The Sandman Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes, by Neil Gaiman

 Cover:

Bibliographic Information:
Title: The Sandman, Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes

Author: Neil Gaiman

ISBN: 978-1401225759

Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics

Copyright: 1991

Reader’s Annotation:
When Dream is set free, will life become a nightmare?

Plot Summary:
In an attempt to capture Death, a magician instead captures and imprisons Dream, also known as Morpheus.  Eventually, Dream does escape his captivity, but finds his powers are weakened.  He needs to seek out the objects that will increase his power, his tools, which include his sand, a gem, and a helm. Morpheus must journey both on Earth and into hell to recover all of his tools.  Once he does this, he is briefly reunited with his sister, Death.

Critical Evaluation:
While this book does have some character ties to DC Comics, this is not your typical "superhero" themed comic. The content is dark, dealing with very dark topic, heavily influenced by horror and fantasy writing.

In terms of plot development, Gaiman does an excellent job telling the story of Morpheus imprisonment, escape, and journey to recover his possessions.  The words used in the storytelling are incredibly impactful.  A specific section of the book that really stood out to me, in terms of the writing, was "Dream a Little Dream of Me", where we see John Constantine and Morpheus travel to retrieve Morpheus' pouch of sand.  The words Gaiman uses, both in the descriptive portions of the story and in the dialogue, are really intense.

Similarly, the imagery in the book is striking.  There is a good balance of imagery and text throughout the book, and a good use of color.  A wide variety of colors are used, in various bold hues, which serve in contract to the darkness that surrounds Morpheus, with his pale skin and is pitch black hair.  Even Morpheus' speech bubbles are black, with the text being white. This is an instance where the words also function as an image.

Gaiman showcases the strength in his writing by tackling scenes that are intense in subject matter, including Morhpheus ushering a broken woman into the realm of death.  The strong writing is paired with very vivid imagery and a good use of light and dark to create an intense, eerie tone that carries throughout the book.

Author Biography:
(from author's Amazon page)
I make things up and write them down. Which takes us from comics (like SANDMAN) to novels (like ANANSI BOYS and AMERICAN GODS) to short stories (some are collected in SMOKE AND MIRRORS) and to occasionally movies (like Dave McKean's MIRRORMASK or the NEVERWHERE TV series, or my own short film A SHORT FILM ABOUT JOHN BOLTON).


In my spare time I read and sleep and eat and try to keep the blog at www.neilgaiman.com more or less up to date.

Genre(s): 
Graphic Novel

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:

          

Reading Level:
Not available

Interest Age:
14 and up

Challenge Issues

Could be challenged based on adult language, mild teen sexuality, and scenes of intense violence.

  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 opted to include this book into the collection because, as a whole, graphic novels are very popular among teen patrons.  Gaiman is a popular writer, appealing to both teens and adults, so his graphic novels would be a good investment for the library.  Graphic novels can appeal to a wide variety of readers, but not all patrons realize that horror and fantasy can be so well represented in graphic novel form.  By including a horror/fantasy graphic novel in the collection, it can open up a whole new form of material to a whole different group of readers.

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light, by Ann Jacobus

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Romancing the Dark in the City of Light

Author: Ann Jacobus

ISBN:  978-1250064430

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Copyright: 2015

Reader’s Annotation:

Sometimes tall, dark, and handsome men give you more than you bargained for.

Plot Summary:

Summer is living in Paris with her mother, when she meets a mysterious stranger on the train.  Summer is desperately trying to get through her senior year and make it into college to meet the terms of her inheritance.  She continues to have random encounters with the man from the train, named Kurt, while she simultaneously grows close to a schoolmate named Moony.  The more time Summer and Kurt spend together, the more she indulges and drinking, and succumbing to her own depression, particularly once she learns the truth about her father’s death.  Summer must determine is she is so starved for attention that she lets Kurt lead her to follow her father’s footsteps.

Critical Evaluation:

One of the first elements that stands out in this book is the fact that it is set in Paris.  Sometimes, setting is inconsequential to the story, while other times the setting almost becomes another character in the story.  The latter applies to this story.  The fact that this takes place in Paris adds an air of gothic romance to the story, and really sets the tone of the writing.  A specific example of this can be seen when Summer goes into the catacombs with Kurt.  The setting is imperative to a scene such as that.

This story tackles two very important issues common among teens- substance use and depression.  While these are two very dark topics, it is imperative that young adult literature tackle them.  Often, depression and suicidal tendencies can be approached in a way that romanticizes or fetishizes them; this book does the exact opposite, in that Summer actively fights against the romantic view of suicide when she ultimately rejects Kurt.

Jacobus deftly develops Summer as a character.  While Summer is not the type of character that a reader easily likes or roots for, she is one that I feel so many teens will find believable.  Despite Summer’s position of wealth, and the presumed glamour of living abroad, many teens will be able to relate to Summer because she is written so honestly, with all her flaws exposed.

This story comes across as dark, and intense, due to its setting and the issues it tackles.  However, it is imperative that these dark issues are covered in teen literature, and with the way Jacobus has written the story, specifically the character of Summer, this book can give teens hope they they too can face down their own problems.

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Originally from Texas, Ann Jacobus has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a BA from Dartmouth College. She learned to tap dance at age six and sang off-key in musicals as a teen. She volunteers weekly at San Francisco Suicide Prevention, loves Tex-Mex, and believes the world runs on stories.

Genre(s): 
Fantasy

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 about the impact of mental health issues on teens, and some of the signs to watch for.

A discussion about various resources available in your specific community for teens to get support for mental health and substance abuse issues.

          

Reading Level:

Not available

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, mild teen sexuality, teen substance use, and discussions of depression and suicide.

  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:

Issues of mental health and teen substance abuse are some of the scariest things a teen can face, and can lead to a teen feeling very isolated.  Sometimes teens will not seek out help from adults at first, they will seek out fantasy.  By including fiction materials that touch upon such heavy issues, teens will see themselves represented.  This tells teens that they have a safe space at the library, regardless of what demons plague them.  I chose to include this book in the hopes that it will speak to at least one teen, and open the door for them to discuss their issues with a trusting adult, perhaps even a librarian.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, by Meg Medina

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Author: Meg Medina

ISBN:  978-0763658595

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Copyright: 2013

Reader’s Annotation:

Being the new girl in school is never easy, especially once Yaqui Delgado decides you are her newest target.

Plot Summary:

Piddy has recently moved to a new neighborhood, which means she is now attending a new school.  At her new school she learns that a girl named Yaqui Delgado wants to fight her, and Piddy has no clue why.  Yaqui is bothered that Piddy has fair skin, and no accent, plus she is concerned that Piddy will steal her boyfriend. Yaqui and her friends begin to bully Piddy at school, to the extent that Piddy no longer wants to go to school.  Her grades begin to suffer, and Yaqui seeks solace in a Joey, boy from her old neighborhood.  Eventually Yaqui and her crew catch up with Piddy, and beat her up.  Someone films the altercation and posts it online. Piddy feels like she wants to escape, and Joey offers her a way out.  Eventually, the adults in Piddy’s life discover what has been going on with Yaqui, and consequences are dealt.

Critical Evaluation:

Meg Medina has written a compelling story that weaves together multiple difficulties faced by teenagers.  The story focuses on a girl being raised by a single mother, dealing with bullying at school.  This is a topic that many teens will relate to, as bullying continues to be prevalent in schools.  The writing really captures the anguish teens feel when dealing with feeling bullied, as shown in the portion of the book where Piddy no longer wants to leave her house.

Piddy is the main character of the book, and as such is thoroughly developed.  We learn about her back story, including her family’s history as well as her previous friendships.  However, would argue that Yaqui is also a main character, despite the fact that she is not as well developed.  Yaqui is the presence that looms large over the story, almost like the boogeyman.  The fact that Medina tells us very little about Yaqui is actually a strength of the writing; it makes Yaqui that much more a menacing presence. 

One of the strongest themes of this book is the concept of identity.  Latina identity is discussed through the struggle between Yaqui and Piddy, since Yaqui feels Piddy is “not Latina enough”.  But identity is also tackled through Piddy’s family history, and she learns the truth about her father, and his relationship with her mother.  Piddy struggles with her identity in terms of her old friends, as well as her identity within her new school.  This insecurity over the concept of identity is common among teens.

In general, the book is strongly written.  Medina really captures the feelings of isolation that teens feel as they struggle with figuring out who they are.  The characters are not only believable, they are relatable. 

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Meg Medina is an award-winning Cuban American author who writes picture books, middle grade, and YA fiction. She is a two-time winner of the Pura Belpré award: in 2015 (honor) for her picture book, MANGO, ABUELA AND ME, and in 2014 (fiction medal) for her young adult novel, YAQUI DELGADO WANTS TO KICK YOUR ASS. She is also the 2012 Ezra Jack Keats New Writers medal winner for her picture book TIA ISA WANTS A CAR. Her most recent novel is BURN BABY BURN, a 2016 Junior Library Guild selection that has earned multiple starred reviews.

Meg's other books are THE GIRL WHO COULD SILENCE THE WIND, a 2012 Bank Street Best Book and CBI Recommended Read in the UK; and MILAGROS: GIRL FROM AWAY, now available as an Amazon e-book.

Meg's work examines how cultures intersect, as seen through the eyes of young people, and she brings to audiences stories that speak to both what is unique in Latino culture and to the qualities that are universal. Her favorite protagonists are strong girls. In March 2014, she was recognized as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women in America.

When she is not writing, Meg works on community projects that support girls, Latino youth and/or literacy. She lives with her family in Richmond, Virginia.

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 of what a person can do when they are either a victim of or witness to bullying in school

A discussion of what identity means to teens

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 670

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on adult language, teen sexuality, and scenes of violence.

  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 like the way this book tackles the concept of identity.  It explores cultural identity, family identity, and the concept of teens dealing with how their peers see them.  We see this not only as Piddy discovers her own identity, but also how she realizes she sees her peers, like Joey, differently that she first anticipated.  I also really liked that this book showcases Latinx characters.  Also, this book very realistically discussed bullying violence.  There is just so much packed into this book, in a way that feels so honest, I think it will really appeal to a wide variety of teen readers.

The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition, by Anne Frank

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition

Author: Anne Frank

ISBN:  978-0385480338

Publisher: Anchor Books

Copyright: 1952

Reader’s Annotation:

One girl describes the difficulty of being a teen while in hiding.

Summary:

Anne Frank and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam, as a result of the increasingly stringent and dangerous actions being taken against Jews during World War II.  Anne and her family move into a secret attic space in the annex of the building where her father worked.  In her diary, Anne recounts the hardships of having to live in hiding, and discussed the other people living in the annex with her.  There is also a discussion of how her father’s coworkers assist in keeping the Frank family’s residence a secret.

Critical Evaluation:

Written in the form of a diary, this book now serves as a memoir of one girl’s experience trying to survive during World War II.  While the book is translated from its original language, the text is still in the words of Anne Frank herself, which means we get a firsthand account of what was going on in the world during WWII, as well as the unique experience of the Frank family living in hiding.

One of the notable things about the writing in the book is that it not only discusses the unusual circumstance of the family’s wartime life, it talks about typical, everyday frustrations a teen girl may encounter.  Anne speaks about her relationship with her family members, and voices honest frustration about her relationship with her mother.  Anne also talks about the changes her body undergoes as she matures.  Anne’s writing captures how very lonely she feels, a feeling to which most teen readers will relate.

Author Biography:

(from author’s Amazon page)

Born in the city of Frankfurt, Germany, she lived most of her life in or near Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Born a German national, Frank lost her citizenship in 1941 and thus became stateless. The Frank family moved from Germany to Amsterdam in the early 1930s when the Nazis gained control over Germany. By May 1940, they were trapped in Amsterdam by the German occupation of the Netherlands. As persecutions of the Jewish population increased in July 1942, the family went into hiding in some concealed rooms behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father worked. In August 1944, the group was betrayed and transported to concentration camps. Anne and her sister, Margot, were eventually transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where they died (probably of typhus) in February or March 1945, just weeks before the camp was liberated in April.

Genre(s): 
Non-Fiction, Memoir

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 it means to be a refugee in wartime, and modern examples of refugees

A discussion about the atrocities committed as a part of the Holocaust, not only against Jews but against other groups of people as well.

          

Reading Level:

Lexile 1080

Interest Age: 

12 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based brief discussion of sexuality, and dark subject matter relating to the Holocaust and war.

  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:

It is important that a well-rounded teen collection contain all types of materials.  While, in general, teens do not check out many non-fiction items, there are some titles that stand out as classics, and this is certainly one of them.  Teens are often quite interested in history, and World War II/the Holocaust seems to be an area of particular interest to teens.  For me personally, I first became fascinated with the Holocaust as a teenager, and then that interest stayed on through my adult life.  I think many teens want to read about the Holocaust in an attempt to understand how such an extreme tragedy could occur.  Anne Frank is one of the most notable victims of the Holocaust, in part because of this book.  Her words offer teen readers a unique first hand account of the hardships of trying to survive the war.  I cannot imagine not having this title as a part of any teen collection.

Seventeen Magazine, edited by Michelle Tan (editor in chief)

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Seventeen

Editor in Chief: Michelle Tan

ASIN:  B01M126MM7

Publisher: Hearst Magazines

Copyright: 2016

Reader’s Annotation:

Your one stop shop for the hottest trends, the best advice, and the latest on your favorite celebrities.

Plot Summary:

Seventeen Magazine is a monthly publication aimed primarily at teen females.  The magazine covers a variety of topics related to beauty and fashion; relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners; the newest releases in films, music and books; tips for improving or maintaining your health; and assorted feature stories.  Issues often feature quizzes for readers to complete, horoscopes, contests, and funny stories from readers.

Critical Evaluation:

This magazine has a wide variety of topics covered each month, but tends to devote a lot of page spaced to style related articles and photos.  There is a good balance of articles and photo spreads focusing on style.  For example, in this October issue, there was a multipage spread on young trend setters, giving readers tips on how to enhance their own personal style, while featuring the style stories of 4 teenagers and having multiple pictures of each teen.

There is a fair amount of focus on "beauty" in the magazine as well.  There are pages devoted to make up tips, product reviews, and self esteem.  For example, this issue had an article devoted to how to improve they way you look in your selfies, just by adjusting your lighting, angles, and facial expressions.  However, there is also a lot of advertisement in the magazine focusing on beauty products, so it is important that teens are informed consumers and realize to an extent this magazine is trying to get them to purchase these products.

Author Biography:
Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Magazine

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion of health and beauty from a wholistic perspective

A discussion on what personal style means, and how teens can show their own personal style.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

14 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based discussion of teen sexuality in some articles

  If this magazine 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 magazine selected:

Magazines are an important part of a well rounded young adult collection.  Seventeen magazine is a long standing iconic magazine, primarily aimed at teen girls, so I felt it was appropriate to include it in my collection.  This is a magazine I read regularly when I was a teenager.  While less teens may be reading magazines now compared to when I was a teen, I think this magazine stands the test of time.  Additionally, it has a good companion website, to help appeal to modern teens.

TransGeneration Documentary Series, produced by Sundance Channel

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: TransGeneration

Producer: Sundance Channel

ASIN: B000CRR3I8

Studio: Docurama

Copyright: 2006

Reader’s Annotation:

How do teens deal with issues of gender identity in addition to regular pressures of college?

Plot Summary:

Four transgender college students, TJ, Raci, Lucas, and Gabbie, discuss their respective gender identities, how they came to realize they are transgender.  TJ and Lucas are female to male, while Raci and Gabbi are male to female.  Each student explains how their particular college experience is unique.  They explore complex issues from hormones to gender reassignment surgery, as well as how their families are dealing with their transitions.

Critical Evaluation:

Shot in traditional documentary style, this series captures real world moments, as well as individual "confessional" style moments with each cast member.  We see each of the 4 cast members in their school environments as well as they home or family environments, and the series shows aspects of each individual person's journey.  For example, we see Gabbie moving towards her gender reassignment surgery, her journey through the surgery, and her recovery.  We see how this impacts her both at school and within her family.

The documentary series focuses on how all aspects of each cast member's life come together to tell their story, not just limiting the story to gender identity.  For example, Raci is not only trans, she is hearing impaired, Filipina, and poor.  The intersection of all of these qualities is explored when telling Raci's story, and how her gender identity impacts or is impacted by all these other things.  For example, her poverty status was preventing her from getting hormones from the doctor, so she was buying them on the street, which can be very dangerous.

One of the weaker aspects of the writing involved the character development.  The only character I felt at all connected to was Cassie, which makes sense, since she is the focus of the book.  I felt that Sammy could have been better developed, as he is the force that really drives all of Cassie’s actions.  Some of the secondary characters were somewhat bland, particularly the soldiers. With their code names, I frequently got some of those characters mixed up.

The production values on the series are good.  The series is shot in a way that looks good; there is obviously quality editing done, and professional looking title sequences.  The sound aspect of the show is also of a high quality, both in terms of the sound recording and the accompanying music.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 
Series, Documentary, LGBTQIA

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

A discussion on gender identity as a spectrum.

A discussion about normal teen stressors can be impacted for teens who are trans, queer, or non-binary

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

14 and up

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

  If this series 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 series selected:

Even though this series is over a decade old, I think it still can add value to a library collection.  As trans rights move more and more to the forefront, positive depictions of trans people in media is vital.  This series is a very frank, honest discussion of what these 4 college students experience in terms of gender identity and its impact on all aspects of their lives.  There are not a lot of ways for teens to access such honest stories, and I think this could help empower so many trans teens.  It is important that our collections have a variety of materials, so movies, series, and shows certainly have a place in a young adult collection.  This documentary series does not sugar coat anything, and it also examines intersectionality in terms of race, socioeconomic status, disability, and gender identity.

ComicPlus Library Edition Database, powered by Iversemedia

Database Image:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: ComicsPlus (Library Edition)

Author: Various

Vendor: RB Digital/ Recorded Books

Reader’s Annotation:

Unlimited access to 16,000 comic titles, in your hands, at all times.

Summary:

This paid database allows teens to access comic books on any web capable device, for free as a part of their library membership.  The database currently includes over 16,000 titles by 93 different authors.  As a function of the website, teens are able to browse the database by target age, so they can find titles that are written specifically for a YA audience, which is about half of the titles in the database.  Titles include traditional comic titles, nonfiction titles,graphic novels, and manga.

Critical Evaluation:

The setup of the database is very patron focused.  There is no checkout limit, and items check out for 7 days.  Additionally, there is no limit to the number of patrons that can have the same title checked out at the same time, which means no wait time or hold lists for a title.  Patrons literally have unlimited access to the entire database.  This will appeal to teens, giving them more control over their access than many other databases give them.

Any internet capable device can access this database.  This means that teens with their own computers can access the database at home using their library card.  There are also apps available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores, which means teens can put the app on their smartphones or tablets, and access the database using wifi or data packages.  Again, this speaks to the patron centric nature of the database.

One negative aspects of the database are the limited titles.  Some of the most popular publishers, such as DC Comic, or Marvel, have no titles included in this database.  This means that teens who have specific favorite titles may not find them in this database.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 
Database, Comics, Manga, Graphic Novels

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:

If you wanted to do a general discussion on comics, you could ask teens to talk about who their favorite comic characters are, and why

You could do booktalks on specific titles included in the database.  For example, you could do a booktalk on the My Little Pony titles, discussing friendship and the qualities of a good friend.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

13 and up

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

  If this database, or any titles 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 included this database because it is a relatively new addition to my library's collection, and I find it to be a valuable materials that more libraries may want to consider.  Comics/manga/graphic novels are increasing in popularity among our teen patrons.  This database is a cost effective way for a library to provide unlimited access to these selected titles.  Often, comics can appeal to reluctant readers, and get new teens engaged in library activities.