Below is a list of the entries found on this reading log. Though many of the entries are cross-listed in different categories, the majority of them have only been listed once here in order to avoid confusion. All images found on this blog have been taken from Amazon.
Print
Chick-Lit/Romance
Everneath - Brodi Ashton
Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror
The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
Graphic Novel
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the Long Way Home - Joss Whedon & Georges Jeanty
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood - Marjane Satrapi
Historical/Classic
The Pigman - Paul Zindel
A Summer to Die - Lois Lowry
LGBTQ Fiction
Ask the Passengers - A. S. King
Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan
Parrotfish - Ellen Wittlinger
Magazine
Teen Vogue
Teens Now Talk
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
The Hippie House - Katherine Holubitsky
Nonfiction - Homework
After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance - Anne Sibley O'Brien & Perry Edmond O'Brien
Nonfiction - Recreational
Secret Lives of Great Composers: What Your Teachers Never Told You about the World's Musical Masters - Elizabeth Lunday
Realistic
Adam and Eve and Pinch-Me - Julie Johnston
Urban Fiction/Street Lit
Beneath a Meth Moon - Jaqueline Woodson
*Award-winning
The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
*Canadian
Stephen Fair - Tim Wynne-Jones
*Controversial/Challenged/Banned
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Nonprint
Audio Recordings
The Golden Compass - Philip Pullman
Red - Taylor Swift
Library Websites for Teens
Banff Library Teen Site
Teens@VPL
Video
"Warm Bodies"
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
"Crash Course: English Literature" - John Green
"Red" - Taylor Swift
Overview and Evaluative Comments
Swift's album consists of 16 tracks, which flow well. Though the lyrics are fairly simplistic and not overly insightful, the music is catchy. The mixing of musical genres (pop, pop-rock, and country) help widen the appeal of her music, and it is clear why Swift is currently one of the most popular artists, especially among teens.
Suggested audience
Grades 7-12
Reason for inclusion
One of the most popular pop artists of today
Category
Audio Recording, Music
Everneath - Brodi Ashton
Ashton, B. (2012). Everneath. New York: Balzer + Bray.
Summary
Nikki has returned to her normal life after spending a hundred years in the Everneath. For everyone else, though, she has only been missing for six months. As she tries to make amends with the people who have missed her, and as she searches for redemption, she is all too aware that her time is limited. After another six months, she will have to return permanently to the Everneath. Her only other choice is too help Cole, the immortal who took her to the Everneath, take over the throne, but to do this, she herself will have to become an immortal.
Evaluative comments
This book has an interesting premise, based on the Persephone myth, and successfully parallels this myth. However, this is done with little subtlety, as though Ashton is afraid that if these parallels are not constantly spelled out, the reader will not understand them. Consequently, the references to Greek mythology at times feels very jolting, lifting the reader out of the story and reminding them that they are, in fact, reading a book. Furthermore, the characters' personalities and motivations at times seem inconsistent. While Nikki usually seems to be a self assured, independent young woman, she inevitably falls into the current trend of female characters who fall apart as soon as a handsome young man who pays them the slightest attention. Despite this, the story is compelling, and the writing, for the most part, effectively holds the reader's attention.
This book has an interesting premise, based on the Persephone myth, and successfully parallels this myth. However, this is done with little subtlety, as though Ashton is afraid that if these parallels are not constantly spelled out, the reader will not understand them. Consequently, the references to Greek mythology at times feels very jolting, lifting the reader out of the story and reminding them that they are, in fact, reading a book. Furthermore, the characters' personalities and motivations at times seem inconsistent. While Nikki usually seems to be a self assured, independent young woman, she inevitably falls into the current trend of female characters who fall apart as soon as a handsome young man who pays them the slightest attention. Despite this, the story is compelling, and the writing, for the most part, effectively holds the reader's attention.
Suggested audience
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Bleak, mystical, menacing
Read-alikes - Twilight, Stephanie Meyer, Evermore, Alyson Noël
Appeal terms - Bleak, mystical, menacing
Read-alikes - Twilight, Stephanie Meyer, Evermore, Alyson Noël
Booktalking hook
Talk about the myth of Persephone - what would you do?
Talk about the myth of Persephone - what would you do?
Reason for inclusion
Everneath falls into the paranormal romantic category, which has been a very popular genre among teens.
Everneath falls into the paranormal romantic category, which has been a very popular genre among teens.
Category
Chick-Lit/Romance, Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror
Chick-Lit/Romance, Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Summary
In a dystopian future, children from different districts are selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death that is watched live by all citizens. When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is sent to the Capitol in order to be prepared for the games, thrown together with Peeta, a boy from her district. As the games begin, Katniss must try to balance her will survive with her determination not to become a puppet in the Capitol's game.
In a dystopian future, children from different districts are selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death that is watched live by all citizens. When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She is sent to the Capitol in order to be prepared for the games, thrown together with Peeta, a boy from her district. As the games begin, Katniss must try to balance her will survive with her determination not to become a puppet in the Capitol's game.
Evaluative comments
From the first pages of The Hunger Games, the reader is immersed in the very distinct world Collins creates. While the plot is well-paced and compellingly intricate, it never supplants the strong character development. Though the writing is slightly uneven at times, the strength of Katniss' character and the suspense and intrigue built up through the novel will not only hook readers until the ending, but will encourage many of them to go out and get the next book in the series. The wide appeal of the novel explains why this series is such a huge phenomenon in the YA publishing world.
From the first pages of The Hunger Games, the reader is immersed in the very distinct world Collins creates. While the plot is well-paced and compellingly intricate, it never supplants the strong character development. Though the writing is slightly uneven at times, the strength of Katniss' character and the suspense and intrigue built up through the novel will not only hook readers until the ending, but will encourage many of them to go out and get the next book in the series. The wide appeal of the novel explains why this series is such a huge phenomenon in the YA publishing world.
Suggested audience
Grades 8-12
Grades 8-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Action-packed, world-building, fast-paced, disturbing, bleak, suspenseful, menacing, gritty
Read-alikes - Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (series continuation); Birthmarked, Caragh M. O'Brien; Graceling, Kristin Cashore
Appeal terms - Action-packed, world-building, fast-paced, disturbing, bleak, suspenseful, menacing, gritty
Read-alikes - Catching Fire and Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins (series continuation); Birthmarked, Caragh M. O'Brien; Graceling, Kristin Cashore
Booktalking hook
Set up the story by describing the history and premise the annual Hunger Games.
Set up the story by describing the history and premise the annual Hunger Games.
Reason for inclusion
This book is the first entry in one of the most popular and bestelling YA series of the last decade.
Awards and Honours (selection) - Cybil Award - Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2008; YALSA'S Teens' Top Ten, 2009; A Kirkus Best Book, 2008; ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Selection
This book is the first entry in one of the most popular and bestelling YA series of the last decade.
Awards and Honours (selection) - Cybil Award - Fantasy & Science Fiction, 2008; YALSA'S Teens' Top Ten, 2009; A Kirkus Best Book, 2008; ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults Selection
Category
Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror, Controversial/Challenged/Banned, Award-Winning
Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror, Controversial/Challenged/Banned, Award-Winning
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the Long Way Home - Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty
Summary
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: the Long Way Home contains the first four issues of the Buffy comics. The story immediately follows the last season of the TV show, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and focuses on Buffy, Xander, and Willow.
Evaluative comments
Fans of the popular TV show will enjoy this opportunity to continue the story. The change in medium allows for the story to become more fantastic with more "special effects." The art is dynamic and attractive, and the story is compelling and in keeping with the tone and style of the TV show. Though the graphic novel format may not be attractive to all the show's fans, it is clear from the presence of later books that this format has developed its own following.
Fans of the popular TV show will enjoy this opportunity to continue the story. The change in medium allows for the story to become more fantastic with more "special effects." The art is dynamic and attractive, and the story is compelling and in keeping with the tone and style of the TV show. Though the graphic novel format may not be attractive to all the show's fans, it is clear from the presence of later books that this format has developed its own following.
Suggested audience
Grades 7-12
Grades 7-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful, amusing, offbeat, steamy
Read-alikes - Tales of the Slayers, Joss Whedon; Runaways, Brian K. Vaughan
Appeal terms - Action-packed, fast-paced, suspenseful, amusing, offbeat, steamy
Read-alikes - Tales of the Slayers, Joss Whedon; Runaways, Brian K. Vaughan
Booktalking hook
Show the full page character portraits scattered throughout, and talk a bit about where the story ended in the TV show.
Show the full page character portraits scattered throughout, and talk a bit about where the story ended in the TV show.
Reason for inclusion
A popular graphic novel continuation of a classic teen TV show
A popular graphic novel continuation of a classic teen TV show
Category
Graphic Novel, Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror
Graphic Novel, Fantasy/Science Fiction/Horror
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood - Marjane Satrapi
Summary
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood is the autobiographical story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran, told through black and white comic strips. Beginning with the fall of the Shah, and continuing through the Islamic Revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq, we see Marjane's and her parents' everyday life, as well as the hardships they face during this period of history.
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood is the autobiographical story of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Iran, told through black and white comic strips. Beginning with the fall of the Shah, and continuing through the Islamic Revolution and the war between Iran and Iraq, we see Marjane's and her parents' everyday life, as well as the hardships they face during this period of history.
Evaluative comments
This is an extremely well written and drawn graphic novel. Satrapi draws the reader in, both through the writing of each episode, and through her stark images. Appropriately, the book does not shy away from heavier topics, but there is a certain level of humour that prevents the book from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Not only is the story captivating, but it also presents an informative point of view on this particular period of Iranian history.
This is an extremely well written and drawn graphic novel. Satrapi draws the reader in, both through the writing of each episode, and through her stark images. Appropriately, the book does not shy away from heavier topics, but there is a certain level of humour that prevents the book from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Not only is the story captivating, but it also presents an informative point of view on this particular period of Iranian history.
Suggested audience
Grades 9-12
Grades 9-12
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Plot-driven, strong sense of place, disturbing, though-provoking
Read-alikes - Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, Marjane Satrapi (sequel); Maus: A Survival's Tale, Art Spiegelman
Appeal terms - Plot-driven, strong sense of place, disturbing, though-provoking
Read-alikes - Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, Marjane Satrapi (sequel); Maus: A Survival's Tale, Art Spiegelman
Booktalking hook
Read the last paragraph of the Introduction about Satrapi's reasons for writing Persepolis. Read and show "The Party" episode, pp. 40-46
Read the last paragraph of the Introduction about Satrapi's reasons for writing Persepolis. Read and show "The Party" episode, pp. 40-46
Reason for inclusion
Awards and Honours - Harvey Award, ALA Alex Award, 2004; Prix du Festival d'Angoulême for Alph-art du coup de coeur, 2001
Awards and Honours - Harvey Award, ALA Alex Award, 2004; Prix du Festival d'Angoulême for Alph-art du coup de coeur, 2001
Category
Graphic Novel, Realistic, Award-Winning
Graphic Novel, Realistic, Award-Winning
The Pigman - Paul Zindel
Summary
John and Lorraine are two high school friends, both of whom struggle with their home lives. In The Pigman, they tell the story of their experience befriending a lonely old man. Mr. Pignati lives alone in a house full of oddities. John and Lorraine spend an increasing amount of time with Mr. Pignati, whom they christen The Pigman.
John and Lorraine are two high school friends, both of whom struggle with their home lives. In The Pigman, they tell the story of their experience befriending a lonely old man. Mr. Pignati lives alone in a house full of oddities. John and Lorraine spend an increasing amount of time with Mr. Pignati, whom they christen The Pigman.
Evaluative
comments
The Pigman is a classic young adult novel, having retained its popularity for 40 years. Its most interesting aspect is that it switches back and forth between John and Lorraine as narrators. As a result, the two characters are both given a clear, developed voice, and readers gain insight into both of their perspectives. The contrast between their narrative styles also gives the book a fresh tone. The story is interesting, but suffers from its short length. It feels as though as the reader is being drawn in, the story ends quite abruptly. Despite this, it is interesting to read for the portrayal of the characters alone.
The Pigman is a classic young adult novel, having retained its popularity for 40 years. Its most interesting aspect is that it switches back and forth between John and Lorraine as narrators. As a result, the two characters are both given a clear, developed voice, and readers gain insight into both of their perspectives. The contrast between their narrative styles also gives the book a fresh tone. The story is interesting, but suffers from its short length. It feels as though as the reader is being drawn in, the story ends quite abruptly. Despite this, it is interesting to read for the portrayal of the characters alone.
Suggested audience
Grades 7-10
Grades 7-10
Reader’s advisory notes
Appeal terms - Offbeat, sarcastic, amusing, conversational, experimental
Read-alikes - The Pigman's Legacy, Paul Zindel (sequel); John Belushi is Dead, Kathy Charles
Appeal terms - Offbeat, sarcastic, amusing, conversational, experimental
Read-alikes - The Pigman's Legacy, Paul Zindel (sequel); John Belushi is Dead, Kathy Charles
Booktalking hook
Read prank phone call with Mr. Pignati passage: pp. 22-28
Read prank phone call with Mr. Pignati passage: pp. 22-28
Reason for inclusion
Enduring classic; included in YALSA's "Ultimate YA Bookshelf"
Awards and Honours - ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults; New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
Category
Historical/Classic, Realistic
Historical/Classic, Realistic
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