Florence + The Machine. (Sound Recording). Lungs. New York: Universal Republic, 2009. Standard No. 602517979406.
Summary
Album tracks include: Dog Days Are Over -- Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up) -- I'm Not Calling You a Liar -- Howl -- Kiss With a Fist -- Girl With One Eye -- Drumming Song -- Between Two Lungs -- Cosmic Love -- My Boy Builds Coffins -- Hurricane Drunk -- Blinding -- You've Got the Love
Critical Evaluation
Florence Welch, of Florence + The Machine has an undeniable talent. Many people have never heard of her and her band until recently when they exploded onto the U.S. charts with the song, "Dog Days Are Over", which was featured in the Julia Roberts movie, Eat, Pray, Love. Her music has also been featured in the teen favorites, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse and the television show, The Vampire Diaries. Florence's voice has a range that is both moody, dreamy, yet can change to an upbeat growl in an instant. Her lyrics speak of lost love, found love, and hope when confronted with life's obstacles. "Dog Days Are Over" is the most popular track with its upbeat sound backed by pounding drums and great lyrics: "Happiness hit her like a train on a track..." Teenagers and adults looking for music with a bit more substance than the synthesized pop that is all over the radios will love this album.
Reader's Annotation
Florence + The Machine has been big in England for years. Now the eccentric singer and her band bring their big and moody sound to the states.
About the Artist
Florence Welch of the Grammy-nominated Best New Artist Florence + The Machine, grew up in Camberwell, south London, the oldest of three children. One of her earliest musical memories is standing on top of the trunk where her dad kept his vinyl collection, dancing with him to the Rolling Stones. She started singing along to Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield at home, expanded her vocal range with arias. The Machine is made up of a rotating group of musicians.
The album, Lungs, has been within the top 40 in the United Kingdom for 65 consecutive weeks, making it one of the best selling albums of 2009 and 2010 so far.
Genre
Music CD, Indie Rock
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Interest Age
Ages 14+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
This is one of my favorite albums at the moment. It is on constant play.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
29. The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga (Music CD)
Lady Gaga. (2009). The Fame Monster. Santa Monica, CA : Streamline/Konlive/Cherrytree/Interscope. Standard No. 602527210360.
Summary
Album tracks include: Bad Romance -- Alejandro -- Monster -- Speechless -- Dance in the Dark -- Telephone (feat. Beyoncé) -- So Happy I Could Die -- Teeth -- Just Dance (feat. Colby O'Donis) -- Lovegame -- Paparazzi -- Poker face -- Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) -- Beautiful, Dirty, Rich -- The Fame -- Money Honey -- Starstruck (feat. Space Cowboy and Flo Rida) -- Boys Boys Boys -- Paper Gangsta -- Brown Eyes -- I Like it Rough -- Summerboy.
Critical Evaluation
Lady Gaga's album, The Fame Monster, is an international hit. She has quickly become one of the most famous musical artists of the decade. Her songs are upbeat, dance tunes full of fun and a bit of sexual innuendo without being off putting. Parents may not like her sexy image, but teens and young adults flock to her because of her originality and freedom of expression. Not only is her music infectious, but her politics and views on life are very positive. She is an advocate for gay rights and supports AIDS research. During concerts she always tells her fans, or "little monsters", that they are free to be whatever they want and to aim high. One can't turn on the radio, turn on the t.v., or open a magazine without hearing or seeing Lady Gaga.
Reader's Annotation
World-famous pop icon, Lady Gaga, takes you on a dancing pop journey with this fabulous album.
About the Artist
Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. The 24-year old singer has seen a phenomanal rise to fame in the last year due to her infectious pop sound and outrageous public persona. Her fashions, including a dress made out of meat, have made the covers of magazines all over the world.
Lady Gaga got her start in the music scene of New York City's Lower East Side. She was discovered by another popular artist, Akon. She has won numerous awards including two Grammy Awards and Billboard named her Artist of the Year for 2010.
Genre
Music CD, Pop
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Age
14+
Challenge Issues
Suggestive lyrics
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the artist's music and positive messages.
-Read reviews in magazines/online like Spin or Rolling Stone.
Why Included in Titles Selected
Lady Gaga is to today's teens what Madonna was to my generation.
Summary
Album tracks include: Bad Romance -- Alejandro -- Monster -- Speechless -- Dance in the Dark -- Telephone (feat. Beyoncé) -- So Happy I Could Die -- Teeth -- Just Dance (feat. Colby O'Donis) -- Lovegame -- Paparazzi -- Poker face -- Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) -- Beautiful, Dirty, Rich -- The Fame -- Money Honey -- Starstruck (feat. Space Cowboy and Flo Rida) -- Boys Boys Boys -- Paper Gangsta -- Brown Eyes -- I Like it Rough -- Summerboy.
Critical Evaluation
Lady Gaga's album, The Fame Monster, is an international hit. She has quickly become one of the most famous musical artists of the decade. Her songs are upbeat, dance tunes full of fun and a bit of sexual innuendo without being off putting. Parents may not like her sexy image, but teens and young adults flock to her because of her originality and freedom of expression. Not only is her music infectious, but her politics and views on life are very positive. She is an advocate for gay rights and supports AIDS research. During concerts she always tells her fans, or "little monsters", that they are free to be whatever they want and to aim high. One can't turn on the radio, turn on the t.v., or open a magazine without hearing or seeing Lady Gaga.
Reader's Annotation
World-famous pop icon, Lady Gaga, takes you on a dancing pop journey with this fabulous album.
About the Artist
Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. The 24-year old singer has seen a phenomanal rise to fame in the last year due to her infectious pop sound and outrageous public persona. Her fashions, including a dress made out of meat, have made the covers of magazines all over the world.
Lady Gaga got her start in the music scene of New York City's Lower East Side. She was discovered by another popular artist, Akon. She has won numerous awards including two Grammy Awards and Billboard named her Artist of the Year for 2010.
Genre
Music CD, Pop
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Reading Level/Interest Age
14+
Challenge Issues
Suggestive lyrics
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the artist's music and positive messages.
-Read reviews in magazines/online like Spin or Rolling Stone.
Why Included in Titles Selected
Lady Gaga is to today's teens what Madonna was to my generation.
28. Skateboarding: Legendary Tricks by Steve Badillo
Badillo, Steve. (2007). Skateboarding: Legendary Tricks. San Diego, Calif. : Tracks. ISBN 9781884654305.
Summary
A comprehensive guide that shows how to perform dozens of skateboarding tricks. The book includes step by step photos and technical information. Badillo provides historical context about each trick and information about famous skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Lance Mountain.
Critical Evaluation
Badillo provides a guide to over 30 skateboarding tricks for the skateboarding teenager to learn and master. The book is written for skateboarders who have enough knowledge about the lingo. If a reader doesn't know the meaning of terms like "carving", "grinding", and "grab indy", than the book won't really help much. For those who do have knowledge, the book is a valuable tool to learn a lot of new tricks. Along with over 500 photos, Badillo gives the reader a comprehensive history of skateboarding and the pioneers who created these legendary tricks. This is a fun book to include in a collection because so many teenagers use skateboards as a main form of transportation.
Reader's Annotation
Learn how to perform legendary skateboarding tricks.
About the Author
Steve Badillo has co-authored three top selling skateboarding guides including Skateboarder's Start-up: New Levels and Skateboarding: Book of Tricks. He runs the SkateLab Skate Camp near Los Angeles. Badillo has worked as a stunt double and actor in skateboarding films including Lords of Dogtown.
Genre
Nonfiction, Sports
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the steps to becoming a professional skateboarder.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 12+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I've always been jealous of skateboarders and their fearlessness.
Summary
A comprehensive guide that shows how to perform dozens of skateboarding tricks. The book includes step by step photos and technical information. Badillo provides historical context about each trick and information about famous skateboarders like Tony Hawk and Lance Mountain.
Critical Evaluation
Badillo provides a guide to over 30 skateboarding tricks for the skateboarding teenager to learn and master. The book is written for skateboarders who have enough knowledge about the lingo. If a reader doesn't know the meaning of terms like "carving", "grinding", and "grab indy", than the book won't really help much. For those who do have knowledge, the book is a valuable tool to learn a lot of new tricks. Along with over 500 photos, Badillo gives the reader a comprehensive history of skateboarding and the pioneers who created these legendary tricks. This is a fun book to include in a collection because so many teenagers use skateboards as a main form of transportation.
Reader's Annotation
Learn how to perform legendary skateboarding tricks.
About the Author
Steve Badillo has co-authored three top selling skateboarding guides including Skateboarder's Start-up: New Levels and Skateboarding: Book of Tricks. He runs the SkateLab Skate Camp near Los Angeles. Badillo has worked as a stunt double and actor in skateboarding films including Lords of Dogtown.
Genre
Nonfiction, Sports
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss the steps to becoming a professional skateboarder.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 12+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I've always been jealous of skateboarders and their fearlessness.
27. Frontline: Growing Up Online (DVD)
Frontline: Growing Up Online. (DVD). WGBH Educational Foundation; a Frontline co-production with Ark Media, LLC. Written by Rachel Dretzin ; produced and directed by Rachel Dretzin and John Maggio. 2010.
Summary
Adolescents today have a vast amount of information at their fingertips via the Internet. On this DVD, Frontline explores the impact that the Internet has on kids today by observing, interviewing, and researching both teens and their parents. Topics like cyberbullying, Youtube celebrities, gaming, and online predators.
Critical Evaluation
Growing Up Online is an eye-opening look into the impact that the Internet has on today's kids. It's both sad and shocking to witness kids whose only friends are the ones he has online. There is also the story of Ryan Halligan who was bullied online so badly that he eventually committed suicide. This scenario is one that has been occurring way too often in recent months, or at least the instances that the news is reporting. Frontline interviews worried parents who are concerned that their children don't have the knowledge or maturity to navigate the internet and make wise decisions. One girl rolls her eyes and says, "My parents don't understand that I've spent pretty much since second grade online. I know what to avoid." The girl is partly right. Too many parents stick their children in front of televisions and computers instead of spending time bonding. As a society we must question the importance of the Internet in the lives of our children. It is unavoidable, but what steps can we take to teach them to be responsible about using it? Growing Up Online raises these questions and tries to find that answer. This a a must have in any library collection. It is an educational tool that should be used.
Reader's Annotation
Frontline explores the impact the Internet has on teens and parents.
About Frontline
Frontline explores and illuminates the critical issues of our times - from Iraq and the war on terror, business, the economy to social issues, politics and health.
Genre
Televison program, Education
Curriculum Ties
Sociology, Internet Awareness
Discussion Ideas
1) Discuss what you use the Internet for.
2) How much time do you spend online and why?
3) Discuss things you can do to prevent cyberbullying.
4) Discuss the importance of being aware of online predators.
Reading Level/Interest Age
All ages
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I think Internet use among teenagers is an important subject that should be discussed.
Summary
Adolescents today have a vast amount of information at their fingertips via the Internet. On this DVD, Frontline explores the impact that the Internet has on kids today by observing, interviewing, and researching both teens and their parents. Topics like cyberbullying, Youtube celebrities, gaming, and online predators.
Critical Evaluation
Growing Up Online is an eye-opening look into the impact that the Internet has on today's kids. It's both sad and shocking to witness kids whose only friends are the ones he has online. There is also the story of Ryan Halligan who was bullied online so badly that he eventually committed suicide. This scenario is one that has been occurring way too often in recent months, or at least the instances that the news is reporting. Frontline interviews worried parents who are concerned that their children don't have the knowledge or maturity to navigate the internet and make wise decisions. One girl rolls her eyes and says, "My parents don't understand that I've spent pretty much since second grade online. I know what to avoid." The girl is partly right. Too many parents stick their children in front of televisions and computers instead of spending time bonding. As a society we must question the importance of the Internet in the lives of our children. It is unavoidable, but what steps can we take to teach them to be responsible about using it? Growing Up Online raises these questions and tries to find that answer. This a a must have in any library collection. It is an educational tool that should be used.
Reader's Annotation
Frontline explores the impact the Internet has on teens and parents.
About Frontline
Frontline explores and illuminates the critical issues of our times - from Iraq and the war on terror, business, the economy to social issues, politics and health.
Genre
Televison program, Education
Curriculum Ties
Sociology, Internet Awareness
Discussion Ideas
1) Discuss what you use the Internet for.
2) How much time do you spend online and why?
3) Discuss things you can do to prevent cyberbullying.
4) Discuss the importance of being aware of online predators.
Reading Level/Interest Age
All ages
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I think Internet use among teenagers is an important subject that should be discussed.
26. Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide or Even Starts Talking about It by Earl A. Grollman and Max Malikow
Grollman, Earl A., Malikow, Max. (1999). Living When a Young Friend Commits Suicide, or Even Starts Talking about It. Boston: Beacon Press. ISBN 0807025038
Summary
Grollman's book is a compassionate and helpful book for anyone who has been affected by suicide whether someone you know has committed suicide, or is thinking about it. He guides the reader through emotions they may feel, why people commit suicide, and how to cope. Chapters include:
1) The First Days after a Death: What You May Feel
2) Was It Really a Suicide?
3) The Need to Know Why
4) Facing the Immediate Future
5) How to Cope
6) How Can You Help Suicidal People?
7) Religious Questions
8) Popular Misconceptions about Suicide
9) And Now, the Future
10) Conclusion: Suggested Materials and Resources
Critical Evaluation
Grollman's book could not be more relevant right now considering the news coverage of the rash of teen suicides currently plaguing the country. Each chapter in the book is relevant and should be read. One of the important things about the book is that Grolllman avoids venturing into clinical, technical explanations about suicide. He writes in a way that is always compassionate and he clearly has a lot of knowledge on the matter. He covers a lot even reminding people to laugh because it can provide occasional relief from sadness. Grollman doesn't just stop at giving advice, he provides valuable resources for those considering suicide, or those who want to help someone thinking about doing it. This is a very, very important book. Teenagers may not want to ask for help and if a book like this is available for them at the library they can begin to search for answers on their own and hopefully be able to eventually find the help they need.
Reader's Annotation
This book discusses the impact of suicide. Why do people do it? How to help someone who is thinking about it? How to deal when someone you know kills themselves.
About the Author
Earl A. Grollman is an internationally recognized grief counselor who often works with children and teenagers. He is the author of Living When a Loved One Has Died.
Max Malikow is a professor at Syracuse University and a pastoral counselor.
Genre
Nonfiction, Suicide
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Health Education
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss what you can do to help a friend considering suicide.
2) Discuss the recent news reports of teens committing suicide. How do they make you feel?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 7 & up
Challenge Issues
Suicide, religious discussion
Challenge defense ideas
-Research the topic and understand the importance of talking about such a topic
-Research the author's credentials
Why Included in Titles Selected
A book like this is so important considering the teens committing suicide at an alarming rate.
Summary
Grollman's book is a compassionate and helpful book for anyone who has been affected by suicide whether someone you know has committed suicide, or is thinking about it. He guides the reader through emotions they may feel, why people commit suicide, and how to cope. Chapters include:
1) The First Days after a Death: What You May Feel
2) Was It Really a Suicide?
3) The Need to Know Why
4) Facing the Immediate Future
5) How to Cope
6) How Can You Help Suicidal People?
7) Religious Questions
8) Popular Misconceptions about Suicide
9) And Now, the Future
10) Conclusion: Suggested Materials and Resources
Critical Evaluation
Grollman's book could not be more relevant right now considering the news coverage of the rash of teen suicides currently plaguing the country. Each chapter in the book is relevant and should be read. One of the important things about the book is that Grolllman avoids venturing into clinical, technical explanations about suicide. He writes in a way that is always compassionate and he clearly has a lot of knowledge on the matter. He covers a lot even reminding people to laugh because it can provide occasional relief from sadness. Grollman doesn't just stop at giving advice, he provides valuable resources for those considering suicide, or those who want to help someone thinking about doing it. This is a very, very important book. Teenagers may not want to ask for help and if a book like this is available for them at the library they can begin to search for answers on their own and hopefully be able to eventually find the help they need.
Reader's Annotation
This book discusses the impact of suicide. Why do people do it? How to help someone who is thinking about it? How to deal when someone you know kills themselves.
About the Author
Earl A. Grollman is an internationally recognized grief counselor who often works with children and teenagers. He is the author of Living When a Loved One Has Died.
Max Malikow is a professor at Syracuse University and a pastoral counselor.
Genre
Nonfiction, Suicide
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Health Education
Booktalking Ideas
1) Discuss what you can do to help a friend considering suicide.
2) Discuss the recent news reports of teens committing suicide. How do they make you feel?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 7 & up
Challenge Issues
Suicide, religious discussion
Challenge defense ideas
-Research the topic and understand the importance of talking about such a topic
-Research the author's credentials
Why Included in Titles Selected
A book like this is so important considering the teens committing suicide at an alarming rate.
25. Word Up! (Magazine)
Word Up! (Magazine). Issued Monthly. River Edge, NJ : Word Up! Publications. ISSN 1056-4691.
Summary
Word Up! is mostly photos of today's top hip hop and R & B artists including Nicki Minaj, Sean Kingston, and Drake. Whoever the magazine puts on the cover has a photo spread accompanied by an interview. It also includes reviews on music and movies catering to not only the African American teen, but any teen who loves hip hop music.
Critical Evaluation
A lot of parents are reluctant to accept hip hop as a viable form of music. Word Up! could possibly change that view. The artists in the magazine are usually outspoken musicians and actors that want to send positive messages to teens about accepting who they are and doing the best to succeed.
Reader's Annotation
Hip hop magazine for teens.
Genre
Magazine, African-American
Curriculum Ties
Music
Booktalking Ideas
1) Which African-American artists are most popular today?
2) Discuss the appeal of hip-hop and rap.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 12+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I liked the idea of including a hip hop magazine.
Summary
Word Up! is mostly photos of today's top hip hop and R & B artists including Nicki Minaj, Sean Kingston, and Drake. Whoever the magazine puts on the cover has a photo spread accompanied by an interview. It also includes reviews on music and movies catering to not only the African American teen, but any teen who loves hip hop music.
Critical Evaluation
A lot of parents are reluctant to accept hip hop as a viable form of music. Word Up! could possibly change that view. The artists in the magazine are usually outspoken musicians and actors that want to send positive messages to teens about accepting who they are and doing the best to succeed.
Reader's Annotation
Hip hop magazine for teens.
Genre
Magazine, African-American
Curriculum Ties
Music
Booktalking Ideas
1) Which African-American artists are most popular today?
2) Discuss the appeal of hip-hop and rap.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 12+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I liked the idea of including a hip hop magazine.
24. Seventeen (Magazine)
Seventeen. (Magazine). Issued Monthly. Philadelphia, Pa. : Triangle Publications. ISSN 0037-301X.
Summary
Seventeen is one of the most popular print and online magazine for teenage girls. The magazine covers popular culture, celebrity news, fashion, and beauty. It also gives advice to teens about love, sex, and relationships as well as career choices and how to be an overall successful young adult.
Critical Evaluation
Seventeen is a typical fashion, pop culture magazine. The positive thing about it is that it isn't just shallow articles and pictures of beautiful models, although there is plenty of that to be found throughout its pages. The magazine does its best to promote a healthy, positive message to its readers with advice columns about sex and relationships.
Reader's Annotation
Magazine for teenage girls which topics include health, fashion, beauty, and relationships.
About the Editor
Ann Shoket is the current editor-in-chief of Seventeen and has held the job since January 2007. She has made appearances on Tyra Bank's reality show, America's Next Top Model, as a guest judge. She began her career as a reporter at Steven Brill's The American Lawyer, then created the webzine Tag, an online community of artists and writers. Shoket was also senior editor with the Parade family of publications, and senior editor of CosmoGIRL! magazine.
Genre
Pop culture magazine
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking Ideas
1) How important is fashion, beauty, and pop culture to teens today?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
Popular with teenage girls.
Summary
Seventeen is one of the most popular print and online magazine for teenage girls. The magazine covers popular culture, celebrity news, fashion, and beauty. It also gives advice to teens about love, sex, and relationships as well as career choices and how to be an overall successful young adult.
Critical Evaluation
Seventeen is a typical fashion, pop culture magazine. The positive thing about it is that it isn't just shallow articles and pictures of beautiful models, although there is plenty of that to be found throughout its pages. The magazine does its best to promote a healthy, positive message to its readers with advice columns about sex and relationships.
Reader's Annotation
Magazine for teenage girls which topics include health, fashion, beauty, and relationships.
About the Editor
Ann Shoket is the current editor-in-chief of Seventeen and has held the job since January 2007. She has made appearances on Tyra Bank's reality show, America's Next Top Model, as a guest judge. She began her career as a reporter at Steven Brill's The American Lawyer, then created the webzine Tag, an online community of artists and writers. Shoket was also senior editor with the Parade family of publications, and senior editor of CosmoGIRL! magazine.
Genre
Pop culture magazine
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking Ideas
1) How important is fashion, beauty, and pop culture to teens today?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15+
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
Popular with teenage girls.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)