List of Materials

Jacob Barillaro 
San Jose State University
LIBR265-10 - Wrenn-Estes
Fall 2010
Database Project


List of Materials
-Anna of Byzantium by Tracy Barrett

-The Beat Generation: A Graphic History by Paul Buhle ed.

-Born to Rock by Gordon Korman

-Born Confused by Tanuja D. Hidier

-The Boxer by Kathleen Karr

-The Chosen by Chaim Potok

-Cirque Du Freak Volume I by Darren Shan

-The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

-Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatraman

-Easy A

-Encyclopædia Brittanica at www.britannica.com

-Eragon by Christopher Paolini

-The Falconer's Knot: A Story of Friars, Flirtation...

-Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers

-Fallout: New Vegas by Obsidian Entertainment

-Freaks: Alive on the Inside! by Annette C. Klause

-Fullmetal Alchemist Vol. I by Hiromu Arakawa

-Gabriel's Gift by Hanif Kureishi CBE

-Garry's Mod by Facepunch Studios

-Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

-The Gospel According to Larry by Janet Tashjian

-Harold and Maude

-Heavy Metal and You by Christopher Krovatin

-I Just Hope It's Lethal: Poems of Sadness, Madness and Joy by Deena November and Liz Rosenberg

-I Was a Teenage Fairy by Francesca Lia Block

-Knocked Out by my Nunga-Nungas by Louise Rennison

-Left 4 Dead by Turtle Rock Studios

-LibriVox at www.librivox.org

-Life of Pi by Yann Martel

-Mango Languages at www.mangolanguages.com

-Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich

-The Night Tourist by Katherine Marsh

-Nothing But the Truth by Avi

-Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida by Victor Martinez

-Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

-Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

-Princess Academy by Shannon Hale

-Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

-Sale El Sol by Shakira

-Sam's Town by The Killers

-The Samurai's Tale by Erik C. Haugaard

-Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

-Slam! by Walter Dean Myers

-Slumdog Millionaire

-Smashed: The Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren Zalickas

-Something Rotten: A Horatio Wilkes Mystery by Alan...

-Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers

-Tangerine by Edward Bloor

-Teen Ink

-The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

-Troubadour by K'naan

-Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

-You Suck: A Love Story by Christopher Moore

Welcome

           Welcome to my selection of materials for older teens.  I came to this project with a somewhat disadvantaged background; I did not have a wealth of experience reading literature that would be considered interesting by many older teens, I rarely watch films, listen to popular music, and I do not play computer games.  I have a particularly strong background in the classics and one cannot just throw Epictetus at a teen used to reading about vampires and expect them to buy it, even though I believe The Golden Sayings of Epictetus to be a work that would be applicable to many older teens.  So I more or less had to start from scratch and am really glad I did because the review of the materials was a true learning experience.

The following are a few observations:

1.  YA literature is literature, some if it is bad, much of it is good, and quite a few pieces are just as excellent as some of my favorites.  It is in no way something that is less because it was written for youth, and is in some ways more remarkable because of that fact.

2.  Walter Dean Myers and Suzanne Collins are amazing writers and I would easily place them among any list of greatest American writers.

3. The ‘Hero Cycle’ in Joseph Campbell’s work The Hero with a Thousand Faces was present in many of the books I have listed below.  Campbell drew his examples from the mythology of many parts of the world, which shows that no matter how modern and hip many writers still rely on timeless themes. 

4.  There are a few titles I would have liked to add, but simply did not have time.  Authors such as Louis De Bernieres, Isabel Allende, Nikos Kazantzakis, Orhan Pamuk, and about 100 others deserve to be on the list.

5.  I now have a number of new writers to add to my growing list of those whose works I want to read.  Works from writers such as Suzanne Collins, Walter Dean Myers, Chaim Potok, and Tracy Barrett will all be on my vacation reading list.

6.  Many YA authors are quite daring people; they write books that need to be written and stand by their artistic expressions.

A breakdown of items I have added is:

1 Magazine

3 Computer Games

3 Websites

3 CDs

5 Motion Pictures

38   Books

I really sought to include a good variety of genres, but realize that this humble attempt cannot cover everything.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog and please email me at Jakebarillaro@yahoo.com if you have any questions. 

Thank you,

Jacob Barillaro

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Bibliographic information:

Westerfeld, S. (2005). Uglies. New York: Simon and Schuster/Pulse.  ISBN-13: 9780689865381

Plot Summary:

            The story takes place in a post apocalyptic setting.  The governments of the cities mandate that a person must undergo drastic plastic surgery at the age of 16 so that they become pretty.  This is done to grant equality in terms of physical beauty to everyone.  Those who have not had the surgery, those under 16 are called ‘Uglies’.  Tally is an adventurous teen who is about to undergo the surgery.  On one of her adventures she meets up with Shay, a girl who has the same birthday and is also about to be turned into a ‘Pretty’. Shay decides to escape from the city because she does not want the surgery.  She runs away to a place called The Smoke, assisted by David, another ugly who helps people escape.  The government finds out about Shay running away and questions Tally.  They tell her that they will withhold Tally’s operation unless she goes to The Smoke using instructions Shay left her, and signal when she reaches it so that the government can put an end to the rebellious ugly city.  Tally wants to be pretty so badly she agrees to go.

            Tally has a number of adventures following the cryptic instructions left by Shay, but eventually arrives at the smoke.  She holds off on signaling/transmitting for the government, and finds herself becoming a member of this breakaway community.  Tally is conflicted and does not know what to do.  She is also falling for David and becoming aware that the operation she so long sought after is not right.  She makes her decision and there are dire consequences and a number of other adventures which result from it.

Critical Evaluation:

            Uglies is a very original story and is well-told.  It is so much more than a science fiction adventure story, and has a few deep themes that run through it.  The ideas of self image, government control, adapting to new environments, the human relationship with nature, love, friendship, loyalty, rebellion, and a dozen other important themes are present.  On a lighter level, it is a good adventure story and there is plenty of action to keep the story running along at a quick pace.  Westerfeld does a good job and does not leave any holes in the plot or back story. There are plenty of gadgets to attract the science fiction fan, but it does not solely rely on science fiction gimmicks.  This is the first part of a series and the reader wants to rush out and get the second part as soon as they are finished with this part.  Teens would certainly find the plot, themes, and pace attractive.  There are also not many overt challenge issues which makes the story fairly acceptable for younger readers.

Reader’s Annotation:

In a world where beauty is everything, Tally has her possibility of becoming pretty threatened and must go on a mission which changes her whole way of thinking.

Information about the author:

Scott Westerfeld has a number of New York Times notable books to his credit.  Almost all of his works are written for a young adult audience.  He was born in Texas in 1963 and was married in 2001.  Scott and his wife split their time living in U.S. and Australia.

 Westerfeld is a prolific writer and is possibly best known for the works of science fiction which he writes for a YA audience.  He is possibly best well known for his series, the Uglies series, the Succession series, and the Midnighters series.  Peeps and Uglies have both made the Best Books for Young Adults list.  A number of his stories have been considered for film production.

Genre:

Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

Booktalking Ideas:

1. Discuss the idea of image as it is portrayed in the book and how this impacts the plot.

2. Focus on which group seems to be happiest, the Smokies or the city folk.

3. Center a discussion on the conflicts present in Tally throughout the story and how these come about.

Reading Level/Interest Age:

13+

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

Should a challenge arise:

1.  Read the book.

2.  Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.

3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA. 

4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the work, as well as other works by the same writer.

5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library

Why did you include this book? :

I heard so much about this book and I enjoyed Peeps so I thought I would add one more title by this author.

Author’s Blog:

http://scottwesterfeld.com/blog/

Magazine- Teen Ink

Bibliographic information:

Meyer, J. & Meyer, S.H. (Founders) (1989-Present) Teen Ink. [Magazine].  October/November issues reviewed.  

Plot Summary:

            Teen Ink has a number of topics which are covered in articles.  Some of the pieces are just artistic expressions, some deal with news and current pop items, and others are of a purely practical nature.  The themes which have an impact on teen life are handled by teens and there is an air of authenticity to the articles even if not all of them come up to the technical and stylistic peaks of Pulitzer Prize winners.   Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, college info, opinion, reviews, sports, and other topics are covered.  The publication is full of graphics and art which might be attractive to teen readers.    

Critical Evaluation:

            The quality of writing all depends on the writer and t he article; just like any other magazine.  Some of the articles are quite good and show depth, the same is true with the poetry presented.  There is a certain flavor in teen writing which is very unique and is really pretty hard to replicate exactly.  A number of issues which face teens can be seen in some of the articles.  It is fine for adults to argue about teen issues and wage massive campaigns, but it seems to me to be even more applicable to listen to what teens have to say on a number of topics.  Although this publication is not for adults, adults could use it in a number of ways.  One way is obviously to get to understand what teens need and want.  Another possible use is to use particular items in the magazine which might be useful to teens looking for information and entertainment.  The magazine is also a place to possibly get work in print, which might be of importance for aspiring writers.

Reader’s Annotation:

In a magazine written by teens and about teens, read what teens have to say on a variety of different topics

Information about the authors:

There are a number of authors all with teen backgrounds.  There is a selection and editing process for pieces, but the voices are teen voices. 

Genre:

Magazine for teens

Curriculum Ties:

Various possible depending on article

Magazinetalking Ideas:

1.  Discuss the format and how that makes it attractive for use.

2.  Focus on the fact that teens are the contributors to this publication.

3.  Center a discussion on ways teens could get involved with writing.

Reading Level/Interest Age:

Specifically teens

Challenge Issues:

Various possible depending on article.

Challenge Defense Ideas:

1.  Read the magazine.

2.  Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.

3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA. 

4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the work.

5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library.

Why did you include this book? :

I wanted to include a magazine with teen contributors, this publication allows for the expression of real teen voices.

Publication Website:

http://teenink.com/

Images Retrieved From:

http://www.teenink.com/Past/

Slam! by Walter Dean Myers

Bibliographic information:

Myers, Walter D. Slam! New York: Scholastic Press. Reprint, 2008.   ISBN-13: 978-0-545-05574-1

Plot Summary:

            Slam is the nickname of Greg Harris, an inner-city African American youth who travels every school day across New York to attend a better school than the one in his own neighborhood.    Slam struggles with academic coursework, especially math, but blooms on the basketball court.  Slam encounters the challenges of a new environment and dealing with the transition from one school to another.  With each game the team wins with Slam's help. Slam is eventually faced with playing the team from his neighborhood school, whose star player is Slam’s best friend, Ice. 

  Increasingly Slam finds himself growing apart from Ice, not only because they are now opponents, but also because it becomes more apparent that Ice is dealing drugs.  The book culminates in a showdown of the two on the basketball court and, on the same evening, off of the court.  The author tries to show two different young men from similar backgrounds, the pressures which shape their lives, and their relationship with each other.

Critical Evaluation:

The author writes from the point of view of a seventeen-year-old inner city youth.  The masterfully written dialogue adds to the authenticity of the piece.  One feels as if Slam is really speaking to them.  The issues which come to the surface within the novel are very real issues facing many teens, the protagonist and other characters illustrate a variety of these issues in the plot.  The sports sequences are action packed and are well incorporated into the larger story, yet these action sport scenes do not overpower the other, and much deeper, themes in the novel.  

Reader’s Annotation:

            Greg ‘Slam’ Harris is an inner-city youth trying to make it in a new school.  Struggling with grades while excelling at basketball, Slam finds he needs to develop new skills both on and off the court to fulfill his dreams and thrive in a new environment.

Information about the author:

Walter Dean Myers is one of the most well-known writers of contemporary YA Fiction.  The author is well known for some of his other works dealing with coming of age issues and disadvantaged backgrounds.  Growing up in New York City has given him a unique insight into the city and the various cultures and moods that exist there.  Slam! seems to have been written by someone who has had similar experiences as the protagonist.   

Myers has held a number of jobs before becoming a writer, including serving in the US Army, which gave him some background in which to write his book Fallen Angels, perhaps his most noted work.  Myers has won much recognition such as the Coretta Scott King Award, Newbery Honors, and the Michael J. Prinz Award. He is married and has three children, one of whom he collaborates with on literary projects.  In addition to writing, Myers is a world traveler and has been to a number of countries abroad. 

Genre:

Coming of Age/Sports Fiction/Urban Fiction

 Curriculum Ties:

N/A

Booktalking Ideas:

1.  Focus on the idea of success as it is defined in Slam’s life both on and off of the court.

2.  Talk about some of the peripheral characters and how they illustrate the problems facing residents in the inner-cities.

3.  Discuss the changes Slam must go through to successfully operate in a new school and with a new team.

Reading Level/Interest Age:

15+

Challenge Issues:

Mention of drugs/sex

Challenge Defense Ideas:

1.  Read the book.

2.  Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.

3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA. 

4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the work, as well as other works by the same writer.

5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library.

Why did you include this book? :

The author has written a number of popular books and I was curious to read some of his work.  This was actually the first book I had read by Myers and I got a good feel for the writer and was mightily impressed.
Author's Website:

http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/

Computer Game- Garry's Mod by Facepunch Studios

Bibliographic information:

Newman, G. & Team Garry (2004).  Garry’s Mod.  England: Facepunch Studios.

Plot Summary:

            The plot is your own.  Garry’s Mod allows a player to basically do whatever they would like and add elements from different games to build scenes.  Most of the elements come from other popular games, but these can be put together to produce something new.  The player has multi-fold tasks:  to build the scene, to manipulate it, and to interact with the creations.  The characters are often imported from other games, as are the props.  Props are a big part of Garry’s Mod, there are some that come with the game, but the really good ones are made by fans.  The game is almost like a ‘choose your own adventure’ book, only the player also acts the part of the author in many ways.  For example, it is possible to have a scene in what resembles the Dutch countryside where Star Wars characters from one video game, and battle aliens from a completely different story; furthermore, it is possible to be aiding one side or the other with a number of weapons and the help of your own anti-terrorist task force from the safety of a floating rowboat.   The possibilities for scene development are almost endless.

Critical Evaluation:

            Of the games I have reviewed, I was most impressed with this one.  Garry’s Mod allows a player to design their own scenes and more or less build a situation upon an already existing background.  The graphics are good and the possibilities are endless because new modifications are being devised all of the time.  Most of the modifications are made by fans of various games who put the work in to developing the modifications for other players to use.  I could not help but feeling that this game was a good deal similar to a director’s course.  One has to learn how to set a scene and how certain elements within that scene will interact.  In another way, the game is almost like producing a piece of art.  I know that the scene that I was able to create was very Dali inspired and was something like the video game graphic version of The Temptation of Saint Anthony.  The amount of choice a player has is very attractive and really allows the player to control the amount of violence.  This might be a game for gamers and non gamers alike, anyone with an artistic bent should really check it out.

Player’s Annotation:

Use your imagination and  a number of modifications to design your own scenes and play the game you want to play.

Information about the production team:

Garry Newman was the chief designer and lead of Team Garry at Facepunch Studios in Walsall, England.

Genre:

Sandbox

Curriculum Ties:

Computers/Art

Gametalking Ideas:

1.  Discuss the possibility for creative expression in this game.

2.  Focus on the many fan generated modifications out there to use in this game.

3.  Discuss the learning aspect of this game and how it could be used in a few subjects.

Player Level/Interest Age:

13+

Challenge Issues:

Violence

Challenge Defense Ideas:

1.  Play the game.

2.  Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.

3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA. 

4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the game.

5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library.

Why did you include this game? :

I liked the idea that this game gave a good deal of room for artistic expression and the possibility to create.

Game’s Official Site:

http://www.garrysmod.com/

Image Retrieved From:

http://www.rankopedia.com/Greatest-Game-from-Valve-Corporation/Step1/13798/.htm

 

Computer Game- Fallout: New Vegas by Obsidian Entertainment

Bibliographic information:

Sawyer, J. (Project Director), Gonzalez, J. (Creative Lead), Avellone C., Fenstermaker, E, & Travis Stout, T. (Writers) (2010). Fallout: New Vegas.  Irvine, California: Obsidian Entertainment.

Plot Summary:

            The main character is a courier who is kidnapped, shot in the head, and buried.  A robot finds the body and sees that The Courier is still alive and brings him to a doctor to get healed.  The main character, whose appearance is largely decided upon by the player, must then go on to try and retrieve a platinum poker chip which was taken when he/she was shot.  The player becomes The Courier and wanders around a sometimes rural, sometimes urban scene to undertake different missions and befriend some of the factions in and around town.  After the government fell, unofficial governments and tribes rose up to fight for sovereignty.  It is up to the player which side they would like to ally themselves with.  The player gets rated and increases in skill, and becomes a friend or enemy of various factions depending on the choices they make.  The player has a number of weapons to choose from and in one setting (hardcore), has to maintain a diet, find water, regulate how much they carry, and cope with extended healing times.   One has to encounter a number of computer generated characters some of which are human, others being mutant.  Since the decision for how the plot plays out lies largely with the player, a number of outcomes are possible.      

Critical Evaluation:

            I though that the game was rather easy to manipulate for a beginning user with fairly no background in gaming.  The options one has with the game can also be increased with the use of imported modifications from other fans.  The storyline is interesting, as are some of the characters; some of the voices for the characters are celebrity voices and are easily recognizable.  The background is very detailed and the interaction between the main character and the others is sometimes interesting depending on who the player decides to befriend.  There is a strong scavenging aspect much like in the film Mad Max where the main character must find things, and even must repair some things to be able to use them.  The player can also gamble and there are different kinds of currency one can use in the game.  There are even a few game generated radio stations with post apocalyptic news and vintage music.  The game is a one player game so there is no online teamwork or competition as in other games.  There is some pretty graphic violence and mention of drug addiction/smoking, so the game may not be suitable for some players.  Overall, this is a new game which should find acceptance among a number of teen players and requires a bit more thought and preparation to be successful than other shooter games.

Player’s Annotation:

Choose sides, complete missions, make friends and enemies in post apocalyptic New Vegas.

Information about the production team:

Project Director: Josh Sawyer

Creative Lead: John Gonzalez

Writers: Chris Avellone, Eric Fenstermaker, Travis Stout

This game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment in Irvine, California.

Genre:

Post Apocalyptic/Action

Curriculum Ties:

N/A

Gametalking Ideas:

1.  Discuss the different factions in New Vegas and how a player can choose sides.

2.  Focus on the fan modifications which are available.

3.  Discuss the realism of this game in that the character must eat, drink, and has a limit on the weight carried (hardcore mode).

Player Level/Interest Age:

15+

Challenge Issues:

Violence/Drugs

Challenge Defense Ideas:

1.  Play the game.

2.  Be Familiar with the policy of the ALA and your institution.

3. Make a note of the contents of the work and how they fall in with the collection development policy of your institution and the standpoint of the ALA. 

4. Gain an awareness of the awards, reviews, and criticisms of the game.

5. Know the process for materials challenges at your library.

Why did you include this game? :

I wanted to include a very recent release; this game was released in October 2010 and is very popular at present.

Game’s Official Website:

http://fallout.bethsoft.com/index.html