens: How Photography Revealed and Shaped an Extraordinary Life
Author: Martin W. Sandler
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0802796664

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
The life of President Lincoln is captured in photographs of him, his family and the time in which he lived.

Plot Summary:
Sandler puts together the life of President Lincoln from his childhood to his presidency to his death through photographs of Lincoln, his family and his presidency. the reader truly gets a feel for Lincoln as a person, from Lincoln's person favorite photograph of himself with tousled hair to him reading to his son, to him towering over a crowd due to his stature. Accompanied with historical information and newspaper comics from the time, the photos give an intimate look into Lincoln's life and times.

Evaluation:
The photographs in this book bring the story of Lincoln to life visually. The more personal look at President Lincoln helps teens to better understand history on a personal level.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Author: C.S. Lewis
Publisher: Collins
ISBN: 0006716776

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Through a wardrobe, behind the coats, is the magical land of Narnia. The Pevensie children find themselves fighting to defend the land in the wardrobe.

Plot Summary:
While playing hide and seek, Lucy Pevensie steps through a magical wardrobe into the land of Narnia. She spends the afternoon having tea with a centaur, but when she returns, it is gone, only minutes after she left. Soon she returns to Narnia with her two brothers, Peter and Edmond, and her sister Susan. They are told from a family of talking beavers that the four of them fulfill a prophecy where they become the rulers of Narnia and defeat the White Witch who rules tyrannically over Narnia. The children begin to travel to meet Aslan, a lion and the rightful ruler of Narnia. Edmond is tempted away by the White Witch and is held prisoner. In order to rescue their brother and save Narnia an epic battle ensues between the forces of good and evil.

Evaluation:
This story is filled with literary techniques, mainly allegory. This narrative can help teens understand how literary techniques are used to bring more layers to the story than what is simply on the surface.

Notes:
There are 6 other books in the Chronicles of Narnia series:
Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician's Nephew
The Last Battle

In 2005, Walt Disney Pictures released a film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Little Brother

Title: Little Brother
Author: Cory Doctorow
Publisher: Tor Teen
ISBN: 0765319853

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
The government is watching and Marcus is determined to stop them watching.

Plot Summary:
In San Fransisco of the near future, the Bay Bridge is destroyed by terrorists. Teenager Marcus Yallow and his friends, caught at the wrong place at the wrong time, are taken prisoner by the Department of Homeland Security. They are held in cruel conditions with no contact to the outside world. Their families believe they died in the attacked. When they are finally released, minus one of their party who they do not know the fate of, they return to a changed San Francisco. The DHS are everywhere, monitoring the activities of people and interrogating those engaged in "suspicious" activities. Marcus is determined to restore freedom to the city and drive out the DHS. With his wits, technical know-how and a group of followers on the Internet, Marcus gives the DHS a fight they never expected.

Evaluation:
A digitized, real world version of 1984, Doctorow's novel shows young teens the different ways their digital activities can be monitored. This book can help make teens aware and more vigilant at protecting their digital identity.

Lord of the Flies

Title: Lord of the Flies
Author: William Golding
Publisher: Perigee Trade
ISBN: 0399529209

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
An island with no adults sounds like a kids paradise, but paradise quickly turns to a nightmare.

Plot Summary:
When their plane crashes on a small island, a group of young boys are left without any adults. The charismatic Ralph is elected the leader of the group. In order to be rescued they attempt to build a fire using the glasses of the overweight Piggy. The boys work together to find food, water and shelter. Things are going well until the group breaks into two tribes. One focusing on being rescued lead by Ralph, and the other focused on hunting. In the heat of the moment the hunting tribe kills one of Simon's group. The civility of the group collapses further into torture and murder.

Evaluation:
Golding's novel shows what can happen without the structure of society. Teens who may wish to rebel against the rules will appreciate the civility that rules provide.

Notes:
A film adaptation of the novel was released in 1963 by British Lion and in 1990 by Columbia Pictures.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Title: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 061826051X

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Frodo Baggins has inherited the One Ring. Now he must destroy it before it destroys the world.

Plot Summary:
Frodo Baggins inherits a gold ring from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins. When the wizard Gandalf discovers the ring is actually the Ring of Power that once belonged to the Dark Lord Sauron, Frodo and three of his hobbit friends must leave their homes to take the ring to the fires of Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be destroyed. Joined by Gandalf, two humans, an elf and a dwarf, the Fellowship of the Ring sets off across Middle-earth. They must fight Sauron's forces in order to save all of Middle-earth.

Evaluation:
Tolkien's classic story has inspired many of today's modern fantasy writer. Reading the original works can help teens to see the influence it has had on the fantasy genre as they know it.

Notes:
There are two other parts to The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Return of the King.
The prequel to Lord of the Rings is The Hobbit.

In 2001 New Line Cinema released a theatrical adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring.

Manga Mania Villains: How to Draw the Dastardly Characters of Japanese Comics

Title: Manga Mania Villains: How to Draw the Dastardly Characters of Japanese Comics
Author: Christopher Hart
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
ISBN: 0823029719

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction- How-to-Draw

Reader’s Annotation:
Everybody loves a good villain. Now you can create your own.

Plot Summary:
Christopher Hart's tutorial on how to create a manga style villain is filled with whit and humor. Without setting the reader up to only copy Hart's character, the book is filled with tips and tricks to creating an original and creative villain.

Evaluation:
Encouraging teens to be creative and express themselves artistically, creating their own villains can help them release their darker side.

Manga Secrets

Title: Manga Secrets
Author: Lea Hernandez
Publisher: Impact
ISBN: 1581805721

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction- How-to-Draw

Reader’s Annotation:
There is a secret to creating manga, and this book is going to reveal it to you.

Plot Summary:
This book provides the reader with a detailed and informative information about the process of creating a manga. The beginning has details about how to create characters from their faces to the body. It gives explanations of common types of characters in mangas and traits than make them recognizable. It then goes into details about how to create backgrounds using perspective drawing. Interspersed with the author's voice in comic form, the book is entertaining as well as useful.

Evaluation:
Hernandez has put of lot of detail into her book. In addition to providing information on how to make the characters, she includes information on constructing the actual comic, which is often neglected in How-to-Draw Manga books.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment

Title: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
ISBN: 031615556X

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Maximum Ride is part human, part bird. And she's on the run.

Plot Summary:
Maximum Ride, known as Max, is a fourteen year-old and the leader of a group of human-avian hybrids. They are on the run from The School, the place where they were created and then cruelly experimented upon. The school sends "Erasers," human-wolf hybrids to hunt Max and the rest of her Flock. When one of their own is captured, the Flock must return to the school in order to rescue her. By returning to The School Max learns more about her past and her creation than she ever thought possible. She now has to come to terms with the idea that she was created to save the world.

Evaluation:
Maximum Ride has an ending that keeps the reader wanting more. This book will encourage teens to read the entire series to see what happens.

Notes:
There are four other books in the Maximum Ride series:
School's Out - Forever
Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports
The Final Warning
MAX: A Maximum Ride Novel

Peter and the Starcatchers

Title: Peter and the Starcatchers
Author: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Publisher: Disney Editions
ISBN: 0786854456

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Before Peter Pan brought the Darling children to Neverland, he had to get there for the first time himself.

Plot Summary:
Peter and a group of orphans are being shipped off to a life of slavery aboard the ship Never Land. While trying to figure a way to escape their fate, Peter discover an old chest with a rat flying above it. To discover the secret of the chest Peter confronts Molly Aster, a young girl who he has seen around the chest. She reveals to him that the chest contains "starstuff" that falls from shooting stars, which grants people the ability to fly.

The Never Land is soon attacked by the pirate Black Stache during a storm and the ship is wrecked on the shore of a small island. Peter and Molly must face the dangers of the pirates, evil mermaids, the natives to the island, and a crocodile named Mr. Grin in order to save the starstuff.

Evaluation:
This book is a fun and interesting prequel to the classic story of Peter Pan. This is a must read for any fan of Peter Pan who ever wondered about Peter's origins.

Notes:
There are currently two other books in this series, Peter and the Shadow Thieves and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon.

Peter Pan

Title: Peter Pan
Author: J. M. Barrie
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN: 0805072454

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Peter Pan is a boy who refuses to grow-up. Together with his pixie Tinkerbell he introduces the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael, to Neverland and the joys of not growing up.

Plot Summary:
Wendy Darling loves living in the nursery with her two younger brothers, John and Michael, and telling them stories about Peter Pan. Peter listens at the window to her stories and enjoys them so much he decides to take her to Neverland to be a "mother" for him and his band of Lost Boys. He uses pixie-dust from his pixie companion Tinkerbell and the Darling's happy thoughts to teach the three children how to fly so they can get to Neverland. There they encounter Peter's arch-enemy, the evil pirate, Captain Hook, the dangerous mermaids of Mermaid Lagoon, and Princess Tiger Lily. The adventures in Neverland become increasingly dangerous as the children are captured by pirates as they try to return home to England. Peter must save them, but it might not be enough to convince them to stay with him and never grow up.


Evaluation:
The original story of Peter Pan is a far more graphic and violent tale than many of the movie portrayals. By reading the story as it was originally written, teens will see a very different story than the one the have known since they were kids.

Notes:
Numerous film adaptations of Peter Pan have been made over the years. A list can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Works_based_on_Peter_Pan#Film

President Obama: The Path to the White House

Title: President Obama: The Path to the White House
Author: Adi Ignatius
Publisher: Time
ISBN: 160320072x

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Filled with behind-the-scene photos of the Obama candidacy, an inside look is given into the man the President is when the spot-light is not on him.

Plot Summary:
Barack Obama made history when he was elected the 44th President of the United States. Time magazine has compiled photos from the campaign trail as well as of Obama's young life that give a personal look at who Barack Obama is. The pictures are interspersed with stories of Obama and his life from his childhood to his election as president. Stories of his wife, Michelle Obama and his family are also included.

Evaluation:
This book provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the personal side of President Obama, rather than what might be found in a history book. Teens will be able to become more actively interested in this history-changing presidency.

The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

Title: The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure
Author: William Goldman
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0151015449

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles. The Princess Bride has it all.

Plot Summary:
Buttercup and Westley love each other. Their love for each other is true love. When they are separated by tragedy, Buttercup is chosen by Prince Humperdinck to be his bride. Buttercup's life is endangered when assassins kidnap her to frame the neighboring kingdom for her murder and start a war, and it is the mysterious Dread Pirate Roberts who saves her. The Dread Pirate Roberts turns out to be none other than her lost love Westley. Westley and Buttercup's would-be assassins Inigo and Fezzik must team up to rescue Buttercup and save the kingdom from a war.

Evaluation:
William Goldman uses the interesting and unique literary technique of making an abridged version of another story written by the fictitious S. Morgenstern. The story is filled with witty humor and wonderfully flawed characters.

Notes:
In 1987 20th Century Fox released a film adaptation of The Princess Bride.

The Princess Diaries

Title: The Princess Diaries
Author: Meg Cabot
Publisher: Thorndike Press
ISBN: 078624058X

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Chick Lit

Reader’s Annotation:
Mia is an ordinary girl, with ordinary problems. Well they were ordinary, until she found out that she's a princess.

Plot Summary:
Mia Thermopolis has spent her life with her mom in New York thinking that she is just an ordinary teenager. She's not the most popular girl, she is struggling with algebra and hangs out with her friends after school. When her father, who lives in Europe, calls to tell her he has cancer and will not be able to have any more kids, she thinks nothing of it. When she learns he is the Prince of Genovia, she doesn't think that will effect her life. But when she learns she is his only heir, things become clear. She is now the Princess of Genovia. Mia must now balance school with princess lessons from her grandma and spending time with friends. She also has to figure out who her true friends are and who just wants to be friends because she is a princess. Mia learns that being a princess is not the happy ending that fairy tales lead you to believe.

Evaluation:
Rather than giving the traditional idealistic story of becoming a princess and living happily ever, Mia shows the difficult and full time job that being a princess can be.

Notes:
There are thirteen other books in the Princess Diaries series:
The Princess Diaries, Volume II: Princess in the Spotlight
The Princess Diaries, Volume III: Princess in Love
The Princess Diaries, Volume IV: Princess in Waiting
The Princess Diaries, Volume VII and 3/4: Valentine Princess
The Princess Diaries, Volume IV and 1/2: Project Princess
The Princess Diaries, Volume V: Princess in Pink
The Princess Diaries, Volume VI: Princess in Training
The Princess Diaries, Volume VI and 1/2: The Princess Present
The Princess Diaries, Volume VII: Party Princess
The Princess Diaries, Volume VII and 1/2: Sweet Sixteen Princess
The Princess Diaries, Volume VIII: Princess on the Brink
The Princess Diaries, Volume IX: Princess Mia
The Princess Diaries, Volume X: Forever Princess

In 2000 Walt Disney Pictures released a film adaptation of The Princess Diaries.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Title: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Author: Ann Brashares
Publisher: Random House Childrens Books
ISBN: 0385729332

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Chick Lit

Reader’s Annotation:
Four girls, one pair of pants, one magical summer.

Plot Summary:
Lena Kaligaris, Tibby Rollins, Bridget Vreeland, and Carmen Lowell are four best friends with a lot in common, but not their size. When the four of them all try on the same pair of pants and it fits all of them, they know there is something special about these pants. As each of them leave for their separate summer vacations, they promise to keep in touch by sending letters and passing the pants from one girl to the next. As each girl gets the pants, something special happens to them. Each learns something about themselves and their lives. Lena learns about love with her first boyfriend, who is a member of an enemy family. Tibby learns about death as she befriends a dying girl. Carmen must learn that her parents' divorce is final and that her father is moving on with his life as she spends the summer with his new family. Bridget finds herself involved with an older coach at soccer camp. The narration follows the girl who has the pants and jumps from storyline to storyline.

Evaluation:
Each girl must learn to cope with issues that many teens face in their real lives. Their friendship helps to bind them together and makes them stronger. Their friendship provides a positive examples for young girls.

Notes:
There are three other books in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series:
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood.

In 2005 Warner Brothers released a film adaptation of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.

Sisters and Brothers: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Siblings and Yourself

Title: Sisters and Brothers: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Siblings and Yourself
Author: Elizabeth Siris Winchester
Publisher: Children's Press
ISBN: 0531205282

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Non-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
All siblings fight at some point or another. For any teen having trouble getting along with their brother or sister, Sisters and Brothers: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Siblings and Yourself will help them understand their sibling and their relationship better.

Plot Summary:
Filled with fact and statistics about siblings as well as first hand accounts from teenagers, questions about brothers and sisters and their relationships are answered. In a modern and interesting format, using a palate of blue colors, the information is presented in a fun and easy to understand format. There are sections devoted to youngest, oldest and middle children as well as brothers or sisters of children with special needs. The book also offers advice to siblings who commonly fight. A glossary in the back and a list of references help to enhance the learning experience for the reader.

Evaluation:
It is hard to find advice when dealing with your siblings, but this book provides a solution. Teens can learn how to deal with their siblings in a healthy and productive manner as well as learning about themselves.

Star Trek: The Manga Volume 1: Shinsei/Shinsei

Title: Star Trek: The Manga Volume 1: Shinsei/Shinsei
Author: Luis Reyes (Editor)
Publisher: TokyoPop
ISBN: 1598167448

Recommended for Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fiction- Graphic Novel- Science-Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
Boldly going where no manga has gone before, the crew of the original Enterprise begins new adventures through space.

Plot Summary:
6 mini stories are compiled together into each volume of Star Trek: The Manga. Each story focuses on the escapades of a single character, similar to the television series format. Each of the stories has the focus character finding out something about themselves and their own internal strength. Spock learns about the power of emotions, Uhura learns how valuable her skills of communication are to the crew, and other crew mates grow stronger through their experiences. With contributing writers such as Wil Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation, the true essence of Star Trek is captured and retold in Manga format.

Evaluation:
Classic Science-Fiction meets the growing popularity of Manga in this book. With the new Star Trek movie hitting theaters in May 2009, teens will enjoy seeing these two genres meet in a new twist on an old favorite.

Notes:
There are 3 volumes in the Star Trek: The Manga series:
Shinsei/Shinsei (新生新星 ?, lit. "New Lives/New Stars")
Kakan ni Shinkou (果敢に進行 ?, lit. "To Boldly Go")
Uchu (宇宙 ?, lit. "Space")

Stardust

Title: Star Dust
Author: Neil Gaiman
Publisher: William Morrow
ISBN: 0380977281

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Tristran Thorn needs to find the perfect gift to win the heart of the woman he loves. Wouldn't a fallen star make a great gift?

Plot Summary:
Tristran Thorn is half man, half fairy and lives in the English town of Wall. When the beautiful Victoria Forester promises to marry Tristran if he brings her a fallen star, he sets off over Wall's wall and into the fairy realm to find it. He soon discovers that the star is not at all what he expected. Rather than being a rock, it is a beautiful young woman named Yvaine. Tristran takes her prisoner and they begin the trek back to Wall.

But Tristran is not the only one looking for the star. Three witches want to steal her heart in order to become young again. The sons of a nearby king are also looking for her, since whichever one finds her wins the throne. Tristran finds himself needing to defend Yvaine, and slowly begins to fall in love with her.

Evaluation:
Neil Gaiman bases his story on classic English fairytales. Teens can get a taste of a more sophisticated fairytale than the average Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty with characters that contain far more depth.

Notes:
In 2007 Paramount Pictures released a theatrical adaptation of Stardust.

Students for a Democratic Society: A Graphic History

Title: Students for a Democratic Society: A Graphic History
Author: Harvey Pekar
Publisher: Hill and Wang
ISBN: 0809089394

Recommended for Grades 10 and up
Genre: Non-Fiction Graphic Novel History

Reader’s Annotation:
This graphic novel portrays in outline form the history of the 1960's group Students for a Democratic Society.

Plot Summary:
This graphic novels details the history of the 1960's organization Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The readers are introduced to key members of the SDS, their motivations for joining the SDS and what effects the group had on their lives. The book outlines events that shaped the group's history throughout the 60's, telling it through the eyes of the participants rather than the history books.

Evaluation:
This history can help teens learn about activism in the 1960's. The pictures allow teens to get a feel for the time and the actions that these young people took to stand up for what they believed in.

The Tale of One Bad Rat

Title: The Tale of One Bad Rat
Author: Bryan Talbot
Publisher: Dark Horse
ISBN: 1569710775

Recommended for Grades 10 and up
Genre: Fiction-Graphic Novel

Reader’s Annotation:
Helen Potter is homeless and running from her past. Along her journey she must learn to heal.

Plot Summary:
Helen Potter begins the story as a homeless runaway with only a rat for a companion. It is revealed through a series of flashbacks that her father sexually abused her and her mother emotionally abused her. As she journeys through England she meets new friends who help her to come to the decision that only she can decide to heal. She begins reading self-help books and with the companionship of an imaginary giant rat that replaces her real one, who is killed by a cat, she prepares herself to confront her parents and finally move on with her life.

Evaluation:
Helen Potter's plight can help bring hope to victims of abuse. The end of the book includes information on how the book was inspired and how to get in contact with counselors to help abuse victims.

Notes:
There were 4 issues in this series.

Totally Joe

Title: Totally Joe
Author: James Howe
Publisher: Aladdin
ISBN: 0689839588

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction

Reader’s Annotation:
12 year old Joe has been given the assignment to write an autobiography. He has made a personal promise to be completely honest. Joe is ready to reveal everything.

Plot Summary:
12 year old Joe is given the year-long assignment to write an alpha-biography, an autobiography using the letters A to Z. Joe is aware that he is gay and has decided to be completely honest about everything in his life during this assignment. Throughout the year Joe must work to come to terms with his sexuality, deal with coming out to his friends and family, and face discrimination at school. Joe also begins a relationship with a classmate Collin, who is not yet comfortable with his sexuality. Joe faces challenges with an upbeat and optimistic attitude and is ready for what the next year will hold.

Evaluation:
Though many of the scenarios are handled with an overly optimistic attitude, Joe helps to show young adults coming to terms with their own sexuality the positives that can come from embracing their identity.

Tuck Everlasting

Title: Tuck Everlasting
Author: Natalie Babbitt
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 0374378487

Recommended for Grades 6-10
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
When given the choice of living forever or living a normal life, many would choose immortality. Winnie has to make this choice, but doesn't know what she will choose.

Plot Summary:
Winnie is tired of her boring and strict life. She escapes her house and runs away to the woods. It is there that she meets Jesse Tuck and his family. Years ago his family found a spring that grants the drinker eternal youth and immortality. When Mae Tuck is sentenced to death for killing a man while defending Winnie, the Tuck family knows that their secret will be revealed. Mae will not die when she is executed. As the family breaks Mae out of jail and escapes, Jesse attempts to persuade Winnie to come with the Tucks. This would involve drinking from the spring and becoming immortal. Her decision will change Winnie's life forever.

Evaluation:
Tuck Everlasting puts the question to the readers of what they would choose: mortality or immortality. The book makes its readers think and consider their own choices.

Notes:
A film adaptation was released in 2002 by Walt Disney Pictures.