Please post on your choice reading in this category. Remember, you are reading like a media specialist, so it is not about your personal likes and dislikes. Include in your post:
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
a. Audience for whom the book is written
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.)
c. Particular strengths of the book
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s format: Your verdict, supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
City of Bones by Cassandra Claire (Mortal Instruments series #1 of 6)
ReplyDeletea. This book is recommended for grades 8 and up.
b. This book would appeal to more mature middle school students, high school students, and adults. I would not recommend it to younger students as it includes quite a bit of violence and questionable relationships in subsequent books. It would appeal to readers of both urban and high fantasy, as it steps in and out of the real world throughout the series.
c. Strengths: This book is packed full of action from the very beginning and bound to be engaging to readers who love fantasy. Along with the introduction of Shadowhunters, essentially magical law enforcement agents, several fantasy staples appear, including vampires, werewolves, warlocks, demons, and faeries. The world is well developed with a clear set of magical rules that characters follow. For readers that enjoy romance, there is a romantic subplot, but it is not central to the story.
d. Weaknesses: Both the plot and characters of this book are highly predictable. Readers familiar with fantasy tropes will find very little surprising about this book. Many aspects of the world building are over explained and often repeated. As the book and series progresses there are questionable and uncomfortable romantic relationships.
e. Special Considerations: This book has been turned into both a movie (The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, 2013) and a TV show (Shadowhunters, 2016-2019), so many readers may be hooked into the series after watching the movie or show. For readers who enjoy this fantasy world, there are currently two additional series published in this world and a new series beginning in March.
f. Verdict: Even with its faults, this is an engaging, action-packed staple of the YA fantasy genre and should be a go-to for any high school collection.
I just watched the movie trailer, and this one is action packed! https://youtu.be/GHlwRsl2uFk . I was wondering, do you think Twilight fans would also like this book?
DeleteI think that this story would appeal to Twilight fans due to the inclusion of some paranormal creatures and the romantic plot line. I only read the first three in the series (there are six), but vampires play a fairly major role in the second two books. Also, much like Twilight, there is a complicated love triangle that takes the whole story arch to resolve.
DeleteFantasy, Supernatural, Science Fiction, Utopias, and Dystopias
ReplyDeleteBook Title: Ready Player One
Author: Earnest Cline
a. This book is recommended for 15+.
b. I think the audience to whom it will appeal would be 11+.
c. Particular strengths of the book: This book has a lot of pop culture information particular to the 80s that I think young adults (and those who lived through it) would find interesting. The book deals with the responsibility of being a knowledgeable citizen and an active participant in life in a “damn the man, save the empire” kind of way which I think makes such themes easier to digest for young adults and pairs well with the 80s theme and the stereotypical Generation X mistrust of authority.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: May not appeal to those who aren’t interested in video games. As someone who never played them much I found the gaming enthusiasm hard to get behind and was distracted by my worries for the characters’ eye health and brain development – not to mention exercise (the importance of which is actually briefly addressed in the book). Parents may also find this concerning for kids younger than 14.
e. Any special considerations: While the story exists in a dystopian society and the vast majority of the book takes place in a virtual world there is a message about the importance of living in the real world even when it’s unpleasant. The book also has enough of civics in it to be useful in class discussions.
f. Verdict: I think this deserves shelf space in a high school library. The book is entertaining and touches on themes that I think are important for young people to think about such as empathy, acceptance, civic and environmental responsibility, etc. Sex and sexuality are touched on a bit in the book but not overwhelmingly so.
I find it so interesting Melanie that the '80s seem to be in vogue. I think the market knows it appeals to adults nostalgia.
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteA Phoenix First Must Burn edited by Patrice Caldwell
ReplyDeletea. This book is recommended for grades 7 and up.
b. This book would appeal to middle school students, high school students, and adults. It would appeal to readers of science fiction and fantasy. Additionally, this collection will appeal to readers who are searching for science fiction and fantasy narratives that are written by and about black women.
c. Strengths: This book is a collection of science fiction and fantasy stories that explore the black experience. Many of the stories have a social justice themes. In a compelling forward, Caldwell describes that narratives with black characters in science fiction and fantasy are not widely published, leading toward the development of this collection. The stories are varied and engaging, each with their own strengths.
d. Weaknesses: A couple of the stories were difficult to follow because of the way the narrative played with timelines. This isn’t necessarily a weakness of the book, but may make it more challenging for some readers. The first story in particular was difficult to follow, which may discourage some readers from continuing.
e. Special Considerations: There were multiple fantasy stories in this collection that were placed in a historical context and may connect well to social studies curricula. Additionally, because this is a collection of short stories, educators may find benefit in utilizing individual stories in their teaching.
f. Verdict: This collection of short stories is a must have for middle and high school libraries, adding diversity of authors, characters, and perspectives.
I think its good that you noticed that some of the stories are hard to follow. That could be a hinderance to some readers, even if the book is engaging. Glad to read that in spite of this, A Phoenix First Must Burn is a must have!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteScythe by Neil Schusterman
ReplyDeletea. The audience for this book is ages 13-18.
b. I think that it could also appeal to younger readers as well; however, not all students would be ready for the violence and understand the political intricacies of the Sycthedom.
c. Strengths - This is a fast-paced book that is hard to put down. Those readers that love a good plot with twists and turns and a dystopian setting will enjoy this book. There are so many ways you could connect it to our present world, and there could be great discussion on morals with this book and how those with power and influence make choices.
d. Weaknesses - I wanted to know a little more about the Thunderhead, a form of artificial intelligence. This benevolent system communicates with everyone except the scythes and is all-knowing. The next book may offer more information as the story continues.
e. Special Considerations - The negative space on the cover is amazing, and leads the reader to wonder who is on the cover. This would be a great book to use in an ethics and morals class. The world Schusterman created is both intriguing and terrifying.
f. Verdict - I would highly recommend this book for high school libraries. Hunger Games and Divergent fans will enjoy the love story, ethical dilemmas, and twist at the end.
I've heard good things about this title! Thanks for sharing. Once a reader finishes a series like Hunger Games, it's good to have a few other titles on deck to recommend.
ReplyDeleteChildren of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
ReplyDeletea. Audience for whom the book is written: gr 9+ according to School Library Journal
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.) gr 7+. For the right 7th grader, this book would be very appealing and appropriate. This might be an avid dystopian/fantasy reader or someone who wants an African setting and characters.
c. Particular strengths of the book: a powerful blend of fantasy and dystopia told through an African lens. Like "Harry Potter" on steroids. Different people have different types of magic and they have to hide their abilities from an evil king. It's spellbinding. Strong female characters!
d. Particular weaknesses of the book: It's a tome. Just the physical size of it can be daunting to a reader. There is violence but it's never glorified. Might be too much for young readers.
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc) 10+ awards and recognition
f. This unique story is a must have for middle school and high school libraries looking to diversify their collections with authors and characters from African descent.
I think it's always good to have a few titles on hand for the reader who has finished Harry Potter and doesn't know what to read next. Book size is a consideration when deciding to read a book or not and overwhelming for some.
DeleteThe Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1, by Philip Pullman
ReplyDeleteAudience. The fantasy novel The Golden Compass is set in London and in the Arctic regions of Pullman’s world. The protagonist is Lyra “Silvertongue” Belacqua, a strong-willed, inquisitive, eleven-year-old orphan growing up among the scholars at Jordan College, Oxford. Given the age of the protagonist, the target audience is ages 10 and up.
Appeal. One of the awesome strengths of this fantasy world is the layers of meaning within and among the social power structures of the groups/institutions—The Scholars, Gyptians, Tartars, Gobblers, Bears, The Magisterium—that Pullman utilizes in his fantasy world. Because of the philosophies espoused, adults will appreciate the series too. Reading this series is like watching a children’s movie: kids love it but adults pick up the nuanced meanings, signifiers, and layers: in this case the power, meaning, and significance of “Dust.” There is much depth for adults to enjoy.
Strengths. Science, theology, and magic are intertwined. There are unusual characters and excitement, suspense, and a far flung adventure. Every person has an animal companion, a daemon, which is an external manifestation of the soul that can change into any animal. Lyra’s daemon, Pantalaimon, changes regularly and interacts with others’ daemons. Eventually, as one matures, daemons “settle” and remain the same until the end of one’s life. Readers will also appreciate the mysteries the story seeks to answer for Lyra. Why is she an orphan at Jordan College? Who are her real parents? Why are children being taken away? Will she ever see her friend Roger after he disappears? Who took him? Why was there an assassination attempt against Lord Asriel? Who are her allies during her epic journey to The North? The ending of the book lays the groundwork for the continuation of the series and readers will definitely want to continue enjoying this fantasy world.
Weaknesses. The story moves at a quick clip, which is helpful since the book is over 400 pages. Even though it's a “page-turner,” reading stamina is required to get to those enthralling parts. There are complex social issues presented and these may go over the heads of less mature or experienced readers. As a genre, fantasy seems to lack diversity. The unusual characters, parallel worlds, and mystical elements do not compensate for a lack of diversity in body types, skin tones, or physical abilities. The book was published by Scholastic UK and is set initially in London. Readers may have a hard time connecting with the setting.
Special considerations. No explicit scenes or language. The church is evil in this series and readers and parents need to be aware that in Pullman’s books, churches, clergy, priests, and religious institutions overall are not portrayed positively. There is a film adaptation of The Golden Compass starring Nicole Kidman and Ian McKlellen and a 2019, 8-episode HBO series called His Dark Materials. While the story would be engaging for students in grades 4-5, the 930 Lexile level of the text makes it more appropriate for grades 6 and up.
Verdict: A must for all middle and high school fantasy collections. Get several copies of all three books in the series: The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Adults will love these too, so start a fantasy book club with your staff and then watch the movie and HBO series. --Kendrick Davies, Library Media Specialist Candidate, Earle Brown Elementary STEAM, MN.
Looks like an exciting movie as well: https://youtu.be/58q2lEBb2FA
DeleteI have since watched the movie and I wanted it to be so much more. There is an HBO series that I want to watch some day.
DeleteA Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
ReplyDeletea. This novel is recommended for grades 9 and up.
b. AI think that this would appeal mainly to high school students. There are some darker themes like Harper’s dad leaving and leaving her brother to work for his former employer, a loan shark. The romance and language is catered to a high school audience.
c. Particular strengths of the book - This is a retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” with a whole new world. I think that many students would identify with Harper who is lost in a new world. I think that is a relatively easy read and that it is engaging from start to finish.
d. Particular weaknesses of the book - I’d say the one major weakness of this book is that it is predictable, especially with it being based off of a story most everyone knows. I think that with trying to make Emberfall a fantasy land, the language they use is a little more outdated.
e. Any special considerations - I think that this could lead a discussion on what happens when family disappears. Other than that, I don’t think there are any other special considerations.
f. Your verdict - I think that this would make an excellent edition to a high school media center that is looking for fantasy books that are retelling of fairy tales that most students would be familiar with.
I heard about this book through a book talk and it sounded really good. However, you made an excellent point that stories based on fairy tales are predicable because the reader is familiar with the plot. Do you think books that are a new take on an old tale being overdone?
DeleteThe Land of Stories: Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
ReplyDeleteAudience: The Land of Stories series takes place in a world populated with every fairy tale character. The main characters are sixth grade twins, that landed in this world by falling into a book. The target audience is middle grade level (fourth to sixth grade).
Appeal: Many of the characters of this book are well-known (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White to name a few). The relationships between the characters and their motivations have been reimagined in the world of Land of Stories. The familiarity, with a twist, makes it appealing to older kids, up to eighth grade.
Strengths: Familiar characters make it easily accessible. Main characters are male and female, appealing to all genders. Fun to hear the different backstories of characters, like why the Snow White’s evil stepmother is so vengeful.
Weaknesses: A bit predictable at times and the main characters are not very interesting. They remind me of the siblings in the Magic Treehouse series.
Special considerations: I read some reviews that mentioned objectionable language. I didn’t notice it while reading though! This is a six book series, with a couple companion books and also a prequel planned.
Verdict: Worth including in any middle school collection.
I love Chris Colfer and the Land of Stories, yes, I agree, "worth including in any middle school collection."
DeleteHunger Games by Suzanne Collins
ReplyDeleteAudience: This series of books is written for a teenage audience. It is also appealing to adult audiences.
Appeal: These books are dark dystopian novels that would appeal to anyone who has a strong sense of justice.
Strengths: Strong female character of Catniss is appealing to young women. A heroine who sacrifices herself to save her sister and fights power through disobedience is a complex and deep character to read. The theme of justice being triumphant over oppression is appealing to wide audience. Moral grey area in many characters allows for readers to see the complexity of humanity. This book invokes discussion; it makes you want to talk about it. The setting of the districts, the Capitol and the arena are well described and you can picture what those locations will feel like.
Weaknesses: The love triangle might seem rather juvenile to some readers. The graphic violence could be off-putting to many readers.
Special considerations: This is a great introduction to the genre of dystopian fiction. Some audiences may find it too disturbing to read about children killing other children.
Verdict: This is a must for any high school library. Middle school libraries might be cautious in including it in their collections.
Agreed. The content in this book is engaging, but it is also the story of children fighting each other to the death. HS is a good place for it.
ReplyDeleteReady Player One by Ernest Cline
ReplyDeletea. This novel is recommended for grades 8 and higher.
b. This will appeal to fans of Science Fiction and the 80s
c. Strengths: It's science-fiction, it's dystopian, it's nostalgia all rolled into one. Cline's storytelling puts you in the thick of this virtual and real world where things are ever changing and shifting. 80s references and nostalgia had my imagination popping and my toes tapping as I hummed songs that were brought up throughout.
d. Weaknesses: It could be viewed as niche. If you are not knowledgable about the 80s then it is very possible that many references would be completely alienating to you as a reader.
e. Special Considerations: It is definitely an adventure book, and characters realize that teamwork is the way to get the job done. There is a lot of commentary and exploration around the topic of real versus online personas.
f. Verdict: Ready Player One takes readers on quite the journey through the past and the future. This is an excellent and immersive book that is highly recommended for all high school libraries.