Model: A memoir

Diamond, Cheryl. Model: A Memoir. Simon Pulse, 2008. ISBN-13: 978-1-41695-904-5.

Plot
Cheryl Diamond is a fourteen year old girl from a small town who has moved to New York to live by herself. She is chasing a demanding, competitive and unpredictable dream, to become a model. Follow her as she meets the crazy, the unpredictable as well as the great who have fallen victim to the profession. This is a only crazy ride that is actually true.

Critical Evaluation
The narrative is clear and simple. It is an easy read for young readers. The story can sometimes seem choppy at some parts. The way the events are written can sometimes appear rushed so the flow of the plot can sometimes feel uneven. Despite these problems, the story is interesting and it provides an interesting insight to the hectic world of modeling.

Reader's Annotation
Cheryl Diamond is a model at just fourteen. Although it seems like a glorious profession, it is also hectic and sometimes unpredictable. Will Cheryl survive this profession or will she fall victim to it like so many others?

About the Author
Cheryl Diamond first moved to New York when she was just fourteen. She was quickly signed up to an agency and has been modeling since. At sixteen she started writing her memoir in between shoots. She had her book published in 2008.

Currently Diamond is modeling in New York. She has modeled for L'Oreal, Clairol and Armani.

Genre
Non Fiction

Curriculum
Model

Book Talking Ideas
How do you think Cheryl is able to stay true to herself through all her experiences?
Why do you think there are so many big personalities in modeling?
Does this book change the ways you see advertisements?

Reading Level/ Interest Level
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
It was an intriguing non fiction work about a career that seems so interesting and crazy.

The Magician: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Scott, Michael. The Magician: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. Delacorte Press, 2008. ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73358-8.

Plot
The twins Sophie and Josh has survived along with Nicholas and Scatty. This time they are visiting Nicholas' home city, Paris, but it is hardly a happy event. Nicholas along with his wife Perenell are aging since they are away from the Book of Abraham the Mage. This also means that they are getting weaker and weaker while Dr. Dee continues to gather darker and more dangerous allies. Sophie must also learn to control her new awaken powers before she goes mad.

Critical Evaluation
The sequel is just as well written and entertaining as the first book. Scott continues an exciting story with more references to folklore from all over the world. There are also bigger conflicts and monsters that keeps the readers in suspense. The book is a quick read and is a good book even for hesitant readers.

Reader's Annotation
Sophie and Josh are now in Paris with Nicholas and more in danger than ever. Nicholas is getting weaker while bigger and darker enemies come closer. Sophie has also been awaken and her magic power can drive her mad if she isn't able to control it first.

About the Author
Michael Scott is a native of Ireland. He not only is a writer, but an authority on Celtic folklore as well. In addition to books, he also writes for stage and screen.

He has written over forty books and is praised for his contributions to children's literature.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Magic Fiction
Twins Fiction
Historical Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think Sophie can control her powers?
What do you think of the prophecy?
Do you think Josh's desire will change the nature of their relationship?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
The author's incorporation of world folklore and myths in the story makes the book really interesting and real.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Scott, Michael. The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. Delacorte Press, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0-385-73357-1.

Plot
Sophie and Josh Newman are twins, teenagers living the quiet life in San Francisco. This is until Josh's boss, Nicholas Flamel and his book shop is suddenly attacked by a Dr. John Dee. Suddenly the whole store is destroyed by magic and Dr. Dee is demanding for some sort of book. Nicholas then reveals himself as an alchemyst, a 700 year old man who found the secret of eternal life protecting the Book of Abraham the Mage. Sophie and Josh are then thrown into a world where legends and myths are true and that they are part of a prophecy that will determine the fate of the world.

Critical Evaluation
The book is well written and with a clear narrative which was easy to follow. The book also uses actual myths and legends and facts of people and of the world so the reader gets a sense of realism while reading. The plot is also constantly moving with twists and non stop action. This book is best suitable for those who like magical adventure tales.

Reader's Annotation
Sophie and Josh are twins that were leading normal lives. That is until Josh's boss Nicholas Flamel is attacked and finds out that he is actually a 700 year old alchemyst that is guarding the Book of Abraham the Mage that contains the secret to eternal life. Suddenly the twins embark on an adventure, facing opponents that only existed in legends.

About the Author
Michael Scott is a native or Ireland. In addition to writing he is also an authority of Celtic folklore which has gone on and influenced his writing. He stated writing over twenty-five years ago and writes for both youth and adults.

He additionally writes for stage and screen and is praised for his contributions to children's literature.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Magic Fiction
Twins Fiction
Historical Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think Nicholas is not telling Sophie and Josh everything? Do you think it's for their own good or is he hiding something?
Do you think that Josh and Sophie have a unique relationship because they're twins?
What do you think of the idea that every legend has a bit of truth in it?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
A very fun and interesting historical fiction.

Go Ask Alice

Anonymous. Go Ask Alice. Simon Pulse, 1971. ISBN-13: 978-1-41691-463-1.

Plot
Alice is a normal teenager when her life is turned upside down. At a party she accidentally takes some LSD and suddenly she finds herself struggling with a drug addiction. The book follows her journey as her life is changed from her drug addiction and her struggle to get it back on track.

Critical Evaluation
The book is written in diary form which makes it easier to read and the narrative flows pretty smoothly. What is interesting is being able to read the story from the perspective of Alice and what is going on in her head while her life goes through some drastic changes. Her emotions are also raw and readers are able to clearly see the emotional changes in her life.

Reader's Annotation
Alice was just a normal teenager until she accidentally goes to a party to find that she gets tricked into taking LSD. Alice's life is then thrown off track as she tries to deal living as a drug addict.

About the Author
There is controversy over who is the author of the book. At first this book was presented as a nonfiction work with the author listed as anonymous. Later, Beatrice Sparks, an American and Mormon youth counselor presented herself as the editor. She has also written other books about serious teen issues. This book is said to be based on teenagers dealing with drug issues.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Drug Abuse
Diaries

Book Talking Ideas
How did drugs impact Alice's life?
Why did it seem that Alice had less and less choices going on?
Who was in control of Alice's life?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Language, sexual references, young people acting out

Challenge Answer
All of the challenge issues are used to show the negative impact of drugs in a young adult life. The negative behavior is not glorified or encouraged, it acts as a warning to readers.

Why Included in Selection
An interesting book about drug addiction told in a unique format.

Good Enough

Yoo, Paula. Good Enough. HarperTeen, 2008. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-079085-1

Plot
Patti knows what is expected of her, especially from her traditional Korean parents. She has to be the concertmaster of her All-State violin competition, get nearly perfect on her SAT's and get into an Ivy League school. Oh yah, anything less is NOT ACCEPTABLE! She might as well not even bother living. Everything is going as planned until cute Trumpet boy shows up. He's nice, talented, he likes the same rock bands as her AND he's easy on the eyes. This definitely spells trouble. Can Patti please her parents while trying to be a normal teenager?

Critical Evaluation
This is a very addicting book. The narrative is written with clarity and humor so the pages fly past, it is appropriate for hesitant readers. The characters are funny, well-written and Yoo does a good job in having the reader relate to her characters. There are several surprises in the plot and Yoo does give some yummy Korean recipes that is mentioned in the story.

Reader's Annotation
Patti Yoo is an overachiever to say the least. She is on track to being the perfect Korean daughter until cute Trumpet guy appears. This guy is trouble, and Patti wonders if pleasing her parents is what makes her happy.


About the Author
Paula Yoo was born in Virgina and grew up in Connecticut. In addition to writing books she also writes TV scripts. She does admit that she shares some characteristics with Patti. She does play the violin and was the concertmaster of her high school orchestra.

She now resides in Los Angeles with her husband. Good Enough is her first novel.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Korean American Fiction
Musician Fiction
Parent and Child Relationships
Self-realization

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think Patti made a good choice based on her happiness or her parents?
Why do you think Patti's parents are so hard on her?
Do you think Patti was true to herself throughout the book?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
There is a racial slur mentioned

Challenge Answer
Accurately depicts issues that some Asian Americans face.

Why Included in Selection
This book was funny and I related to its themes.

The Chocolate War

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. Knopf, 1974. ISBN-13: 978-0-375-82987-1

Plot
The Vigil a bullying group, rule the school and Archie controls everyone being the "assigner" of the group. In fact, the principal asks for the support of the Vigils to make sure that the upcoming chocolate sale will go well. The Vigils agree, but with a trick up their sleeve. As a joke, Jerry is told by the Vigils to refuse to sell chocolates, but only for a short while then join in the fundraiser. However, Jerry continues to refuse chocolates defying not only the school, but the Vigils as well. Suddenly Jerry finds himself being bullied at every turn and questions if it was worth it, daring to upset the status quo.

Critical Evaluation
This is a very complex dark story with adult themes and questions. The story as well as the characters are well crafted and the reader does not have any clue how this showdown is going to end. While this is a very well written story, it is a challenge to read since there are many adult themes, ideas and complex issues. This book is for more advanced readers who are not afraid of seeing the dark side of life.

Reader's Annotation
The Vigils rule the school, everyone, even the principal knows that. As a pawn in one of their schemes Jerry is told to refuse to sell chocolates, but later give in to the school fundraiser. However, Jerry flat out refuses to sell the chocolates and suddenly finds himself victimized by the school and Vigils.

About the Author
Robert Cormier was born on January 17, 1925 and was the son of French-Canadian immigrants. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter for 30 years. He also wrote scripts for a radio station. He wrote his first novel which was published in 1960.

Since then, Cormier's work has been honored and he has received several awards including the Margaret A. Edwards Award. He is also widely considered as a notable contributor to YA fiction. He lived all his life in Massachusetts with his wife and children. He passed away November, 2000.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Bully Fiction
High School Fiction


Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think Jerry refused to sell the chocolate?
Do you think it is better to upset the status quo, even if it means some hard times?
What did you think of the ending of the novel?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
This book contains strong language, adult themes of a sexual nature, violence and depicts anarchic characters.

Challenge Answer
While this book does contain quite a few questionable material, it does portray the developing stages of adolescence boys which is not always pretty. Also, sometimes life is not always clean or bright. Cormier shows the reality that sometimes life is raw, dark and unfair.

Why Included in Selection
It is an acclaimed book with great themes.

Romeo's Ex: Rosaline's Story

Fiedler, Lisa. Romeo's ex: Rosaline's Story. Holt, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-7500-7

Plot
Everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. However, no one really knows what happened before Romeo went to that fateful party. Rosaline is Juliet's cousin, she was also the item of affection for Romeo before he met Juliet. Additionally, she was not into the idea of falling in love and had a few ideas of her own on what to do with her life. Enjoy reading about the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of Rosaline, a headstrong independent woman ahead of her time.

Critical Evaluation
This book is an interesting twist to the classic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Apparently, the author often felt that women got the short end of the stick in many of Shakespeare's plays and decided to explore the life of Rosaline, a character that is only mentioned in the beginning of the play. It is interesting to see the confidence of Rosaline and an outsider's perspective on the love story and how it evolved. Additionally, the text flows easily and is not a challenging read for hesitant readers.

Reader's Annotation
Rosaline was only mentioned briefly as the object of affection for Romeo in Shakespeare's classic story Romeo and Juliet. However, Rosaline is more than meets the eye and tells another version of the love between Romeo and Juliet.

About the Author
Fiedler was frustrated that the majority of Shakespearean women got ignored or not fully developed. As a result, she has written new versions of several of his plays that explore the lives of these overlooked women. She has also written several other books based on teenage celebrities.

Currently Fiedler lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter and their golden retriever.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Historical Fiction
Love Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think Rosaline chose wisely on what to do with her life?
Do you think that the society at that time was accepting of Rosaline's ambitions?
How does the story of Romeo and Juliet appear to you now?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
Deals with issues of adult relationships

Challenge Answer
The issues are only implied and covered briefly.

Why Included in Selection
This book had an interesting premise.