Whale Talk

Crutcher, Chris. Whale Talk. Greenwillow Books: 2001. ISBN: 9780061771316.

Plot Summary:
The Dao Jones or T.J. for short is part Japanese and part African American. His life started out with neglect and abandonment. T.J.'s mom was a meth addict and did not take care of him, only feeding him when she was hungry and leaving him alone in soiled diapers for days. When he was two, she finally walked away for good and T.J. was adopted by a strong, loving family. With the help of a therapist named Georgia, T.J. has been able to work through many of his demons, but as a senior in high school, he is still not in complete command of his emotions. Disgusted at the jock culture and the administrations obvious support, T.J. and English teacher, Mr. Simet start a swim team with students who are unlikely athletes and with issues like mental retardation, serial killer tendencies, obesity, and one leg. The goal is to earn a coveted letter jacket and bring the stud football players down a peg or two. Plans don't always work out accordingly and the Cutter High School Mermen are no exception. The swim team grows and learns in ways they did not imagine and get to know themselves and each other better.

Evaluation:
T.J. is a really likable protagonist. He is honest, moral and has a strong sense of justice. Told in first person, we always know what T.J. is thinking and get to know him really well. Being seventeen, his sense of justice isn't always carried out in the safest or smartest ways. Growing up as a minority defines T.J.'s life, he is one of a few citizens that are 'of color' in the entire town. This book is a great example to people who claim racism is not a problem in America any more. Unfortunately, there will always be bigots among us, and our job is to remain steadfast and strong. There is a lot of wisdom about life and understanding people throughout this book. It is easy to see Chris Crutcher's background as a therapist. There was so much heartache and trauma in the novel, that I knew something awful had to happen and the ending would not be happy.

Reader's Annotation:
Life is full of good moments and difficult moments, our character is based on which moment we store in our hearts.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Any high schooler can connect with the jock mentality in this novel. Not every school is as bad as Cutter High School, but many campuses elevate athletes to an unhealthy status. This is just as detrimental to the athlete as to the rest of the student population. Many themes are covered in this story of unlikely students earning coveted letter jackets: loss, abuse, racism, neglect to name a few. T.J. shows us that we can overcome our past experiences and not let them define us and make our present choices based on who we want to be, not who we were.

Genre:
Issue Novel

Why I Included This Book:
I heard Chris Crutcher speak at an Iowa Library Conference a few years ago. He related the incident with Heidi trying to scrub the color off of her arm and it has stuck with me since.

Identical

Hopkins, Ellen. Identical. Margaret K. McElderberry Books: 2008. ISBN: 9781416950059.

Summary:
Identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne have a happy, normal childhood until tragedy strikes. Daddy swerves into the path of an oncoming truck and the world is a completely different place. Mom was hurt seriously and won't forgive Daddy. Now, eight years later, mom is gone most of the time pursuing her political career and Daddy is at home and in charge. Daddy's reach is everywhere and unstoppable, especially for Kaeleigh. The longer mom stays away, the worse it gets and Kaeleigh won't stand up to him. Raeanne is sure that Daddy doesn't mess with her because she would fight back, not like compliant and passive Kaeleigh.
Kaeleigh works at a senior center and escapes her pain by binging and purging. Raeanne drowns her pain through getting high and risky sexual behavior in addition to purging. Life is difficult, confusing and doesn't always seem like it's worth living.

Evaluation:
Sometimes we read a book and it stays with us for a very long time. This is that type of book. Teens who have experienced the same pain and horrors will find solace and understanding. Teens who have not had to endure such circumstances will gain an education and understanding, and possibly be a better friend to someone in need. Written is verse with small amounts of text on each page, this format makes the story available in contrast to the width of the book. This novel is a dichotomy. It is horrible and painful, yet the writing is masterful and beautiful. Identical is the perfect book for a book challenge, it has bad language, sex, drugs, difficult content and their aren't many positive adults in the story. Those same reasons make it an important book for our library shelves.

Reader's Annotation:
Numbing only works for a short time, we must deal with our demons to survive.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
This book should be on every public library, school counselor and mental health professional's shelf. Teens that read this book will realize they are not alone and that other people have been in similar circumstances and survived. Recovery can be a long road, but with support and perseverance, it is attainable.

Genre:
Issue Novel

Why Include This Book:
I only read this because it was required. I have picked up Ellen Hopkins books in the past and was told I wouldn't like it, that they were dark. I am so glad this book was required and I finally read it.

Mockingjay

Collins, Suzanne. Mockingjay. Scholastic Press:2010. ISBN: 9780439023511.

Plot Summary:
Katniss Everdeen is finally out of the arena for good. After surviving two Hunger Games she is back in District 13 trying to decide if she will be the 'Mockingjay'. Not willing to be a pawn, but having her own agenda, Katniss agrees to be the face of the rebellion if all the victors of the Hunger Games are pardoned after the war. Her mother, sister Prim and Gale are living in District 13 as well because the Capitol savagely bombed Panem and many people did not survive. Peeta is a captive of the Capitol and makes occasional television appearances. It is obvious from these appearances that Peeta is being used and mistreated. A group from District 13 is able to rescue Peeta. He is sadly altered and wants to kill Katniss. The rebellion begins in earnest and Katniss motivated by compassion for her fellow rebels and hatred for President Snow and the Capital goes into battle against her orders.

Critical Evaluation:
Masterful and disturbing, Suzanne Collins has written a great ending to the Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss true to her character shows strength and resolve while dealing with internal conflicts, the first Hunger Games is never far from her mind. One of the character's deaths was extremely hard to handle and seemed pointless, but with this plot development Suzanne Collins shines a bright light on how devastating war is to the innocent. She makes us look at war and its effects straight in the face. One reason teens like this series is the author doesn't sugar coat anything, she trusts the readers to make their own conclusions. Friends have complained that the ending, especially the epilogue was not what they expected or they didn't like it. Ending a trilogy with so much suffering and devastation is not easy, a 'happy' ending would seem unreal and out of place. The ending was hopeful and that is realistic and true to the character's experiences.

Reader's Annotation: There is no real victory in war, there is only survival.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Sometimes to survive a situation we must do things that we are not proud of. Reading about Katniss and the moral choices she makes helps teens to understand the complexity of life and the human desire for survival.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Dystopia

Why Include This Book?
I loved the first two in the series and really like Suzanne Collins' Underland Chronicles. It is important to have popular titles in the collection.

The Hunger Games

Collins, Suzanne. The Hunger Games. Scholastic: 2008. ISBN: 9780439023528.

Plot Summary:
Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 in the Seam. Her father was killed in a mining accident when she was eleven and Katniss has been the only source of provision for her mother and younger sister, Prim. District 12 is one of the poorer districts in Panem, a country controlled by the Capitol. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by fear and intimidation. The biggest ploy is the Hunger Games, a yearly ritual that is mandated by the Capitol. Each district must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, between the ages of twelve and eighteen. The winner brings needed food and pride back to their district. The point of the games? To be the sole survivor. Only one tribute can win and they are required to kill each other to reach that point. Katniss' twelve year old sister, Prim is chosen for the games and Katniss volunteers to take her place. A boy named Peeta who has feelings for Katniss is chosen as well. Katniss and Peeta are immediately whisked off to the Capitol to prepare for the games. The Capitol is a foreign world compared to District 12, different food, strange accents and children killing each other for sport is entertainment.

Critical Evaluation:
This book is a masterpiece. Told in first person, we always know what Katniss is thinking and doing. Her perceptions are not neutral, but she is basically a reliable narrator. Suzanne Collins gives Katniss a humanity and depth of character that is rare in today's novels. The chapters dealing with Rue and her murder show us the depth of the Capitol's inhumanity by highlighting Katniss' humanity. In the middle of all the stress and horror, the author still let's us glimpse the sixteen year old girl who can't figure out how she feels about a boy. The normalcy transposed with the brutality is an effective plot device. The world of Panem is fictional, but not completely unrealistic, this basis in partial realty is surreal and a great springboard for discussions. Could a government actually be so cruel to it's citizens? Unfortunately we just need to look back in history to see the answer.

Reader's Annotation:
Katniss struggles each day to find food to keep her family alive. In the games she must fight each day to keep herself alive while depriving the other tributes of that luxury.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Anyone who has fought in a war or been in a life and death situation can connect with Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Reading about suffering and tragedy can help others face feelings that are hard to deal with.

Genre:
Science Fiction/Dystopia


Why Include This Book?
I loved the Underland Chronicles. This book brings up important topics that are of interest to teens.

The Chocolate War

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. Alfred A. Knopf: 1974. ISBN: 0375829873.

Summary:
Bullying use to be accepted as a right of passage, a part of growing up. The Chocolate War is the story of an all boy Catholic school that uses bullying as classroom management. Father Leon, the assistant headmaster and Math teacher uses his position to his advantage without remorse or concern for the students and their education. A secret student organization known as "The Vigil" operates with his blessing as long as their goals are not at counter purposes with Father Leon. Motivated by financial need the school sells boxes of chocolates each year as a fund raiser. This year the need is greater and students are asked to sell double the usual amount. Jerry Renault a freshman who is trying to find his place in the high school hierarchy is chosen for a Vigil assignment including the chocolates. Jerry finishes the assignment and begins to take a stand for himself against the numbness of life. Once you start reading, putting the book down is not an option.

Evaluation:
This book was written 37 years ago and is just as applicable today. Human suffering and the effects of corrupt leadership are universal themes. When placed in a high school setting they become more upsetting. Full of many different webs, characters become victims, lackeys and aggressors interchangeably. Archie is the main teen aggressor, but also is Father Leon's lackey for the chocolate sale. Archie is at the top of the social ladder because the other boys fear him and are continually hoping and plotting for his downfall. The ending has received a lot of attention because the ending is not neat and tidy and happy. As a young adult novel the ending is very fitting. Life is not neat and tidy and having an ending that is unrealistic would change the validity of the story. Many references are made to masturbation; the author portrays teenage boys as frequently observing the practice. This aspect of the story makes adults uncomfortable and apt to challenge the book.

Reader's Annotation:
Good doesn't always win over evil.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
A student who has had a difficult time fitting in at school will benefit from reading this book. Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you just can't fit in. This is not your fault, there is nothing wrong with you! It is important for teens to see that standing up and being true to yourself is valuable even if the outcome is not perfect.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Coming of Age

Why Book Include:
I am interested in young adult literature. Understanding the past history of the genre is important to understanding today's works.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Little Brown and Company: 2007. ISBN: 9780316013680.

Plot Summary:
Junior is a Native American living on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Problems are a way of life for Junior. Born with water on the brain, which has lead to many other issue, Junior is picked on and made fun of by his own people on a regular basis. His one true friend is Rowdy, who beats up anyone who makes fun of Junior. After a realization that no matter what he does, Junior will not be able to break the cycle of poverty and alcoholism that plagues the reservation unless he can escape soon. Junior begins attending the white school in town. Here, at least in the beginning, Junior is made fun of, but that's no different than the reservation. There are many obstacles for Junior to attend the white school. Many days he can't get a ride so he walks all or part of the twenty-two mile trip. Prejudice is a daily companion and he loses Rowdy as a friend. The support of his family is important, but disaster is usually close behind.

Critical Evaluation:
This book appeals to teens who have less than stellar living situations and who have negative experiences as school. At some point we have all felt like we don't' fit in or that we are worthless. It is hard to overcome such feelings without some type of support system. Even though Junior has statistics, his own people and a twenty-two mile trip against him, he perseveres toward a better future for himself. One of the best aspects about the book is the cartoons that Junior draws. The cartoons are his way to express how he feels and what he can't always say. Junior finds out that kids at the white school don't have perfect lives. They have issues, sometimes parents that don't care and expectations of what their lives are suppose to be. The human condition is universal, although some of us have more to overcome than others. Junior's voice is humorous and honest and easily believable.

Reader's Annotation:
The walls that surround racism and bigotry can be knocked down. It just takes one kick at a time.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Junior has many obstacles physically, teens reading this book will see his example and take encouragement from it.

Genre:
Multicultural/Native Americans

Why Book Included:
A high school teacher gave such a glowing review I had to read it for myself!

Speak

Anderson, Laurie Halse. Speak. Farrar, Straus, Giroux:1999. ISBN: 0374371520.

Plot Summary:
New freshman, Melinda Sordino is an outcast. Her old friends ignore her and mouth, 'I hate you," and the other students won't have anything to do with her. Kids call her names and talk ugly about her while she is standing right there. They all blame her. Over the summer the cops were called to a party and some students were charged with underage drinking. Melinda, drunk herself, made the 911 call. She made it home without incident with the police. Alone, afraid and falling deeper and deeper into herself, Melinda can't stop the inner spiral. The only class she can remotely keep up with is art. Last year she was an excellent student, her parents are frustrated and don't understand. No one understands, but then again, no one knows why.

Critical Evaluation:
Speak is divided into 4 sections based on the marking periods at school. Then further subdivided by headings that give a clue as to what the chapter holds. Written in first person, we hear Melinda's thoughts and impressions and want to reach out and help her. As important as this book is for teens to read and gain strength and understanding, high school teachers should read it as well. We see the effects that two different teachers have. Both are flawed and real people with issues, but, Mr. Freeman, cares about his students and notices something is wrong with Melinda. Another great convention of the author is she uses popular culture. The book refers to Oprah and illustrates a segment of her talk show. This anchors the story in reality. Rachel, Melinda's former best friend begins dating Andy Evans. Would Melinda have spoken up if Andy had been dating someone she didn't care about?

Reader's Annotation:
Sometimes our pain is so great that we can not speak for ourselves. Ultimately, we can only save ourselves.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Victims of sexual crimes feel isolated and alone. Reading about someone who shares their experience is very therapeutic. Understanding that what happened is not their fault is very important part of the healing process.

Genre: Issue Novels/Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Why Book Included:
I like this author and this book has an important story to tell.

Blue Bloods

De La Cruz, Melissa. Blue Bloods. Hyperion Paperbacks: 2006. ISBN: 9781423101260.

Plot Summary:
Schuyler Van Alen attends the exclusive Duchesne Private School in New York City. Her classmates are the offspring of the social, political and wealthy elite. Schuyler really doesn't fit in. She lives in a mansion with her grandma that has seen better days and shops for her vintage clothes second hand. Every Sunday since Schuyler was a little girl she goes to the hospital downtown to visit her mother who is in a coma. Sometimes an unfamiliar man is sitting next to her bed, but when Schuyler enters he is gone. Strange things begin happening when Schuyler turns fifteen. The veins on her arms become bright blue and she craves raw meat. Jack Force the most popular boy at school begins to pay her lots of attention which upsets her best friend, Oliver Hazard-Perry. Schuyler witness Jack getting hit by a car, standing up and walking away without a scratch. The same night a popular Duchesne student is murdered and has no blood left in her body.

Critical Evaluation:
Suspense and intrigue immediately grab the reader in this well written vampire novel. The appeal of wealthy teens who get and do anything they want, life in a big city and vampires, this novel is part Clique Series, part romance and a healthy dose of the paranormal. The author peeks our interest by interspersing letters written by a teen on board the Mayflower in 1620 and implying they are relevant to the present. Written in third person, the teens may be rich and elite, but the same social situations and missteps occur.

Reader's Annotation:
Growing up is never easy either as a human or a vampire.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Teens often feel like they don't fit in. Reading about characters who are different and who make a difference in their world is powerful.

Genre:
Paranormal/Vampires

Why Book Included:
I have never read a vampire book other than listening to Twilight with my daughter. The genre is so popular that my collection wouldn't be complete without one.

Empress of the World

Ryan, Sara. Empress of the World. Speak: 2001. ISBN: 0142500593.

Plot Summary:
Nicola Lancaster is spending her summer at the Siegel Institute, a summer educational experience for gifted students. She makes friends quickly with Battle, Katrina, Isaac and Kevin. This is unusual for Nicola, she doesn't make friends easily. The new friends don't share classes, but become tight and hang around with each other. Nicola begins to feel uncomfortable and self conscious around Battle and thinks Battle feels the same way. Each has sort of had boyfriends before, but sense an attraction to the other. The girls act on their feelings and explore the relationship. Most people at the Institute don't say anything, but a few jerks in Nicola's archeology class call her names. The relationship scares Battle and she acts out in an extremely hurtful way.

Critical Evaluation:
Empress of the World has won numerous awards and was included on several Best Book List. It is a sensitive exploration of friendship that turns into romance. The book is not delineated by chapters, it simply has part one and part two. This lends continuity to the narrative. Ultimately the book is about relationships, touching on parents, friends and romance. Teens struggle with relationships on a day to day basis. Sara Ryan discusses the issues in frank and honest turns without preaching. Most of the teens have a tenuous relationship with their parents, sometimes issues with friends at home and explore romance at the Institute. The scene where cutting Battle's hair takes place is moving on several levels. First, the girls are able to physical put actions to their feelings in a fun way. Second, the statement Battle makes is less about self expression, instead it is primarily about asserting her independence. Nic and Battle's relationship is tricky like most romantic relationships. This sheds light on the fact that it doesn't matter what gender is involved, when your heart is concerned it can be difficult and sometimes hurtful.

Reader's Annotation:
If you are nervous and unsure in a romantic encounter, chances are the other person is too.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Being a teen is hard, being a gay teen is even harder. Books that deal with this theme in a thoughtful, sensitive way help teens through this time frame. Defining our sexual identity is something that takes time and support from our family and peers. Books can be a part of that support system.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Sexual Identity

Why Book Included:
I haven't read very many books within this genre and wanted to pick a book that was recommended. Empress of the World is listed on an ALA Best Book List.

Purple Heart

McCormick, Patricia. Purple Heart. Balzer + Bray: 2009. ISBN: 9780061730900.

Plot Summary:
Private Matt Duffy awakens to pokes on his feet and the realization that he is laying in a hospital bed. Less than a year ago Matt's biggest concern was a test at high school or some trivial issue with his girlfriend. Life is now very serious and much bigger than Private Matt Duffy anticipated. Stationed in Iraq, Private Duffy is unclear on how he got to the hospital and exactly what is wrong with him. The last thing he remembers is being out on patrol with his buddy, Justin. As time goes on Private Duffy learns he has TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury. A serious injury, but not serious enough to send him to Germany where the critical patients go. It is also not serious enough to keep him from returning to his unit after some rest. As Private Duffy lays in his hospital bed, bits and pieces of his memory begin to return, but they don't make sense or explain how he got hurt. Private Duffy's trust and innocence in his buddies is challenged and questioned as the story unfolds.

Critical Evaluation:
We need more books like this in the body of today's YA literature. This book reflects the situation that too many young men and women are unprepared for in today's political climate. Students join the military straight out of high school for many reasons. Some seek adventure, travel, proving themselves, or money for college. They don't understand that many will end up enforcing government policy in a war where the rules are unclear and ever changing. Private Matt Duffy is tough, but the reality of the, "sick shit," that he sometimes is involved in weighs on him very heavily. Patricia McCormick has written an honest, unflinching novel that doesn't hide Private Duffy's experience, or exaggerate it. The book bears a dedication in memory of five servicemen; the assumption is that they were killed in Iraq. This dedication lends gravity and reality to the story before one page is read.

Reader's Annotation: This is war, people die and sometimes you are the one that kills them.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
After living through such a horrible experience as war. Service members may like to read about others war experiences and find a connection. The idea of being separated from the "World" is very isolating and can be difficult to reenter.

Genre:
Issue Novel/Death and Deadly Disease

Why I Chose This Book:
It concerns me that a young person can graduate high school and within a few months be in a combat situation. This book illustrates the point and I will remember it as an important resource for readers advisory.