Module 15 - TTYL by Lauren Myracle

1. Citation -
   Myracle, Lauren. ttyl. 2004. 224p. Abrams/Amulet. (0-8109-4821-4).
   
2. Summary – This story follows three girls through their high school daily routines in the form of text messages to each other. Each character has personal trials and choices they are working through, and in between the chatter of boys, shopping and popularity, there are some very risqué and serious topics addressed. One girl is grappling with depression after a breakup, another is deals with inappropriate feelings for a teacher and another is dealing with the fallout from a drunken night she doesn't remember. Throughout all of this, they are struggling to maintain their friendship in the scope of a big school.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – On a personal level, this was a very difficult read. I found the characters somewhat tedious, and the format difficult to follow. This is very likely old-fashioned of me, but I prefer more detail and in-depth form of writing. It was very difficult for me to form a connection with these girls, and therefore made the read unfulfilling. That being said, there are many people out there that would enjoy this book because it is straightforward and the story moves very quickly. It reminds me a bit of "Sex in the City" for high school. The situations these girls find themselves in can easily happen in today's high school climate, so I can see teenage girls finding this an interesting read. This is on the challenged book list, and I can understand some parents being uncomfortable with the subject matter covered. However, it could be a very good opportunity to talk with your teen about issues brought up in this book!
   
4. Reviews - Green, John. Booklist, 5/15/2004, Vol. 100 Issue 18, p1615-1615, 1p; (AN 14087581)
   

   The story of three friends' tenth grade lives is told entirely in IMs, replete with g2gs and CAPS LOCKED SCREAMING. At the start of their sophomore year, Zoe, Maddie, and Angela promise to remain best friends for life. But soon Zoe is spending way too much time with her vaguely creepy teacher; Maddie abandons her real friends in favor of über popular Jana; and both Maddie and Zoe tire of Angela's never-ending Boy Drama. The plot is familiar and often pedestrian, but the girls' distinctly compelling IM voices are the hook here. Myracle cleverly manages to build rich characters and narrative tension without ever taking the story outside of an IM box. Although some back story is awkwardly inserted and a few of the pop-culture references are already dated, Chat-savvy readers will identify with these teens and their problems, and Myracle neatly demonstrates how IM can bolster real-life friendships. —John Green
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This is a book that I would have available for reluctant readers, as it is possible to get them involved with the format and then have them read a more traditional book (like The Earth, my Butt and other Big Round Things) – perhaps a book group?
   

Module 14 – Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars by Doug Florian

1. Citation - Florian, Douglas. Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars. Apr. 2007. 56p. illus. Harcourt, (9780152053727)
   
2. Summary – A collection of poems with a celestial theme. Each poem has a full page illustration dedicated to it. The notation of each poem can vary from standard to spiraling words. All the planets are represented as well as many other celestial bodies. None of the poems are very long, but the theme is one that can span age-groups.
   
3. Impressions of the Book- The poetry in this book is both informative and artful. None of them are boring, and they all have something special. It is a book of possibilities, as anyone who has ever been interested in space and "what's out there" is curious about possibilities. This creative and decorative book is a wonderful addition to any library, and appropriate for any age.
   
4. Reviews - Phelan, Carolyn. Booklist, 4/1/2007, Vol. 103 Issue 15, p50, 1p; (AN 24811619)
   

   (This) large-format book looks at astronomy through the magnifying, clarifying lens of poetry. Each broad double-page spread features a short, accessible poem about a subject such as the sun, each of its planets, a comet, a constellation, or the universe, set within an impressive painting. A concrete poem entitled "a galaxy" is a curling spiral of words set against the midnight-blue sky and surrounded by other galaxies. Stamped type, cutout pages, collage elements with printed papers, and sweeping brushstrokes all figure prominently in the expressive collage artwork, which ably illustrates the verse. The last pages carry "A Galactic Glossary" with a paragraph on the topic of each poem, followed by a list of books and Web sites. Florian's ode to Pluto matter-of-factly notes its demoted status, but even better is his pithy poem on Jupiter: "Jupiter's jumbo, / Gigantic, / Immense, / So wide / Side to side, / But gaseous, not dense. / With some sixteen moons / It's plainly prolific— / So super-dupiter / Jupiterrific!" Read this aloud.—Carolyn Phelan
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This book would be a wonderful suggestion for 3^rd or 5^th grade teachers as they prepare their science units on the planets and space. If they are unable to use it in the class, it would be nice for library time during the same unit (collaborating with other colleagues).
   

Module 13 – Knights of the Lunch Table by Frank Cammuso

1. Citation – Cammuso, Frank. Knights of the Lunch Table. Graphix/Scholastic (New York), 2008. (ISBN:9780439903226) 141p.
   
2. Summary – The Arthurian legend is transformed in this interesting account of a young boy who is trying to fit in at a new school. First in the series, Arthur and his newfound friends manage to open an impenetrable locker. The local bully gang does not like the "Knights" school wide fame, and challenge them to an all-out dodge ball battle. The book format is a graphic novel, and the illustrations help propel the story along.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – Very funny and an interesting take on the Arthur legend. I enjoyed this format much more than I thought I would, but still prefer a traditional novel. The characters are witty and funny, and the illustrations will keep you laughing as the protagonist struggles to make it in his new school.
   
4. Reviews – Courtesy of School Library Journal –Retrieved from Amazon.com on 5/4/10
   

   Starred Review. Grade 4-8–Arthurian legend gets an update for young readers in this outstanding graphic novel. During his first day at Camelot Middle School, Artie King opens a locker that no one has ever been able to open; gets a pop quiz from his science teacher, Mr. Merlyn; and offends both Principal Dagger and bully Joe Roman. Joe is the leader of the Horde, a gang that happens to be the local dodgeball (a game played here with the fervor of Texas football) champions. With his future at Camelot riding on a challenge match, Arthur calls on new friends Wayne and Percy, and gets a little assistance from that mysterious locker. References to other versions of Arthurian legend are sprinkled throughout (such as mentions of Camelot alumni Terry White and Tommy Mallory), but the funny, fast-paced tale of young Arthur's quest to defeat the bullies stands well on its own. The appealing illustrations are full of color, action, and life. Point new fans to one of the many retellings of the deeds of the Round Table while they wait for the second volume in the series.–Beth Gallego, Los Angeles Public Library, North Hollywood
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – It would be interesting to pull this book for a comparison to the real Arthur legend, Sword in the Stone, or other variants of the Arthur story.

Module 12 – Odd Boy Out by Don Brown

1. Citation- Brown, Don. Odd Boy Out: The Story of the Young Albert Einstein. Sept. 2004. 32p. illus. Houghton, (0-618-49298-4).
   
2. Summary – This is a picture book account of the life and work of Albert Einstein. Einstein was a troubled youth with brains galore, but lacking in the ability to fit in with his peers and sometimes his family. It uses historical accounts and personal quotes to bring his character to life, and ends with a list of accomplishments without being too dry. The illustrations are very clear and add depth to his character, including some of his not-so-perfect moments.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – I really enjoyed this book. It is straight-forward and makes Einstein more accessible. He had flaws, and yet everyone knows his name. Though Einstein never diagnosed with any form of autism, there are elements that even my husband (on the spectrum) can connect with. It is certainly true that any child who feels "different" will relate to Einstein in some way through this book. Inspirational for kids to realize he was "a kid like me, at one time". Well written, well illustrated and very informative!
   
4. Reviews - Mattson, J. (2004). Odd Boy Out: The Story of the Young Albert Einstein (Book). Booklist, 101(1), 116. Retrieved from MAS Ultra - School Edition database.
   

   Brown, Don. Odd Boy Out: The Story of the Young Albert Einstein. Sept. 2004. 32p. illus. Houghton, (0-618-49298-4). Gr. 3–5. Young readers won't come away from Brown's newest picture-book biography understanding the theory of relativity, but they will be heartened by the parallels between their own experiences and those of an iconic science guy. The author-illustrator of Mack Made Movies (2003) and other books presents the future Nobel Prize winner as a sallow, sunken-eyed little boy who lingers on the sidelines as other boys roughhouse, spends hours building a house of cards "fourteen stories high," and vexes his teachers (one tells him that "he would never get anywhere in life"). Brown's language dips into vagueness when it's time to describe the mature scientist's contributions, and the accompanying artwork is often disappointingly generic, awkwardly incorporating computer-generated elements that overwhelm the delicate ink-and watercolor style used elsewhere. Still, this joins Frida Wishinsky's What's the Matter with Albert? (2002) as one of the very few picturebook biographies of Einstein available. Try giving it to older elementary students, who will get the most out of the detailed author's note and bibliography featuring many books for adults. —Jennifer Mattson
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – Something I might read around his birthday or offer to a class that is studying some of his theories/work.

Module 11 – An American Plague by Jim Murphy

1. Citation - Murphy, Jim.
   An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793. 2003. 176p. illus. Clarion, (0-395-77608-2).
   
2. Summary – This is the story of the 1793 outbreak of "Yellow Fever" and the trials of the city to try and get the contagion under control. The story is told from multiple perspectives – medical practitioners, personal accounts, and newspapers.
   
3. Impressions of the Book- This book was fascinating because it truly brings the reader to understand what life was like during the formative years of our country. It is hard to believe some of the medical practices that were considered normal, and the lack of understanding of basic concepts we now consider commonplace. Since this book includes accounts from all walks of life, it is an excellent example of how historical events can be exposed in an interesting format while dispelling myths that are often propagated through ignorance. (Even this year, I have had students say "All blacks were slaves back then".) There were free black Americans who played crucial roles as nursemaids during this crisis as well as grave diggers and other indispensable jobs. Despite the inequity, it helps to give kids a balanced and complete picture of what life was like. This book contains enough (but not too much) intriguing information (detailed medical accounts) that many students will want to read more.
   
4. Reviews - Rochman, Hazel. Booklist, 6/1/2003, Vol. 99 Issue 19/20, p1757, 1p; (AN 10252685)
   

   History, science, politics, and public health come together in this dramatic account of the disastrous yellow fever epidemic that hit the nation's capital more than 200 years ago. Drawing on firsthand accounts, medical and non-medical, Murphy re-creates the fear and panic in the infected city, the social conditions that caused the disease to spread, and the arguments about causes and cures. With archival prints, photos, contemporary newspaper facsimiles that include lists of the dead, and full, chatty source notes, he tells of those who fled and those who stayed—among them, the heroic group of free blacks who nursed the ill and were later vilified for their work. Some readers may skip the daily details of life in eighteenth-century Philadelphia; in fact, the most interesting chapters discuss what is now known of the tiny fever carrying mosquito and the problems created by over-zealous use of pesticides. The current struggle to contain the SARS epidemic brings the "unshakeable unease" chillingly close. —Hazel Rochman
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – In a middle school library, this would be a great book to suggest as part of a social studies unit on the American Revolution and the founding of our country.
   

Module 10 – Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy by Phil Bildner

1. Citation – Bildner, Phil. Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy. Simon & Schuster Books for young people (New York). c2002. (ISBN: 0689829132).
   
2. Summary- This is a biography of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and his bat "Black Betsy". Throughout the book, Joe tries to overcome his difficulty hitting by commissioning his own bat. After several versions, he names the final bat "Black Betsy". The story catalogues his life with important events and personal baseball statistics in a narrative format. The book concludes with an afterword with a more textbook style summary of Joe's life.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – This book was a unique take on the personal history of a sports figure. The story makes his struggle to be the best player possible very real to the reader. It also does not cover up any of the trouble he experienced at the end of his career, both on the field and as a coach. After reading the book, it is hard to imagine that he was banned from
   

   ever playing the game again. His passion and love for the game were demonstrated within the story, and continue his legacy to new baseball fans.
   

4. Reviews – by R. Hansen "Saint Stryfe" retrieved from Amazon.com
   

   Shoeless Joe & Black Betsy" sets us in the Carolinas, where Shoeless Joe, before he makes his record-setting Rookie year, talks to the best bat maker in the state to make him a bat to get out of his horrid slump. Through much trial and error, Joe finds the perfect bat. The plot was very clear, but I had to say this is one of the best books I've seen in review for my Teaching Reading course.
   

   The slang use is very realistic and open, and the way it repeated itself drew the children into the story. The illustrations are beautiful to the eye and fit well into the "back woods" feel of the story, mostly set in the Bat Maker's shack.
   

   The book takes more then a few liberties with the truth - but they make the story more entertaining. The authors explain where they stretched the facts in a two-page story explanation, which includes Joe's involvement in the Black Sox scandal, and followed by another beautiful full-page drawing by C. F. Payne and a full career statistics.
   

   I recommend this book - a student with an interest in baseball will eat this up. Students who like different stories, or who like when they are read to in an odd accent will want more. I hope there will be, with so many great baseball stories out there. –R. Hansen
   

   
    

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – This would be a wonderful book to display during the World Series or possibly in a booktalk (Elementary level) on following your dreams as a theme.
   

Module 9 – Double Helix by Nancy Werlin

1. Citation - Werlin, Nancy. Double Helix. Mar. 2004. 256p. Dial, (0-8037-2606-6)
   
2. Summary – Eli is a high school senior trying to figure out his future. He has a strained relationship with his father, his mother is in the final stages of a terminal disease, and he keeps his girlfriend/best friend at an emotional distance. When he gets a job at a research lab, his father is furious but will not tell him why. The story unfolds with twists and turns dealing with genetic manipulation and his past.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – I have mixed feelings about this book. I was pleased with the storyline, but felt that it could have gone so much deeper. The author spent a lot of time discussing his emotions and made Eli sound very whiny (more like a 13-15 year old). She also didn't expound very much on his "extra" capabilities, other than the fact that he was tall, athletic, and had an easy time with academics. The book does bring up a relevant topic regarding genetic manipulation and the questions scientists must battle regarding ethics. That being said, the whole story felt a bit "forced". It didn't flow as well as I would have liked, and the characters needed more depth. Everything gets wrapped up in the end, but it really did feel more like a soap opera than a sci-fi mystery.
   
4. Reviews -
   Werlin, N. (2004). Double Helix (Book). Booklist, 100(11), 975. Retrieved from MAS Ultra - School Edition database.
   

   With Killer's Cousin (1998), Black Mirror (2001), and now this exciting book to her credit, Werlin has proved herself to be one of the best youth thriller writers working today. Her plotting here is a little creaky, as it has been in past books, but she is a master at building suspense and creating the sort of clever manipulations that keep readers eagerly turning the pages. This time, Werlin delivers more than just a solid thriller-cum-growing-up story. She offers a thoughtful consideration of genetic engineering and takes a stand, but not at the expense of an intriguing mystery. Samuels, 18, can't get close—not to his caring but preoccupied dad; not to his smart, generous girlfriend, Viv; and certainly not to his mother, who has been institutionalized for years with a devastating midlife degenerative disease, the gene for which Eli may carry. Confused, heartsick, unable to get the answers he seeks from Dad, and needing time to think about his life, Eli decides to forgo college and, despite his father's unexpectedly vehement disapproval, takes a job at Wyatt Transgenetics, where he receives a surprisingly warm welcome from world-renowned geneticist Dr. Quincy Wyatt. What's all that about? Readers will be as intrigued as Eli, who discovers more than he ever bargained for. A solidly crafted, thoughtful novel featuring a clever, obsessed kid who finds truths, small and large, about life, family, and, of course, himself. —Stephanie Zvirin
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – I would use this book in combination with newspaper and magazine articles to have a book group discussion regarding the topic of ethics in science. However, I would have to gather other books, as this is not completely representative and only shows one side of the coin.