Critical Evaluation

This richly-built world full of familiar characters is an action-packed adventure combining fantasy, science-fiction, and romance that is sure to leave teen readers wanting more. Cinder is a relatable character and different than many princess-like heroines due to the fact that she has been an outcast her entire life, with no friends or family to rely on besides her sister Peony, who tragically passes away due to the disease created by Queen Levana. Readers can't help but feel for her situations, whether they are happy or sad, due to Marissa Meyer's ability to create well-rounded characters. Her desire to fit in could be placed in a number of other situations and be just as relevant. Prince/Emperor Kai has more depth than many princes in fairytales, demonstrating an earnest love for his people and genuine caring for those around him. He was not prepared to become emperor and face all of these responsibilities, and now he must do so alone, a difficult situation that many teens will be able to relate to. Queen Levana, while a villain, interesting to watch. Her interactions with both Kai and Cinder are interesting due to the rage clearly simmering below the surface and dislike of Earthens. The reader is never quite sure when she is going to tamper down her disdain or if she’ll unleash it like a weapon.

The relationships, both romantic and platonic, represented within this novel will be sure to strike a chord with readers. Cinder does not have many people in her life who treat her well, which is why the complications between her and Kai at the end of the novel are so difficult to accepts, especially when their friendship developed so sweetly into something more. The gradual progression of their romance differs greatly from the source material this novel draws from, yet represents much more common and organic relationships that are prevalent today. Many teenagers will be able to utilize their relationship as a positive example of how to form romantic relationships.

Reader’s Annotation

Cinder is a Cinderella retelling set in a dystopian world in Cinder is a cyborg who must uncover her mysterious past in order to help the future of her world.

About the Author

Marissa Meyer is an author from Tacoma, Washington who has written several best-selling books for young adults including her breakout novel Cinder, the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series (https://www.marissameyer.com/media/). She earned a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Children's Literature from Pacific Lutheran University, going on to earn a Master's in Publishing from Pace University (https://www.marissameyer.com/id/).

In a starred review from Publishers Weekly, Meyer has been praised for her, "richly imagined," world-building and creating characters that are, "easy to get invested in," (https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-312-64189-4).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Fairytale Retelling

Curriculum Ties

English- Language Arts Grades 9-10: Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).

Booktalking Ideas

Now that Cinder knows she is the true ruler of Luna, what do you think she will do? How will she be able to regain her supressed Lunar abilities, and what do you think they will be?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Interest level is grades 7-12 per Booksource

Other Books in the Series

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)

Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3)

Winter (Lunar Chronicles #4)

Challenge Issues

Mild violence, romantic situations

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?

Fans of fantasy, science fiction, and fairytales will love this engaging series about a cyborg Cinderella. Marissa Meyer creates well-rounded characters with clear motivations and worlds that engages readers and makes this book and subsequent series difficult to put down.

Critical Evaluation

A Conspiracy of Stars is a beautifully written science fiction/fantasy book that has a highly detailed world the reader can easily picture due to author Olivia Cole's sometimes overly-lengthy descriptions. Some readers will appreciate the world building and luscious prose, while others will find themselves lost within the descriptions. The characters within A Conspiracy of Stars were very well-rounded and demonstrated growth within the novel, in particular the main character Octavia English. Octavia begins the novel as an eager student determined to follow in her parent’s footsteps as a whitecoat at N’Terra. Even before she discovers something might be amiss within N’Terra she is facing situations that are relatable to teenagers: there are tensions between herself and her father making her frustrated, her mother is barely home, and she is beginning an exciting new internship with her best friend Alma and mysterious Rondo. Although the circumstances of these situations may be different than what teenagers currently face, the emotions and reactions are very similar. Because Octavia is so easily relatable it is deeply upsetting when she discovers that the Council of N’Terra have terrible plans to exploit the animals and indigenous people of Faloiv for her people’s benefit, and that her parents are involved. It is refreshing to see a main character use her newfound power of telepathy for positive, when it would be so easy to reach her dream of working for N’Terra if she ignored it.

While reading A Conspiracy of Stars, I couldn’t help but admire the world-building and fully realized characters whose actions help them develop. I felt immersed within the world and could draw the comparison of Octavia’s situation to that of the indigenous people who lived in what is now North America. Due to this similarity, I felt an underlying sense of unease while reading this story and wanted to know more about the author and this title’s impact on the American Indian community. Certain subjects may not have been handled in the best way, resulting in discontent from the demographic it is drawing inspiration from. The realization that Octavia’s grandparents have “gone Faloii,” giving her the gift of being able to telepathically communicate with other beings can be seen as utilizing the "white savior" trope that has been deemed insulting by many different cultures. By Cole consulting with many diverse members of the American Indian community, she might have realized that by making slight alterations her book could prove useful in highlighting the negative effects of colonization.

This book is a very engaging read that ultimately had some problematic elements that will hopefully be addressed in the forthcoming sequels.

Reader’s Annotation

All Octavia's wanted is to follow in her parents footsteps and work for N'Terra, an organization that studies the indigenous people of Faloiv. When Octavia receives the opportunity to enter the N'Terra workforce she will discover that the Council is not as it seems, and she must risk everything to assist those who inhabit her planet.

About the Author

As stated on her website, "Olivia Cole is an author and blogger from Louisville, KY. She is the author of the New Adult series PANTHER IN THE HIVE and a Young Adult series, including books A CONSPIRACY OF STARS (2018) and AN ANATOMY OF BEASTS (2019). Her essays have been published at Bitch Media, Real Simple, the LA Times, HuffPost, Teen Vogue, Gay Mag, and others. Olivia is the creator and curator of the all-women science-fiction themed art show KINDRED. She teaches creative writing at the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts. Her book A CONSPIRACY OF STARS has been recognized as a choice for the 2019 LITA-Excellence in Young Adult Science Fiction Notable List and 2019 Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year." (http://www.oliviaacole.com/press-kit-1)

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Curriculum Ties

History - make connections regarding colonialism

Booktalking Ideas

Why do you think the Faloii embraced Octavia’s grandparents after the research “accident”? What do you think Octavia can do with her newfound powers and knowledge?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Ages 13-18 per Kirkus reviews

Other Books in the Series

An Anatomy of Beasts (Faliov #2)

Challenge Issues

Domestic drama, hidden government issues, mystical powers, depictions of colonialism, mild romance

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 is extremely well-written and excellent at world building, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story. Octavia is a strong-willed, intelligent female protagonist of color who places importance on her friendships and what she feels is right, making her a wonderful role model for young readers.

Critical Evaluation

Fangirl is a coming-of-age novel written in third person, allowing the reader to view Cath’s struggles through an unbiased outside point of view. It is a character study that describes Cath’s relationships with her family and friends, while also demonstrating the changes of those around her. Cath’s difficulties interacting with others is a common problem many teenagers face on a daily basis, making her story relevant and interesting to read. Though it is difficult for her to persist in many endeavors, such as her fanfiction, school, and relationships with her family and newfound friends, Cath does not give up no matter how hard she wishes she could. This is an important message to portray to teenagers, because it proves that no matter how difficult it may be to persist it is almost always worth it. Snippets of Cath’s writing, such as her fanfiction and assignments, are interspersed throughout the novel as both story breaks and included in the narrative, allowing the reader to make a personal connection to the stories mentioned throughout the novel.

Part of the charm of this novel is Cath’s interactions with those she knows in college. Cath’s roommate Reagan regularly uses curse words, which sometimes distract from the story due to their frequency, but she is generally a positive influence on Cath due to her encouragement for social interaction. The development of Cath’s relationship with Levi was extremely sweet and a great example of a healthily developing relationship. Levi allowed Cath to be herself, be it good or bad, but he always encouraged her to be happy. He also was willing to give her space and be herself, which is something she had a hard time doing due to her attachment with her sister Wren, but that was ultimately necessary. The shift in dynamics between Cath and Wren were sometimes difficult to read because they were so realistic; the feeling of someone you care so much about slipping away is horrifying. Although it was painful, Cath’s codependency on her sister was not good for either of them, and now that they have their own lives there relationship will be much improved.

The novel does not shy away from topics teenagers face, such as changes in relationships and mental illness, making it an important novel for young adults.

Reader’s Annotation

Cath tries to succeed her freshman year of college while trying to balance her family relationships, newfound friendships, and writing her popular online fanfiction.

About the Author

Rainbow Rowell is the New York Times bestselling author of fiction and graphic novels for both adults and teenagers (“Rainbow Rowell: About,” n.d.). Two of her novels for young adults, Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, have won numerous awards and earned starred reviews from respected sources such as Kirkus reviews. Many of her novels for young adults have been praised as being accurate portrayals of difficult subject many teenagers today face such as abuse, mental illness, and transitioning into adulthood (“Fangirl,” 2013, June 26). Eleanor & Park has appeared on many banned books lists throughout the United States for included profanity and difficult situations a main character finds herself in, to which Ms. Rowell has responded, “Kids here have the right to read. They have the right to think and imagine. To see their own world in books. To see other worlds in books” (Pekoll, 2017, April 11).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Family and Relationships

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – emphasis on creative writing

Booktalking Ideas

Discuss the group’s favorite fictional characters/series (fandoms) and how they would rewrite the story for their own fanfiction like Cath.

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 8-12 per BookSource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Mental illness, anxiety, learning disabilities, LGBTQIA+ characters, mild language, sexual situations, underage drinking, smoking

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 novel is an impactful novel about transitioning from a high schooler to a college student and all the responsibilities that come with it. Layered into this easily relatable story is the additional concern of care for a parent with a mental illness and the weight placed on a young adult who cares for them. Serving as a metaphor for leaving childhood behind, and to add lightness to what could become a heavy story, Cath’s fanfiction is delightful to read and the world-building feels so real it is easy to forget that Simon Snow is a fictional story set within a fictional story. With a spinoff series based on Cath's fanfiction proving popular, this is a story that teenagers can relate to and connect with.

Critical Evaluation

While many characters within the horror-zombie genre spend the beginning or entirety of the novel wondering how they would survive the zombie outbreak, the protagonist Mary instead spends the first half of the story wondering how she could have a fulfilled life of her own in this supposed “eutopia” of the living. Even when the Unconsecrated infiltrate her town and Mary and her friends/family are on the run, she constantly wonders about the life she could have, focusing on the dream of the ocean. This is what separates this zombie story from others; the yearning for something more, something better, than simply surviving. It is fortunately still similar enough to other titles within this genre that those who enjoy zombie stories will devour this boo. People who are bitten by a zombie become one, and the process is painful for both the infected and those who care about them. There is no reversing the transformation from human to zombie and the only way to stop them is to kill them. There are multiple character deaths, and many of the surviving characters learn something about themselves for better or worse. Even still, author Carrie Ryan finds a way to allow the reader to connect with the characters on a personal level. The romance between Mary and Travis, her friendship with Cass, the relationship between her and her brother, and the connection she feels with Gabrielle all are impactful; instead of the story focusing on zombies and their terror, it focuses on the importance of human connection and finding something worthwhile. It resonates with the reader because it asks us to reflect on what it means to be really, truly living.

It is easy to become attached to the characters throughout this story because C. Ryan does such a wonderful job of making them three-dimensional, even the side characters such as Cass and Jed. She shows their initial wants and needs, then slowly shifts them throughout their travels and demonstrates how each respond to the hardships life is throwing their way. This is why it might be hard for some to accept the ending when Mary leaves her remaining companions behind to pursue her dream of the ocean. It has become an obsession, a representation of her freedom and a life beyond what was given to her. In some ways it was incredibly selfish to leave everyone behind, knowing they might not survive, knowing that she would hurt those she had formed a makeshift family with. It ultimately cost her brother Jed’s life, who sacrificed himself all so she could reach the light at the end of the tunnel. While sacrifices were made it is extremely satisfying to know that all of these sacrifices were not for nothing, and that the ocean was not only real but inhabited by other humans who appear to thrive. Leaving the ending open-ended allows the reader to determine the ending for themselves, demonstrating that this story many have been more about the journey than the outcome.

Reader’s Annotation

Mary’s world, while relatively safe and simple, revolve around staying safe from the Unconsecrated. She’s unhappy with the way her life is predetermined, but when a catastrophic event happens, she will have to ask herself what she values more: surviving or living?

About the Author

Carrie Ryan is a New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels for young adults and middle graders ("About Carrie,” n.d.). While writing was always a dream job for her, she went to law school and worked as a paralegal (Griffin, 2012). She began working on The Forest of Hands and Teeth thanks to National Novel Writing Month in 2006, inspired by her newfound interest in zombies after watching Dawn of the Dead (Frietas, 2010, March 18). She purposefully uses few commas, repetition, and rhythm when writing to leave the reader feeling “breathless,” (Frietas, 2010, March 18).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Horror, Romance, Dystopian, Mystery, Family and Relationships

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – emphasis on creative writing (creating fantasy worlds)

Booktalking Ideas

Discuss why the ocean was so important to Mary, and what scenes were the most heartbreaking/difficult to get through.

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Ages 14 and older per Common Sense Media

Other Books in the Series

The Dead-Tossed Waves (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #2)

The Dark and Hollow Places (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #3)

Challenge Issues

Violence, horror, disturbing situations, mild romance

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 is a great example of an engaging, character-driven zombie novel that readers will find difficult to put down. Mary's drive to find more to the life she has been given is very relatable, and many readers will find the ever-dwindling of characters heart-wrenching.

Critical Evaluation

Angie Thomas’ debut novel is both heart-wrenching and hear-warming, as it asks readers to come face to face with a seemingly unimaginable situation: how would you recover from seeing your childhood friend murdered in front of what? And what lengths would you be willing to go to in order to ensure there was justice for his death? This dilemma is something that many African American teenagers either have to face or prepare for, which is why this novel is so important and meaningful. Young African American readers can see themselves and their situation represented on the page, knowing that their troubles are not their alone. Simultaneously, teenagers who are not aware of how it would feel to be afraid and persecuted will be given a chance to if not understand at least be knowledgeable of these situations and their effects on those involved.

The characters within this novel are brilliantly detailed and feel representative of 21^st century teenagers. The curse, party, and do things they shouldn’t, yet are ultimately innocent of the things they are accused of. Starr is a strong, intelligent, and determined main character that the reader cannot help but get behind. Her struggle with remaining quiet about her friend’s murder in order to keep the peace can be felt on every page, and the weight of the consequences do not fall far behind. When she finally decides to speak up and demand justice, the reader cannot help but feel proud of her bravery. And although the outcome is not what it should have been, that does not mean Starr was any less heroic. It is quite the opposite; because she stood up for what she believed was right, even though it would most likely not work and could cause many problem, she is even more of a hero and a wonderful role model for young people of all backgrounds.

Reader’s Annotation

After witnessing firsthand her friend being shot by a police officer, Starr Jackson learns how to determine what causes are worth fighting for and how to stand up for what she feels is right, even when it’s difficult.

About the Author

Angie Thomas is the bestselling author of two books for young adults, The Hate U Give and On the Come Up. She received a BFA in creative writing from Belhaven University and has been awarded for her writing numerous times, such as the honor list for the Coretta Scott King Award and recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Grant in 2015. She was a teen rapper, a fact which has contributed to her knowledge and love of music in both of her novels (“Angie Thomas: About,” n.d.). As mentioned in an interview with The Guardian in 2019, she mentioned that she has included personal experiences into her novels, and that she received hundreds of rejections before she was finally published. She is an advocate for bringing diversity into literature (Lewis, 2019, January 27).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Family and Relationships

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – build an understanding of texts, students, and the cultures of the United States.

Booktalking Ideas

Show a trailer for the movie and ask them their thoughts. Tie it in to current events.

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 9-12 per BookSource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Death, police brutality, mild language, drug use, underage drinking, racial situations

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?

With the ever-relevant topic of police brutality setting the foundation for the novel, readers will be absorbed in the journey of a young African-American teen facing the difficulties of standing up for what she knows is right when the consequences could be negative. Books such as this can serve twofold: providing a voice for underrepresented members of American society and allowing them to be reflected within the pages, and opening the eyes of young teenagers who have little to no experience with traumatic events such as what Starr goes through.

Critical Evaluation

Adam Silvera’s approach to grief was touching and emotional in History is All You Left Me, mainly because it focused on the multiple types of grief people experience within their lives. The most obvious form of grief the main character Griffin encounters is when his ex-boyfriend he was still in love with, Theo, dies in an accident. Silvera’s portrayal of Griffin’s disbelief at the situation will resonate with readers who have lost a loved one; he doesn’t want to believe it is real because it would be to painful. He is obviously caught up in Theo’s death, but what is made clear through the reminiscing of his past with Theo is that he was already going through the grieving process over both his romantic relationship with Theo and their friendship before Theo even passed away. Griffin could not come to terms with reality of their relationship, which caused their friendship to dissipate. Griffin knew this but was unable to accept it, similar to how he could not accept Theo’s death or Jackson’s offer for help. Griffin’s development from a person unable to come to terms with the reality of their situation to a teenager who is capable of managing his emotions is inspiring and could serve as an example to young adult readers.

The actions Griffin takes to get to a healthy place are not recommended, however, which makes his character more realistic. He sleeps with Jackson, even though he knows it is a bad idea; he ignores Wade, who communicates that he not only lost Theo, he also lost Griffin in his grief; and demonstrates self-destructive behavior. Although these may not be suggested tendencies, Griffin is a fully developed character who arc grows with him. Portraying an LGBTQ+ character who is so flawed could be problematic, but Silvera does so with compassion, possibly because he is part of the community himself. It is important for those in minorities to see themselves represented, even if it is not in a completely positive light.

This novel is full of heartbreaking moments that will make the reader weep, and uplifting moments that will inspire them to evolve into the person they most want to be.

Reader’s Annotation

Griffin’s ex-boyfriend Theo died suddenly in a freak accident and he is having a difficult time through the grieving process. The only other person who truly understands what he is going through is Theo’s current boyfriend Jackson, yet Griffin can’t let go of his jealousy and anger towards him.

About the Author

Adam Silvera is a New York Times bestselling author of multiple books for teens and young adults who was born and raised in New York, and is currently living in Los Angeles ("Adam Silvera: About,” n.d.). Before becoming an author, he worked in the publishing industry as a children’s bookseller and was a children and young adult book reviewer ("Adam Silvera: About,” n.d.). He views writing as therapy (Albert, 2017, January 19) and has been actively involved in the inclusion of more books featuring diverse characters in young adult literature (Albert, 2017, January 19).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, LGBTQAI+

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – emphasis on creative writing (creating fantasy worlds like the Harry Potter series Grif and Theo enjoy).

Booktalking Ideas

Griffin and Theo loved the Harry Potter series. What series do you love, and why?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Ages 15 and older per Common Sense Media

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Sexual situations, strong language, mental illness, LGBTQAI+ situations, death

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 focuses on a topic rarely discussed within current young adult literature: death of a love interest, former or current. While most teenagers who read this will not have gone through losing a significant other, they will be able to relate to shifts in relationships and friendships, and what it is like to transition from one part of your life into the next. Combine the raw emotions this book elicits within its readers, it also provides representation for LGBTQ+ relationships.

Critical Evaluation

This novel is written through first-person verse, as if Xiomara is sharing her beloved poetry with the reader. It is informal and presented in a conversational manner, often including slang terminology and abbreviations similar to everyday speech patterns of teens. This style of writing encourages readers to connect and sympathize with the main character. Profanity is used occasionally throughout the novel, primarily when the main character is interacting with other teenagers. Although this can be viewed as a negative to some, it accurately represents the ways that teenagers interact with others. Xiomara’s coping mechanism of always being on the defense in order to prevent unwanted behavior is a sad reality that many teens in similar situations face. By Xiomara overcoming this behavior and allowing others into her life, she allows herself to be free from the prison she created for herself. She found a creative outlet that encouraged her to channel her emotions, whether positive or negative, and use them to create art. Teenagers who can relate to Xiomara have an excellent role model in her, seeing as she overcame the restrictions placed on her by both society and herself. Some readers may find it dissatisfying that her relationship with her mother was not fully repaired at the end of the novel, but by doing so Acevedo demonstrates that the repairing of relationships is a timely process that never ends and must be consistently worked at. Xiomara’s mother will never accept her daughter’s actions, but they can work together to form a compromise based on the mutual love they feel for each other.

Telling the story through verse not only demonstrates a knowledge of the subject matter, it lends itself to the storytelling. Readers can feel Xiomara angst, see her romantic feelings, be apart of her heartbreaks because the prose is written so soulfully. This novel never feels inauthentic; the characters, plot, and writing style work perfectly to develop a world that feels fully realized.

Reader’s Annotation

Xiomara’s religious mother and penchant for fighting forces her to express her true self in other ways, such as writing poetry. Joining her school’s slam poetry club and hanging out with her new boyfriend makes Xiomara happy, but how long will she be able to hide it from her family?

About the Author

Elizabeth Acevedo is a relatively new author with a total of three books in publication: Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths, The Poet X, and With the Fire on High, with the last two holding places on the New York Times bestsellers lists ("Elizabeth Acevedo: About,” n.d.). Ms. Acevedo has received multiple awards recognizing both her novels and her writing as an important contribution to young adult literature. She is the recipient of the 2019 Pura Belpre Award in recognition of The Poet X, which is presented to a Latinx writer and/or illustrator whose outstanding work accurately portrays and celebrates Latinx experiences and cultures. She holds a BA in Performing Arts and an MFA in Creative Writing ("Elizabeth Acevedo: About,” n.d.)

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Poetry

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – emphasis on poetry

Diversity of Cultures – emphasis on Latinx communities

Booktalking Ideas

Griffin and Theo loved the Harry Potter series. What series do you love, and why?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 8-12 per BookSource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Underage drinking/partying, parental abuse, sexual harassment, mild profanity, mild violence, LGBTQIA+ characters, sexual situations

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 focuses on many issues teens deal with such as religion, relationships with family and friends, and feeling like an outsider. Teens from all backgrounds can find something to relate to in Xiomara’s complicated story. She molds herself into a new person depending on who she’s interacting with, from proper and repressed with her religious mother to aggressive with her unwanted catcallers, which mirrors teen girls’ struggles to fit in or be who society wants them to be. Xiomara is eventually able to be her true self and feel acceptance, or at least understanding, from those closest to her, providing a hopeful conclusion for a headstrong Latina woman.

Critical Evaluation

This powerful novel told from the perspective of an individual outside of difficult situations allows the reader to objectively look at the events as the unfold alongside the main character Eric. It would have been an easy choice to tell the story through Sarah Byrnes' perspective, but by utilizing someone who is outside of the situation just enough that they do not have to be directly effected by it if they so choice was a much more meaningful choice. It allowed the reader to fully grasp the depth of Eric’s character, that he would be able to sacrifice even his life to protect a person he truly cared about. Although it would have been easy for Eric to turn a blind and walk away, he chose not to. Instead, he made the morally correct choice and reached out for help not for himself but for another. This does not mean that Sarah Byrnes is by any means helpless; in fact, she is one of the strongest characters I have encountered in young adult literature. To go through the horrors she faced in her young life was impressive, but her vulnerability and desires she tampered down to ensure her mental safety was heartbreaking and brave at times. She realized through the assistance of Eric that it is necessary to request help during times of duress, and was ultimately willing to accept it when she connected with Ms. Lemry, a character that serves as a positive adult role model for those reading this book. Ms. Lemry imparted upon her students the importance of standing behind what you believe in, and demanded that they have reasoning to support it other than, “that’s just how I feel.”

At times this novel was almost too difficult to continue due to the sheer number of controversial or disturbing topics. The descriptions of abuse Sarah endured and was told by others at the hospital were truly upsetting, and while I understand they are real it is still not pleasant to read. As Ms. Lemry would surely tell her students, however, just because something is not pleasant does not mean it is not important to understand, which is why this novel is so important for young adults to read over 25 years after its initial publication.

Reader’s Annotation

Eric doesn't know what to do for his longest friend, Sarah, who sits silent in the hospital. He strives to balance determining what placed her there with other daily obstacles and growing relationships in order to help his best friend.

About the Author

Chris Crutcher is the author of thirteen young adult novels and two short story collections, and has received praise regarding his work over the past two decades (“Biography,” n.d.). He worked as a teacher and then director of a K-12 alternative school in Oakland, California, then pursued a career as a therapist specializing in child abuse and neglect (“Biography,” n.d.). He was an avid swimmer growing up, and admits that many of his past experiences such as swimming and his previous careers as an educator and therapist influence his novels (“Biography,” n.d.). His books have appeared on numerous best books for young adults, which he continues to talk about with students throughout the country by conducting school visits (“Biography,” n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – Reading Literature: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Booktalking Ideas

Many of the topics brought up in Ms. Lemry’s class are controversial, but she handles them in a way that allows everyone to share their points of view. Have you had a teacher like this? If so, did you like or dislike this approach? If not, do you wish you did, and why/why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Interest level is grades 7-12 per Booksource.

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Child abuse, abortion, religion, bullying, fat-shaming, suicide

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 deals with many controversial subject matters with delicacy and compassion, which will leave many readers both horrified and ready to make a change. The overlying hope that permeates throughout the novel and the character development portrayed will linger with the reader long after the book is finished.

Critical Evaluation

Marieke Nijkamp tells this intense story through four first-person narratives of those directly involved in a school shooting while opting to exclude the point of view of the shooter himself, Tyler. By telling this story through the victims’ point of view, Nijkamp highlights how horrifying and stressful such a very real situation would be. This choice also does not give voice to the shooter, allowing the reader to experience the hurt and confusion as to why this is happening alongside the victims. Instead of telling the shooter’s story, we hear the victims’ stories, which felt powerful at times. Telling this story through so many different points of view, with many of the characters having very similar voices, made it difficult to keep track of who was who, and ultimately connect with them on a personal level. Of course being in the situation with them made me connect to their stress and fear, but their personal goals and personalities began to blend into one another, leaving me to feel as though Nijkamp’s strategy was not as effective as she intended.

Using tweets and status updates, however, was an effective way for Nijkamp to demonstrate the ways in which social media can be used in a crisis to communicate with the outside world. It was difficult to continue reading when several of students in the novel used tweets and social media to interact with their loved ones without drawing attention to themselves because of the intensity of the situation. Several of the parents and family members contacted from those inside the gym arrived at the school, demanding information from the police; this is a relatively new development that goes hand-in-hand with the accessibility to technology we have. This also means that authorities can be contacted quicker, hopefully speeding up the response time. The tweets and blogs also provided a break between the heavy character drama, though they were not always pleasant.

This topic is very important and needs to be discussed, but I think Nijkamp would have been more effective if she either focused on fewer characters or made each character more distinct. With the unfortunate reality of school shootings being more common, books such as This is Where It Ends are more relevant than ever.

Reader’s Annotation

Told from multiple points of view, the students of Opportunity High School fear for their lives when one of their classmates begins shooting students and teachers at an assembly.

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "Marieke Nijkamp was born and raised in the Netherlands. A lifelong student of stories, language, and ideas, she spends as much time in fictional worlds as she does the real world. She loves to travel, roll dice, and daydream. Her #1 New York Times bestselling debut novel, This Is Where It Ends, follows four teens during the fifty-four minutes of a school shooting. Her sophomore novel, Before I Let Go, is a haunting young adult murder mystery set during a cruel Alaskan winter. Marieke is the editor of the YA anthology Unbroken: 13 stories starring disabled teens (FSG) and the writer of the upcoming graphic novel The Oracle Code (DC Ink).

Marieke is the founder of DiversifYA and was a founding sr. VP of We Need Diverse Books," (http://www.mariekenijkamp.com/musings/press-kit/).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts – Reading Literature: Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Booktalking Ideas

In the end, Tyler shoots his sister Autumn in the knees rather than killing her before shooting himself. Why do you think Tyler spared Autumn's life? And now that she cannot dance, what do you think Autumn will focus on?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Interest level is grades 9-12 per Booksource.

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Guns, murder/death, suicide, violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, LGBTQ+, bullying

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 is an unfortunately relevant topic for teenagers today with the number of mass shootings on the rise. Students will be able to realize the horror of this frightening situation as if they were there, but never see through the eyes of the shooter. Many of the characters within the story were relatable and diverse, including different ethnicities and LGBTQ+ couples. While there are many books focusing on this topic beginning to arise, this title is a New York Times bestseller and was at the top of many best-of lists, such as the 2017 Teen Choice Book Awards, 2017 Teens’ Top Ten, LIA/CBC Young Adults’, and a Goodreads Best Book of the Month in January 2016 (http://www.mariekenijkamp.com/musings/thisiswhereitends/).

Critical Evaluation

This novel focuses on the core themes of grief and the different types of relationships, which is highly relatable to teens of any age. After Macy loses her father, she tries to maintain a “perfect” life in order to feel in control; even though she does not have chemistry with her boyfriend at the beginning of the book Jason, she continues to date him because he is sturdy and reliable. One of the only things from her life before her father passed are the packages that arrive in his name, which she keeps as keepsakes to remember him by. Controlling these situations is a coping mechanism because she feels responsible for her father’s passing, seeing as she did not wake up to run with him the morning that he died. She is unable to face the grief she is feeling due to the bubble she has wrapped herself in. Similarly, Wes finds ways to distract himself from his grief over losing his mother by focusing on his art and sometimes acting out, yet they both help each other work through the grief by listening to and being there for each other. This provides an example of a positive, functional romantic relationship that I think will be beneficial for many teenagers.

Macy’s family has a difficult time recovering from her father's death. Deborah became determined to move forward and leave the past in the past, as demonstrated by her throwing out the subscription boxes full of “helpful” items he ordered and her pushback at preserving the beach house. The family dynamic shifts; Macy no longer enjoys the things that made her happy, such as running or hanging out with friends, her mother buried herself in her real estate business, and her sister tries to remember the happy memories while also trying to build new ones with the family. Macy and Wes bond over the loss of a parent, yet Macy can’t help but see that while her father’s death separated her family Wes’s mother passing seemed to bring his family closer. Macy, like many teenagers her age, struggles with trying to be who she thinks she should be and who she really is, which is manifested symbolically throughout the story in her relationships and career choices. Even though her boyfriend at the beginning of the novel Jason is distant and brushes her concerns off as unimportant, she desperately tries to hold on and tells him she loves him because she thinks the relationship is what’s best for her. She even fills in for Jason at the library while he’s away because it will make him happy, even though she has a hard time with her coworkers. Comparatively, Wes listens to Macy and can relate to her difficulty dealing with grief because he too lost a parent, yet she still will not end her relationship with Jason. Working at Delia’s catering company with Wes and the rest of the crew make Macy truly happy and unafraid to be her true self, and ultimately leads to her learning how to do things that make her happy rather than please others.

Written through beautiful prose that is relatable and intelligent, Sarah Dessen creates a novel full of characters you feel like you've known your whole life and can't help but wish for their success.

Reader’s Annotation

After unexpectedly losing her father, Macy has a hard time trying to find normalcy. Through meeting Wes and his coworkers at a catering company Macy starts to learn what will truly make her happy in life may not be exactly what she expected.

About the Author

Sarah Dessen is the New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen novels for teenagers (“Bio,” n.d.) who graduated from the University for North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she currently lives with her husband and their daughter (Pereira, 2017, July 5). She is a recipient of the American Library Association’s 2017 Margaret A. Edwards award, which annually honors an author for his or her significant contributions to young adult literature (“Bio,” n.d.). Her books can frequently be found at the top of lists for best Young Adult Fiction, and have been translated into twenty-five languages (Pereira, 2017, July 5) in over thirty countries (“Bio,” n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

Curriculum Ties

National Core Arts Standards: Artistic Processes and Anchor Standards – Students will 3. Refine and complete artistic works.

Wes created sculptures as an outlet for the hurt he was feeling after his mom passed away. Participants will create clay sculptures and discuss their personal significance if they are comfortable doing so.

Booktalking Ideas

Discuss the grieving process Macy goes through, and what symbolism is present in the novel.

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 7-12 per BookSource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Underage partying, mild romance, mild language, loss of a parent

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?

Sarah Dessen is a staple in young adult contemporary novels, and The Truth About Forever encapsulates her ability to weave delicate subject matters into hopeful, heartwarming, and enjoyable works. The reader will relate to Macy's feelings of guilt over her father's death, shifting views regarding her romantic relationships, and desire to repair her relationship with her family without knowing how.

Critical Evaluation

This semi-biographical historical fiction novel about a young Muslim girl soon after the September 11 attacks is both heartbreaking and uplifting. Those attacks may have united America as a country, but they simultaneously brought out the worst in some individuals. Teenage Muslims of today were not alive during this time period, but would be able to make the emotional connection between Shirin’s situation and their own given the political climate of today. Shirin is such a strong female character that it is difficult to read about the abuse she suffers on a daily basis just because of her beliefs and backgrounds. By choosing to continue wearing her hijab, even when her parents begged her not to for her own safety, she stood up for her beliefs and continued to proudly display who she is. Her development from a guarded and rightfully bitter teenager to someone who is open to accepting others into her heart was beautiful to see and inspiring; she demonstrates that it is always better to let love in than to reject it out of fear. Her feelings for Ocean felt organic and meaningful, but Ocean as a character fell flat. He has very little personality other than jock and caring for Shirin; it would have been more interesting to include aspects of his personal life that did not involve sports or his relationship, or highlight a quirky hobby to make him more appealing. Though this did not detract from their relationship within the story it would have enhanced the reader’s experience.

This book was surprisingly funny in spite of the discouraging subject matter. Shirin finding solace in break dancing with her brother’s friends was an exciting twist, and I genuinely enjoyed myself reading the description of their talent show-winning performance. Her internal monologues were bitingly sarcastic and helped alleviate the severity of several situations. Instead of detracting from the serious issues, the humor within this novel helped illustrate the balance of humor and tragedy within life.

Reader’s Annotation

Shirin has a difficult time fitting in in school as a Muslim girl one year after 9/11 who is constantly bullied for her beliefs. Wanting nothing to do with her classmates, she can’t help feeling drawn to her high school’s popular jock Ocean James.

About the Author

As stated on the author's Goodreads page, "Tahereh Mafi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series. She was born in a small city somewhere in Connecticut and currently resides in Santa Monica, California with her husband, fellow author Ransom Riggs. She can usually be found over-caffeinated and stuck in a book," ("Tahereh Mafi," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties

Physical Education - Content Standard 1.0: Demonstrate competency in motor skills, movement patterns and safety needed to perform a variety of physical activities (http://www.doe.nv.gov/Standards_Instructional_Support/Nevada_Academic_Standards/HealthandPE/

Booktalking Ideas

Shirin breakdances with her brother and his friends in order escape some harsh realities she faces in her everyday life. What do you do for fun to decompress?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Recommended for grades 9-12 per BookSource.

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Sexual situations, mild language, prejudice, racism, stereotyping, bullying, violence

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?

Not many young adult novels include the American-Muslim experience, yet Tahereh Mafi's novel does so while also tackling the racism many Muslims met after the September 11th terrorist attacks. Providing insight into this diverse culture can reach teenagers in a number of ways; for example, Muslim teenagers will be able to see themselves represented and learn about the struggles the generation before them experienced, while those who are unfamiliar with Muslim culture can learn about other members of society. While it deals with difficult subject matters, this story is a sweet and funny romance that many teenagers will find themselves relating to.

Critical Evaluation

Although the world within Warcross can be confusing at times, readers will find it difficult to put down this science-fiction heavy dystopian where video games are integrated into everyday life, and those who were closest to you turn out to be the villain all along. The main character Emika Chan has grit and is an endearing character who strives to do the morally correct thing, even if it’s not what she necessarily wants. She has had a difficult life, leading her to be distrustful of people and finding difficulty in letting others into her life; this is why it is so heart-breaking when Hideo is revealed to be a villain who has a clear vision of a utopian future, no matter how misguided it may seem. Emika finally decides to be vulnerable with someone, only to discover that someone could destroy the world. Their romance is slow building, yet the chemistry is always there in the background. Hideo is an interesting character because you can see his reasoning for wanting to rid the world of crime; after all, isn't that what the vast majority of people want? Simultaneously, the reader knows that taking away free-will is too large of a power for anyone, however well-intentioned they may be, so they (like Emika) are faced with a moral dilemma.

The action scenes within the game Warcross were light-hearted fun, but often felt inorganic and added at the last minute. World building within this novel is not elaborate, leaving many important plot holes; it is difficult to understand if this novel is set in the near or far future, and whether technologies other than gaming systems have advanced. Because the game is the title of the book, some readers who are expecting a fast-paced adventure science fiction story will be disappointed with it's slower paced romantic drama. While the book is titled Warcross, it is truly the relationships between Emika, her Warcross teammates, and the mysteriously seductive Hideo that make this story so interesting.

Reader’s Annotation

Emika Chan can't believe that she's in the Warcross finals, even if she's playing the part of spy to determine who is trying to hack the game. While she let her feelings for the game's handsome young creator Hideo get in the way of her mission, or will she do whatever is necessary for the fate of humanity?

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "Marie Lu is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Legend trilogy and The Young Elites trilogy. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one husband, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis," (http://onetrueportal.com/marielu/bio).

Genre(s)

Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance

Curriculum Ties

Analyze the representation of a subject or a key scene in two different artistic mediums, including what is emphasized or absent in each treatment.

Booktalking Ideas

Hideo believes that he is doing the world a favor by making it impossible to commit crimes due to his updated virtual reality glasses. Do you agree or disagree with him, and why?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Interest level is grades 7-12 per Booksource

Other Books in the Series

Wildcard (Warcross #2)

Challenge Issues

Mild violence, romantic situations, mild language, political intrigue

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?

Technology has become a large part of the average American teenager's life, so a book revolving around the misuse of technology for a morally questionable purpose will be sure to catch their interest. Emika Chan is an intelligent gamer-girl in a futuristic society that has had to fight for what she wants and believes in, which I think will send a good message to young female readers. This is the best-selling newest series by Marie Lu, a popular fantasy/science fiction author for young adults.