Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

ISBN:  978-1595141712

Publisher: Razorbill

Copyright: 2007

Reader’s Annotation:

How would you react knowing you played a role in someone's suicide?

Summary:

Clay received a package in the main, which contains a series of cassette tapes.  When he goes to play them, her realizes they are from Hannah Baker, a girl who recently committed suicide.  Each tape side contains a story about a specific person who somehow contributed to her suicide.  She leaves instructions for the listeners to listen to the tapes, then give them to the next person on the list; failure to follow the instructions will result in the tapes being publicly released for everyone to hear.  As Clay listens to the tapes, he reflects on the specific stories and the people involved; he also follows a map that Hannah has included to accompany the stories.  Clay gets to his story and realizes he did not do anything negative, in fact Hannah found him to be kind.  Once Clay listens to all the tapes, he has to decide if he is going to pass them on to the next person on the list.

Critical Evaluation:

The subject matter of this book is very intense.  The story involves a lot of difficult situations, include sex, substance abuse, and bullying.  However, these topics are not discussed in a way that is lurid; they are central to the story, and handle in a way that makes sense within the plot.

The narration of the story slips from Clay, as he is recounting his experience with the whole situation, and Hannah, as she tells her stories in the tape.  This leads to a very unique style of story, in that a character is speaking from beyond the grave.  However, because Hannah is telling her stories while emotionally heightened, she comes across as a bit of an unreliable narrator.  All we know of the other people in Hannah’s stories is what Hannah tells us; for the most part, they are not all the well-developed throughout the rest of the book.

There is a bit of ambiguity in the story that can be frustrating for readers.  For example, the other people on the tapes are an important part of the story, and we never learn what happens to them at the end of the book.  There is a decided lack of resolution.

Still, Asher has created a very strong story.  Both Hannah and Clay are very thoroughly developed, which is important since they both serve as narrators.  Readers are left wanting more regarding the other characters, however, both in terms of development and resolution to their stories.

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Jay Asher's debut YA novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, has appeared regularly on the New York Times bestsellers list for the past nine years. It has sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States alone and is currently in production to be a thirteen-part series on Netflix. His second YA novel, The Future of Us, was coauthored with Printz Honor winner Carolyn Mackler. He is also the author of the forthcoming What Light. His novels have been translated into thirty-five languages. Visit his blog at www.jayasher.blogspot.com and follow him on Twitter @jayasherguy.

Genre(s): 

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on the warning signs of teen suicide

A discussion about resources available for teens struggling with suicidal thoughts

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 550

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based discussion of bullying and suicide, as well as teen substance use and sexuality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

Teen suicide continues to be a large issue, both locally and nationally.  A girl in my library’s school district died due to suicide several years ago, and many of the library regulars took it quite hard, as she was involved in the library a lot.  It is important that teens have access to books that discuss teen suicide, and the aftermath that other teens face, including survivor guilt.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Video Game, by Nintendo

Cover:

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Developer: Nintendo

Publisher: Nintendo of America

Released: 2008

Reader’s Annotation:

Sometimes, you have to pick your battles.

Plot Summary:

Players can select from a variety of play characters from popular Nintendo games for gameplay focusing on battle showdowns.  This game can be played with single or multiple players, and there are different game play modes, including a solo adventure mode.  Players have a high degree of control over game play, including character and setting selection, difficulty, and even the ability to design their own play levels.  Various trophies and additional game features can be unlocked through game play achievements.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the greatest strengths of this game is the versatility of play; players have control over so many aspects of game play, with over 30 characters to choose from in game play.  Each character has different strengths and weaknesses, as well as signature moves.  There are also different brawl settings, and mode of gameplay.  Players can even randomize their character and setting selections.  With such variety of choice, there is long term playability of the game.  The combinations are endless, which makes this game able to appeal to a wide variety of players.

The game has high quality graphics.  Because all the characters and settings are based on other Nintendo brand games, the way things look can vary widely, which actually keeps game play very interested.  For example, some of the characters or settings may look like old school 16 bit animations, while others are more slick and modern looking.  There is a strong nostalgia factor in this game, because players can choose their old favorite characters, like Mario, Donkey Kong, and Jigglypuff.  Players do not have to be familiar with past Nintendo games to appreciate this game’s play.

Author Biography:
Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Video Game

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A brief discussion on who their favorite characters to play are and why.

A discussion on what real world figures would make for good brawling opponents in the game.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

12 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged intimations of mild violence within the game.

  If this game were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the game received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this game selected:

I have to admit it; this is one of my favorite video games ever.  I spent many nights playing this game into the wee hours of the morning when it was first released.  So, when the teens at my library requested we add this the our in house video game selections, I was super excited.  It goes to show that, despite this game being 8 years old, it still competes with newer games in terms of entertaining teen patrons.  I really think this is to do the fact that there are so many choices and options available to players.  Teens can organize their own tournaments, and make up their own subrules for game play (for example, they can all play as the same character for a round).  This game is a good investment for libraries who encourage video gaming as part of their collections.

Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, by Christopher Willard

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Bibliographic Information:

Title: Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety

Author: Christopher Willard

ISBN:  978-1608829101

Publisher: Instant Help Books

Copyright: 2014

Reader’s Annotation:

How to recognize anxiety, and tools to overcome it.

Summary:

Anxiety is very common among teenagers.  Whether you have mild anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic anxiety, you are not alone, and there are tools that can help you deal with these very real issues.  This book teaches teens how to recognize anxiety in their own emotional and physical reactions, ways to distract your mind away from anxious thoughts, the concept of mindfulness and how to use it situations to mitigate anxiety.  The book also explores situations that are specific to teens, such as school and social situations, from test taking to prom, and learning how to overcome feelings of anxiety in those specific situations, using simple techniques.

Critical Evaluation:

It is clear that this book was written by a professional, for a teen audience.  The language and examples used are familiar to teens (for example, the anxiety related to dating), without trying to pander too much to teens.  I think the fact that the writing does not use teen slang is a strength; when adults try to sound like what they think teens sound like, it comes across as pandering, and teens will tune it out.  By using straightforward language and real world examples teens face, Willard comes across as a knowledgeable expert, but still gains the trust of teen readers.

This book is written in a workbook format.  That means that in each section, specific information is presented, then exercises are used to put the information into action.  This is a common method in mental health or self-help books, so I think it is used appropriately here.  For example, one chapter of the book focuses on test anxiety.  Information about test anxiety is presented, the reader is asked to reflect on their own experiences with test taking, then a list of coping mechanisms is presented, along an exercise in mindfulness, where the reader counts the sounds they hear in the room before beginning a test.  By presenting information, and following it up with an exercise, these concepts become more concrete in the reader's mind.

Author Biography:

(from author’s web page)

My work as a psychologist has included community mental health centers, hospitals, private clinics, schools and universities.  My first book, Child's Mind was published a few years back, and I recently published a workbook for anxious teens. Meanwhile, I am continuing to write and edit a number of other projects.

Currently, I teach at Lesley University and Harvard Medical School, and work part time in private practice as a therapist with a focus on mindfulness and a specialty in learning issues and anxiety.  I also train teachers, therapists and medical professionals in mindfulness practices through the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, where I serve on the board of directors. In addition, I consult nationally and internationally to organizations and media about educational and psychological issues.  

I am licensed and insured as a psychologist and health services provider in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, #9151. I received my doctorate from The Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology and bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University.

On the personal side, I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, reading and writing. 

Genre(s): 
Non-fiction, Mental Health

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.L

Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on what are common anxiety triggers teens encounter 

A discussion about mindfulness as a mental health practice, and the benefits of mindfulness

          

Reading Level:

Not available

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based concerns that mindfulness may be viewed as a form of alternative medicine or spirituality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

While teens may not check out non-fiction books as often as they do fiction books, I think it is important that these tools are available for teens, even if they just use them in the library.  As someone who struggled with anxiety since I was a teen, I would have been so happy if I had access to a resource like this at the age of 14.  I chose to include this book in this collection because I think libraries can help reduce mental health stigma, particularly for teens.  A library may be the only safe place a teen has to access this information, so we should make sure to include these types of resources in our collection.

Hoopla, by Midwest Tape

Database Image:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Hoopla

Author: Various

Vendor: Midwest Tape

Reader’s Annotation:

Music, movies, and more, with no waitlists.

Summary:

This paid database allows teens to access ebooks, audiobooks, comics, music, television shows, and movies for free as a part of their library membership.  Each user has a limited number of items they can check out per month.  Depending on the item being borrowed, it may be available for streaming, or for downloading on a mobile device.  There are no wait lists, with all patrons having access to each item at any time.

Critical Evaluation:

Because there are six different types of materials available in this database, the setup is somewhat complicated, because each material is in a different area.  However, once you know what material type you are seeking, the process is fairly intuitive.  There are main categories and subcategories allowing users to browse results and narrow them.  You can also filter your results, or search for a specific material.  You can easily switch between material type using a menu at the top of the page.

The setup of the database is visually appealing.  While each page contains a lot of visual information, such as book or album covers depending on what material you are searching, there is ample white space on the page to prevent users from getting overwhelmed.  Similarly, the database seems to be intended for mostly visual browsing.  Very little title information appears on the search results pages.  You can, however, click on a title to get additional information.

One thing I found troublesome is the browsing results pages do not see to display how many total results there are; for example, when browsing documentaries, each page shows 50 items, so the header may say something like “Showing 1-50” but you cannot tell if that is out of 100, 1000, or 51. 

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Database, Fiction, Nonfiction, Movies, Series, Comics

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

Book talk on a specific title, particularly one where the book and film versions are both available on Hoopla

A general booktalk on how digital resources benefit patrons, the library, and even the environment

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

13 and up

Challenge Issues: Because teens would also have access to "mature" materials  in this database, there could be challenges based on adult language, sexuality or nudity, violence, and substance use represented.

  If this database, or any items it contained, were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this database selected:

I am including Hoopla as a database because teens are able to access so many additional materials using this database.  The libraries I work at do not have this database as a resource, but another library I belong to does.  I imagine Hoopla is a costly database for libraries, but given the number of different materials available through it, I think it is a worthwhile investment.  Teens can access ebooks, audiobooks, movies, television shows, comics, and music.  Of all those areas, all but music have teen specific categories, making it easier to search for age appropriate materials.  Offering resources such as these allows libraries to stay relevant and competitive in the age of personal technology. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

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Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Author: Sherman Alexie

ISBN:  978-0316013680

Publisher: Little Brown

Copyright: 2007

Reader’s Annotation:

What do you do when you live between two cultures, and fit into neither of them?

Summary:

Arnold, our narrator, is a Indian teen living on the reservation, where everyone is poor, and opportunities are scarce.  Arnold does not really fit in, partly because he has some serious health issues.  Nearly everyone picks on him or beats him up, except for his best friend Rowdy.  Arnold decides he wants to transfer to the regular public school in the next town over, a school full of white kids, which causes Rowdy to no longer be Arnold’s friend.  At the new school, Arnold makes some new friends, and decides to join the basketball team, where he will play against his old schoolmates from the reservation school.  Arnold’s family suffers some tragic losses, leaving Arnold to wonder if he ever will really fit in anywhere.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the most notable aspects about this book is the feeling of authenticity.  As a character, Arnold feels so genuine.  I attribute this to the fact that Arnold has much in common with the author, Sherman Alexie, including the experience of growing up on a reservation.  It is imperative that the field of young adult literature contain stories of minority people, told by authentic voices.  This book is a perfect example of how an authentic voice can make such an impact on a book.  Arnold speaks very frankly about the hardships of life on the rez, including extreme poverty, and alcoholism.

The overarching tone of the book is one of humor.  Arnold is very good natured about the ways he does not fit in; it is a self deprecating sort of humor, which we see when Arnold talks about getting beat up.  Also, Arnold draws funny pictures that accompany his writing.  Even the aspects of the book that deal with difficult situations, like his fight with Rowdy, or the loss of his loved ones, are done in a way that invokes humor.  A lot of teen readers will be able to relate to Arnold’s use of humor as a coping mechanism.

As the story progresses, you really want to see Arnold succeed.  You are drawn to him as a character.  Part of the thing about Arnold that makes him so relatable as a character is him searching for his place in life, the place where he fits in.  This is a feeling that is so common among teens, it is no wonder that this book speaks to so many young adult readers.

In this book, Sherman Alexie has created a genuine character in Arnold, telling his own version of a story that teens know so well.  This is one of those magical books that hits all the right buttons to make it appeal to teens.  It is written in a honest, almost heartbreakingly funny manner that draws the reader in from the very first page.

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Sherman Alexie is the author of, most recently, Blasphemy, stories, from Grove Press, and Face, poetry, from Hanging Loose Press. He is the winner of the 2010 PEN/Faulkner Award, the 2007 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the 2001 PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story, and a Special Citation for the 1994 PEN/Hemingway Award for Best First Fiction. Smoke Signals, the film he wrote and coproduced, won both the Audience Award and the Filmmakers Trophy at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. Alexie lives with his family in Seattle.

Genre(s):

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard CC.1.3.9-10.K

Read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on what it feels like to be an outcast or outsider

A discussion on why Arnold chose to leave the reservation, and how teens may face a similar choice one day

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 600

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based scenes of violence, substance use and abuse, adult language, and discussions of sexuality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

I really wanted my collection to include a book that featured a Native American voice, and this is absolutely the best example I have found.  This book is also one of the most frequently challenged books in recent years, so I wanted make sure I read it and anticipated it being challenged.  Frankly, I do not see what makes this book so different from many others in the field of YA literature.  The reasons that adults may challenge this book are some of the things that make it so special, the things that make it realistic and relatable to teens.  

This Book is Gay, by James Dawson (now Juno Dawson)

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: This Book is Gay

Author: James Dawson (now Juno Dawson).

ISBN:  978-1492617839

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Copyright: 2015

Reader’s Annotation:

As close to a handbook for being LGBT that a teen can get their hands on.

Summary:

What does it mean, exactly, to be LGBTQIA?  This book lays out the specifics behind the most common labels used to describe non-heteronormative sexual and gender identities.  There is a detailed discussion of the biology behind these labels, the coming out process, and the risks LGBTQIA individuals face.  There is a section detailing various types of sexual activities, and giving advice on dating in the LGBTQIA world.  There is also a specific section on how to deal with parents and caregivers, as well as a list of helpful resources.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the greatest strengths of this book is the tone with which it is written.  Dawson does a great job writing with some tongue in cheek humor, using language that is casual as opposed to clinical.  For example, she often uses the word willies as opposed to penises.  This makes the book seem more casual, and much more accessible to teen readers.  There are clinical words used when the gravity of the topic calls for it, however, such as the discussion of various sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The book covers information in an incredibly frank way, with no sugar coating.  In a section of various sexual activities, the mechanics of LGBTQIA sex is spelled out in detail.  However, this information is not done in an attempt to be prurient.  The book points out that, from a young age, we are taught the mechanics of heterosexuality, but no one teaches LGBTQIA sexual activities.  There are few resources for this information.  Yes, teens can always seek out the internet, but that information may not be reliable or accurate; it is much better to have the information presented factually, which is what this book does.

Dawson successfully creates an honest, and at times humorous, resource for teens who have questions about sexual preference or gender identity.  The only drawback in the writing is a use of British slang, which may not be as accessible for American teens.

Author Biography:

(from author’s website)

*note- since the publication of this book, the author has come out as transgender, and has changed her name to reflect her preferred gender.  She is now known as Juno Dawson

Queen of Teen 2014 Juno Dawson is the multi award-winning author of six novels for young adults. In 2016, she authored the best-selling World Book Day title: SPOT THE DIFFERENCE.

Her next novel is the beautiful and emotive MARGOT & ME (Jan 2017) which will be followed by her adult debut, the memoir THE GENDER GAMES (Jul 17).
Juno also wrote the bestselling non-fiction guide to life for young LGBT people, THIS BOOK IS GAY. In 2016 a follow-up, MIND YOUR HEAD, featured everything a young person needs to know about mental health.

Juno is a regular contributor to Attitude Magazine, Glamour Magazine and The Guardian and has contributed to news items on BBC Women’s Hour, Front Row, ITV News, Channel 5 News, This Morning and Newsnight concerning sexuality, identity, literature and education.
Juno’s titles have received rave reviews and have been translated into more than ten languages around the world.

Juno grew up in West Yorkshire, writing imaginary episodes of Doctor Who. She later turned her talent to journalism, interviewing luminaries such as Steps and Atomic Kitten before writing a weekly serial in a Brighton newspaper. In 2015, Juno announced her intention to undergo gender transition and live as a woman.

Juno writes full time and lives in Brighton. In her spare time, she STILL loves Doctor Who and is a keen follower of horror films and connoisseur of pop music. In 2014 Juno became a School Role Model for the charity STONEWALL.

Genre(s): 
Non-Fiction, LGBTQIA

Curriculum Ties:

Pennsylvania State Standard - CC.1.2.11-12.L

Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion about the difference between sexual preference and gender identity.

A discussion about LGBTQIA resources for teens, both at the local level and the national level

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 1070

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, and frank discussion of sexuality.

  If this book were challenged I would:

·         Listen to the concerns of the person raising the challenge

·         Consult the library’s collection development policy

·         Explain how this work meets a library need based on the collection development policy 

·         Consult YALSA’s Dealing with Challenges to Young Adult Materials

·         Consult reviews on VOYA, Amazon, Common Sense Media, and Kirkus

·         Discuss any awards or notable commendations the book received

·         Explain the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom as discussed in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

·         Give the patron the procedure for a formal challenge should they seek to pursue it

Why was this book selected:

There is a real lack of good LGBTQIA non-fiction titles out there.  This is one of the better, newer titles.  I was really impressed with the very honest handling of information in the book, including risks that LGBTQIA individuals face, particularly teens.  Sexuality is difficult for many teens to discuss or ask questions about, and this book covers the mechanics of sexual activity for LGBTQIA folks.  As the book points out, we are taught the facts about heterosexual activity from a young age, this is a way to help LGBTQIA teens learn what sex, as well as sexual preference and gender identity, might look like for them.