Critical Evaluation

Dashka Slater's detailed accounts of the traumatic story about two teenagers, a crime that changed their lives forever, and the proceedings that followed tells an engaging story that almost reads like a mystery. Slater’s writing style is smooth and effortless, leaving the reader wanting to learn more and determine what the best outcome for this horrible situation is. Ultimately, I believe the reader is meant to feel like there is no perfect outcome. Richard committed a crime Sasha is forever scarred, yet it is clear that Slater does not believe Richard should have received such a harsh punishment. She provides facts and evidences of racial profiling within the Bay Area which she uses as examples of why Richard was served an injustice. While riveting and disturbing, at times Slater seemed to shift from impartial conveyor of information that allows the audience to come to their own conclusions to a person demanding a retrial. The reader does view both sides, but it at times feels weighted towards the fact that Richard was destined to end up in prison rather than discuss how this crime effected not only the teens involved but the entire community.

Told in chronological order through personal commentary, interviews, news articles, and gripping prose, Slater weaves a non-fiction story that will leave the readers questioning the judicial system, their personal prejudices, and the ways in which crimes are portrayed in the media. Ultimately, the book considers and sparks sympathy for both teens and their families. While not condoning Richard’s actions, Slater shows the difficulties the criminal and victim face as they are forced to navigate a justice system that was not built for them.

Reader’s Annotation

One reckless act on the 57 bus in Oakland, California changed the lives of two teenagers with drastically different backgrounds, both socio-economically and racially. Was justice served for the crime committed?

About the Author

"Best-selling author Dashka Slater has been telling stories since she could talk. An award-winning journalist who writes for such publications as The New York Times Magazine and Mother Jones, she is also the author of nine books of fiction and non-fiction for children and adults.

Her children’s picture books include Escargot, Dangerously Ever After, and The Antlered Ship, a Junior Library Guild selection and a Parents Choice Recommended book that received four starred reviews and was named Best Picture Book of the year by both Amazon and the Northern California Independent Bookseller’s Association. Two new children's books are forthcoming in 2020: A Book for Escargot, a sequel to the popular picture book about a beautiful French snail, and The Book of Fatal Errors, a middle grade fantasy.

Her New York Times bestselling true crime narrative, The 57 Bus, has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Stonewall Book Award from the American Library Association and the 2018 Beatty Award from the California Library Association. It was a YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Finalist, an LA Times Book Award Finalist, and the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association Young Adult Book of the Year, in addition to receiving four starred reviews and being named to more than 18 separate lists of the year’s best books, including ones compiled by the Washington Post, the New York Public Library, and School Library Journal.

The recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, Slater grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts but has spent most of her adult life in Oakland, California, where she is always working on far too many writing projects," ("About," n.d.)

Genre(s)

Non-fiction, true crime, LGBTQ+, Mystery

Curriculum Ties

Social Studies - criminal justice systems

Booktalking Ideas

Do you agree that Richard's crimes match the sentence they were given? Do you think his economic and racial background played a part in his sentencing?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 7-12 per Booksource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

LGBTQ+, violence, crime, arson, classism

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?

Although it is incredibly difficult to ingest the events surrounding this case, it is an eye-opening view of the racial injustice many African-Americans face on a daily basis. This book could provoke many discussions regarding the judicial system, racial profiling, and the effects one choice can make on an individual's entire life.

Critical Evaluation

Following the life story of such an influential young activist within the LGBTQ+ community was both informative and inspiring. Jazz Jennings details her life from the beginning, detailing the difficulties she faced societally while transitioning into a female. Although she explains that life within the spotlight was not always easy, she recognizes the importance her presence in society is to others who feel as if they are not who they are meant to be. This title will be particularly inspiring for young adults within the LGBTQ+ community who don’t always see themselves reflected in media, in particular those within the transgender community. While her story may be inspiring for some, Jazz details a very supportive homelife that may not be reflective of all members of the transgender community. It is refreshing, however, to see supportive family members encourage a young transgender girl to be who she truly is. Perhaps it will inspire a member of the community to seek out an adult who will prove to be supportive.

At times this autobiography read more as a novel than a piece of non-fiction. This can be a positive for those who find non-fiction titles difficult to read, yet can also come across as inauthentic. A reason for this may be due to the fact that Jazz was still a teenager when she wrote this autobiography with no prior experience to writing a non-fiction title. With another round of editing this title could prove to be more clear and concise.

Many transgender teens do not have a role model to look up to, so Being Jazz holds importance for allowing underrepresented groups have a voice.

Reader’s Annotation

Learn about Jazz Jennings, who transitioned to life as a girl with the support of her parents when she was five. Jazz describes her experience, how she dealt with her newfound fame, and how she uses her visibility to bring light to issues for the LGBTQ+ community.

About the Author

As stated on the author's Goodreads profile, "Jazz Jennings (born October 6, 2000) is an American teenage trans woman, YouTube celebrity, spokesmodel and LGBTQ rights activist. She came to wide national attention in 2007 on "'I'm a Girl' – Understanding Transgender Children" an interview with Barbara Walters on ABC News' 20/20. Her parents noted that Jazz was clear on being female as soon as she could speak. Other national interviews and appearances followed.

She hosts a series of videos about her life, titled "I Am Jazz", on YouTube, making her one of the youngest ever trans women to speak out on issues publicly. Christine Connelly, a member of the board of Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth stated, "She was the first young person who picked up the national spotlight, went on TV and was able to articulate her perspective and point of view with such innocence."

Jazz co-wrote "I Am Jazz", a children's biographical picture book about her life. Jazz is also noteworthy because her family fully supports her, which is rare but becoming more common as LGBTQ acceptance increases, ("Jazz Jennings," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Non-fiction, autobiography, LGBTQ+, inspirational

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Jazz Jennings has been an activist for most of her life, standing up for what she believes in. How do you think media and fame have affected Jazz?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 6 and up per School Library Journal

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

LGBTQ+, reassignment surgery, 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?

Hearing the firsthand account of a youth's transgender transition is important from teenagers of all backgrounds. Those who are unfamiliar with transitioning and the transgender community will gain an understanding of a community that is different from theirs, while transgender teens will be able to relate to the experience and see themselves reflected in the pages.

Critical Evaluation

Authors Andrea and Sophie are pioneers in what it means to be a strong young adult today, as demonstrated in their detailed account of their rise to stardom: they are unafraid to be intelligent, fight for what they believe in, and strive to assist others in the pursuit of self-worth. It is interesting to read about how these two teenagers began a game about women’s period as a half-joke, half-stress reliever that turned into a world-wide phenomenon. It is evident in their writing and feelings about the project that they are aware of the fact that the reason this game became a viral sensation overnight is because women, in particular young women, are tired of being ashamed of their bodies. For their online game alone, Sophie and Andrea highlighted the ridiculousness society places on a perfectly natural bodily function that only effects women. Shining a light on this fact can help other young women realize the should not be ashamed of their gender, making them excellent role models. To further enhance their impressiveness, both women are unashamed of their intelligence and refuse to hide it. Societally is has become more acceptable to be a women and good at coding or computer science, but it is not a widely discussed notion. Andrea and Sophie show young women it is okay to be smart and enjoy technology or math.

One of the only qualms found within the book it it’s lack of formal writing style. Both of the authors are teenage girls, and it is apparent that this is their first time authoring a book due to the pacing and structural issues. Many facts were repeated, and many more were left empty.

Reader’s Annotation

Learn about teenage girls behind the viral video game Tampon Run as they share their experience as female coders and the power of coding.

About the Author

As listed on the Girl Code website, "Sophie Houser and Andrea Gonzales met at a Girls Who Code summer coding program in 2014. The two teamed up and created Tampon Run, a game to combat the stigma around menstruation. The game went viral and threw them into the limelight of the press, the public and the tech world. When Sophie and Andy are together, you’ll often find them eating blocks of mozzarella cheese and scrolling through Google images of pizza (this is not a joke)," ("Meet the Authors," n.d.).

Andrea Gonzalez is the daughter of immigrants from the Phillipines who participated in coding summer programs and robotics after school ("Meet the Authors," n.d.). She is currently a Robertson Scholar at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill ("Meet the Authors," n.d.). Sophie Houser gained confidence in public speaking after developing Tampon Run, and is now studying Computer Science at Brown University ("Meet the Authors," n.d.). She has interned at Facebook's headquarters in Silicon Valley and their New York office ("Meet the Authors," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Autobiography, Gaming

Curriculum Ties

Science and Technology - coding

Booktalking Ideas

Are you a gaming fan? Have you ever tried coding your own game? Why or why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 8-12 per Booksource

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

N/A

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?

Andrea and Sophie are wonderful role models for young women whose story is inspiring and engaging. By creating Tampon Run they strived to normalize menstruation in mainstream society and proved that coding and science is not just for males. They used their viral fame to enter the world of start-ups and tech companies, and encourage young people of any age to be proud of things they are passionate about.

Critical Evaluation

This father daughter how to guide is a fun telling of the hardships of living through your teen years. Life Sucks: How to Deal with the Way Life Is, Was, and Always Will be Unfair breaks down issues teens face such as: body image issues, cultural differences, and other topics most teens have troubles talking about with their parents. Their light-hearted approach makes the reader feel at ease, and their passion to relate to the teenagers who read their book is apparent. Sometimes the book is too self-deprecating to be entirely helpful; many are aware the life continues to throw challenges your way, but that may not be something that a teenager going through a difficult time may want to hear.

Though humor and some guided self-reflection Michael and Sarah encourage the reader to evaluate each of the chapter’s topics in order to show the reader that they are not alone, and it is okay to reach out to their parents, teachers, or others for guidance. It is refreshing to see a book for young adults reinforce that seeking professional help should be a celebrated experience rather than a shameful one. Too often teenagers don’t seek help for important matters because they are embarrassed or do not feel like the adult in their life will understand, but if it is normalized in society like how it is presented within this self-help book then I believe that teenagers will feel more confident in asking for help when they need it. While assistance can be valuable, Michael and Sarah also help the reader determine what feedback they should consider helpful or harmful to encourage individuals to make the best decision for them, a meaningful piece of advice for many teenagers who seek approval.

Reader’s Annotation

Follow father and daughter Michael and Sarah Bennett as they give tips on how to navigate your teenage years by feeling comfortable about your changing body, navigating shifting friend groups, and effectively communicating with your parents.

About the Author

From their Goodreads author pages, "Dr. Michael I. Bennett, educated at both Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, is a board-certified psychiatrist, Canadian, and Red Sox fan. While he’s worked in every aspect of his field, from hospital administration to managed care, his major interest is his private practice that he’s been running for almost thirty years. The author of F*ck Feelings, with his daughter Sarah Bennett, he lives with his wife in Boston and New Hampshire," ("Michael I. Bennett," n.d.)

"Sarah Bennett has written for magazines, the Internet, television, and books. She also spent two years writing for a monthly sketch comedy show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in New York City. When not living by her philosophy of “will write for food,” Sarah walks her dog, watches Red Sox games, and avoids eye contact with other humans. Somehow, she lives in New Hampshire and works in New York. F*ck Feelings, written with her father Dr. Michael I. Bennett, is her first book," ("Sarah Bennett," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Self-help, non-fiction, social interactions

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts - Journeling

Booktalking Ideas

If you feel comfortable sharing, what are some things that you struggle with and how to you work through them?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 7 and up per School Library Journal

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Sexuality discussion

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?

Self-help books for teenagers are vital in assisting them transitioning into a time in their lives where the expectations and changes never end. Life Sucks acts as a guide to help teenagers realize that it is okay go through difficult times, they are in control of their own happiness and success, and how to navigate the many relationships that are changing in their lives.

Critical Evaluation

The non-fiction collection full of journal entries and illustrations heartbreakingly shows Esther’s struggles with cancer while reminding the reader that she is just a child fighting for her life and simultaneously highlighting her bright, humble, and compassionate personality. By being able to read her personal thought on the journey through her illness, the reader cannot help but feel a connection to Esther and feel devastated when she passes, although they knew it was coming. Young adults who are going through a similar situation or have a loved one who is will be able to relate to Esther’s zest for life that has a constant edge of anxiety over the terminality of her illness. Her determination to make the best out of the situation she was given is admirable, and would prove to be an inspiration to young adults of all backgrounds.

While it is admirable to read about how Esther persisted despite her illness, it would have been refreshing to read more about the difficulties she went through. This would make for a more well-rounded collection, as well as demonstrating to those who are struggling with illness that they are not alone in their sorrow.

This Light Won't Go Out reminds us that coping with cancer is extremely difficult and even more so for kids that are seen as “beacons of hope” though they are only living as best as they can.

Reader’s Annotation

Learn about the inspiration for Hazel from John Green's A Fault in Our Stars, Esther Earl, and her battle with cancer told through her journal entries and illustrations.

About the Author

According to This Star Won't Go Out, the foundation created by Esther Earl's family for families facing childhood cancer, "Esther (Persian for "Star") Grace was born on August 3, 1994 in Beverly, Massachusetts. She was the bridge between two older sisters, Abby and Evangeline, and two younger brothers, Graham and Abraham. In November 2006, Esther was diagnosed with metastasized papillary thyroid cancer in Marseille, France, with extensive tumors already in her lungs. Following a thyroidectomy and seven months of treatment, her family moved back to New England for her continued treatment at Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Esther patiently endured radioiodine treatments, x-rays, CT scans and MRI’s, a bi-pap machine, extensive medications, occasional stays in the hospital, and eventually experimental chemotherapy. As Esther's need for supplemental oxygen increased, her mobility decreased. Yet she found new avenues for meaning, investing herself in growing online friendships, creating videos and a cyber presence as "crazycrayon" and "cookie4monster4." She thrilled in her mild escapades into virtual stardom, embracing her self-proclaimed nerdiness as she dispensed advice, all-night talkfests, and free hugs.

On August 25, 2010, much too soon, cancer silenced Esther and stilled her slender fingers. In 16 years she packed a lot of living and loving into her life, and loved well those who surrounded her. Esther didn't let her light stop shining—This Star Won’t Go Out continues to remind us of her love for others," ("Esther's Life," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Biography, Illness, Memoir

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

Esther was clearly wise beyond her years and lived a difficult yet interesting life. If you were able to ask her one question, what would it be?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 7 and up per School Library Journal

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

The death of the author could be upsetting to some readers

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?

John Green is an immensely popular author of books for young adults, with The Fault in Our Stars rising to the top, so readers will be interested to read about Esther who served as his inspiration for the main character of the novel Hazel. It is an emotional read told through journal entries and drawings done, allowing the reader to feel connected to Esther and inspired by her courage and hope despite her illness.