Module 15 | The Things They Carried

PLOT SUMMARY
In this semi-autobiographical work, author Tim O'Brien once again navigates the complex and often perplexing terrain of the Vietnam War. Some of the stories are fewer than two pages while others are much longer treatises on the conflict. The opener, which details the tangible objects the men carry as they make their way through the jungles of Vietnam, is a beautifully written introduction to the book's primary themes and characters. O'Brien often shifts perspective throughout the book, as the same story is sometimes told from the viewpoint of two different characters, expertly conveying the confusion that erupts from each episode's events. Although the construction of the book could seem somewhat disjointed in less capable hands, O'Brien weaves an unforgettable story of the Vietnam War and the young men who served.

MY IMPRESSIONS
This is an outstanding book about the human side of the Vietnam War, as it shies away from trying to understand the political implications of the conflict and instead focuses on the impact the war had on the men who served. Not only does the book discuss its characters' lives during the war, but also revisits them directly after they return home, as well as decades later. There is nothing extraneous about O'Brien's writing, as he makes every detail count; even an object as seemingly insignificant as a pebble takes on deeper meaning in the opening story. The Things They Carried is likely to inspire increased understanding of the the Vietnam War among teens, deepening their emotional connection to a very confusing and complex period in American history.

REVIEWS
"Not since Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five has the American soldier been portrayed with such poignance and sincerity."
Mark Annichiarico, Library Journal, Feb. 1990, Vol. 115, No. 3

"In addition to leisure reading, this collection offers potential for history classes studying war, for English classes doing units on short stories, and perhaps for sociology or psychology assignments."
Barbara Hawkins, School Library Journal, Feb. 1991, Vol. 37, No. 2

"Only a handful of novels and short stories have managed to clarify, in any lasting way, the meaning of the war in Vietnam for America and for the soldiers who served there. With The Things They Carried, Tim O'Brien adds his second title to the short list of essential fiction about Vietnam."
Robert R. Harris, The New York Times Book Review, March 11, 1990

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book could inspire an event (perhaps taking place on Veterans Day) in which those who served in Vietnam could be asked to speak to, and answer questions from, teens regarding their experiences. In addition, the book could also be part of a display of the best fictional books about war for teens or be added to an in-house and online book list of the best short stories for teens.

CITATION
O'Brien, T. (1990). The things they carried. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Module 14 | Such a Pretty Face

PLOT SUMMARY
In this book of short stories, editor Ann Angel brings together talented YA authors to ruminate on the subject of beauty. Dealing with the topic in its physical and inner incarnations, the stories range from heartfelt to thought-provoking to laugh-out-loud funny. The peculiar opener by Ron Koertge should hook teens immediately, and the book's subsequent offerings only improve from there.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The stories are beautifully crafted ─ a particular favorite is "Farang," which deals with an American girl in Thailand ─ and offer original takes on an age-old subject. Angel's introduction (which is equal parts sad, reflective, and funny) sets the stage for what is to follow. Although the book will no doubt appeal to a primarily female audience, the stories are well-written and astute enough to be appreciated by boys as well.

REVIEWS
"Combining contributions from established veterans and newcomers, this appealing anthology, with its baker's dozen of stories about beauty — a topic often on the minds of youth — offers a broad perspective."
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2007, Vol. 75, No. 9

"This powerful, thought-provoking anthology will certainly find a place in public libraries. High school librarians are strongly urged to consider it for purchase, despite a few instances of profane language and several sexual references."
Sophie Brookover, VOYA, April 2007, Vol. 30, No. 1

"While the stories differ in tone, all of them are of equally excellent quality, and it’s hard to pick a favorite. The book is entertaining enough that many teenagers will pick it up on their own."
Amie Rose Rotruck, Children's Literature, April 2007

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Such a Pretty Face would be a great starting point to allow preteens and teens to explore their thoughts about beauty, perhaps in conjunction with a library exhibition in which they can express those thoughts through writing, art, or photography. In addition, teens could be invited to express their feelings about how beauty affects their own lives through a Post Secret (postsecret.com) type of experiment, in which they write those feelings on postcards and drop them off at the library. The postcards could then be shared through the library's web site.

CITATION
Angel, A. (Ed.) (2007). Such a pretty face: Short stories about beauty. New York: Amulet Books.

Book Trailer | Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Photo courtesy of Photobucket

Book Trailer | Crazy by Han Nolan

Footage by me

Book Trailer | The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Footage by me

Module 13 | Rapunzel's Revenge

PLOT SUMMARY
12-year-old Rapunzel is shocked to find out that "Mother Gothel" is not really her mother at all, but her kidnapper. After confronting Gothel about the truth of her parentage, the witch locks Rapunzel in the highest tree in the forest, from which it takes her years ─ and many yards of hair ─ to escape. Her quest for revenge on Gothel leads Rapunzel through a slew of Wild West-style adventures alongside her new friend, Jack, and his pet goose (who, it just so happens, lays golden eggs).

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book, written by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by Nathan Hale, is an expert blend of genres, as fairy tale meets Western in a beautifully-drawn graphic format. Rapunzel is an instantly likable heroine, while Jack is a charming, if trouble-making, sidekick. Children who are familiar with the source material should get a kick out of reading this revision, and young girls will benefit from this Rapunzel's take-charge attitude, including her quick dismissal of a preening prince.

REVIEWS
"A dash of typical fairy-tale romance, a strong sense of social justice and a spunky heroine make this a standout choice for younger teens."
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2008, Vol. 76, No. 15

"The Hale team creates an engaging heroine ... This novel presents entertaining girl power at its quirkiest."
Laura Lehner, VOYA, October 2008, Vol. 31, No. 4

"Nathan Hale's illustrations are colorful, fun, and full of action. They clearly communicate not only what is happening, but also how the characters feel. Nothing but pure fun and a great book for reluctant reader girls."
Kate Reynolds, Childrens Book and Play Review, September/October 2008, Vol. 29, No. 1

USES IN THE LIBRARY
Rapunzel's Revenge would easily fit into a display of revisionist fairy tales, which could include YA novels such as Beastly and The Poison Apples, as well as picture books such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and Where's the Big Bad Wolf? This, in turn, could inspire a contest where young patrons write (or perhaps even film) their own revisionist tale. Also, Rapunzel's Revenge could be included on a reading list of graphic novels for girls.

CITATION
Hale, D. and Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel's revenge. New York: Bloomsbury.

Module 12 | Nevermore

PLOT SUMMARY
The book provides an overview of the life of Edgar Allan Poe, beginning with his mother's death and father's abandonment when Poe was a toddler. Nevermore details Poe's informal adoption by the Allan family; his troubles as a student; his early writing jobs; his marriage to his cousin, Virginia; and his bouts with alcoholism. The book discusses Poe's contribution to fiction, particularly his influence on the American short story. The fact that Poe's reputation was often maligned during his lifetime is sure to interest young readers who know only of the author's modern reputation.

MY IMPRESSIONS
The book does an excellent job of profiling Poe, as author Karen Lange gives the writer's talent its full due while never shying away from Poe's flaws. Nevermore will likely heighten the way young readers examine Poe's work, as it is easy to see the influence the many sad events in his life ─ specifically the early deaths of his mother and wife ─ had on his writing. The photographs are excellent enhancements to the text, as they illustrate how Poe's struggles with the bottle began to take a toll on his youthful good looks. It's also wonderful to see the many personalities mentioned in the text, including Poe's wife, mother, and foster parents, as well as his various allies and enemies in the publishing field. Overall, Nevermore is an excellent example of biography for middle school and high school audiences.

REVIEWS
"The book compactly covers Poe’s dramatic life from his early orphaning and his tempestuous relationship with his foster father to his growing writing career and his tempestuous relationship with his fellow writers ... The author gives full acknowledgment of Poe’s bouts of self-torment and alcoholism, but she also makes clear that he had his sunny and amiable days as well, and he seems all the more mysterious and glamorous as a result of the even-handed treatment."
Deborah Stevenson, The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, May 2009, Vol. 62, No. 9

"Lange’s emphasis on the many tragedies that shaped Poe’s short life as well as upon the historical and cultural elements that influenced his society gives readers a vivid sense of his struggles ... Lange’s volume demonstrates that Poe’s own tale is a worthy competitor with any of the stories he wrote."
Megan Lynn Isaac, VOYA, August 2009, Vol. 32, No. 3

"This book would be a wonderful way to introduce a unit on Poe to students or as a resource for research into Edgar Allan Poe. It is also a good book for browsers or those curious to learn more about the author’s life and works."
Anne Hoffman, Catholic Library World, June 2010, Vol. 80, No. 4

USES IN THE LIBRARY
The book could be featured as part of an "Edgar Allan Poe Day" celebration at the library, which could take place around the same time as Poe's birthday (January 19). Nevermore would be an excellent resource to showcase when discussing non-fiction works about the author's life, while other activities could include a gothic poetry contest; read-alouds of a few of his short-stories; and a screening of a movie based on one of his works, such as The Fall of the House of Usher. In addition, Nevermore could be included on a list of books aimed at teens that deal with the lives of famous artists, especially as many teens begin to familiarize themselves with Poe's work in middle school and high school.

CITATION
Lange, K. (2009). Nevermore: A photobiography of Edgar Allan Poe. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.