The World is Quiet Here

A YA reading log for INFO 6250 : Created by Ann Terese MacDonald

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Library Website for Teens: Queer Books for Teens

Queer Books for Teens. (2017). Queer books for teens: A comprehensive database of all LGBTQIAP+ literature 2000-2017. Retrieved from https://queerbooksforteens.com 

Summary:

This database was created with funding from the Carnegie/Whitney grant, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and representative repository of YA LGBTQIAP+ works. This site provides some curated lists that can be used to find book recommendations, however the main purpose of this site is to help users discover books that meet their own criteria. The search feature allows users to narrow their results by categories including gender, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, race or ethnicity, religion, ability and many others. 

Audience or Readership:

Library staff and teens who are looking for YA literature that is representative and inclusive will find this to be a valuable resource. 

Weakness or Limitations:

Queer Books for Teens provides a disclaimer that they cannot ensure that every book in the collection features a positive representation of all identities and experiences. However, they do include trigger warnings and allow users to search by common triggers, so certain narratives can be avoided. 

Overall Assessment:

5/5

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YA Library Blog: Zen & the Art of Teen Services

Amazing, S. (n.d.). Zen and the art of teen services. Retrieved from https://zen-teen.com

Summary:

This blog was created by a teen librarian based in Ohio. Blog entries cover a range of topics including, book reviews, program ideas and activities, informative articles and reflections on the librarian profession. There is also a special focus on library advocacy and taking a teen centred approach to providing library services. 

Audience or Readership:

This blog is a recommended resource for librarians and library staff that work with teens and young adults. The thoughtful reflections on challenges and frustrations faced by teen librarians are especially relevant and are recommended reading. 

Overall Assessment:

4/5

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Music: Now That I Found You/No Drug Like Me (2019) – Carly Rae Jepsen

Jepsen, C. R. (2019). Now that I found you/No drug like me. [Produced by John Hill and Jordan Palmer; Digital recording]. Santa Monica, CA: Interscope.

Summary:

Carly Rae Jepsen began her career on season five of Canadian Idol and has since made a name for herself in the world of pop music. These two songs were released as an EP in anticipation of Jepsen’s upcoming album Dedicated (to be released May 17, 2019). These upbeat pop songs incorporate 80s influences and Carly’s signature E•MO•TION. 

Audience:

These songs effectively portray the rollercoaster ride of emotions that come with falling in love, which is relatable for many teens. These songs are bound to get stuck and your head and are a welcome addition to any party playlist. 

If you like this, check out:

Charli XCX

Overall Assessment:

4 Canadian Idols out of 5

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TV Series: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018)

Aguirre-Sacasa, R. (Producer). (2018). The chilling adventures of Sabrina [Television Series]. USA: Netflix.

Summary:

This television series provides an updated spin on the Sabrina universe and characters. The series explores dark themes and makes good use of supernatural elements. Sabrina finds herself caught between two worlds, the mortal world she shares with her high school friends and her true identity as a powerful witch. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, she must choose whether to join the Church of Night and leave her past life behind. 

Audience:

This series is not for the faint of heart. At its core, the Chilling Adventures of SabrinaI is a relatable coming of age story, however the use of horror tropes and occult imagery may be unsettling for some viewers. This series is rated TV-14. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Fans of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the 1996 sitcom, may not find the darker tone of this series appealing. 

If you like this, check out:

Riverdale (2017) TV series

Overall Assessment:

4.5 Black Cats out of 5

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Magazine: Rookie Mag (2011-2018)

Gevinson, T. (2018). Rookie. Retrieved from https://www.rookiemag.com

Summary:

Rookie is an online magazine started in 2011, by a fashion blogger named Tavi Gevinson, at age fifteen. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from style and pop culture to politics and social issues. This magazine also provides a platform for young people to share art, fiction and poetry. The content of Rookie Mag is written from a feminist approach and accurately portrays the millennial teen experience. 

Audience or Readership:

This magazine is written by and for teenagers. Young people who are looking for creative content that has depth and style will enjoy Rookie Mag. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Rookie Mag ceased publication 2018, so no new content will be created or shared under this name. However all issues are archived and accessible at https://www.rookiemag.com. 

If you like this, check out:

Teen Vogue Magazine

Overall Assessment:

4 Wunderkinds out of five 5

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YA Library Blog: Ontarian Librarian

Fast, K. (n.d.). Ontarian librarian: Professional sillyhead and community enthusiast. Retrieved from https://ontarianlibrarian.com

Summary:

This blog was created by a Children and Teen Services librarian based in Ontario. Blog entries include ideas for programs and books displays as well as book reviews, round ups and opinion pieces that are relevant to youth library services. The blog is well organized and easy to navigate. Programming ideas are organized into categories for children, tweens, teens and new adults, which allows library staff to easily find age appropriate programming. 

Audience or Readership:

This blog is recommended as a resource for librarians or library staff who work with teens and young adults. The tools provided can support readers advisory, book promotion and program planning. Ideas for projects related to information literacy and library advocacy can also be found on this blog. 

Overall Assessment:

4/5

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Library Website for Teens: The Hub (Associated With YALSA)

YALSA. (n.d.). The hub: Your connection to teen collections. Retrieved from http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/

Summary:

This website curates YA book reviews and book lists, recommendations for digital media and entertainment, and information on top teen trends and pop culture. While the Hub is moderated by YALSA, a professional library organization, it also accepts articles, book reviews and content written by teens. This blog also provides a link to the Teen Book Finder Database, which can be used by librarians as a tool for readers advisory, as well as teens who are searching for their next great read. 

Audience or Readership:

In addition to being a valuable tool for library professionals, this site is also an accessible and welcoming online space for teen and young adult readers. 

Overall Assessment:

4/5

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Video: Dumplin’ (2018) a Netflix Original Film

Costigan, M, Hahn, K., Hofmann, T., AlRafi, M. & Aniston, J. (Producers), & Fletcher, A. (Director). (2018). Dumplin’ [Motion picture]. USA: Netflix.

Plot Summary:

This film is an adaptation of the 2015 novel Dumplin’. Willowdean Dickson, a confident sixteen year old high school student, leads a "protest in heels” by enrolling in the Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant. This decision leads to conflicts with her mother and her best friend Ellen. Meanwhile, Willowdean pursues a relationship with her handsome co-worker and learns the importance of accepting herself, and others, as they are.

Audience:

Fans of the original book will enjoy seeing their favourite scenes and characters come to life. This movie is also accessible those who are unfamiliar with the book and provides a feel good coming of age story that many teens will relate to. Rated PG-13. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Film adaptations of novels sometimes make changes to plot, characters or pacing, in order to best represent the story on screen. While Dumplin’ remains quite true to its source material, there are some minor changes that may be observed by fans of the original book. 

If you like this, check out:

To all the Boys I Loved Before a 2018 Netflix original film

Overall Assessment:

5 Dolly Parton Drag Queens out of 5

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Audio Recording: Binge Mode Harry Potter

Binge Mode. (2018). Binge mode: Harry Potter [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://soundcloud.com/bingemode

Summary:

This podcast, hosted by Mallory Rubin and Jason Concepcion, explores every facet of the Harry Potter universe. During the episodes, each book in the series is discussed chapter by chapter, including insights that can only be gleaned from close reading. Mallory and Jason are enthusiastic hosts that clearly have great respect for J.K. Rowling and her creation. However, they also enjoy a good double entendre and don't take themselves too seriously – Fred and George would be proud. 

Audience:

This podcast includes discussion about all seven books, from the very first episode. Therefore, spoilers are inevitable. For this reason, this podcast is recommended for listeners who have read the entire series. There is also some mature content and humour, making Binge Mode more appropriate for older teens and those in the ‘New Adult’ category. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Listeners who are looking for a more critical and intersectional analysis of the themes and characters in the Harry Potter series will not find that here. However, the reverence Mallory and Jason have for the series makes this a welcome addition to the many Harry Potter podcasts available online. 

If you like this, check out:

The Binge Mode Game of Thrones podcast and the Witch, Please podcast. 

Overall Assessment:

4.5 Wide Cannons out of 5

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Graphic Novel: Anya’s Ghost (2012)

Brosgol, V. (2011). Anya’s ghost. First Edition. New York, NY: First Second, an imprint of Roaring Book Press.

Plot Summary:

This graphic novel chronicles the experiences of a high school student named Anya as she struggles to fit in at school, feel comfortable in her body and accept her family’s Russian heritage. One day while walking home from school, Anya falls into a well and strikes up a reluctant friendship with a 90 year old ghost named Emily. Emily tries to live vicariously through Anya and drama and hijinks ensue. Meanwhile, Anya attempts to uncover the mystery of Emily’s death. 

Audience or Readership:

This book is recommended as an entry point for teens who are new to graphic novels. The narrative is linear and easy to follow and the artwork effectively reinforces the action and contributes to the eerie mood. Combining relatable teen experiences with supernatural elements makes this graphic novel appealing to a wide range of readers. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

This graphic novel touches on common teen struggles, such as judging others based on appearance, slut shaming and body dysmorphia. However these issues serve mainly as plot points and strategies to address these issues are not explored in depth. 

If you like this, check out:

Friends with Boys (2012) by Faith Erin Hicks.

Overall Assessment:

3 Meddling Ghosts out of 5

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Series Fiction: Dumplin’ (2015) & Puddin’ (2018)

Murphy, J. (2015). Dumplin’. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Murphy, J. (2018). Puddin’. New York, NY: Balzer + Bray.

Plot Summaries:

Dumplin’: Willowdean Dickson has grown up in the shadow of her former pageant queen mother. Although her size or appearance does not fit the pageant mold that is revered in her small Texas town, Willowdean has confidence to spare. With a mutual adoration for Dolly Parton, Willowdean and her best friend Ellen have been able to navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up. But Willowdean’s confidence is rattled when an attractive private school student shows interest in her and Ellen becomes more distant. Channeling the memory of her aunt Lucy, Willowdean enters the Miss Clover City pageant and learns the value of friendship and acceptance.  

Puddin’: This companion to Dumplin’ also takes place in Clover City, but focuses on two of the supporting characters in that book – Millie Michalchuk and Callie Reyes. Millie has big plans for the summer, that don't involve attending fat camp. She wants to pursue her dream career and finally work up the courage to kiss her crush. When Callie, a popular member of the high school dance team, takes the blame for an act of vandalism, she and Millie strike up an unlikely friendship. 

Audience or Readership:

These books would be enjoyed by readers who are looking for empowering stories and that tackle themes of self acceptance, self esteem, body image and building healthy relationships. While there is some profanity and mentions of teen sexuality in these books, they are deemed appropriate for readers aged 13 and up. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Although both books explore similar themes and have cross over characters, readers who connected with Willowdean as the main character of Dumplin’ may be unsatisfied by her supporting role in Puddin’.  

If you like these, check out:

To all the Boys I’ve Loved before (2014), P.S. I Still Love You (2015), and Always and Forever, Lara Jean (2017) by Jenny Han

Overall Assessment:

3.5 Fair-weather Friends out of 5

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Controversial or Challenged Book: To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)

Lee, H. (1960). To kill a mockingbird. New York, NY: Warner Books, Inc.

Plot Summary:

This classic novel is told from the perspective of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. The story is set in fictional Maycomb County during the early 1930′s. As Scout, her brother Jem, and friend Dill get up to usual childhood mischief, their father Atticus leads a court case that causes rifts within the community. Atticus is appointed to defend a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman.  

Audience or Readership:

This novel has been challenged based on the mature themes that are explored, including rape, violence and racial injustice. Furthermore, the liberal use of racial slurs and profane language has made this a controversial novel and a target for censorship. Despite being a widely challenged book, To Kill A Mockingbird is commonly included in english curriculum at the high school level. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

As this novel does not explore issues of racial injustice using language or approaches that are considered appropriate today, this novel should not be elevated as an ideal or standard for moving forward on these issues. However, critical analysis of this story as a cultural artifact can provide historical insight into issues of racial injustice and oppression. 

If you like this, check out:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (2006) by Betty Smith

Overall Assessment:

3 Boo Radley's out of 5

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Atlantic Canadian Book: The View from a Kite (2010)

Hull, M. (2010). View from a kite [OverDrive Read version]. Retrieved from https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1391627980

Plot Summary:

This dark and funny novel provides insight into tuberculosis treatment and life with the disease, as told from the perspective of Gwen, a teenager living in Cape Breton in the 1970s. While dealing with life in an institution, Gwen also navigates the typical teenage trials of identity, rebellion, friendships and romantic relationships. These experiences are further complicated by a violent family tragedy, that Gwen struggles to come to terms with, as the novel progresses.

Audience or Readership:

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy books written in the form of diary or journal entries. Readers looking for an Atlantic Canadian novel that features a flawed and relatable teen character will also enjoy this book. 

Limitations or Weaknesses:

The story is interspersed with informative notes about the history of tuberculosis and its treatment. While the intention is to supplement the story, some readers may find that this technique interrupts the narrative and negatively impacts their enjoyment. 

If you like this, check out:

Girl Interrupted (1993) by Susanna Kaysen

Overall Assessment:

4.5 Contraband Cigarettes out of 5

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Romance/Relationships/LGBTQ+: Summer of Salt (2018)

Leno, K. (2018). Summer of salt. Harper Teen.

Plot Summary:

Georgia and Mary Fernweh are twins living on a small island called By-the-Sea. The island is a sleepy place except during the summer months, when hordes of birdwatchers gather at the Fernweh Family Inn to catch a glimpse a mysterious three-hundred-year-old bird named Annabella. The women in the Fernweh family have been long suspected of having magical abilities. As their eighteenth birthday approaches, the twins await confirmation that they too will possess magical gifts. Amid the mysterious disappearance of Annabella, Georgia begins to fall in love with Prue, a visitor on the island and Mary becomes secretive and reclusive, for reasons unknown. 

Audience or Readership:

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy romance stories that include elements of mystery, fantasy and magical realism. Readers that are looking for stories with more diverse representations of teen sexuality will also enjoy this book. The story does explore issues related to sexual assault, which may be triggering for some readers.

Limitations or Weaknesses:

While the premise of the story was inventive and captivating, some of the characters felt flat. Focusing more on character development would have strengthened the narrative.  

If you like this, check out:

The Secret of A Heart Note (2016) by Stacey Lee

Overall Assessment:

3 Dedicated Bird Watchers out of 5

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Historical Fiction: A Complicated Kindness (2004)

Toews, M. (2004). A complicated kindness: A novel. Toronto: A.A. Knopf Canada.

Plot Summary:

Naomi Nickel is a wry sixteen year old growing up in East Village during the late 1970′s and early 1980′s. Not East Village in New York, unfortunately, but a small Mennonite town in Manitoba. After the disappearances of her mother and older sister, Naomi and her father are left to pick up the pieces under the scrutiny of the religious community and Pastor Hans. Naomi rebels by immersing herself in the fringes, eventually uncovering the reasons her mother and sister left town

Audience or Readership:

Readers looking for a coming of age story that incorporates religious tensions, with a strong sense of time and place, will enjoy this book.

Limitations or Weaknesses:

Some readers may not connect with Naomi’s sardonic narration or the meandering pace of the plot. 

If you like this, check out:

Lives of Girls and Women (1971) by Alice Munro

Overall Assessment:

3.5 Lou Reed Records out of 5

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Fantasy/Science Fiction: Love Beyond Body Space and Time (2016)

Nicholson, H. (2016). Love beyond body space, and time. Winnipeg, MB: Bedside Press.

Plot Summary:

This anthology provides a collection of twelve science fiction and fantasy stories, penned by Indigenous writers. These narratives focus on characters that identify as LGBTQ+ or Two-Spirit, providing accurate representation based on lived experiences of the writers. The stories weave lyrical prose and futuristic settings with the universal themes of love and identity and acceptance. This important volume also includes informative essays about Indigenous LGBT+ science fiction and Two-Spirit history. 

Audience or Readership:

This short story collection is recommended for teens interested in science fiction, fantasy and romance. This anthology would be especially enjoyed by teens looking for characters that accurately reflect diverse LGBTQ+ and Indigenous identities, however all young readers are encouraged to read this book. 

If you like this, check out:

Meanwhile, Elsewhere: Science Fiction and Fantasy from Transgender Writers (2017) edited by Cat Fitzpatrick

Overall Assessment:

5 Shining Stars out of 5

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Realistic Fiction: Now Is Everything (2017)

Giles, A. (2017). Now is everything. First edition. New York: HarperTeen.

Plot Summary:

Hadley McCauley is a model student and star athlete and comes from a seemly perfect and affluent family. While she presents herself as stable and self-disciplined it soon becomes clear that her family life is not as idyllic as it seems. The novel alternates between two timelines. The “Now” chapters describe the aftermath of a tragic accident, where Hadley tries to recover from physical, mental and emotional wounds. The other chapters provide a glimpse into the past events leading up to the accident, and slowly reveals the abuse Hadley hides from others.

Audience or Readership:

This novel is recommended for older teens, due to the realistic depictions of family violence and abuse. The author is considerate of the sensitive and triggering nature of these topics and provides domestic abuse resources at the end of the novel.

Limitations or Weaknesses:

The alternating timelines between chapters adds mystery to to the story and allows readers to speculate about the events leading up to the tragic accident. However, this technique may be off-putting to readers who prefer a more streamlined narrative.  

If you like this, check out:

Dreamland (2000) and Lock and Key (2008) by Sarah Dessen.

Overall Assessment:

3 Family Secrets out of 5