Critical Evaluation

Seanan McGuire creates a mystical fantasy world that at once draws the reader in and makes them want to flee from fright. The idea of different realms where classic fantasy novel characters escaped to, such as Alice going to Wonderland, is a brilliant idea that allows the reader to make an instant connection to the story. The concept of balance feels logical, yet it is something I had not thought of: if there are wonderful places such as Wonderland, it is only logical that a terrible torture dimension would also exist. The settings feel so familiar, which is why it is disturbing when the murders begin to happen.

Readers will relate to many of the inhabitants of the Wayward Home, who do not feel they belong to either the realm they come from or the realm they have visited. The main character Nancy’s relationship with the other members of the Wayward Home demonstrate a person’s ability to make the best of their situation, and proves that even though people may have different wants and needs they can become friends. The finale for the story is anticlimactic, with the revelation that Jill was killing the members of the home in pursuit of returning to the world her and her sister Jack feel they belong to. Though it is logical that a member of the home would commit the murders in pursuit of their realm, it would have been more interesting to have an outside figure commit the murders for mysterious reasons. Even with the anticlimactic resolution, the ending redeemed the story by demonstrating that Nancy is the only one who can dictate her story, and that once she realizes that she is free to return to the realm she desires in her heart.

Young adult readers will enjoy this dark take on fairy tales and adventures they are familiar with. It received the Alex Award in 2017, which is distributed to adult literature that the American Library Association deems of interest to young adult readers.

Reader’s Annotation

Nancy returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in the magical land she once vanished to when she was younger, where she must solve a series of mysterious deaths happening to the missing children.

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "Seanan McGuire was born in Martinez, California, and raised in a wide variety of locations, most of which boasted some sort of dangerous native wildlife. Despite her almost magnetic attraction to anything venomous, she somehow managed to survive long enough to acquire a typewriter, a reasonable grasp of the English language, and the desire to combine the two.

Seanan is the author of the October Daye urban fantasies, the InCryptid urban fantasies, and several other works both stand-alone and in trilogies or duologies.

Seanan was the winner of the 2010 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and her novel Feed (as Mira Grant) was named as one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2010. In 2013 she became the first person ever to appear five times on the same Hugo Ballot," ("Biography," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, LGBTQ+

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts - Creative writing to rewrite famous fantasy stories.

Booktalking Ideas

The world Nancy finds herself in seems to be familiar to Wonderland Alice traveled to in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. What other fictional worlds do you think are tied to the one mentioned in this story?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Intended for adults, but could be of interest to ages 12-18 according to the Alex Awards

Other Books in the Series

Down Among the Sticks and Bones (Wayward Children #2)

Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children #3)

In an Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4)

Challenge Issues

Strong language, sexual references, LGBTQ+, death, murder, horror elements

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This book would be appealing to older teenagers who enjoy fairytale retellings and mysteries. Although the novel is very short in length, it immediately creates an atmosphere that is chilling, compelling, and endearing. It was one of the winners of the 2017 ALA Alex Awards, which are awarded to books published for adults that the American Library Association believe would be of interest for teenagers ages 12-18.

Critical Evaluation

Neil Gaiman is a staple in the fantasy world, and his novel Stardust will not disappoint fans who enjoy romance, adventure, mystery, and a little magic. Gaiman creates such a rich and descriptive world that it is easy for the reader to get lost within the story, making this a book that is difficult to put down. While it is easy to get lost within Gaiman’s beautiful, fairy-tale like prose he cleverly gives the reader a sense of unease and foreboding that plays well in the scenes with the three witches. Because his prose is so elaborately written, reluctant readers may find this novel difficult to get in to.

His character developments are always interesting, as with the main character Tristan. Tristan is an extremely relatable character who is infuriating at times due to his one-track minded love for Victoria Forester, but readers will be able to relate to his confusion of feelings when he meets Yvaine. By allowing Tristan to organically fall in love with Yvaine, Gaiman is modeling a healthier relationship than his obsession with Victoria. Unfortunately, many of his characters are motivated by the elements that surround them rather than internal motivation, which might have made for a more interesting read.

Though this novel is intended for adults mature young adults will enjoy this romantic adventure, which is the recipient of the American Library Association’s Alex Award, which is given to literature published for adults they deems as of interest for young adults.

Reader’s Annotation

Tristan Thorn is willing to embark on any adventure for his true love Victoria Forester, even if it means catching a falling star and using his wits to escape three terrifying witches. The falling star is actually a beautiful young woman named Yvaine, who shares a chemistry with Tristan that even he can't deny, making him rethink what would truly make him happy.

About the Author

According to the author's website, "Neil Gaiman was born in Hampshire, UK, and now lives in the United States near Minneapolis. As a child he discovered his love of books, reading, and stories, devouring the works of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, James Branch Cabell, Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Moorcock, Ursula K. LeGuin, Gene Wolfe, and G.K. Chesterton. A self-described 'feral child who was raised in libraries,' Gaiman credits librarians with fostering a life-long love of reading: 'I wouldn't be who I am without libraries. I was the sort of kid who devoured books, and my happiest times as a boy were when I persuaded my parents to drop me off in the local library on their way to work, and I spent the day there. I discovered that librarians actually want to help you: they taught me about interlibrary loans.'

Gaiman began his writing career in England as a journalist. Neil Gaiman is credited with being one of the creators of modern comics, as well as an author whose work crosses genres and reaches audiences of all ages. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers and is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama," ("Biography," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts - Analyzing world building

Booktalking Ideas

Tristan Thorn would do anything for his love of Victoria; do you think it was wise to embark on his journey? What other options might Tristan have had?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Adults, but could be of interest to teens ages 12-18 according to the Alex Awards and ages 13 and up per Common Sense Media

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Sexual situations, mild violence, alcohol consumption

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

Neil Gaiman is a well respected author of many genres, namely fantasy, who has published books for all ages. Stardust's fantastical elements will appeal to teenage fans of the genre, while Tristan's all-encompassing feelings of love and attraction for Victoria and shifting attraction to Yvaine will be relatable to older teens.

Critical Evaluation

The way that Tammy Lynne Stoner slowly reveals that Dara had romantic feelings for a woman, leading her to leave her old town/life, made the storyline with Sugar Land feel organic. Simply being a woman during this time period was challenging and frustrating; women had just gained the right to vote, yet they did not earn the same respect as their male counterparts as evidenced by her treatment by the head cook at Imperial State Prison farm. Add to this already difficult way of life feeling ashamed of your feelings and a lack of acceptance, and this novel really effects your feelings. It also makes you realize simultaneously how far we have come and how far we have to go to. Dara has very little support from her community yet finds the strength to accept who she is and create her own family. This is why her personal growth is so inspiring.

Although the main character Dara in Tammy Lynne Stoner’s Sugar Land is 19 at the start of the novel, I believe that this book would be appropriate for slightly older teens ages 14 and older in grades 9-12 and above due to the important subject matter and assuredness Stoner handles this topic. While it is intended for an adult audience, I believe the historical snapshot of a lesbian coming to terms with her own feelings and life in the depression era south will prove eye-opening for some teens who are comfortable with themselves, and relatable to those who still feel as though they are struggling. With LGBTQ+ rights exponentially more evolved now than in the 1920’s, many young people may not be aware of the difficulties faced by those deemed as “other” or “different,” which included members of the LGBTQ+ community. If a young person comes out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, they currently have a number of resources to assist them, even if their friends and family are not supportive; Sugar Land brings to light the absence of such services and support, and highlights the struggle for self-acceptance, which is important for teenagers to read about regardless of their preferences or beliefs. Therefore, I believe that while Dara is no longer a young teenager throughout the novel it would be appropriate and meaningful for a teenager/young adult.

While there are currently many more resources such as community centers and laws in motion that allow members of the LGBTQ+ community basic human rights, there are still people and entire areas within this country that are not accepting of any perceived “other” group. This novel helped me put into perspective these hardships, both current and previous, endured by members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the reason for this is Tammy Lynne Stoner herself. This novel is written by an, “own voices,” member of the LGBTQ+ community, so all of the perspectives and reflections read as authentic because she has a first-hand knowledge of them. The internal struggle faced by Dara is relatable to many people, not just those within the LGBTQ+ community, and therefore cements its place within a high school library in my eyes. This historical depiction of a young lesbians battle with self-acceptance throughout her life will resonate with young adult readers.

Reader’s Annotation

Miss Dara takes a job at Imperial State Prison for Men, where she makes unlikely friendships that inspire her to allow herself to be a lesbian women in the early-to-mid 1900's.

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "Award winning author and VCCA Fellow, Tammy was born in Midland, Texas. SUGAR LAND is her debut novel. She's been published two dozen times in journals and anthologies and is also the publisher of Gertrude and wrangler of GERTIE queer book club.

​Tammy attended the Tin House Workshop twice, earned her MFA from Antioch University, won a fellowship to the 2012 SLS Summer Seminar in Kenya and a 2017 Sou-Wester Artist-in-Residence Fellowship, and was nominated for a Million Writers Award and a Pushcart. SUGAR LAND won an IPPY, was a finalist for a Forewords Indie Award, made the Advocate's Best of 2018, was a Top Five for 2018 by Powell's booksellers, was starred by Kirkus Reviews, and called "writing at its finest" by the New York Journal of Books (among other lovely reviews here).

Stemming from what her grandmother calls her "gypsy blood," she has lived in 16 cities in 3 countries, working as a gas station attendant, biscuit maker, medical experimentee, waitress in a Greek diner, house cleaner, and a college instructor – among other odd jobs. She also created “Dottie’s Magic Pockets” – the first show for kids in all kinds of families.

She lives between Portland, OR and Basel, Switzerland with her lady-friend, Karena, and their three kids," ("About," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Historical Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ+

Curriculum Ties

United States History - 20th Century America

Booktalking Ideas

Miss Dara worked at a prison, yet often felt that she was in her own personal prison when she hid her sexual identity. Have you ever felt like you can't be your true self? What are some ways to overcame difficult obstacles?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Adults; Could be of interest to teenagers 14 and older due to the main character beginning the novel at age 17.

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

LGBTQ+, racism, sexism, homophobia

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This historical fiction novel for adults focus on the struggles of a young lesbian women in the early 20th century throughout her adulthood, where she forms a loving and meaningful relationship with a women. Representing this type of dynamic in a historical fiction novel, which tend to be heteronormative or end in tragedy, is a breath of fresh air and allows young LGBTQ+ youth to see themselves reflected in works set in times other than the 21st century.