Module 15: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

Module 15: (December 6-9)

Rennison, L. (1999). Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. New York, NY: Harper Collins Children's Books.

Summary: Georgia Nicolson is your average 14-year-old girl, who must balance school, family, friends, frenemies, boys, and hormones as she grows up in her seaside British town. Besides that, she thinks her nose is HUGE, and wonders desperately what it is like to be snogged, or kissed. Through her diary entries we follow along as she plays school pranks, tries to keep her wild cat, Angus, from eating the neighbor’s poodle, and meets a Sex God, aka 17-year-old Robbie. Meanwhile, her dad wants the family to move to New Zealand, her little sister keeps peeing in her (Georgia’s) bed, and her best friend is in love with Robbie’s brother. How will everything work out? Does Georgia get the guy? Will they move to New Zealand? How long does that poodle have to live?

My Impressions: I always meant to read this series when I was younger, but I somehow missed out on it. If I had read it back in middle school or high school, I would have found Georgia so relatable and fascinating. This first book was hilarious (especially the glossary at the end), and I didn’t find the content or language too unsurprising for the most part. I was just about Georgia’s age when these books first came out, so I can attest that we were thinking a lot of the same things as she and her friends! Perhaps those seeking to censor it aren’t completely aware of how modern day teens think, talk, or act.

Reviews: “Although performer and comedy writer Rennison clearly owes a large debt to Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary (1998), her Georgia is a wonderful character whose misadventures are not only hysterically funny but universally recognizable. This "fabbity, fab, fab" novel will leave readers cheering, "Long live the teen!" and anxiously awaiting the promised sequel.”Michael Cart, Booklist*

“British writer Rennison's subject matter may be the stuff of Bridget Jones's Diary, but the wit and bite of her delivery shares more in common with Monty Python. In a spectacular YA debut (Rennison is a comedy writer and columnist), the author creates a winning protagonist in the persona of 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson, whose wry observations and self-deprecating humor covers everything from prudish parents and bed-wetting three-year-old siblings to errant cat behavior and kissing (aka snogging) lessons. Teens will discover that nothing is sacred here (e.g., "Talking of breasts, I'm worried that I may end up like the rest of the women in my family, with just the one bust, like a sort of shelf affair"). Rennison exquisitely captures the fine art of the adolescent ability to turn chaos into stand-up comedy.”—Publisher's Weekly*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0064472272/sr=1-1/qid=1291919653/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1291919653&sr=1-1

Library Use: I think one cool thing a library could do is have a display of books with multi-cultural characters/books set in other countries. You could use this series since it is set in England, but you could also do books set in Mexico, India, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, etc., or use books that have characters from those countries living in the United States. I know there are a couple of books that feature a young Middle Eastern teen by Randa Abdel-Fattah that talk about her experiences as someone with both Middle Eastern and American roots. I believe the first book is called Does My Head Look Big in This?, which refers to the head scarf she wears.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Angus-Thongs-Full-Frontal-Snogging-Confessions/dp/0064472272/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291919653&sr=1-1

Module 14: Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales

Module 14: (November 29-December 5)

Noyes, D. (ed.). (2004). Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.

Summary: This book features ten short stories written in the “gothic” style of genre for teens. Some of the stories follow all the same tropes and plot lines of classic gothic literature, while others take the stories and set them in currently creepy stories. Several of the stories have very unexpected endings, and will give the reader thrills and chills. Other stories are beautiful and mysterious, while a couple are absolutely hilarious as they lovingly mock the genre.

My Impressions: I have always loved gothic literature, even though it can be a bit formulaic at times, and this book was a really fun read, though it would have been even more fun to read it around Halloween! Scariest story (also my pick for most unexpected ending): “Morgan Roehmar’s Boys,” weirdest (in a cool way) story: “Watch and Wake,” and funniest story: “Forbidden Brides of the Faceless Slaves in the Nameless House of the Night of Dread Desire” (the title alone is hilarious!). I haven’t read stuff by all of these authors, but I want to now!

Reviews: “The slightly generic cover design and forthrightly generic title of this collection may lead many readers to expect shrieking heroines, dreary castles, lurking vampires, and other tropes of the gothic tradition. They wouldn't be wrong, but they wouldn't be exactly right, either. Sure, many of these original tales…ape the vocabulary of the genre ("necromancer," "escritoire") and play with its abundant clichés (a house has as many "curses as it has spiders and silverfish"). But the maidens in peril still have to do their homework; twisted events are as likely to transpire in American suburbs as in dreary castles; vampires whine about the garlic in the spaghetti sauce and then attack their babysitters. Ideal for high-school literature classes studying Shelley or Stoker (Gaiman's smirking contribution, which toys with genre definitions, would work particularly well in the classroom), this collection also provides an excellent opportunity to introduce fans of Koontz, Rice, and King to some of the most imaginative exponents of YA dark fantasy.”—Jennifer Mattson, American Library Association, Booklist http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/B003O86J28/sr=1-1/qid=1291920763/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1291920763&sr=1-1

Library Use: This book would be great to either feature with other short story collections, or to talk about in a book talk around Halloween, along with other classic “gothic” tales from Poe, Shelley, Stoker, and the Bronte sisters, and maybe even some of the current authors writing books in this genre. It might also be nice to include some of the other books written by the authors of the short stories so if a kid found they liked that author’s style, they could check out the other things they have written as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Gothic-Ten-Original-Dark-Tales/dp/0439803632/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291919510&sr=8-2

Module 13: The Plain Janes

Module 13: (November 15-21)

Castellucci, C. (2007). The Plain Janes. New York, NY: DC Comics.

Summary: The story starts with a bang—literally—as the large city where Jane lives has a section of it blown up by a terrorist. After the attack, Jane’s parents move her to the “safe” suburbs, but formerly shallow Jane is utterly changed by the event, and finds herself an outcast. She eventually befriends three other girls with various versions and spellings of the name “Jane,” and the foursome create a secret group that goes around the town creating “art” in the forgotten places of the city to make the town pay attention to often humanitarian, environmental, or philosophical issues.

My Impressions: I was really shocked by how much I enjoyed this graphic novel! I didn’t know what the plot was when I started it, but I was almost immediately sucked into the story and the main character’s life as I began to read. I loved the messages of identity and beauty, as well as the questions raised about what could be called “art,” and the idea that we can’t let our fear of what “might happen” keep us from living. I just discovered there is a sequel to this graphic novel, and I will definitely be reading it to find out what happens to the Plain Janes!

Reviews: “Castellucci gives each girl a distinct personality, and spirited, compassionate Main Jane is especially captivating. Rugg's drawings aren't in superhero or manga style, but resemble the more spare, clean style of alternative comics creators such as Dan Clowes and Craig Thompson. A thoughtful look at the pressures to conform and the importance of self-expression, this is also a highly accessible read. Regular comics readers will enjoy it, but fans of soul-searching, realistic young adult fiction should know about it as well.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY. School Library Journal. http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290929817&sr=1-1

“The premise is intriguing, relevant, and disturbing, even as the resolution leaves more questions. When is an art attack sabotage, graffiti, or vandalism? How can people reinvent their lives despite fear? DC's new Minx line promises eclectic, real-world stories that honor girls' intelligence and assertiveness, and this title delivers.”—Library Journal. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=65157782&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: I think this graphic novel would be great for a book talk on socially aware graphic novels. The talk might also include the graphic novels Maus, Persepolis, and Pyongyang, all to show that despite the misconceptions by the masses, graphic novels are at times both highly sophisticated in content and illustrations, and are certainly more than just “comic books.” This type of book talk might be ideal for not only skeptical teens, but also parents, teachers, and perhaps even some librarians who are unfamiliar with the genre.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Plain-Janes-Minx-Cecil-Castellucci/dp/1401211151/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838224&sr=1-1

Module 12: Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe

Module 12: (November 8-14)

Lange, K. E. (2009). Nevermore: A Photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.

Summary: This “photobiography” illustrates the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe from his tragic youth and his ill-fated marriages and relationships, to his career highs and lows, as well as his increasing descent into madness and addiction, all through photos, illustrations, and letters from his life.

My Impressions: I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading this book, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying myself! Based on my limited reading of Poe, I could have guessed that he had a dark, tragic background, and this book confirms that. Besides that, I was interested to learn that he was also an addict, alcoholic, and suffered from mental illnesses (it seems like all of the best authors and poets usually have at least one of these problems!). The photos, letters, and illustrations really help, rather than detract from the text as well. I wanted to go out and read some of Poe’s works after this!

Reviews: “The drama of Poe's tortured life unfolds in accessible prose. Textual information is interspersed with photos, artistic interpretations, and revealing quotations presented in script…. This volume offers a fairly complete and thoroughly readable description of Poe's life and his importance to literature. His writing is shown to have grown from his troubled, largely dark, lifetime experiences and the constant longing for connection and love. In addition to his creative writing, Lange discusses popular psychological interpretations of Poe's work and credits him with creating new literary genres such as the detective story and the horror story. The book's brevity and format render it a good addition for reports and background for an author study.”—Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ. School Library Journal. http://www.libraryjournal.com/slj/printissue/currentissue/857197-427/grades_5_amp_up.html.csp

“Illustrated with many period photographs as well as pictures of Poe-related places and artifacts, the book has varied, spacious page layouts in which shades of turquoise add color to some of the illustrations and backgrounds. The jacket art, which features a photo of Poe’s face, overlaid with lines of manuscript, peering outward with haunted eyes, will draw both fans of Poe and a new audience. A chronology and lists of quote sources, books, articles, Internet sites, and historical sites conclude this handsome introduction to an American original.”—Carolyn Phelan. Booklist. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/142630398X/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Library Use: You could use this in a “horror” display (we usually put one up in October for Halloween at my library), or you might also do a display for poets, or an entire display on Poe if there were enough materials, which might include the movies based on his stories, as well as the audio versions. Now that I know we have this book at my library I will recommend it for the photos alone for any students doing projects on Poe!

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Nevermore-Photobiography-Edgar-Allan-Photobiographies/dp/142630398X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290838198&sr=1-1

Module 11: What the World Eats

Module 11 (November 1-7)

D’Alusio, F. (2008). What the World Eats. Berkeley, CA: Tricycle Press.

Summary: The authors of this book wanted to chronicle the food eaten in a week for various families in over 21 different countries, including the United States, Mongolia, Greenland, Bhutan, and Chad. With each family’s section, there is a portrait of all the food that family will eat for the entire week, and the comparisons are startling. Also included are quick facts about each country profiled, as well as a recipe from each family.

My Impressions: This book is all at once incredibly fascinating, incredibly beautiful, and incredibly sad. How lucky we are in the United States and other more “Westernized” nations is undeniable as you flip through this book, and the heartbreaking circumstances of many of the families in this book is at times hard to look at. It is simply amazing how hard some of these families must work each day just to provide food and water for their families. This book gives us things to think about, and hopefully encourages us to do whatever we can to help those around the world in need.

Reviews: “Intended to inform middle-schoolers of the wide variety of food traditions as well as discrepancies in access to adequate nutrition, this collection of photos, essays and statistics will require thoughtful concentration….The plentiful photos are fascinating, offering both intimate glimpses of family life and panoramic views of other lands. Whether used for research or received as a gift from socially conscious adults, this version offers children plenty to chew over—but it’ll take them some time to truly digest.”—Kirkus Book Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/faith-daluisio/what-the-world-eats/

“The main narrative presents friendly, multigenerational portraits of each family, with meals and food preparation an avenue toward understanding their hopes and struggles. A wealth of supporting information—lush color photographs, family recipes, maps, sidebars, etc.—surrounds the text (superb design accomplishes this job harmoniously) and implies questions about global food supplies…. Engrossing and certain to stimulate.”—Publisher’s Weekly. http://www.amazon.com/What-World-Eats-Faith-DAluisio/dp/1582462461/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290928756&sr=1-1

Library Use: During the discussion boards, one of my classmates mentioned that they used this book as part of a large display at their library that included large poster-sized versions of some of these family portraits, as well as facts about the nations in the books. I thought this was a fantastic idea! If there was a space, it might also be interesting to recreate the amount of food eaten by one of the American families as part of the display, for more of a tangible comparison.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/What-World-Eats-WHAT-WORLD/dp/B001TKYWQI/ref=sr_1_28?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838147&sr=1-28

Module 10: The Yellow Star: the Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Module 10: (October 25-31)

Deedy, C. A. (2000). The Yellow Star: the Legend of King Christian X of Denmark. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.

Summary: This story is a legend based on the events of Nazi occupation during World War II in Denmark. King Christian X was real, though we learn that there is no proof he ever wore the Star of David as he did in the story. In the book, he does this after all the Danish-Jews are ordered to start wearing the star, and his act soon encourages the rest of Denmark to wear the star, showing that they are not divided by religious or ethnicity; they are all Danes.

My Impressions: I haven’t read many (if any) picture books on the Holocaust before, but I think books like these would be a great way to introduce such a dark time in recent history to young readers. Like Lois Lowry’s Number the Stars, this book focuses on the events in Denmark, though I think the latter really shows the depth of their efforts better than this book. They have different audiences, but I kind of wish this book had focused more on what the Danes actually accomplished in their efforts to smuggle their Jewish citizenry to safety over this legend, though I do appreciate the themes of community against inhumane treatment.

Reviews: “This fiction picture book makes clear that the legend about the King of Denmark wearing a Jewish star never happened. Her focus is on the country's wise, beloved king and his support of the Jews. When the Nazis order the Jews to wear yellow stars, the king rides out on his horse wearing a star. Then the Danish people wear stars, "And once again, in the country of Denmark, there were only Danes." Sorensen's large, double-page paintings, close-up portraits and street scenes, express the strong individuality and the community of the Danish people and their bond with their leader. Henry Sorensen's pictures dramatize the confrontation between the Nazi commander and the king, as sepia scenes show the terror that is happening in Poland and elsewhere. In contrast are depictions of the warmth and strength of the Danish people going about their business. Deedy's author's note is an essential part of the book, as it distinguishes legend from fact and states the moral issue for discussion: "What if we could follow that example today against violators of human rights?" –Hazel Rochman. Booklist. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2548/merge_shared/details/RecordDetails.asp?item_uid=48415879&viewItemIndex=0&navPage=1&FullText=&BipAlertQueryString=&BipAlertDisplayQText=

Library Use: I don’t know if it would be possible, but it would be really cool to take this book and do some kind of multi-generational library program, or more feasibly a display on World War II. If the program was possible, it would be really interesting to have a presenter come in and talk about World War II for adults and older kids, while younger kids might be read this story. If doing the display, this book, along with Lowry’s Number the Stars, Bartoletti’s Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s Shadow, and books on various aspects on the war, including the internment of Japanese-Americans in America could be displayed, as well as movies and documentaries on the subject. If there was a lot of space and materials available, it would be great to include various items or photos from that time period as well.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Star-Legend-Christian-Denmark/dp/1561452084/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290838041&sr=1-1

Module 9: The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery

Module 9: (October 18-24)

Springer, N. (2006). The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Summary: In this first book of the Enola Holmes mystery series, we meet young Enola Holmes (the much younger sister of Sherlock), as she tries to solve the mystery of her own mother’s disappearance. Her mother, a burgeoning suffragette of the time taught Enola to be independent, and much to the shock of her elder brothers, a she is now a rather “unladylike” young lady. Faced with a “proper” boarding school, Enola sets out on her own just like her mother before her and creates a life for herself in the crime-riddled Victorian London. Luckily, she has inherited her brother’s skill at detective work and deductive reasoning!

My Impressions: I am not much of a mystery reader usually, but I have always loved historical fiction so this series seemed like a good foray into the mystery genre for me. I love Enola’s spunk and intelligence, but if Sherlock is actually as bossy as he sounds in this book, I think I can skip the Doyle originals! Enola has just the right mix of historical detail, intriguing plot, and well-drawn characters to keep me invested in the story. One day (in my spare time, ha!), I intend to continue reading this series.

Reviews: Nancy Springer has fashioned a courageous, intelligent, resourceful, and utterly unforgettable heroine for this enticing series…. All of the stories are well-plotted, fraught with danger and suspense, and peopled with intriguing characters....Enola is a fully realized character with a convincing and thoroughly entertaining narrative voice. Slightly self-deprecating and always honest, the first-person telling percolates with a winning blend of insight, naiveté, humor, and dazzling moments of self-discovery....Starring a strong, take-charge female heroine, Springer’s books provide a clever twist on the Sherlock oeuvre. Though just as intelligent, daring, and driven as her celebrated older brother—and as willing to jump into the fray—Enola also has an awareness of the intricacies of the secret world of women, and thus possesses knowledge beyond his ken....Her character continues to grow and mature through the various installments of the series, and the combination of self-discovery and whodunit will keep readers returning for more.—School Library Journal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6712719.html

Library Use: Enola might be a great introduction for young readers for this type of detective mystery, including the Doyle originals. There are actually numerous juvenile series doing “re-imagined” Holmes stories, or even showing him as a young teen, as he first began to solve crimes. You could probably create a nice list of these series for young readers. Another idea might be to have a “mystery night” program for teens or middle schoolers, where they could talk about mysteries they like, and perhaps solve a mystery or two posed by the librarian. They could also play the murder mystery game “Mafia” where two “detectives” have to figure out who is “murdering” the other “participants” using clues and asking questions.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Marquess-Holmes-Mystery/dp/B000TWIPDI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1290838004&sr=1-7