Future Librarian
Here is the PDF of the Selection Project for Materials for Young Adult course. It is my recommendation to teens who enjoyed reading Demon Slayer: Kitmetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge!
Click here.
For the Five Media Challenge I chose the genre HORROR. To aid me in this challenge relied on friends who enjoy the genre as well as Carstensen’s The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Teen Literature.
1.Frankenstein, Junji Ito.
A collection of short stories including a twist on the original Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and Oshikiri. The stories revolve around Oshikiri who seems to live in a mansion that is connected to a parallel world. Gorely, detailed ink illustrations intriguingly draw readers into a narrative evoking fear, curiosity, disgust, and empathy.
2.Stranger Things
A Netflix original series about a disappearance, government secrets, human experiments and a parallel world.
3.Peeps, Scott Westerfeld
Set in a world where vampirism, a sexually transmitted disease, exists due to parasites, 19 yrs old Cal hunts down “peeps” (the infected)for the organization Night Watch. Infected himself, he must find the one who infected him, while struggling with his feelings for a journalism student. Westerfeld unravels the world of parasites, vampirism, and conspiracies.
4. Ashes, Ilsa J. Bick
Alex is hiking in the woods when electromagnetic pulses are released. The effect of this is catastrophic as it kills the adult population and turns teens into flesh eating monsters. Alex and others who are unaffected must now survive on their own as a team.
5.The No Sleep Podcast
Although geared towards adults, teens who are seeking horror stories expertly narrated might find this podcast intriguing. Originally a forum on Reddit.com, NoSleep turned into a well loved podcast for telling scary stories.
Formal Review following School Library Journal’s Review Guidelines.
Shirai, Kaui. The Promised Neverland Vol.1. Translated by Satsuki Yamashita. Illustrated by Posuka Demizu. 192 pg. VIZ Media. Dec 2017. Pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781421597126
Gr. 9 Up-Set at the orphanage known as the Grace Field house, a utopia where children are cared for by their mother, conceals a terrible secret. Children are “adopted” into families by the age of 12, afterwards they are unheard from. Emma and Norman uncover the secret of the orphanage and the truth of their world when they decide to break the rules given to them by their mother. Do not go near the gate. Realization spreads, the gate was not to protect them from the outside world, but to keep them locked in. Emma, Norman, and Ray must now devise a plan to escape the Grace Field House along with the other children despite the unimaginable obstacles ahead. Through crisp, bold, justiposing nightmarish/pleasant line art, and flawless panel transitions, this compelling story leads the readers through deliberate plot revelation and a range of emotions. Sufficient worldbuilding is present through detailed illustration of backgrounds and narration. The characters can be defined as bright, spunky, likable, introspective, and definitely not to be underestimated. VERDICT: Adapted into an anime, with season 2 releasing in 2020, readers of dark fantasy and Attack on Titans will surely appreciate this.
Report on the Reviews:
For the review of the reviews, reviews by School Library Journal, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), and International Examiner were selected.
The review by SLJ was concise with very little spoilers. The opening sentences set the ground for story, then leads way into the plot. Kelley Gile (2018) succinctly describe the character traits, and defines the artist’s style in the manga. Comments on the structure and format of the manga was emphasized. This section is critical in informing librarians about intended audience. Meanwhile, the review by Eden Gray (2018) in Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) is lengthy, with a more plot revealed to the readers. Compared to the SLJ reviews, the review by Gray is informal, as it directly addresses the readers. Unlike SLJ, Gray (2018) compares the content of The Promised Neverland to other manga such as Naruto, Soul Eater and Attack on titans, commenting on the typical characteristic of manga as a whole. VOYA also makes observations on what the manga lacks, in this case “elements of kawaii or moe characters”, then rebuttals with positive attributes (Gray, 2018, para. 14).
Compared to SLJ and VOYA, the article in the International Examiner acknowledges that there are several volumes of the manga. Jennifer Lee (2018) reveals an even more detailed plot reveal, going into specifics of what happens to the characters and why. The mystery of the world build in the manga is also reported. In addition Lee (2018) is also using quotes directly from the manga. While it does ruin the mystery and suspense of the story, librarians who are referencing the review for reader’s advisory will have a well-rounded idea of the content of the manga.
Alternative Reviews Comparisons to Professional
The two alternative reviews were by beckmn in MyAnimeList , and a blog post by 24hryabookblog.
Beckmn (2016) talks about his/ her hopes for the manga, as well as his thoughts on what was well done. Like the professional reviews, Bechmn compares the manga to others. In the reviews he goes into detail about similar characteristics between Emma from The Promised Neverland and Gon from Hunter X Hunter. SLJ and VOYA also references other manga but in less detail. Unlike the professional reviews, Beckmn does not include the intended audiences. The blog post review by 24hryabookblog (2019) is similar to that found in MyAnimeList. Both blogs contain personal thoughts on the manga. 24hryabookblog (2019), has a synopsis of the manga taken from Goodreads. Both writers also address that they do not want to reveal too much of the plot. Professional reviews do not mention this. This particular blog focuses on personal viewpoints on the characters and the friendship. Overall, professional reviews clearly indicate the intended audience of the manga, use significantly more appeal terms, and are more critical compared to the alternative reviews.
The formal review I wrote was based off the SLJ’s guidelines. I believe I could have been more critical of the manga in terms of its content. I did not add in spoilers as VOYA and International Examiner. Unlike the alternative reviews, I refrained from inputting personal though expectations and reflections. In addition, I used abundant appeal terms, which is imperative in communicating who the manga will interest.
Title: Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers
Author: Deborah Heiligman
This book has received multiple awards (Printz Honor Book,YALSA Nonfiction Award Winner, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner, SCBWI Golden Kite Winner, Cybils Senior High Nonfiction Award Winner). Deborah Heiligman wrote Charles and Emma, which was a National Book Award finalist. She was inspired to write this book after she visited the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Heiligman was initially shocked to find out that Vincent had a brother. She related her experience with her own children to the relationship of the Van Gogh brothers (Heiligman, 2017).
Theo Van Gogh’s son Vincent is one of the founders for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The museum conducts research on Van Gogh’s life and paintings. One of their current projects is creating a tool that will allow for museum to date him paintings an figure out what canvas he used (Automated , n.d) Click here to find out more.
Past research to be highlighted is the biography of Jo van Gogh-Bonger, the person who made the world know who Vincent Van Gogh was. This research project was to find out the life Jo van Gogh-Bonger and her “role in publicizing the importance of her brother-in-law Vincent’s life and work” (Research Project: Biography, n.d).
Exhibition
If anyone has future plans to visit Montreal this winter, an immersive exhibition featuring Van Gogh will be taking place at the Arsenal Contemporary Art starting December 3rd (Imagine Van Gogh, 2019).
Reader, reading and readers’ advisory work
The expected audience o
f the work for grades 9 to 12. The publisher is marketing the book for teens of both genders. The book is fast paced, written in turns in the narratives of both main characters. Readers will see the two separate stories of the characters intertwine into one. The world that Sabaa Tahir has created is a very action packed, adventurous, supernatural story that will appeal to readers who are fans of the fantasy genre with a created world. The tension and attraction between the characters will attract teens who are interested in romance.
Strengths:
Reader’s Advisory
Main characters:
Amani:
The narrator of the story, who is taken from her home in Cadiz to the double for the Maran (Princess of Vath). She is a strong believer of Dihya and Massinia. From the very beginning, Amani hopes to be as strong as her mother (survivor of 2 wars; civil war & Vathek invasion). She constantly compares herself to her mother, although this is her weakness, she later finds strength in this. Her goal to escape and return to her family draws the strength and bravery within her. Amani’s resolve allows her to take risks and become more confident in herself as the plot progresses. She does not lose her compassion and caring nature as she takes on the Maram’s role. This part of her personality is needed in the plot, especially towards the end when she shows mercy for a rebel, ultimately exposing her.
Amani’s character plays an important role in changing the nature of the princess. As she begins to understand the Maram, she becomes more empathetic towards her. Maram begins to change, learning to be herself around Amani due to this.
Maram Vak Mathis (Royal Princess, high princess of Vath):
Maram’s father conquered Andala along with the moons. She is the daughter of the King of Vathek and Queen of Andala. Raised by her Vath relatives, she had a lonely and isolated childhood, which resulted in her arrogant, ruthless and unaccepting personality. Maram is not truly accepted by either side of her family. She is of impure (mixed) blood, thus looked down upon by the Vath. Her mother’s side sees her as the child of their oppressor. Her character begins to change because of Amani, whom she starts to see as a sister. Maram’s actions are mostly due to the fact that she wants to be accepted.
Idris Ibn Salih:
Idris becomes Maram’s fiance after his family (tribe of the old Andalaan royal family) surrendered to the Vath after the death of Queen Najat. He exists as a reminder to the people of Andala of the Vathek power. He was allowed to live for that purpose. Idris is curious about his people and his heritage. After learning Amani’s secret, he learns more about his past and the khitaam on his arm. His character is the reason Amani takes the risk of letting others know her role as Maram.
Idris and Amani eventually fall for eachother. In terms of plot, Idris is a reminder to Amani of what she cannot have. A reminder that she is just a double for Maram, and the truth of reality.
Supporting Characters
Tala:
An Andalaan girl, in charge of taking care if Amani. While she does her duties and follows the rules, she grows fond of Amani, silently supporting her.
Nadine:
The King’s stewardess in charge of training Amani to be act and become Maram.
Lady Furat:
Maram’s cousin from her mother’s side, who is disliked by Maram. Even though Lady Furat lost her family to the Vathek, she is still fearless and has the presence of someone who has lost nothing. Lady Furat embrasses the fact that she is fully Andalaan, despite being oppressed by the Vath. Her character displays the strength that Maram lacks. Lady Furat is also responsible for moving the plot, as she introduces Amani to the “rebellion leader” (Arinnas).
Arinnas:
She is someone who wants to fight the Vath and get back freedom. Arinnas is a look-a-like to Massinia (prophetess of the religion followed by the characters). Amani sees her as a sign that leads them to freedom.
Dowager Sultana:
Maram’s grandfather and the previous queen of Andala. She resides in the moon of Gibra, isolated from the rest of the world. After losing her daughter, she is alone. She serves as comfort for Amani being they are both Kushaila. Amani is able to share her old self with her.
Galene:
Maram’s sister, fully Vath, who seeks to be the heir to Andala.
King Mathis:
Responsible for the cease of Andala.
Husnain:
Amani’s younger brother, who is a bit reckless.
Aziz:
Amani’s eldest brother who is described to be wise and reliable.
Genre: Memoir/ Autobiography
Theme:
Plot:
Sara Saedi writes about her teenage years as an undocumented immigrant. She finds out that she is an illegal alien when her sister could not apply for a job due to their status. Sara’s dramatic, quirky and sarcastic dialogue in the memoir depict her fears of being deported but also of being a regular teenage girl living in California. Using her teen diary, Sara talks about being Iranian in America:
Describing how Iranians really are (decomposing stereotypes)
Talks about sex
The importance of family (e.g cousins who encouraged drug and alcohol, parents secretly sacrificing their marriage, sensitive brother)
Teen drama (the power of a unibrow, Evan the stoner, Prom, eradicating acne, mood swings)
All the while writing about the struggle of obtaining a green card (rushed trips to sort out immigration documents, hours waits to accomplished nothings),and change in politics (Trump, DACA). Sara Saedi’s Americanized Rebel Without a Green Card depicts the journey towards being a legal immigrant while coping with typical teenage drama.
Introduction
The Library Bill of Rights by the American Library Association (2019) states “Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves” (para. 2). The emphasis is on all members of the community. Members of the community I would like to highlight is the teens; those between the age of 13 to 18 years old. As a future teen librarian my objective is to serve the needs of the teen population specifically focusing on approach and collection development. In order to fulfill my objective I have consulted with research and literature available through databases, as well as print books.
Approach
Denise E. Agosto (2013) articulates the importance of a teen centered perspective, while emphasizing the need to focus research on teen input rather than teen literature. Her study concludes that there is not enough research conducted in Library and Information Science that involved direct input from teens. As a teen librarian it is essential to be able to communicate and work well with the teens in the community. In order to learn more about their needs, research conducted with teens involved is imperative. It provides awareness to LIS students on what teens want, so that they may provide adequate service. Agosto’s (2013) approach includes involving teens in cooperating with teen service and programming available at the libraries. Participation from the group directly being served, provides better services from teen librarians. I would like to reinforce the teen centered approach as a future young adult librarian.
Collection Development
Collection development includes the adding of materials of various format into the collection for the consumption. Karen Jensen identifies the fundamentals of collection development for teens, while being wary of funding, as acquiring multiple copies of books that are in high demand (in different formats), texts necessary for school, classics, materials relating directly to teen experience, diverse materials, and having a balance between informational and recreational materials (Booth & Jenson, 2014). The resources that are available should reflect on what is needed by the teen community for the library I serve. As teen librarians, I believe it is crucial to intake suggestion by the teen population as the resources are directed towards them. This procedure underlines the teen centered approach emphasized by Agosto. As a future teen librarian, I would like to follow the guidelines set by Jenson while adding resources and making them readily available to teens.
Conclusion
In order to deliver resources to the teen community it is essential for teen librarians to approach teens with communicative and encouragement in participation. Equally important is collection development for teens. Resources available should reflect on the teen population, where there is a balance between what teens want and what they need.
Rothbauer (2018) discusses the different viewpoints of teens and reading. Certain perspectives portray teens as non-readers while others advocate that teens do read by choice. I was particularly interested in the discussions of “new adult” whom Rothbauer refers to as ages 18-25. He adds quotes from 1931 and 2014. It was intriguing to see that even though times have changed the viewpoints remained the same. In the 1931 quote “good habits” were considered when children read “good literature” (Rothbauer, 2018). Similarly in the 2014 quote, while saying it’s alright to read YA books, there are “grown up books” that should also be read”. I related this directly this to my experience of being a teen once. I was dictated on what I should and should not read by my family. They saw YA and fiction reading as something unsuitable for my age as well as literature that did not have any meaning to my education. Meanwhile, I was finding comfort in reading YA, by connecting with the characters who shared similar experiences with me.
I also found myself connecting with Rothbauer (2018), on his discussion of the importance of the interplay between identity and reading. I think the experience of developing a relationship with a book is critical in learning out oneself. Personally I think it has helped understand that others have also shared the same experiences as I have. The shared experience that I have with characters has helped me cope with certain situations.
Rosenbauer’s chapter in Reading Still Matters has made it clear that reading is important to youth. Although we have strayed from the traditional forms of reading, it still impacts teens self discovery, and identity
As an undergraduate student I studied psychology and studio arts as my majors. While searching for news about teens I automatically geared towards finding news about teenagers and their interactions with art. When I was a teenager, drawing and creating art was my escape (apart from fantasy novels). I wanted to see what programs were available for teenagers of today. Unfortunately I did not find news within my local community that caught my interest, however Beth Hunter’s article “Artists for Humanity brings opportunities to teens and the community”
was eye catching.
Hunter (2019) writes about the Arts for Humanity organization whose goal is to “give urban youth pathways to self-sufficiency and paid employment in art and design” (p.2). Through this organization teens have been able to work with artists in studios to create their own art while getting paid. I was amazed to see the display of paintings that teens created for the TripAdivor offices in Needham. Collaborating in a large scale project such as this one shows commitment and a true love for art. I was excited about discovering that programs such as this one existed to nurture and guide teen interest in the arts.
Youth is represented in a new light in this article. Vikki C. Terrile and S. Michele Echols (2012) point out that adults, including librarians, often see teens as a nuisance who mess around and cause trouble in libraries. Beth’s article rectifies the fact that teens are goal driven, motivated, and committed. Resources made available to teens by organizations such as Arts For Humanity are invaluable tools and services for teens. It gives them the opportunity to reach their potential and explore their interests.
Barsha B. 