2018-12-10T10:46:04+00:00

Bibliographic Information: N/a

Summary: This particular database subscription has compiled various resources that contain multiple viewpoints concerning controversial subjects. Some of the subjects that are listed as controversial issues are: the death penalty, abortion, animal rights, airport security, censorship & democracy, distance learning, adoption from a foreign country, child labor, border walls and more. There are literally hundreds of topics to choose from. Through Points of View Reference Center, students are able to look up the pros and cons of all of these various issues. These points of view are written in essay form from credible sources. Each controversial topic consists of an overview, a designated point, counterpoint, and critical thinking guide.

Critical Evaluation: This is an excellent source for high school controversial subject research papers. The Points of View Reference Center has a nice balance of resources concerning the pros and cons of the selected subject. I like that this database subscription has such a wide variety of topics that are relevant in today’s society such as: body cameras for police officers on patrol, balancing work and family, and voting. This pretty much can be described as a one stop shop for information concerning a controversial issue because it provides an overview of the issue, points, counter points, and a critical thinking guide.

Reader’s Annotation: N/a

Creator Information: N/a

Genre: N/a

Curriculum Ties: This is an excellent resource for high school students looking for various points of view for their controversial subjects research papers.

Book Talk Ideas: N/a

Interest age: Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:

Guide to Points of View Reference Center: https://www2.santarosa.edu/libraryguides/tutorial/pov/single-page/1

Comparative Review: http://assets.cengage.com/pdf/rev_OVIC-Charleston-Review.pdf

Introduction to Points of View Reference Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyykdCPlaU

Why Included: I remember doing my ninth-grade controversial research paper on the death penalty in the ninth grade. Back the internet was nowhere near as advanced as it is now so it took me a while to compile the different viewpoints. This database is literally a one stop shop for students with controversial research subjects. It provides an overview of the issue, different points associated with the issue, counterpoints, and a critical thinking guide. Teens can get all the necessary information that they need from just this one resource.

Brainfuse Subscription Database

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

BRAINFUSE SUBSCRIPTION DATABASE

Bibliographic Information: N/a

Summary: Brainfuse is an online tutoring service for students K-12 who have a subscription. This subscription database has been around for twenty years. Besides signing up for an account, students can gain access to Brainfuse for free via their library or school. Live tutoring is provided concerning the following subjects: Business (economics and finance, Science (biology, chemistry, physics,) Math (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, and statistics), and English (reading comprehension and college writing). Students can also receive help crafting resumes, and preparing for job interviews. Tutoring is also offered in certain applications such as excel, word, and PowerPoint. Some of their online tutoring services consists of: live tutoring, skills building, 24/7 help center, foreign language lab, writing lab, live writing assistance, and the intensive writing lab. There are study tools provided such as the test center and the flashbulb (flashcards). Also, there are collaborative tools included in this database as well such as Meet (which allows you to schedule meetings with your peers) and Brainwave (which lets you record your work in Brainfuse to save it). All of the Brainfuse tutors have received their bachelor’s degrees in the subjects that they teach and or were educators.

Critical Evaluation: Brainfuse is an excellent tool for students to utilize. The best part about Brainfuse is if you have a school or library subscription then it is free. Personally I was amazed by the writing lab; you can write a paper and have a live tutor grade and critique your work with feedback in just one full business day. I wish I had known about Brainfuse when I was in high school, that would have been so helpful! One drawback of this subscription is that it isn’t actively advertised a lot. The only reason that I know about this database subscription is that my library just began a subscription with them. Besides that I had never heard of them, which is very disheartening to say the least because they provide so much help concerning the various subjects of school.

Creator Information: N/a

Genre: N/a

Curriculum Ties: This would be a great resource for any student to use who may be having trouble learning pretty much any subject in school

Book Talk Ideas: N/a

Interest Age: All ages

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:

Reviews: http://home.brainfuse.com/about-us/testimonials/

Tutor Reviews: https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Brainfuse-Reviews-E394263.htm

Other Reviews: https://bestcompany.com/tutoring/company/brainfuse

Why Included: I was recently just introduced to Brainfuse via my library’s subscription. I was so surprised that this has been around for twenty years because I had never heard of it. This is an amazing resource that provides online live tutoring for free! (with your subscription from school or a library of course). Utilizing this resource teens can get the help they need from the comfort of their own homes. Also, there may be some subjects that the teens struggle with that the parent isn’t good at either. The parent may not have the money to hire a tutor for their child so this is the next best option. I wish I had known about this in high school, it would have saved my Dad a lot of time reviewing all my papers.

Twister

December 10, 2018December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

TWISTER

Bibliographic Information:

Publisher: Milton Bradley Company

Genre: Party Game/ Physical Skills Game

Publication Date: 1966

2 Summary: Twister is a game that involves a large plastic mat that is generally either spread on the floor or ground in order to play. The plastic mat contains six rows of large colored circles each color has its own row including the colors: red, green, blue, and yellow. Equipment that comes with the game includes a spinner (an arrow attached a board) that indicates where players must place their hand or foot. The spinner has four designated categories: right foot, left foot, right hand, and left hand. Also, these four categories are divided up by colors as well (blue, red, yellow, green). After the player spins the arrow, then the combination is then called out concerning which color and if the player has to move their hand or foot to the circle of the designated color. If there are only two players playing, then no two people can put their hand or foot on the same color spot. However, when there are more players involved then the rules are a little different. While there isn’t a specific limit to how many players can play this game, any number of players past four will be a tight fit. Since there are only so many spots, people may go to extreme measures such as stretching their bodies in awkward positions which usually leads to someone falling. If a player falls or their knee or elbow touches the mat then they are disqualified.

Critical Evaluation: There isn’t a whole lot of negative things to say about the game of twister. It is a fun interactive game, where no one is required to have these certain special skills outside of flexibility. This is definitely a party game, but the main drawback is that it would be difficult to play with more than four people. So in that way the game is very restrictive to the amount of players that can play, having more than four people play would definitely be a tight squeeze.

Reader’s annotation: N/A

Creator Information: The Milton Bradley company was founded in 1860. It is the oldest game manufacturer in the United States. The Milton Bradley company has produced thirty of the designated fifty best-selling games including the following games: Candyland, The Game Life, Chutes and Ladders, Twister, Yahtzee, Operation, Connect Four, and more. The company got its name from Milton Bradley who was a great industrial inventor in the 19^{th century.}

In addition to his association to the game making company, he has also created some important non game inventions as well such as the zoetrope and the color wheel. At the early age of twenty-four, Milton created the Milton Bradley company. During the 1870s, the company took off producing a wide variety of games that quickly became family favorites. The company has grown tremendously since then and is now a billion dollar coparent of Hasbro Inc.

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/milton-bradley-company-history/

Genre: Party Game/ Physical Skills Game

Curriculum Ties: N/a

Book Talk Ideas: N/a

Interest age: 10 and up

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:

Challenge Issue: Not Appropriate for Children

Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Moves-Games-Classic-Twister/product-reviews/B00HVTH2MC/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

Seeing is Believing: Play Twister: http://www.museumofplay.org/blog/play-stuff/2015/11/seeing-is-believing-play-twister

The Benefits of Interactive Games for Children: https://usa.minilandeducational.com/family/the-benefits-of-interactive-games-for-children

Benefits of Classic Games https://www.familyeducation.com/life/board-games/benefits-classic-games

11 Why Included: This game is simple and a lot of fun. A lot of times when the word games are mentioned, they are referring to video games, but sometimes it is better to take it back to old school games such as twister. Really, all you need for this game is the mat, spinner, and a good attitude. I’m sure even the grouchiest teen won’t be able to resist the fun of twister.

Taboo

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

TABOO

Bibliographic Information:

Publisher: Hasbro

Publication Date: 1989

Genre: Party Game

Summary: Taboo is a party game that is focused around word guessing. The equipment involved in this game consist of: an hour glass (for recording time), a buzzer (to be pressed if you say the designated synonyms on your selected card), and cards that describe what you are trying to describe/act out on the top, and below there are additional words/synonyms listed that you aren’t allowed to say. If you say the synonyms while trying to describe your designated word, then the buzzer is hit and your time is immediately cut short. Also, someone from the opposite team has to kind of look over the persons (who is playing) shoulder to make sure that they aren’t saying the additional words/synonyms.

Critical Evaluation: Sometimes Taboo can seem like a game of charades mixed with being a thesaurus. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that you can play by yourself, or even with just two people. The main drawback is that you need a lot of people to play this particular game or at the very least enough people to make a full team. However this would be a fun ideal game if you were having a party or a lot of guests over and needed something to do.

Creator Information: Hasbro is an entertainment and play company that is known global wide for creating the “world’s best play experiences”. This company has so much to offer including digital gaming, movies, television, toys and consumer products. Some of their iconic brands include: Transformers, My Little Pony, Monopoly, Play Doh, Magic, and Baby Alive. Hasbro is on several social platforms including: instagram, twitter, and has its own website.

The overall objective of this company is to make the world a better place for not only children but their families as well by incorporating philanthropy and social responsibility. Due to Hasbro’ s success, this company has won the title of One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. In addition to this title, they ranked number five out of 2018’s one hundred Best Corporate Citizen’s List. They are so popular that it is almost impossible to believe that not everyone has encountered their games at some point in time.

https://hasbro.gcs-web.com/corporate

Genre- Party Game

Curriculum Ties– N/A

Book Talk Ideas- N/A

Interest Age– 10 and up

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation

Challenge Issue: Too DifFicult

Product Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-C1938-Taboo-Game/product-reviews/B01NH4ZWUV/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

Taboo Working Memory and Mental Control in an Interactive Task: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241377/

Brain Games Cognitive Action: http://www.cognitiveaction.com/brain-games/

Why Included: This is a game that I play at pretty much any family party. While it isn’t my favorite game to play, I love to watch other people play it. This is a great team building game that will guarantee to bring everyone together. Also it is highly entertaining, until of course it is your turn to be up. I could see teens having fun with this game especially with their little teen slang that seems to add more words every week.

The Sims

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

THE SIMS

Bibliographic Information

Genre: Life Simulation

Name: The Sims, includes Sims 2, 3, and 4 as well as all the expansion packs

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Creator: Will Wright

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, Xbox One, Game Cube, and on the phone.

First Day of Release: February 4,2000

Summary: The Sims is a life simulation video game. It can be played on various platforms including a computer, game console such as PlayStation or Xbox, and your phone. The object of the game is simply to live; there isn’t any way to really win or lose in this game. As technology has advanced, each series (which often has better graphics than the last) gives users more options for play mode and more realistic features to the sims that are created in the game. As the series progress, they each offer slightly different options. For example in Sim 3 the graphics as far as the facial characteristics of the sims aren’t nearly as advanced as Sims 4, but in Sims 3 social interactions are much more realistic such as cheating spouses gaining a bad reputation for their unfaithfulness. Also, Sims 3 gives users the ability to go to college and after graduating that particular sim is able to get certain jobs that are unavailable to those who didn’t go to college. Sims 1 and 2 aren’t that technologically advanced, and the sims don’t have too many distinct character traits yet. Users can create their own families, with specific traits and features, make them get a job, adopt a pet or child, fall in love, get married, divorced, achieve lifetime wants and more.

Critical Evaluation: As a sims user since 2000, I’d have to say overall this is a very good game. I can appreciate that the game provides so many realistic options for the sims to do and live their lives. My Dad used to joke that the sims can do just about everything except go to church, which I believe to be true. However, sometimes there will be very random unexplained glitches that affect the game in a negative way. One time every time I made a couple have a baby, only twins and triplets were born, and this went on for about two months. Another ongoing glitch that I have had while playing Sims 4 is that if I make a family and make them have a second generation, I can’t make another new family or else it will erase my second generation family, which I hate. Randomly sometimes the sims get stuck in one spot with an old action in their que that they completed right before the glitch. To fix that issue I have to just not save the game at that point because if I save it then it will stay stuck that way with the sim not responding to commands. I wish the creators or whoever was in charge would make more of an effort to fix these ongoing glitches.

Creator Information: Will Wright is a computer programmer and the co-founder of Maxis Software is known for his large role in the development of A-Life games. He has been developing games for a long time. Will developed the game Raid on Bungeling Bay in 1984. It was during that particular development, that he realized that he enjoyed developing games way more than actually playing them.

In 1987, Will and Jeff Braun cofounded Maxis and published the game SimCity. He was also instrumental in the development of the more updated versions of SimCity: SimCity 2000 and SimCity 3000. The idea behind the Sims was said to have come to him after his home was burned from a fire, and he had to start from scratch rebuilding his life and valuables. Maxis didn’t like the idea of the Sims, and refused to become a part of it. However, Maxis was taken over by Electronic Arts who were receptive to the idea and decided to take a risk on this game. Will wasn’t involved in the development of the Sims 2 or the other upgraded versions however he is given credit for his initial creation of the game.

https://sims.fandom.com/wiki/Will_Wright

Genre- Life Simulation

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Book Talk ideas: N/A

Interest Age: 12 and older

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:

Challenge Issues: Mature Content

Rationale:

Product Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Sims-4-PC-Mac/product-reviews/B00EFRN2IQ/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

7 Reasons to Play Computer Games: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mating-game/201603/7-reasons-play-computer-games

15 Surprising Benefits of Playing Video Games: http://mentalfloss.com/article/65008/15-surprising-benefits-playing-video-games

Sustainable Perspectives on Video Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTJUrJ44kew

Why Included: This game was a personal favorite for me growing up; I don’t think that I could have made it through my teen years without it. It is a great escape from the chaos of life to create different people and be able to control their interactions and watch them live. I would play for hours, and my friends would make fun of me all the time for it. However, when they came over my house then they wanted to play it for hours too. I’m sure teens today would still find this game both entertaining and fun. You get to explore your creative side as you create sims and their storylines.

The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy By: Mackenzi Lee

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

THE LADY’S GUIDE TO PETTICOATS AND PIRACY BY: MACKENZIE LEE

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Mackenzi Lee

Title: The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

ISBN: 9780062795328

Summary: Felicity has returned to England with two main objectives: avoid the marriage proposal of a suitor from Edinburgh, and enroll in medical school. However, men don’t see the value in her growing intellectually. However an opportunity presents itself: one of her old friends is getting married to a doctor in Germany that she just so happens to idolize! She finds herself still in a predicament because actually meeting the doctor could change her future, but the kicker is she doesn’t have the money to make the trip. As luck would have it, a mysterious good Samaritan lady is willing to pay her way as long as Felicity disguises herself as a maid. Despite her apprehensions, Felicity agrees; however, when the truth is revealed about the mysterious woman, Felicity may find that she may be in for way more than she bargained for.

Critical Evaluation: Felicity and her inner monologue were a little annoying to me just because it was so repetitive. While yes it is upsetting that essentially she is living in “a man’s world”, we get it, it doesn’t need to be constantly reiterated over and over again. It was very distracting. It would have been nice to see her step up and take charge, but instead it seemed like she was either running to something or following someone else. While she is supposed to be the one leading, to me it never really seemed like she was. The plot didn’t really feel like an adventure, it more so felt that Felicity was simply tagging along for the ride. On the other hand Felicity’s frustration, Johanna being upset, and Sim’s discomfort appeared to all be realistic thoughts and feelings concerning the time period. Those situations were very relatable concerning the fact that sometimes those very same things take place in today’s society.

Reader’s Annotation: Will Felicity be able to make her trip or will the cost of the trip be too much for her to bear?

Author information: Mackenzi Lee- Mackenzi Lee lived abroad while attending college. When she returned to the United States she began writing books that had a European setting. In addition to being an author, she is a book seller and an events coordinator at Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boston. Mackenzi travels around the world in order to obtain research for her books!

She starts her process for writing by reading other historical fiction books that are in the same time period that she has chosen to focus on. Also, she tries to get a good general overview of politics, culture, and the economy of the time period that she is focusing on. Mackenzi also looks at primary sources as research for her books. She has written the following titles: “This Monstrous Thing”, “The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy”, and “The Gentlemen’s Guide to Vice and Virtue”

Q & A with Mackenzi Lee. (2017) Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/73969-q-a-with-mackenzi-lee.html

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties– English

Book Talk Ideas– Women roles in the 18^th century

Reading Level/ Interest Age: Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues &Defense Preparation:

Challenge Issues: Womens’ roles in the 18th century

Selection Policy: http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf

Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf

Book Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Ladys-Guide-Petticoats-Piracy/product-reviews/0062795325/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_3?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews&pageNumber=3

Right to Read: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/righttoreadguideline/

Rationale:

Bibliographic Information

Author: Mackenzi Lee

Title: The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

ISBN: 9780062795328

Intended Audience: The intended audience is young adults specifically the upper grades of 9-12. This particular book would be beneficial for an English or social studies class. Primarily the book will be used for individual study in which every member of the class should read the book, and then afterwards there can be a group discussion of what transpired in the book as well as observations and thoughts concerning the book. “The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy” can be utilized to start a discussion concerning women’s roles in the 18^th century.

Summary: Felicity has returned to England with two main objectives: avoid the marriage proposal of a suitor from Edinburgh, and enroll in medical school. However, men don’t see the value in her growing intellectually. However an opportunity presents itself: one of her old friends is getting married to a doctor in Germany that she just so happens to idolize! She finds herself still in a predicament because actually meeting the doctor could change her future, but the kicker is she doesn’t have the money to make the trip. As luck would have it, a mysterious good Samaritan lady is willing to pay her way as long as Felicity disguises herself as a maid. Despite her apprehensions, Felicity agrees; however, when the truth is revealed about the mysterious woman, Felicity may find that she may be in for way more than she bargained for.

Relationship to Program: The relationship of the book to school objectives would be helping 9th graders develop their literal and inferential understanding skills and comprehension skills. Through reading this book they would learn SLE # R.9.9.1 Connect own background knowledge, including personal experience and perspectives shaped by age, gender, class or national origin, to determine author’s purpose. R.9.9.5. Draw inferences from a sentence or a paragraph (including conclusions, generalizations and predictions) and support them with text evidence. Concerning summary and generalization students will utilize R.9.9.8 Summarize and paraphrase structures in informational and literary texts, including relationships among concepts and details. Concerning analysis and evaluation students will utilize R. 9.9.11 Recognize and define various points of view (e.g., omniscient narrator, third person limited) and R. 9.9.13 Identify and discuss a position using concepts gained from reading (e.g. debate, discussion, position paper, etc.).

http://www.fayar.net/edvision/language/09_reading_0405.pdf

Impact: I think this book would have a positive impact on the beliefs and attitudes of teens. This book provides an inside look at what life was like for women back in the 18^th century. It demonstrates how far we as a society have come concerning the fair and equal rights of women. Having teenage girls read this book would show them what their life may have been like living back in that time period.

Why Included: I personally love historical fiction. For teens, sometimes they tend to stereotype history as being automatically boring. With historical fiction, it has a way of getting you so engrossed in the story that you sometimes forget you are actually traveling back in time and seeing how life was like to walk in their shoes. I think it would be intriguing for the teenage girls to read this book so they could see firsthand all the things that they take for granted now in today’s society.

Dear Martin By: Nic Stone

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

DEAR MARTIN BY NIC STONE

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Nic Stone

Title: Dear Martin

Publisher: Ember

ISBN: 978-1101939529

Summary: Justyce McAllister is a good kid. He is at the top of his class, and ready for the Ivy league, but to the police officer who put him in hand cuffs, he is just another Black kid. Justyce left his old neighborhood behind, but still receives scorn not only from his former peers but his new classmates as well. He looks to the teachings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to guide him through these difficult times. However it seems as if Dr. King’s teaching don’t necessarily work in today’s society. Or do they? He starts writing to Dr. King in a journal to process his thoughts. Then one day, a simple ride with his best friend Manny turns into an ugly incident involving an off duty police officer and shots. Will Justyce be able to clear his name?

Critical Evaluation: “This book is absolutely amazing. I loved that the author chose the character of Justyce to be an African American kid at the top of his class. There are so many times in media, movies, and even the news that the African American kids are portrayed as automatic troublemakers, who don’t go to school, and just engage in illegal activities as well as general wrong doing. For once, there is a book with a positive portrayal of a young up and coming decent Black kid. The author did a wonderful job painting a clear and realistic picture for what it is like for African American boys to navigate through life when they are purposely treated as second hand citizen’s due to the color of their skin. It is written in such a powerful thought provoking way that those that aren’t African Americans can understand the struggles associated with being African American in today’s society. Also having Justyce journal his feelings to Dr. King was a unique twist that I enjoyed because it reiterates that the stereotype/assumption that African American boys are violent is wrong.

Reader’s Annotation: What was supposed to be a fun drive with his best friend Manny, quickly turns into a nightmare for Justyce. Will he be able to clear his name?

Author Information: Nic Sone is an author. Nic stands for Nicole which is her middle name, and in the interview on her home page she wouldn’t give the interviewer her real name. She is many different ethnicities but says that being African American is her favorite. Nic recalls telling her eight grade best friend that one day she would be a New York Times Best Seller. In addition to writing “Dear Martin” which was a New York Times Best Seller, she has also written the book “Odd One Out”.

Interestingly enough, Nic didn’t think she could really write fiction until 2013. What held her back was that she didn’t see a lot of other authors (that looked like her), writing about the type of content that she wanted to write about. She is a strong believer of walking in someone else’s shoes in order to understand their situation. A fun fact about her is that she lived in Israel for a few years before she decided to come back to the United States to be full time writer.

http://www.nicstone.info

Genre- Fiction

Curriculum Ties– English

Book Talk Ideas: Driving while Black

Reading Level/Interest Age– Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:

Challenge Issues: Driving While Black; Police; Situations With African American Boys

Selection Policy: http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf

Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf

Book Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24974996-dear-martin?from_search=true

Right to Read: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/righttoreadguideline/

Rationale:

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Nic Stone

Title: Dear Martin

Publisher: Ember

ISBN: 978-1101939529

Intended Audience: The intended audience is young adults specifically the upper grades of 9-12. This particular book would be beneficial for an English or social studies class. Primarily the book will be used for individual study in which every member of the class should read the book, and then afterwards there can be a group discussion of what transpired in the book as well as observations and thoughts concerning the book. “Dear Martin” can be utilized to start discussions concerning the struggles of African American boys in today’s society.

Summary: Justyce McAllister is a good kid. He is at the top of his class, and ready for the Ivy league, but to the police officer who put him in hand cuffs, he is just another Black kid. Justyce left his old neighborhood behind, but still receives scorn not only from his former peers but his new classmates as well. He looks to the teachings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to guide him through these difficult times. However it seems as if Dr. King’s teaching don’t necessarily work in today’s society. Or do they? He starts writing to Dr. King in a journal to process his thoughts. Then one day, a simple ride with his best friend Manny turns into an ugly incident involving an off duty police officer and shots. Will Justyce be able to clear his name?

http://www.fayar.net/edvision/language/09_reading_0405.pdf

Impact: This book could definitely have a positive impact on the beliefs and perspectives of the teens. I think this would be a good book for African American teenage boys to read because the main character Justyce is a good kid making good grades just trying to live his normal life. It would be good for them to see that there are accurate and positive portrayals of them such as this book. Also reading the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King can inspire the teens to not be so quick to fight back to any injustices against them as well as how to avoid violence.

Why Included: This book provides a voice for the African American boys who are finding themselves in these types of situations every day. It is important for them to see themselves in a positive light despite the difficult circumstances that they may face. The teens may very well find similarities between them and Justyce. Reading this book, may also be a gateway book in which they discover their love for reading as well.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes By: Chris Crutcher

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

STAYING FAT FOR SARAH BYRNES BY: CHRIS CRUTCHER

Bibliographic Information

Author: Chris Crutcher

Title: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

ISBN: 9780060094898

Summary- Eric Calhoune and Sarah Byrnes have been best friends for years. They bonded over both their statuses of social outcast. Sarah was considered an outcast due to her scars, and Eric was considered to be one due to the fact that he is overweight. One day suddenly Sarah Byrnes stops talking and ends up in a hospital. Sarah Byrnes, the toughest, smartest person that Eric knows is now all of a sudden completely silent. Eric races to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s silence, before it is too late.

Critical Evaluation- The beginning of the book is very slow, and confusing since the author tended to switch back and forth calling both Eric’s friend and enemy by their first and last names. Luckily once I saw their names a few times then I was able to process who they were as characters. I really admired how well the author was able to capture a real high school friendship. Eric was extremely dedicated to his friend Sarah, so much so that he maintained being overweight, just so she wouldn’t feel alone as an outcast, which sounds like something that would happen in real life in teenage years. The characters are well developed, and I personally enjoyed the character of Mark Brittain. Creating Mark Brittain was definitely a great risk that the author took because he is the typical overbearing stereotypical “Christian” who uses the bible to back up his ridiculous antics. I applaud the author because there are so many obnoxious people like this in real life who tend to try to manipulate religion in their favor, all in the name of “being right”. This book covers some heavy issues that are relevant to what teens go through in today’s society. Also, the author made the characters even more realistic with them having more than one complex issue that they were dealing with at a time.

Reader’s Annotation- Can Eric uncover the truth behind Sarah’s silence?

Author Information– Chris Crutcher grew up in Cascade Idaho. His interests in writing stemmed from reading Playboy magazines as well as work written by Jean Shepherd. Chris was both a teacher and director for several years at an alternative school in Oakland California through the nineteen seventies. He has also been a therapist for over twenty years, specializing in child abuse and neglect.

Chris has won many awards, including “Most Likely to Plagiarize”. His favorite awards include: two intellectual freedom awards, an award from the National Coalition against censorship, and an award from the National Council for Teachers of English. He is also the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Lifetime Achievement award. Chris has written many books, including: “Running Loose”, “Stotan”, “The Crazy Horse Electric Game”, “Chines Handcuffs”, “King of the Mild Frontier”, “Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes”, and more.

http://www.chriscrutcher.com/biography.html

Genre- Fiction

Curriculum Ties- English

Book Talk ideas- Friendship, Child abuse

Interest Age/Reading Level– Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues & Defense Preparation:

Challenge Issues: Sexual Abuse; Abortion; Bullying

Selection Policy: http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf

Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf

Book Reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Sarah-Byrnes-Chris-Crutcher/product-reviews/0060094893/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews

Right to Read: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/righttoreadguideline/

Rationale:

Bibliographic Information

Author: Chris Crutcher

Title: Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

ISBN: 9780060094898

Intended Audience: The intended audience is young adults specifically the upper grades of 9-12. This particular book would be beneficial for an English or social studies class. Primarily the book will be used for individual study in which every member of the class should read the book, and then afterwards there can be a group discussion of what transpired in the book as well as observations and thoughts concerning the book. “Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes” can be utilized to start a discussion concerning friendship and child abuse.

Summary- Eric Calhoune and Sarah Byrnes have been best friends for years. They bonded over both their statuses of social outcast. Sarah was considered an outcast due to her scars, and Eric was considered to be one due to the fact that he is overweight. One day suddenly Sarah Byrnes stops talking and ends up in a hospital. Sarah Byrnes, the toughest, smartest person that Eric knows is now all of a sudden completely silent. Eric races to uncover the truth behind Sarah’s silence, before it is too late.

Relationship to the Program: The relationship of the book to school objectives would be helping 9th graders develop their literal and inferential understanding skills and comprehension skills. Through reading this book they would learn SLE # R.9.9.1 Connect own background knowledge, including personal experience and perspectives shaped by age, gender, class or national origin, to determine author’s purpose. R.9.9.5. Draw inferences from a sentence or a paragraph (including conclusions, generalizations and predictions) and support them with text evidence. Concerning summary and generalization students will utilize R.9.9.8 Summarize and paraphrase structures in informational and literary texts, including relationships among concepts and details. Concerning analysis and evaluation students will utilize R. 9.9.11 Recognize and define various points of view (e.g., omniscient narrator, third person limited) and R. 9.9.13 Identify and discuss a position using concepts gained from reading (e.g. debate, discussion, position paper, etc.).

http://www.fayar.net/edvision/language/09_reading_0405.pdf

Impact: I think this book would have a positive effect on the students’ beliefs and attitudes. The characters Eric and Sarah are very relatable so the teens should be able to identify on some level with their situations and/or personalities. This book demonstrates the underlying message of how important it is to speak up if you are struggling with being abused. Eric couldn’t help Sarah until she finally broke her silence, and I think that is a powerful message that the teens would need to hear.

Why Included: Chris Crutcher tends to deal with some very heavy issues in his work, and actually discussing these heavy issues, I believe make his books more appealing to teens. With a background as an educator, director and therapist, he gives realistic portrayals of the thoughts, feelings, and mindset of teens. I’m sure that there are a lot of teens suffering in silence and shame from abuse, neglect, and more. Hopefully by reading this book, they will be given the courage to speak up.

A Study in Scarlet Women By Sherry Thomas

December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN BY SHERRY THOMAS

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Sherry Thomas

Title: A Study in Scarlet Women

Publisher: Penguin Group

ISBN: 9780425281406

Summary: Charlotte Holmes has always felt that she was different. Shying away from traditions she wanted to pursue a career as a headmistress of a girl’s school. When a promise to fund her training is reneged, Charlotte rebels by getting herself “ruined by a married man. However, that choice has brung greater consequences then she had imagined, and now suddenly she is not only publicly disgraced but treated as a social pariah. To make matters even worse, there is a mysterious trio of deaths and now it is in question whether her sister and father are to blame. Will Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, be able to clear her family name and save the day?

Critical Evaluation: Charlotte, the main character, is very interesting but is her own independent character. It was difficult in the book to see the connection to Sherlock Holmes due to their strong differences, besides the pseudonym. The characters are well developed. While the story starts up, it picks up speed and is very engaging. Unfortunately the investigation lead by Tredwell and Holmes appeared to slow the pace of the book down again. In that particular way it felt like the book was uneven, more developed and fast paced in some areas and randomly slow and slightly boring in others. It was interesting having a heroine exhibit imperfect behaviors such as becoming involved with a married man. While it may have been upsetting to some I found it to be very refreshing in a sense that her flaws are what made her more real.

Reader’s Annotation: Will Charlotte, also known as Sherlock Holmes, be able to clear her family’s name and save the day?

Author Information: Sherry Thomas- Sherry Thomas is a best-selling author. One thing that makes her stand out as an author is that she decided that it was a goal for her to write a book according to the genres that she enjoys reading. So far, she has published books in the genre of mystery, romance, mystery, and a wuxia- inspired duology. English is her second language.

Her books have been consistent in receiving good reviews as well as best of the year honors including the New York Times and National Public Radio. Sherry has won the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award. Among her plans for future books, she plans to write historical mysteries. Her last eight historical romances have required strict, high pressure timelines, so she isn’t looking to commit to anymore historical romances. If she does happen to write a historical romance, she wants to let the ideas come to her naturally as opposed to there being so much pressure on her.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/266470.Sherry_Thomas

Genre- Historical Romance

Curriculum Ties- English

Book Talk Ideas- Women’s roles in Europe

Interest Age/Reading Level– Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation

Challenge Issues: Women’s Roles

Selection Policy: http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf

Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf

Book Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28588390-a-study-in-scarlet-women

Right to Read: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/righttoreadguideline/

Rationale:

Author: Sherry Thomas

Title: A Study in Scarlet Women

Publisher: Penguin Group

ISBN: 9780425281406

Intended Audience: The intended audience is young adults specifically the upper grades of 9-12. This particular book would be beneficial for an English or social studies class. Primarily the book will be used for individual study in which every member of the class should read the book, and then afterwards there can be a group discussion of what transpired in the book as well as observations and thoughts concerning the book. “A Study in Scarlet” can be utilized to demonstrate the roles of women in Europe in the 1800s.

Summary: Charlotte Holmes has always felt that she was different. Shying away from traditions she wanted to pursue a career as a headmistress of a girl’s school. When a promise to fund her training is reneged, Charlotte rebels by getting herself “ruined by a married man. However, that choice has brung greater consequences then she had imagined, and now suddenly she is not only publically disgraced but treated as a social pariah. To make matters even worse, there is a mysterious trio of deaths and now it is in question whether her sister and father are to blame. Will Charlotte, under the assumed name Sherlock Holmes, be able to clear her family name and save the day?

http://www.fayar.net/edvision/language/09_reading_0405.pdf

Impact: I think this book would have a positive effect on the attitudes and perspectives of the students. This book provides a unique twist concerning the traditional Sherlock Holmes character: a female version of Sherlock Holmes. By reading about Charlotte, teens can be assured that being different and having different aspirations isn’t always a bad thing. Charlotte provides a unique twist concerning women in the 1800s in general just by her wants and aspirations that don’t involve marriage. Female teens will be inspired by her and that can assist in developing the mindset that they can do anything that they put their mind to.

Why Included- This is a unique work of historical romance. Hopefully girl teens can get the message that they can do anything that men can do by reading this book. Charlotte is an imperfect heroine, and that is what makes her character interesting. I would recommend this book to teens a book that has more than one genre: it is historical romance, but with a mystery feel

Orphan Monster Spy By Matt Killeen

December 10, 2018December 10, 2018/marliaholmes29/Leave a comment

ORPHAN MONSTER SPY BY: MATT KILLEEN

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Matt Killeen

Title: Orphan Monster Spy

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0451478733

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Sarah’s life is turned upside down when her mother is shot at a checkpoint. Sarah, who is Jewish, finds herself on the run to save her own life. However, Sarah’s appearance: blond hair and blue eyes will turn out to be her saving grace. She comes into contact with a mysterious man who turns out to be a spy on a dangerous mission that he can’t complete alone. His mission is definitely risky, and Sarah could lose everything, even her own life if she is caught. She is up for the challenge, armed with years of her mother’s training in the art of impersonation. However, the mission has proved to be more difficult than anticipated and suddenly Sarah is in the battle of her life. Will she survive?

Critical Evaluation: The characters in this book were extremely relatable. Sarah, the main character, displayed her strength not through wielding a weapon, but by her intelligence and acting skills. This book was both fast paced and thought provoking. The only odd thing in the book to me was that there was a whole lot of spying going on which weakened the book in my opinion. A large part of the storyline is centered around her becoming a spy, and yet there isn’t a lot of spying that goes on. Also some things could have been expanded on more for example Sarah’s interactions with her girl classmates. In a way the book seems to be a little incomplete without the expanded details. The ending was unsatisfying and kind of open ended as well.

Reader’s Annotation: Sarah is on the most important mission of her life. Can she succeed as a spy or will she get caught?

Author Information: Matt Killeen was born in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He obtained his master’s degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Creative Writing for Children. “Orphan Monster Spy” was his debut novel. This book was shortlisted for the 2018 Costa Book Award.

In addition to being an author, he has spent a decade being a music journalist, advertising copywriter, and sportswriter. Now he writes for the world’s best loved toy company. Matt has two children, and he is married to his “Nuyorican soul mate”. Matt lives in Surrey England.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties- History

Book talk Ideas: World War II

Interest Age/Reading Level: Grades 9-12

Challenge Issues/ Defense preparation:

Challenge Issues: Violence; Nazis

Selection Policy: http://ccclib.org/policies/CollectionDevelopmentAccess-1999-11-16.pdf

Library Bill of Rights: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf

Book reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Orphan-Monster-Spy-Matt-Killeen/dp/0451478738/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544044232&sr=8-1&keywords=orphan+spy+monster

Right to Read: http://www2.ncte.org/statement/righttoreadguideline/

Rationale:

Bibliographic Information:

Author: Matt Killeen

Title: Orphan Monster Spy

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0451478733

Intended Audience: The intended audience is young adults specifically the upper grades of 9-12. This particular book would be beneficial for an English or social studies class. Primarily the book will be used for individual study in which every member of the class should read the book, and then afterwards there can be a group discussion of what transpired in the book as well as observations and thoughts concerning the book. “Orphan Monster Spy” can be utilized to start discussions concerning World War II as well as the Nazis and Jews during that time.

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Sarah’s life is turned upside down when her mother is shot at a checkpoint. Sarah, who is Jewish, finds herself on the run to save her own life. However, Sarah’s appearance: blond hair and blue eyes will turn out to be her saving grace. She comes into contact with a mysterious man who turns out to be a spy on a dangerous mission that he can’t complete alone. His mission is definitely risky, and Sarah could lose everything, even her own life if she is caught. She is up for the challenge, armed with years of her mother’s training in the art of impersonation. However, the mission has proved to be more difficult than anticipated and suddenly Sarah is in the battle of her life. Will she survive?

Relationship to Program:

Impact: This book would definitely have a positive impact on the perspectives and attitudes of the students. It moves away from the traditional information concerning Jews in WWII; I myself have never heard of a Jewish spy during that time period so I’m sure it would be a first time for the teens as well. Also it may inspire the teens to research that time period further.

Why Included: This book provides a unique and interesting twist concerning Jews during WWII. In history books and fiction books alike when discussing Jews during WWII, there is a lot of focus on Jews having similar general features such as: brown hair, brown eyes. However, this book throws in a different appearance which is blonde haired and blue eyed which then offers a different kind of hiding for Jews: hiding in plain sight! Teens would get the opportunity to learn that Jews lived all sorts of different lives during this time period besides being in concentration camps or hiding with other families.