Plot Summary

Clay Jensen is an average high school student who is still struggling to come to terms with the sudden unexpected suicide of his classmate Hannah Baker. Although he did not spend much time with Hannah, Clay developed feelings for her and simply does not understand why she chose to take her own life. When coming home from school one day Clay notices a package on his doorstep addressed to him and hastily taped up. When he goes inside and opens the package he discovers that it is a collection of old cassette tapes, each with a number painted in blue from one to thirteen. Upon playing the tapes he discovers that they were made by the late Hannah Baker, who explains that each tape represents a reason why she committed suicide. Each tape focuses on a different person Hannah interacted with who may be directly or indirectly related to her distressing emotional state. The tapes are passed from person to person who must listen to Hannah detail her grievances and some personal subject matter they might not want to become public. If they do not pass the tapes on, Hannah has ensured in a friend that the tapes will be distributed, and everyone will know what they have done. As Clay listens to each tape he learns more and more about the interesting girl he barely knew, what his role in her life was, and what ultimately caused her to commit suicide.

Critical Evaluation

This television adaptation of the best-selling book by Jay Asher remains true to the story, while elaborating upon certain aspects to better suit a show format. The cast of characters were well selected, in particular Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker. Langford brings a vulnerable, sweet quality to her scenes and enraptures the audience, which makes it extremely heartbreaking when she commits suicide. Langford's acting is so well done that although the audience knows she committed suicide due to the nature of the cassette tapes you hope that it is not true. Similarly, Dylan Minnette’s portrayal of Clay Jensen is sincere and earnest, allowing the viewer to become sympathetic to his frustrations over the injustices Hannah endured and the outcome of said injustices. While Langford and Minnette ask for the viewers connection and sympathy, Justin Prentice’s depiction of school jock and rapist Bryce Walker was chilling and frighteningly believable. The arrogance his character projected matched with his size and piercing blue eyes were foreboding even before it was revealed he was Hannah’s rapist.

Due to the subject matter of the show it is logical to deduce that disturbing scenes would be included, but that still did not prepare for the multiple graphic rape scenes and Hannah’s suicide playing out from beginning to end. While not graphic in the sense of including nudity the rape scenes were long and uncomfortable, which could serve as a reminder for how horrific the event can be, and how one minute feels longer than that in a terrible situation. It is extremely disturbing, however, and difficult to watch. The depiction of Hannah’s suicide was so graphic that Netflix decided to remove it , which will help eliminate the debate on whether it was more harmful than helpful to include such as graphic depiction (Brito, 2019). Though the artistic choices regarding these difficult scenes were based in logic, the graphic nature of them ultimately did the opposite of what they were intended for: to shed light on horrific issues teenagers face daily.

Reader’s Annotation

In order to determine the reasons for why his classmate Hannah Baker committed suicide, Clay Jensen must follows the mysterious clues she left behind.

About the Author

"Jay Asher was born in Arcadia, California on September 30, 1975. He grew up in a family that encouraged all of his interests, from playing the guitar to his writing. He attended Cuesta College right after graduating from high school. It was here where he wrote his first two children’s books for a class called Children’s Literature Appreciation. At this point in his life, he had decided he wanted to become an elementary school teacher. He then transferred to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he left his senior year in order to pursue his career as a serious writer. Throughout his life he worked in various establishments, including as a salesman in a shoe store and in libraries and bookstores. Many of his work experiences had an impact on some aspect of his writing," (Goodreads.com).

"Jay Asher‘s debut YA novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller. In 2017, it was released as a Netflix original series. His second YA novel, The Future of Us, was co-authored with Printz-honor winner Carolyn Mackler. His third YA novel, What Light, was released in 2016 and became an instant New York Times bestseller. His first graphic novel, Piper (co-author: Jessica Freeburg; illustrator: Jeff Stokely), was released on Halloween 2017. His books are published in over 40 languages," ("Author Bio," n.d.)

Genre(s)

Drama, mystery

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Hannah named thirteen people as the reason why she committed suicide; what do you think each of them could have done differently?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

14+

Other Items in the Series

13 Reasons Why Season 2

Challenge Issues

Sexual assault, graphic depiction of suicide, graphic images, sexual situations, underage drinking and drug use, strong language

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 television show is based on a popular novel by Jay Asher, and has spawned an additional season. Millions of viewers tune in to Netflix to watch this show, which depicts the negative effects of bullying.

Plot Summary

Simon Spier has a wonderful life full of people who support him, from his cool and funny friends to his family he actually enjoys being around. The only problem is that although he has such a wonderful support system, Simon is absolutely terrified to reveal to everyone that he is gay. After a classmate reveals on anonymously on social media that they are a closeted gay man named “Blue”, Simon begins an online relationship with them under the pseudonym Jacques. Simon and Blue share meaningful conversations with one another and form a real connection. When another student Martin discovers this correspondence, he uses it as blackmail against Simon in exchange for Simon’s assistance in convincing his beautiful friend Abby to date him. Simon doesn’t want to betray and deceive Abby, but allows his fear of being outed override his conscience and accepts Martin’s deal. As Simon piles on more and more lies in order to keep his secret, he begins to wonder: what would happen if everyone found out he was gat? And are the lies worth it when he's hurting those he cares about most?

Critical Evaluation

Based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, this movie was an accurate portrayal of the plot and character of the bestseller. It is refreshing to see a light-hearted, coming of age story about a LGBTQ+ teenager that does not end in death or despair but instead love and acceptance. Simon was an engaging character who was lovable and relatable, portrayed well by Nick Robinson. His humor and ability to approach any situation with confidence was inspiring and welcoming. His secret relationship with Blue, the continued interactions with Martin, and blindness towards Leah’s feelings were relatable and appeared to be authentic to the teenage experience. The pacing of the movie felt off at times, feeling as though the production was unsure of whether to commit to comedy and drama.

Although Simon’s casting was favorable, I had some issues with Katherine Langford portraying Leah Burke. Langford portrayed the essence of the character very well, finding the correct balance between sarcasm and nihilism. However, I feel she was miscast because Leah’s character within the book is a plus size teenager. Representation is extremely important for self-esteem building, so by not selecting a plus-sized actress in the role alienates a large group of people who could have benefitted from seeing themselves represented on the screen.

Many of the other characters within the movie fell to background, such as Simon’s best friends Abby and Bram. Whether it was the script not giving the actors enough, the actors not bringing a strong enough presence, or a combination of both, I felt disinterested in their storyline and how they connected with Simon. Martin is the “villain” of the movie, yet I didn’t find his character compelling.

Overall this was a light-hearted, feel good movie portraying a positive relationship between gay teenage boys that demonstrates how important inclusion is.

Reader’s Annotation

Although Simon Spier has supportive friends and family, he finds it difficult to tell them the many secrets in his life: that he is gay, is being blackmailed with this secret, and is beginning a relationship with an anonymous person online.

About the Author

"Becky Albertalli is the author of the acclaimed novels Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (film: Love, Simon), The Upside of Unrequited, and Leah on the Offbeat. She is also the co-author of What If It's Us with Adam Silvera. A former clinical psychologist who specialized in working with children and teens, Becky lives with her family in Atlanta," (Goodreads.com).

Genre(s)

Romance, LGBTQ+, coming of age story, comedy

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Simon began a relationship online without knowing the identity of the person he was chatting with. Do you think that was a good idea? Why or why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

14+

Other Items in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Mild romance, mild language, LGBTQ+ relationships

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?

Viewers will be able to see a gay male teenager who is supported by his family and friends, and demonstrate the benefits of allowing yourself to be who you truly want to be.

Plot Summary

Clary Fray has a happy, quiet life in New York City with her mother Jocelyn, her mother’s friend Luke Garroway, and her best friend Simon Lewis. One night at a nightclub with Simon, Clary seems to be the only one who witnesses a horrible crime: two men and a woman torture and kill a man in a backroom. Shaken and ready to call the police, Clary receives a disturbing phone call from her mother saying not come home because someone named Valentine has found her. Clary flees the scene and, ignoring her mother’s warning, races home to find her mother is missing. While she is trying to process the situation, a giant dog-like creature appears and attempts to attack her. One of the men from the club, Jace Wayland, arrives and reveals that he is a Shadowhunter, or a half angel half mortal, who can see demons and have the training to kill them. The man he and his adopted family Alec and Isabelle Lightwood killed was a demon, along with the creature in her apartment. Those who are not Shadowhunters should be unable to see demons and Shadowhunters alike, yet Clary mysteriously can. As Jace takes Clary on a journey to discover who she truly is, she realizes that her mother’s kidnapping and the demon were no coincidence, and that she will have to rise to the occasion to save both her mother and the mortal world.

Critical Evaluation

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones is a fun portrayal of an immensely popular book series by Cassandra Clare that is enjoyable if the viewer does not directly compare it to the novel it is based on. The pacing of the movie feels forced because it is striving to condense an almost 500 page novel into a two-hour film. Scenes that are important feel rushed, such as Clay’s discovery at the end of the film that Valentine is both her and Jace’s father or the realization that the Mortal Cup is hidden within her mother’s tarot cards. A major plot point of the series is explained in the movie, which could leave fans of the book disappointed, when Valentine reveals that Jace and Clary are not brother and sister by blood but that Valentine raised an orphan Shadowhunter child as his own. Throughout the original trilogy the reader did not know this, so the growing attraction between them was a constant point of contention.

The actor’s portrayals of the characters were well done, in particular Luke and Jocelyn portrayed by Aidan Turner and Lena Headey, respectively. Lily Collins’ Clary and Jamie Campbell Bower’s Jace both felt unrealistic, with much of their dialog appearing forced or stiff. There seemed to be little romantic chemistry between them, so their passionate scenes fell flat. The best casting decision of the movie was Robert Sheehan as Simon, who brought life and humor into the role. Though a relatively minor character, he stole many of the scenes and brought authenticity to Simon that was reminiscent of the book.

Although the movie may some plot and casting issues, it is still enjoyable to watch the characters you know and love interact with one another.

Reader’s Annotation

Clary's life is turned upside down when she discovers she is part of an elite group of half-angel warriors called Shadowhunters. She will have to embrace this alarming fact in order to save her mother, with assistance from her newfound Shadowhunter friends, from the evil Shadowhunter named Valentine.

About the Author

Cassandra Clare is the best-selling young adult author of dozens of fantasy/science fiction novels. She was an English major in college whose first work City of Bones was derived from her drive to tell a story in which the main characters are, "at that crucial life stage just between adolescence and adulthood, where your choices determine the kind of person you’re going to be rather than reflecting who you already are," ("My Bio," n.d.).

Clare's world-building and atmospheric settings have been highlighted by numerous sources, including a glowing Publishers Weekly review which describes her ability to balance the supernatural elements with, "a compelling story about family secrets and coming-of-age identity crises," ("The Mortal Instruments," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Action, fantasy, science fiction, romance, LGBTQ+, magic, demons and angels

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Clary was unaware of the Shadowhunter world and her role in it. What would you do if you discovered you were a descendant of ancient warriors? What powers do you wish you could have?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

13+

Other Items in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Mild romance, mild language, LGBTQ+ relationships

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 movie is based on the best-selling novels by Cassandra Clare, which have spawned three spin-off series and many novellas. Though it did not do well financially, the movie is a fun representation of a series many young adults enjoy.