Dangerous Woman, by Ariana Grande

Album Image:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Dangerous Woman

Artist: Ariana Grande

Label: Universal Records

Released: 2016

Reader’s Annotation:

An album with a big sound, from a strong woman.

Summary:

This is the third album Ariana Grande has released 11 different tracks.  The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Macy Gray, and Nicki Minaj.  The album debuted at #2 in the United States, and several tracks from the album were released as singles.

Critical Evaluation:

Ariana Grande is clearly a talented performer.  The album has a high quality sound.  The tracks are crisp sounding, well recorded, and deftly mixed.  While there is some use of musical effects, like echo, autotune, and distortion, Grande’s natural ability shines through as well.

One of the things that stood out to me the most about this album is the versatility of sounds incorporated into the tracks.  Musical influences range from 90s pop to reggae, disco to soul.  Many of the tracks have a sultry sound to them, but there are several upbeat dance numbers as well, such as the track “Greedy”.

Author Biography:

Not applicable

Genre(s): 

Music

Curriculum Ties:

Not applicable

Booktalk Ideas:

You could do a booktalk where teens talk about one of the tracks that features a guest artist

A general discussion on how teen artists get trapped in their teen image, and use albums to declare their independence.

          

Reading Level:

Not applicable

Interest Age: 

13 and up

Challenge Issues: Could potentially be challenged due to sexually suggestive lyrics and adult language- there is a label of explicit on this album.

  If this item 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 item selected:

This is one of those areas where my taste is completely different from that of teens.  Personally, I do not care for Ariana Grande, either as an artist or as a person.  However, many of the teens in my library love this album.  Part of Grande’s appeal to teens is her past affiliation with Nickelodeon, and the fact that she recently acted in a teen focused show on Fox, called “Scream Queens”.  It is clear to me that she is trying to assert her adult independence in this CD.  I included this item in my collection because this is the type of items my teens ask for.  As a librarian, it is my duty to meet patron needs, even when I personally do not care for the material.  

Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat, by Megan Carle and Jill Carle

Cover:

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Teens Cook: How to Cook What You Want to Eat

Author: Megan Carle and Jill Carle

ISBN:  978-1580085847

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Copyright: 2004

Reader’s Annotation:

What is the easiest way for teens to learn to cook?  Follow a cookbook written by teens who cook!

Summary:

This book is a collection of recipes and general cooking tips for teens who may not have much experience with cooking.  The book covers a variety of dishes, including breakfasts, snacks, soups and salads, solo dinners, family meals, and desserts.  The recipes vary in difficulty, from your basic brownies to chicken piccatta.

Critical Evaluation:

The book is written in a traditional “cookbook” style, including lists of ingredients, then instructions for each recipe. The recipes are accompanied by bright, appetizing looking pictures.  As a book simply for reading or browsing, it is well produced, and pleasant to look at.

In terms of the recipes being used for teens to follow, the majority of the recipes are quite basic, and straightforward.  These are good introductory recipes for teens just starting out.  The majority of ingredients are things typically found in most kitchens, or easily found at a local grocery store.  When anything in the ingredients listed is unusually, or needs to be overly specific, this is spelled out quite clearly in the recipe.  This helps insure teens following the recipe will know exactly what to do to make their cooking successful.

There is additional information included in the title, such as kitchen tips, vocabulary, and explanations of the science behind the chemical processes involved.  The writing is very straightforward, and because it is written by actual teens, the tone of the writing is quite engaging.  There are even some stories of kitchen mishaps, which teens will find amusing.

Author Biography:

Megan Carle (from author’s Penguin author page)

Megan Carle was a vegetarian throughout her formative cooking years and, as a result, has more ways with pasta than she can count. She is currently a graduate student in Linguistics at Arizona State University.

Megan and Jill's previous books include Teens Cook, Teens Cook Dessert, and College Cooking.
Jill Carle (from author’s Penguin author page)
Jill Carle is an adventurous omnivore with soft spots for ethnic cuisines and all-American comfort food. She is also in graduate school at Arizona State University, studying American Politics.

Megan and Jill’s previous books include Teens Cook, Teens Cook Dessert, and College Cooking.

Genre(s): 
Non-Fiction, Cookbook

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 kitchen safety.

A discussion about why it is important to pay attention to nutrition as a teen

          

Reading Level:

Not available

Interest Age: 

12 and up

Challenge Issues: Could be challenged based on encouraging teens to use potentially dangerous kitchen equipment

  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:

Not all teens have opportunities to learn real world skills.  While some teens get to take classes such as home economics, or family and consumer science, this is not always an option for teens.  Similarly, not all teens learn these types of skills within the home.  We frequently see millennials being criticized for not being independent or adult enough, yet we are not equipping them with the skills for independent adult living.  By including books in the library collection that teach real world skills, we are empowering them for their future.  This particular title appealed to me because it was actually written by teens who cook, and features things like basic kitchen tips and safety, as well as explanations of the science behind the cooking processes.

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

Cover:

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.