The Boy In the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Boyne, John. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. David Fickling Books; Mti edition, 2008. ISBN 0385751893

Plot

Bruno is an eight year old boy who loves to play and have fun with his friends. One day, he returns home from school to find his belongings being packed into crates. His father, a Nazi soldier, has received a promotion and the family must move from their home in Berlin to a new house in “Out-With,” Poland. Bruno does not like his new home because it is in the middle of nowhere and he has no friends to play with. Outside Bruno window he realizes that there is a ‘farm’ where everyone is wearing pajamas, he sees children so he want to go over to play with them. Bruno who dreams of being an explorer decides that he must go over to find out what is going on. While exploring the hidden fortress, he meets another boy, but he is behind the fence wearing the pajamas. Shmuel is an eight year old boy just like Bruno which automatically means they are going to be friends. Bruno does not understand why Shmuel is behind the fence and cannot come out. Shmuel sort of understands the situation he is it but not completely. They become friends even though there lives and circumstances are different but develop an innocent friendship that results in shocking consequences.

Critical evaluation

This story is meant for children to understand the Holocaust but has more adult themes. The children are unaware of what is really going on within the fence. Bruno, a son of a soldier, does not really understand what his father is doing nor does he know that what his father does is affecting his friend, Shmuel. This novel is an eye opener for both child and adult because both play important roles. The father is the in charge of the “death” camp and is killing thousand of people without thinking about it. Bruno thinks that Schmuel is living an ok’ay within the camp and does not believe it to be dangerous. Bruno’s father realizes first hand what it feels like to lose someone with the gas chambers that he approved of.

Readers Annotations

Bruno is a young boy whose family moves to Poland after his Nazi father is promoted. Bruno discovers a new place where he makes friends with Shmuel not realizing that he has made friends with a Jewish boy in a concentration camp. There friendship leads to consequences that there innocent minds never thought of.

Information About the Author

The Boy In The Striped Pajamas followed in 2006, originally published for younger readers, it quickly found an audience with both adults and children. Since its release Boyne enjoys to visit schools and classrooms, talking to young children about the issues raised in the novel

Genre

Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties

History/English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Father when he realizes that Bruno was in the gas chamber

2) How the extermination of thousands happened

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr. 9+

Why Book Included

Has been on my list for a while, thought it would be a perfect time to scratch it off.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Lee, Harper. To Kill A Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics; Reprint, 2007. ISBN-10: 0060935464

Plot Summary

Finch “Scout”, an 5 year old girl, tells a story through her own eyes. Finch lives in a small Southern town in Alabama, during the Depression. She lives with her father Atticus and her older brother Jem. Throughout there story there is a trial of a young black man accused of raping a white woman. In the summer there neighbor Dill Harris comes to visit his Aunt next door and they all have a lot of fun being mischievous. Boo Radley, lives down the block and is the towns “boogeyman.” Scout has heard stories that Boo is crazy and to stay away from his house. The trial of the rape becomes more dominant in Scouts life especially when Atticus is called in to defend the accused, Tom Robinson. Scout does not realize the racial tensions in her town until the trial becomes heavier. Scout is proud of Atticus but does not understand what is really going on until later.

Critical evaluation

Told from a child’s point of view the reader is only able to see and comprehend Scouts view with the trial. The reader only knows as much as a child knows since it is her telling. Scout at first behaves like a child, by playing games and acting like a brat at time. When the case gets Atticus involve she begins to gain an interest and wants to understand what is going on in her small town. Scout realizes that judging someone from there appearance is not the right thing to do. This correlates her understanding with the trial but also with Boo Radley who she once feared but ends up rescuing her.

Readers Annotations

Told through a 5 year old girl eyes this story captures the understanding of racism in a southern town.

Information About the Author

The plot and characters are loosely based on Lee’s observations of her family and neighbors, as well as on an event that occurred near her hometown in 1936, when she was 10 years old.

Genre

Crime/Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Atticus point of view

2) Racisim. Still an issue?

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr 9+

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Racism

Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel

Why Book Included

Have not read the book in a while thought it would be fun to read again.

TTYL by Lauren Myracle

Myracle, Lauren. TTYL. Amulet Books, 2005. ISBN 0-8109-8788-0

Plot

Madigan Kinnick (madmaddie), Zoe Barrett (zoegirl), and Angela Silver (SnowAngel) just started there sophomore year in high school. While the girls have been best friends since seventh grade, they each look elsewhere to seek approval from others. Mad has Jan who is a the queen bee of the school. Zoe deals with Mr. H who uses Christianity to get close to the students but is very flirty. Angela gets a boyfriend who she thinks is the one but becomes crazy after he sees her with another girl. Sophomore year was supposed to be great for these three friends but they are facing a lot of challenges. There friendships are put to the test through many events that occur.

Critical Evaluation

This story is done completely in Instant Messaging which is at first annoying but later it becomes easier to read. The language used is how a teen would type in IM, which is no punctuation marks, lessening of letters in words, abbreviating, IM lingo, and emoticons. The best scence is when Zoe is put in an awkward situation with Mr.H. Zoe is the studious good girl with ultra-strict parents. She craves the approval of her teacher, who happens to be a 24 year old single man. When her teacher invites her to Christian fellowship events and to church, her parents approve. However, the teacher develops an inappropriate interest in his pupil. Zoe and the teacher end up in a hot tub together, where she is rescued by her friends. This is a serious situation that was written very humorous. The teacher could have had taken advantage of Zoe and put her in an uncomfortable situation. Teenagers when put in what seems to be a serious situation turn it into a joke since the consequences are not really thought about.

Readers Annotations

The story of three 15 year old girls starting 10th grade. It is told entirely through instant messages between the girls in which they talk about their hopes and fears and the activities in their lives.

Information About the Author

Myracle does not us IM to catch up with her friends but emails frequently

Genre

Young Adult/Friendship

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1)Zoe when in the bathtub with Mr. H

2) IM lingo

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr 9 -10

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Mature Content : Sexual Situations – teacher

Selected for entry into Anita Silvey's 500 Great Books for Teens

Why Book Included

I thought that idea of it being in IM was cool and would be entertaining to read.

The Wanderers by Richard Price

Price, Richard. The Wanderers. First Mariner Book, 1999. ISBN 0-395-9774-6

Plot

The Wanderers is an Italian gang from the Bronx, whose members include Richie, Joey, Despie, and Buddy. They are high school students growing up in the early 60s. There man leader is Richie and they tend to get into a lot of fights with other rival gangs, mostly The Baldies, which is lead by a big fat guy named Terror. Racism and prejudice is vey present within the gangs and at school. When a discussion at school about racial equality comes to play racial tensions hit the roof and a fight is planned. The Wanderers and others are stuck in an era of the 50s where racial inequalities exist and gangs are still popular. Richie meets, Rhonda, a college girl who introduces Richie to the new era. Richie’s current girlfriend, Nina, ends up getting pregnant. While Richie and his friends are living there lives there is a change in society that is blossoming. Richie is stuck in the middle and does not know where to go.

Critical evaluation

This story takes place in 1964 which is a time when the old is meeting the new. Price captures the essence of teenage youth and the switch from the 50s to the 60s. In 1964 the civil rights act was established. Race is a major issue throughout the story it shows that social change has to happen or the world would be stuck in this violent era full of hate. The battle that was going to take place between The Wongs, The Afros, and the Wanderers does not because they realize that there is no point to it. His friends were stuck but he did not want to be but with his girlfriend being pregnant he felt that he had no where to escape.

Readers Annotations

It is 1964 in the Bronx and the Wanderers are trying to keep the spirit of the 50s alive by listening to the same music and being in a gang. After Richie meets a college girl he realizes that he does not want to be stuck there.

Information About the Author

The Wanderers is Price’s first novel that he wrote when he was 24 years old.

Genre

Fiction/Coming of age

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Life in the 50s

2) Richie after he found out Nina was pregnant.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr. 9-13

Why Book Included

My friend sold it to me when he was explaining the transition of the 50s to 60s being captured.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. Speak, 2003. ISBN 0-14-038572-X

Plot

Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers, Sodapop and Darry are part of a gang of greasers. There parents died in a car accident and Darry has to take care of his younger brothers. They often get in fight with the Socs, a group of wealthy, privileged boys who beat them up for fun. Ponyboy is the youngest brother who is shy, quiet, and smart. Soda, the middle brother, is very handsome and likable. Darry, is the adult, he is very serious, works most of the time, and is pushes Ponyboy to do well in school. Pony does not feel that they are a real family because they are constantly arguing with one another. Ponyboy and Johnny end up getting into trouble that could possibly end there lives so they run away. While away they both reevaluate there lives and decide to change it but tragedy strikes that might hinder it. Ponyboy wants something more than just being a greaser but is it to late for them to change?

Critical evaluation

Hinton explores the differed side of a notorious generation. They were not all brutes that wanted to fight all the time. Hinton reveals the Soc to be the problem in this novel. They have the money and social statues that the greasers do not so they do not get reprimanded for there actions. At first the greasers seem to be the victims but as the story progresses they grow as individuals as well as a family. They teach the Soc once and for all not to mess with them anymore. After the large fight at the park that should understand that. Hinton captures teenage greaser life very well in her various novels.

Readers Annotation
Ponyboy and Johnny are part of a gang of greasers though they do not seem the part since they are both shy and do not like to cause any trouble. They get themselves in trouble that would change there lives as well as those around them.

Information About the Author
S.E. Hinton began to write this novel when she was 15 years old

Genre

Realistic fiction

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas
1) greasers and modern gangs

2) ponyboy first person narrative

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr 9-12

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Violence, underage drinking, smoking

New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979

Why Book Included

It is a popular novel that I have always wanted to read that I never got around to doing.

Suburbia by Eric Bogosian

Bogosian, Eric. Suburbia. Theater Communications Group, 1995. ISBN 1-55936-101-8

Plot

Jeff, Sooze, Tim, Buff, and Bee-Bee are all high school friends who live in suburbia and hangout in front of a convenient story on most nights. They are bored suburbans out of highschool who are almost entering there 20s. Jeff talk talks about going back to college some day while he lives in a tent in his parents' garage. His girlfriend Sooze imagines herself as a performance artist in New York. Tim was kicked out of the Air Force and most of his time getting drunk. Buff loves pizza and is a little bit crazy. Bee-Bee, Sooze's best friend, is recently out of rehab but it having a hard time staying clean. These are group of friends are hanging out in front of the liquor store waiting for there old friend Pony. Pony is the only one who has made it out of the suburbs. He has become a big ‘rock star’ who is going to perform at the local arena and is the only one who is doing something besides hanging around in parking lots. His return causes the others to think about there lives and future.

Critical evaluation
Suburbia captures life after high school, the limbo between teen and twenties, and suburban life. The main character Jeff wants to go to college but it to afraid to do so because he thinks that he is not good enough. His fear causes him to be comfortable in the situation that he is in but when Pony returns he realizes that there has to be something more out there and realizes he has to go out there and get it. He no longer wants to stay in suburbia and drink in parking lots. The other characters are also in the same situation or either does not want to aspire to do anything. They do not want to grow up and would rather stay where they know best. Life after high school is one of the hardest transitions and Bogosian portrays that very well.

Readers Annotations

Out of high school, living in suburbia, there is nothing to do except hang out in a parking lot. Pony, there old high school friend is in a band that is playing at the local hockey arena which causes them to re-evaluate there lives.

Information About the Author

The character Jeff is drawn from Bogosians own post teenage life.

Genre

Young adult/suburban life

Curriculum Ties

Drama

Booktalking Ideas

1) Jeff first person narrative

Reading Level/Interest Age
Gr. 9-12

Why Book Included
I thought the idea of post-high school was interesting since most of the novels deal with life in high school or the summer right after graduation.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brasheras

Brashares, Ann. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Dell Books for Young Readers, 2005. ISBN: 0553494791

Plot

Lena Kaligaris, Tibby Rollins, Bridget Vreeland, and Carmen Lowell, have been close friends since childbirth, practically sisters. Carmen finds a pair of thrift store jeans that fit all four girls great, even though they all have different shapes. They believe the friends to be magical since it is impossible that the jeans fit all of them, so that night they make rules about the jeans. They are about to spend there first summer apart from one another so the jeans would be shared between one another. Lena is heading to Greece to spend time with grandparents, Carmen visits her father in South Carolina, Bridget is attending soccer camp in Mexico, and Tibby is the only one staying home. All four girl experience one of the most eventful summers of there lives. Leah meets a boy in Greece who she is forbidden to see due to family rivalries. Carmen finds out that her father is about to re-marry and has an established family. Tibby meets Bailey, a ten year old girl who she befriends. Bridget has her eye on one of the coaches at the camp who she is determined to get. It is there friendship, as well as the jeans, that help them get through the summer. They were changing but they had each other.

Critical evaluation

The four girls are use to having each other all the time and this might be one of the summers they face apart but the jeans give them that same courage they get from one another. The jeans become part of there foursome. The novel captures all four girls feeling and events perfectly, as a diary. Carmen feels that her father is leaving her for another family but does not know to express herself. Tibby becomes good friends with Bailey but Bailey has Leukemia, her death teaches Libby to be more optimistic in life. Bridget is the first one to sleep with a boy and she regrets it after he does not want anything to do with her. Lena falls in love with a Greek boy who her family did not accept. There situations act out the way teens would feel. The author captures the raw emotions of being a teenager, by only using emotions rather than logic.

Readers Annotations

Miracle jeans and sisterhood allow four friends to make it through one of the hardest summers of there teenage lives.

Information About the Author

She is best known as the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series of books.

Genre

Fiction/young adult/friendship

Curriculum Ties

English
Booktalking Ideas

1) the jeans. First person narrative
Reading Level/Interest Age

12+

Why Book Included
My sister told me that the book was really good so I took a chance on it since it is not the typical book that I usually check out.

Smack by Melvin Burgess

Burgess, Melvin. Smack. Avon Books, 1996. ISBN 0-380-73223-8

Plot Summary

Tar and Gemma are a teenage punk rock couple in Bristol that run away together. Gemma, is a brat who does not want to live with her ‘overbearing’ parents while Tar leaves his abusive father and alcoholic mother. They begin to live there lives as squatters where they are introduced to Lily and Rob, heroin addicts who take Tar and Gemma under their wings. Tar and Gemma are looking for adult figures in there lives to feel a sense of family. Lily and Rob fall deeper into heroin and often doing anything for money, such as selling drugs or her body to afford it. This is not the life they really wanted but they do not care as much since they are not living with there parents anymore. Gemma gets a job at a health parlor making decent money. Tar and Gemma begin to do heroin as well but it is not all fun and games. Gemma loses her job as the customers can see her track marks and Tar gets arrested for drug possession. The foursome realizes the toll that drugs are taking on them and try to quit but that cannot handle the pain of the withdrawal symptoms, so they continue there drug use. Lily ends up pregnant and has a baby while she is addicted to heroin so the baby comes out addicted as well. Lily has to rub heroin on the babies gums to keep it from crying. The four of them are living these destructive lives of addiction but they do not care anymore until a traumatic event happens where they all are apart from one another. Will this separation help them stay clean?

Critical evaluation

Depicts heroin addiction in its most rawest form often times becoming vey descriptive and shocking. Tar and Gemma were an innocent couple at home but once the squatting began they were introduced to one of the most hardest drugs on the market. Burgess does not glorify the use of drugs at all in this novel. He purely states everything the way it when one dwells deeper and deeper into drugs. Drugs are seen as destructive forces that do not have any cool connotation to it. It often has descriptions that are disgusting but true for heroin addicts. The life of heroin addicts not pretty and Burgess makes that quite clear. The novel starts off slow but picks up after the couple begins to do heroin. The book goes back and forth between being clean and sober which is annoying but at the same time realistic. There are no hit it and quit its when it comes to heroin. This is a raw portrayal of heroin abuse that will have the reader cringing and never wanting to do smack.

Readers Annotations

Gemma and Tar are a punk rock couple that runaway together to escape there parents and enter a life of squatting and drugs. While squatting they meet another couple, Lily and Rob who introduce them to heroin. There heroin addictions cause there lives to fall apart and might cost them there lives.

Information About the Author

Burgess is the winner of the Carnegie Medal and Guardian Prize for Fiction

Genre

Drugs use and Abuse

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Gemma first person narrative

2) Effects of heroin

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Drug Usage

Does not glorify drugs, explains the horrors of addiction.

Why Book Included

I loved this book as a teen and wanted to know if I still felt the same way about it now that I am older.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Peters, Julie A. Luna. Little, Brown Young Readers, 2006. ISBN: 0316011274

Plot Summary

Regan is a teenager attending high school who is trying to live a normal teenage life but finds it difficult since she has taken it upon herself to keep her brother, Liam, happy. Liam, is not your ordinary teenager because he is dealing with an issue that very few people his age understand. Liam, feels alone in a world that would not accept his secret, his only confident is his sister Regan, but this might be something that she cannot handle on her own. Regan, was always making sure that Liam was doing fine but no one was making sure if Regan was. A boy in her school has some interest in her but Regan finds it hard just too even hang out with him. Liam’s secret is causing her to miss events in her life that she desperately wants. Regan wants to break free from her brother and create a life for herself but Liam needs someone to help through a transition. There relationship becomes more difficult after Liam’s secret is not so much of a secret anymore after he begins to dress like a girl in public.

Critical evaluation

Liam feels that he has to act like a boy by dressing and acting the part because he was born a boy. If he were to act differently from his given role people would not accept it. Liam had to fake who he was in order to be accepted but in doing so he was not accepting himself. Liam felt like a “freak” and felt that “he didn’t fit anywhere” as if he were an alien to this world. The idea of language and gender roles caused Liam to feel shame for the person he really was. Liam’s true self of wanting to be a girl caused him to change his name to Luna and had the strength of taking the next step to transitioning from a man to a woman. Luna would be able to reflect the gender role and language that was the true Liam without any question from others or him self. She would fit perfectly into the “gender scale” and she would feel accepted rather than a “freak.”

Readers Annotations

Regan is trying to make it through high school while Liam is trying to be more of the girl that he was born to be. Regan has always helped “Luna” but this time Luna needs more from Regan who may not want to be there for her anymore.

Information About the Author

Peters was inspired to write this novel after a girl kept waking her up telling her to write her story. Peters was annoyed because she was trying to sleep but finally asked her what in which the girls response was ‘im transsexual.’

Genre

Transgender/Transsexual Fiction

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas
1) Regan first person account

2) Describe Lunas struggle

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr. 9+

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Transgender/Transsexuality

Chosen by the American Library Association for their 2009 Great Stories CLUB

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Doctorow, Cory. Little Brother. Tom Doherty Associates Book, 2008. ISBN 0-7653-1985-3

Plot Summary

Marcus and his friends Jolu and Van are seniors in high school living in San Francisco. Marcus finds out that there is going to be a game of Harajuko Fun Madness so he gathers his apprehensive friends and they escape to the city. While they are out San Francisco experiences a terrorist attack and they are right in the middle of it. Jolu gets stabbed as massive mobs of people being to scurry throughout the city. Marcus attempts to get someone for help but all the cop cars were passing him by. A truck is the only one that stopped but Marcus soon regrets it. They are roughly thrown into the car with bags over there heads. After this incident Marcus life would never be the same. He wakes up and does not know where he or his friends are. Marcus undergoes brutal interrogations for what seems like forever. Marcus is believed to be part of the terrorist because of the technologies they found in his bag. Marcus is later released into a world that he does not recognize or want to be part of. San Francisco has turned into a prison where no one has freedom or personal space. Marcus is once reunited with Van but Jolu is still missing. He is willing to do anything to find him. Marcus meets a girl over the internet, Ange, which he quickly falls for. Marcus is willing to risk everything to find his friend and bring back the city to the people rather than the government’s hands.

Critical evaluation

A combination of 1984 and Hackers for this generations fear of terrorism. Marcus is the ordinary hacker who wants to bring down a system that treated him and is treating others like animals. The plot is excellent because this is an underlying fear that some Americans have, especially after 911. After 911, the Patriot Act became a threat to peoples privacy but the government believed that it was infringing on others peoples lives was to protect billions of lives. How far would they go to keep Americans “safe” though, who monitors those who are monitoring? This novel opens up a can of worms of what ifs? It is a thought provoking novel that entertains.
Readers Annotations

Marcus and his friends, who are hacker, are treated as terrorist after they are found near the attack in San Francisco where “suspicious” items were found in there bags. Marcus is willing to bring down the government to find his lost friend and restore privacy to San Francisco.

nformation About the Author

Cory Doctorow's Little Brother won the 2009 Campbell Award for "Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year"

Genre
Science Fiction

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Patriot Act. Think its ok?

2) Can little brother be a reality?

3) Marcus after inerrogations. First person narrative

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr. 8-12

Why Book Included

I enjoyed reading this book for class

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Peter Sollett

Sollett, Peter. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Columbia Pictures, 2008. PG-13. DVD. 90mins. ASIN: B001MM3AZM

Plot Summary

"Where's Fluffy?" Nick is heartbroken after his ex-girlfriend left him and does not want to go out but when he hears that the band "Where's Fluffy?" would be playing a secret show he is ready to hit the streets of NY. Norah is also a "Where's Fluffy?" fan and goes a quest to find the secret show. Norah is instantly attracted to Nick which she first spots while he is performing on stage with his band. Nick sees the girl that broke his heart and is struggling whether or not to talk to her but before he has a change Norah grabs and kisses him to prove to her mean friend Tricia that she does have a boyfriend. Nick turns out to be Tricias ex-girlfriend, she is shocked but goes along with it since Tricia was mean to Nick throughout there relationship. Norah feels as if she knows Nick because of the mix CD’s he made Tricia all the time but gave to her instead. Nick, Norah, and friends go on an adventure throughout NYC looking for Fluffy. Nick and Norah are both emotionally involved in relationships with people who like the idea of them but do not like them for who they really are. Norah is a daughter of a famous musician while Nick is a musician but Tricia wants now because Norah has him. Nick and Norah grow closer together as the night ends but there old relationships are still present!

Critical evaluation

Nick and Norah are two teenagers that are looking for love in all the wrong places. Nick is in love with Tricia mainly because of her looks while Norah is with a guy who uses her for her connections in the music industry. This movie is a simple teenage love story that has a great soundtrack. Both main characters are into music so there is no surprise that the soundtrack is a delightful treat to the indie ear music scene. The on location shooting also adds to the just of the movie. NYC is a great and lively city which this movie conveys through its many local locations that they visit. The only part of the movie that I thought was unnecessary was when they were both in the recording studio doing something dirty. Nothing is shown but is heard but the scene is not really necessary to have. It kind comes of nowhere and ends abruptly. NYC, teenage love, and a great soundtrack, create one of the most unforgettable movies of the 21st century.

Readers Annotations

Nick and Norah search for “Where’s Fluffy?,” Norah’s friend, and love throughout NYC.

Information About the Author

Sellett shot NNIP everything on location in a course of 29 days.

Genre

Comedy/Drama/Music/Romance

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) New York City Music Scene

2) Nick after he leaves Tricia by herself

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Why Book Included

The music in this movie is the main reason why and also my crush on Michael Cera.

The Wackness by Jonathan Levine

Levine, Jonathan. The Wackness. Sony Picture Classics, 2008. R. DVD. 99 mins. ASIN: B001J9KJ48.

Plot Summary

Luke Shapiro is a recent high school graduate from Manhattan, NY who deals pot. One of his clients, Dr. Squire, a psychiatrists, gives him session in exchange for pot. Luke believes that he is depressed and needs some sort of medication to help him. Squire does not want to give him any because he thinks that Shapiro is just afraid to experience life. Dr. Squires, step daughter, Stephanie, is Luke's crush. Luke was unpopular in high school so he has no friends to hang out with during the summer. Like begins to deal more after he finds out that his parents cannot afford to pay the rent. Luke has to deal with his dysfunctional parents and money problems. Luke encounters many interesting characters during his exchanges. Stephanie begins a relationship with Luke since all her frinends and left for the summer. Luke begins to fall in love while Stephanie is enjoying her summer. Luke also forms a tighter bond with Squire, who he feels is his only friend. Luke finds his first love and a good friend in the summer of 1994 in this coming of age story. A side story, Squire reevaluating his life and relationship with his wife.

Critical evaluation

Has all the elements that make it a nostalgic teen movie, love and lost, great music, and that adult guidance that is needed to survive. Luke sells pot at school but that still does not make him popular. Luke falls in love with a girl that he shouldn’t of had fallen in love. Stephanie clearly showed that she did not have any real interest in him but Luke wanted so badly to believe that they had a chance to be a couple, which was what he wanted. Luke had to grow up fast: his parents were immature, and Stephanie broke his heart. The plot of the movie is fantastic and captures heartache and summer flings. The best part of the movie is the soundtrack. It features underground east coast hip hop of the 90s. The soundtrack flows great with the movie.

Readers Annotations

Lukes life in the summer begins to become interesting when he starts spending more time with Dr. Squire and Stephanie. Luke learns about love and growing up in Manhattan, NY in the summer of 1994.

Information About the Author

Levine wanted to do a movie that was focused in 1994 because that was the year he graduated. He felt that if he did a movie in present time it would not be the same since he feels disconnected to this generation.

Genre

Comedy/ Drama/ Romance

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) first person narrative of Luke when he walks away from Stephanie
2) Hip Hop in the 90s

Reading Level/Interest Age

17+

Why Book Included

Heard it was a great coming of age story that had a great soundtrack.

Kids by Larry Clark

Clark, Larry. Kids. Lions Gate, 2000. R. DVD. 91 mins. ASIN: B00004YA6G

Plot Summary

It's summer in NYC and teens are bored so what are the suppose to do for fun...have sex, drink, and do drugs. Telly, a 16 year old boy, loves to deflower girls, the younger the better. Telly, his friend Casper, and all the rest of there friends skate, tag, smoke pot, and drink alcohol. Jenny is a 16 year old girl whose only sexual partner was Telly but they do not speak to each other anymore. Telly and his friends discuss sex when the issue of AIDS arises. The boys hate condoms and would rather risk getting AIDS then use them. They also believe that AIDS does not really exist since they do not anyone personally that has it. Jenny and her friends discuss the issues of sex as well, each contradicting one another. A week ago Jenny accompanied her friend Ruby to a clinic to get tested for STDs. Ruby has had many partners compared to Jenny. In one day the lives of these urban American teenagers would change forever. The choices they make have consequences that are beyond there understanding.

Critical evaluation

This movie shows teenagers in a raw setting that is not sugar coated what so ever which Larry Clark does well. This movie goes into the mind of the teenager that do not just act they share with the audience why they do things. Clarke wanted teens that did not have any acting experience so it gives a portrayal of teens that are just acting like themselves. These teenagers look like they are really just acting like themselves, like a documentary. The film quality is not impressive, since the film is not high quality and camera moves around a lot. There are teenagers who did or do believe that AIDS is not a threat but this movie makes a stance saying that it is. Teenagers and adults would be shocked by this movie.

Readers Annotations

A hot summer day in NYC unravels into a night of discoveries and unfortunate events for Telly, Jenny, and Casper.

Information About the Author

Clarke only wanted kids that did not have any prior acting experience. He was looking for those who were most like “street kids.”

Genre

Drama

Curriculum Ties

Health/Sex Ed

Booktalking Ideas

1) Consequences of unprotected sex

2) Discuss scene when caper rapes Jenny

3) Jenny after she finds out she has aids, first person

Reading Level/Interest Age

17+

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Teenage Sex

Rape

Drugs

Alcohol

Won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival

Considered “a wake up call” – New York Times

Why Book Included

I think this movie shows a raw portrayal of Teens and the issue of sex.

Girl Next Door by Luke Greenfield

Greenfield, Luke. The Girl Next Door. 20th Century Fox, 2004. NR. DVD. 108 min. ASIN: B00005JMX6

Plot Summary

Matthew Kidman focused more on his grades rather than having gun living as a teenager. His senior year and he feels as if he has nothing to show for it. He is involved in a lot of activities at school but he has never gone to a school party or ditched class before. Matthew wants to break out of his shell but is afraid to do so. Matthew gets a new neighbor, Danielle, a beautiful girl who he is very attracted to. Danielle help him live his last high school year to the fullest. Matthew feels more alive then he has ever felt. Matthews’s friends, Eli and Clitz, experience this new high school that they never had before Danielle came to the picture. Danielle helps Matthew gain self confidence which he never had. Eli shows Matt a video that exposes Danielle to be a porn star. Matt begins to look at Danielle differently which he later regrets. Danielle’s old porn producer, Kelly, shows up and invites her to join the industry again. Matthew is willing to win her back thought but he needs the help of his friends to do so.

Critical evaluation

This is an entertaining movie about the sex industry and that one person that can change your life entirely. This movie has a lot of nudity but it is not raunchy because many scenes are for comedic purposes. Matt was letting his teen years slip him by but Danielle was able to revive him and created one of the best years possible. Matt’s friends are humorous in almost every scene they are in because they are not as serious as Matt is. They display teenagers having fun and there eagerness to grow up sexually. This movie explores teenager’s issues with sex but all for comedic purposes.

Readers Annotations

Matthew Kidman is the average teen by the book but when Danielle moves next door his life would forever change. Danielle’s secret changes Mat’s perception of her and causes her to return to her old lifestyle. Matt want to get back with her and is willing to do anything.

Information About the Author

Luke did not purposefully make a “teen comedy” movie and was surprised about the praise that it got.

Genre

Comedy/Drama/Romance

Curriculum Ties

Lifestyle

Booktalking Ideas

1) Perceptions of Porn Stars

2) Sex in teen movies

Reading Level/Interest Age

17+

Why Book Included

I heard that it was a very funny movie.

Valley Girl by Martha Coolidge

Coolidge, Martha. Valley Girl. MGM, 2003. DVD. R. 99 mins. ASIN: B00005JLFA

Plot Summary

“As if!” Julie and her friends are typical high school seniors living in there little bubble in the valley. They shop, go to the mall, and eat sushi. Randy is your typical punk rocker from the other side of the tracks. Julie breaks up with Tommy out of boredom and want someone new, someone like Randy. The two are complete opposites from but are attracted to one another in an instant. Randy introduces Julio into his world which she is intrigued but scared to step out of her bubble. Julies friends are not fond of Randy because he is not the typical boy from the valley. Randy falls deeply in love with Julie but Julie is to scared to completely leave her bubble. Julie must step out of the water to be with her love but is in fear of losing her friends and the life that she has had her entire life, for a punk.

Critical evaluation

Opposites attract in this love story about boy meet girl but with a modern twist to it. Randy and Julie both fall madly in love with one another but Julie becomes confused when her friends begin to question there relationship and her reputation. Julie is a popular girl at school and being with Randy might have consequences. Julies unsupportive friends cause her to question her relationship with Randy. Julies situation is difficult because she has to choose between her friends and her boyfriend. This movie captures the two most important cultures in L.A. of the 80s, punk and valley. A great 80s film that features great music and helped the career of Nicholas cage. The movie captures teenage love and LA through two different view points.

Readers Annotations

Julie, the typical valley girl, and Randy, the punk rocker, are from different worlds but are attracted to one another. Julie is a teen girl who is not sure what she really wants and becomes torn between Randy and social suicide.

Information About the Author

Coolidge making her mark in the early eighties with a pair of teen classics like Valley Girl.

Genre

Comedy/Romance

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) What defines a valley girl and a punk

2) Opposites attract

3) First person narrative of Julie- leave Randy or not

Reading Level/Interest Age

17+

Why Book Included

One of the most popular movies of the 80s

Better Luck Tomorrow by Justin Lin

Lin, Justin. Better Luck Tomorrow. Paramount, 2003. DVD. 101 mins. ASIN: B0000AI424

Plot Summary

Ben and his friends entire lives revolved around school, work, extra curricular activities, and SAT’s but they wanted more. All they focused was how there good there college application was. Though this was there life they were bored of it. Ben, Virgil, and Hung were bored suburban teenagers who would steal and cause trouble around town. No one had any idea it was them since they were straight A Asian American students. Ben became, Stephanie’s, his crush, lab partner which he thought was great but she was dating Steve. Ben began to do cheat sheets that he got from Derek, the student body president, for money. These high school students studied and partied hard. Ben, Derek, Hung, and Virgil began to do cheat sheets together and sell drugs. There reputations began to grow, especially after Hung pulled out a gun at a party. Other scams began to come up each becoming more risky and dangerous. Ben began to dwell into drugs while trying to maintain his grades and his notorious reputation. His popularity and wealth increased but along with it came trouble. They were all bored, reckless, intelligent seniors in high school who were willing to risk everything.

Critical evaluation

Better Luck Tomorrow is a groundbreaking American film due to its subject matter. There have been movies that involve kids doing drugs, getting in fights, and stealing but what makes this movie different from the rest is because it deals with Asian Americans. Asian Americans in film are usually depicted as being passive or a type of ninja but the reality is that Asian Americans are just like any other teens, they get into trouble. This movie caused some controversy to stir up in the Asian American community but that controversy allowed the movie to become more popular. This MTV film captures teens getting into bad situations that they put themselves in for cheap thrills. The acting and directing are done well but the cast does not look like teens. The movie goes beyond stereotypes and introduces America to something that was behind doors.

Readers Annotations

Ben Manibag is an overachieving senior in high school living in boring old suburbia. Ben and his friends began to meddle around in the world of drugs and petty crimes but with the power follows consequences.

Information About the Author

Lin filmed Better Luck Tomorrow at his own high school alma mater and was a well received 2002 independent feature.

Genre

Crime/Drama

Curriculum Ties

Film

Booktalking Ideas

1) Stereotypes of Asian Americans

2) Brian first person narrative

Reading Level/Interest Age

17+

Why Book Included

It shows Asian American in a different light which I found to be quite interesting.

Detroit Rock City by Adam Rifkin

Rifkin, Adam. Detroit Rock City. New Line Home Video, 1999. R. DVD. 95 minutes. ASIN: B000031EFY.

Plot Summary

“Kiss. The Devils Music” Four teens from Ohio, James, Lex, Trip, and Hawk are growing up in the 70s. They are fanatics of the band kiss. Jam’s crazy, overbearing, hardcore Christian mother burns there Kiss concert tickets. Jams mother takes him to see a priest while his friends try to figure out a way to see Kiss. While listening to the radio in shop class an opportunity arises that might allow them to gain 4 Kiss tickets. Trip ends up winning but now they have to figure out a way to “save” Jam. They ditch school and outrun Elis, the security guy in school, to get Jam and watch Kiss. The journey is not easy thought. Along the way they puck up a hitchhiker, get beat up, and Lex’s car gets stolen. These rockers go through everything and are willing to do anything to see them. Jam, Lex, Trip, and Hawk, test there relationship in this coming of age story.

Critical evaluation

This movie captures teen rebellion with its tie with music. These four teens live in a small town where everyone is the same and listens to the same music, disco. They are different though, they love to 'Rock and Roll all night.' One of the funniest movies that capture teen rebellion, the love for music, and friendship. Rebellion play a major role in what a teenager is. These four teens defy authority to make it to the concert. With music comes identity and a sense of belonging. These teens identify with the music by acting, behaving, and dressing the part. There friendship is the most important part of the movie though. They do love Kiss but they love each other much more, without each other they would not be able to enjoy Kiss as much as they do. They would much rather see Kiss together than to be separated so they go through a lot to make that happen. Rifkin story line and text create a movie that captures teens love for music and one another.

Readers Annotations

It's the 1970s Jam, Lex, Trip, and Hawk have missed Kiss three times before but this they are willing to do anything to see them in Detroit.

Information About the Author

Rifkin was inspired by being a lifelong fan of Kiss and their music, which is shown through the people involved and the characters.

Genre

Adventure/ Comedy/Music

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discuss how music effect there lives

2) First person narrative of Jam and his relationship with his mother

3) What they are willing to do for a concert

Reading Level/Interest Age

17 +

Why Book Included

When I was a teen I was really into music and had many adventures going to see bands perform. This movie idolizes that for me.

Hackers by Iain Softley

Softley, Iain. Hackers. MGM, 1998. PG 13. DVD. 107 minutes. ASIN: 6305047456

Plot Summary

Dave “Zero Cool” Murphy as a 13 year old boy crashed 1,507 systems, causing large drops on the stock market. He was forbidden to use a phone or computer until he turned 18…he now is. Dave moves to New York with his mother where he begins as a Senior in a new high school. On his 18th birthday Dave quickly returns to his hacking ways. Kate “Acid Burn” Libby, Joey, “Freak,” and Emanuel “Cereal Killer” Goldstein introduce Dave into the NY underground hacking world. While hacking Joey discovers a file that he thought was worthless but ends up getting him into a lot of trouble. Before he gets arrested he copies a file onto a floppy and hides it. Joey tells his friends where it is hidden and they discover that the disk holds information that can bring Eugene “Plague,” a security officer against hackers who words for the Ellington Mineral Corporation. Eugene has set up a virus that will cause a major ecological disaster in oceans. It is up to the backers to take down Eugene and prevent the disaster. The close knit of hacker friends reach out to the hacker community to help bring down Eugene. It becomes more of a challenge when Richard Gills, a hacker enemy FBI agent, is monitoring all there moves.

Critical evaluation

Hackers were really popular and cool in the 90’s because the internet was more accessible to people. This movie captured that power that most teens wanted to have but were to afraid to do it. This is a fun movie that shows a world that many people did not existed. Though it does not seem realistic at times it is still a fun movie to watch. The actors do not look like teenagers at all but they still do a very good job in portraying the adolescent qualities that teens have. Teenagers and rebellion in the 21st century is portrayed perfectly in this film.

Readers Annotations

Dave and his fellow hacker friends must work together to save the planet and bring down “The Plague.”

Information About the Author

Softley Hackers deals with the mysterious and dangerous side of the computer world. This film has become a cult classic.

Genre

Action/Crime/Drama/Thriller

Curriculum Ties

Information Processing

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discuss how 21st century are able to defy government through internet
2) are the 90’s really different from now? How?

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Why Book Included

One of my favorite movies of the 90s

Twilight by Catherine Hardwicke

Hardwicke, Catherine. Twilight. Summit Entertainment, 2009. DVD. PG-13. 122 minutes.

Plot Summary

Isabella "Bella" Swan, has just move to Washington from Arizona. Her step-father is trying to make it pro in baseball so her mother and him are traveling. Bella has to move back to her fathers who she has not seen since she was little. She is the new girl at her high school. The Collins, Rosaline, Emmet, Alice, Jasper, and Edward, are all adopted brother and sisters that stick to themselves. Bella is quickly intrigued by Edward who at first seems disgusted to be around he but eventually warms up to her. After Edward miraculously saves her from an accident that she should have died in, Bella beings to question who and what he really is. Bella and Edward find it really hard to stay away from each other; they are both lured by one another. Jacob, her childhood friend, is Native American and tells her a legend that causes her to inquire more about the Collins. Bella believes that Edward might not be human after all but a vampire. Bella is trying to live her life as a normal teenager but Edwards secret puts her life in danger but Bella does not care since she is completely and utterly in love with him.

Critical evaluation

The graphics were horrible, the acting is cheesy but great, and Edward and Bellas relationship is anything but healthy. For a very popular book that really did not want to put a lot of money into the graphics or make up. The scene when Edward carried Bella to the top of the mountain was the worst graphics ever, it was actually humorous. The characters faces were way too pale and pasty looking. Bella school friends really captured the essence of being teens. Edward and Bella depend too much on one another. They are in love but they are also teens which could send a wrong message to teens watching this movie. Relationships that are co-dependent are not healthy nor does it mean that they are really in love.

Readers Annotations

Bella is your ordinary new girl in high school who falls in love with Edward, your ordinary vampire. Edward must protect Bella to keep her safe from "carnivorous" vampires.

Information About the Author

Catherine did not expect the movie to do as well as it did. The success came as a surprise but she is no longer going to continue the Twilight series.

Genre

Sci/fi fantasy

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Cliché vampires and the vampires portrayed in the movie. Differences
2) Edwards point of view, first narrator

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Why Book Included

I am a huge vampire fan so I wanted to see if teen vampires of today’s generations were portrayed the same.

Sixteen Candles By John Hughes

Hughes, John. Sixteen Candles. Universal Studios, 2008. PG. DVD. 93 minutes.

Plot Summary

Samantha “Sam” just turned 16 but no one her family has noticed since her older sister is getting married the next day. Her day has not started off to her liking but as it progresses it leads to an interesting and eventful day that she will always remember. Jake, her crush, finds a paper confessing her love to him, which he finds appealing, even though he is dating Carla, the hottest girl at school. Sam attends a school dance but don’t not have the guts to confront Jake. Jake is confused because he thinks that Sam in uninterested in him after she ran away when he was going to speak to her. Same leaves the sance and heads home but Jake manages to get her phone number. Jake has a big house party where everyone, except for Sam attends, where debauchery ensues but Jake fails to get a hold of Sam. Jake befriends, the geek, who is in love with Sam. It turns into an eventful night for Jake, the Geek, and Long Duck Dong. Sam’s 16 is not how she imagined but the day isn’t over yet!

Critical evaluation

Captures the essence of being teenagers in the 80s that today teenagers can relate to as well as having a great soundtrack. Sam like any other teenagers was looking forward to looking 16 but when no one remembered her birthday she new that it was not a good start. Like all John Hughes movies, Sixteen Candles, captures all the major characters that high schools have: the jock, the geeks, the pretty girl, and the semi outcast. The soundtrack is great and features various popular songs from the 80s. There are many one liners that make this movie unforgettable.

Readers Annotations

Sam just turned 16 but everyone in her family forgot about her birthday. Jake, her crush, finds out that she likes him but finds it impossible to get a hold of her. Jakes party is a riot but all he can think about is Sam who is fast asleep at home.

Information About the Author

The teenagers in "Sixteen Candles" look like teenagers because Hughes, for the most part cast teenagers -- instead of 26-year-olds -- to play teenagers.

Genre

Comedy/Drama/Romance

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) Talk about teenagers now and compare it to what they think teenagers in the 80s were
2) Long Duck Dong first person narrative
3) Various quotes from the movie

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG

Controversial Issues

Racism – Long Duk Dongs Character – a Chinese teenager who does not know Rnglish very well and is vey strange. Whenever he appears on a screen the song of a gong is heard.

Defend

2 Young Artist Award – Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall

Why Book Included

I love the music and I think it is one of the best movies that came out of the 80s teen genre.

Superman: Red Son by Mark Millar

Millar, Mark. Artist, Dave Johnson. Superman: Red Son. DC Comics, 2004 ISBN 1-4012-0191-1
Summary
Superman landed in Soviet Russia and becomes one with the communist cause against the Americans. Lex Luthor is his American arch nemesis who is married to Lewis. Superman will do anything to fight for the cause of the communist even taking over the country. Lex Luthor find traces of Superman DNA that he found on Sputnik after the crash in Metropolis which he uses to create a Bizarro clone of superman. Russia accidently launches a missle at the U.S. that Bizzaro stops but is the cause of his death which causes more tension between the countries. The US is willing to do anything to bring Russia down while Superman cares more about creating utopia in Russia.
Critical evaluation
A great adaptation of the ordinary American Boy Wonder story actually fighting for the ‘Reds.’ This plot and illustrations are a masterpiece that leave the reader flabbergasted at the end of the tail. It take everything conventional that Superman possess and creates an alternative universe with no loopholes, everything is explained and answered. It goes into the mind of Superman as a communist and the mind of Lex Luthor an American hero. Superman is no longer fighting against the communist as he did once before but is now fighting against the US. It also gives a different idea of what would have been. In the graphic novel, Superman spends money in fixing Russia from the inside instead of wasting money on weapons of mass destruction. Millar and Johnson give a great analysis of the different world it would have been if Superman landed somewhere else.
Readers annotation
Superman lands in Russia and begins to create an utopian society by eliminating poverty and giving to those less fortunate. While Lex Luthor, in America, is working on a device that will leave Russia diminished.
Information About the Author
Millar is known for make epic comic series.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) use internal dialogue when superman is vision an utopian Russia and contrast it to Luthors hate towards the Russians. Pg 58- 60 and pg 34-35
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
I thought the premise was mind blowing. Superman was no longer the American hero but Russia’s.

Green Lantern- Wanted: Hal Jordan by Geoff Johns

Johns, Geoff. Penciler, Ivan Reis. Green Lantern- Wanted: Hal Jordan. DC Comics, 2007 ISBN 1-4012-1339-1
Plot
Test pilot Hal Jordan was chosen to represent an intergalactic police force created by the oldest beings in existence, the Guardians of the Universe. After crashing he hears someone calling him but it was not a person it was the ring. He is now meant to protect earth and the galazy from every threat imaginable, armed with a specially crafted power ring that turns his determination into reality. Hal has been framed for murder and is a fugitive on the run from a legion of intergalactic bounty hunters and the new Global Guardians. He must clear his name and discover who put a price on his head as well as the reason why.
Critical evaluation
A classic fantastic super-hero graphic novel that is action packed with fighting scenes throughout its pages. It is easy to read and follow because its very detailed graphics and prose that will have those who have no idea of the Green Lantern understanding it. The Green Lantern’s powers are explained thoroughly and the background of Hal Jordan is explained well. The plot line is also brilliant because it take an ordinary young man who is given super powers because ‘the ring’ wanted him. He must fight off the old Green Lantern as well as those who followed him, which is a great storyline of “guilty until proven innocent.” Most superheroes are given there powers without a fight but Hal must fight to make is presence known.
Readers annotation
Hal Jordan has been framed for murder and he is trying to prove his innocence but encounters many bumps along the way.
Information About the Author
Geoff Johns is known for reinventing old comic book heroes.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Dialogue between Hal Jordan and Abin Surs 1-5 – where switch was made
Reading level/interest age
T+: 13 and up
Why book included?
I did not know much about the Green Lantern.

Batman: Snow by Dan Curtis Johnson and J.H. Williams

Johnson, Dan Curtis and J.H. Williams III. Artist, Seth Fisher. Batman: Snow DC Comics, 2007 ISBN 1-4012-1265-4
Summary
Batman needs help on an investigation so he rounds up Gotham City citizens that will help him find what he is looking for. Victor, a doctor, discovers that his wife has a tumor and is willing to try anything to stop it. He takes his wife from the hospital and brings her over to his lab where he tries to save her life but ends up killing her in a freak accident that caused her body to freeze. Guilt stricken Victor begin to see his wife and listens to her demands of vengeance. Victor tries to take his own life but instead is given special powers that he uses to wreak his vengeance.
Critical evaluation
Gives great in depth detail of the man comics have come to known as Mr. Freeze but the style in doing so is boring. It does a very good job of Victors development character of switching from the loving husband to the killing machine, Mr. Freeze. It also allows Batman to reach out to the community for help rather than relying on himself and Commissioner Gordon all the time. The graphics are not very dimensional and the prose have no unique style to them. There are many other authors and illustrators in the genre that will give it a much better rendition.
Readers annotation
Batman gathers a group to help lead an investigation. Victor, a scientist, attempts to save his wife’s life but in doing so kills her and seeks a life of vengeance that his dead wife “desires” becoming one of Gothams villains.
Information About The Author
Dan Curtis Johnson took his own spin on the origins of Mr. Freeze.
Genre
Graphic Novel - Superhero
Curriculum Ties
English
Booktalking ideas
1) Narrate first person account of Mr. Freeze after his wife’s death
Reading level/interest age
13 and up
Why book included?
I heard that it was a good story but it really was not.