Expand your mind...read a banned book!

It’s that time of year again when the American Library Association promotes Banned Books Week in an effort to spotlight books that people find “offensive.” Below is a list of the ten most challenged books for 2007. These books had complaints filled against them for various reasons. Some will recognize that a few young adult titles have made the list.

In order to promote intellectual freedom I encourage everyone to read a banned/challenged book.

The “10 Most Challenged Books of 2007” are:

1. “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter ParnellReasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

2. "The Chocolate War,” by Robert CormierReasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence

3. “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin HenkesReasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language

4. “The Golden Compass,” by Philip PullmanReasons: Religious Viewpoint

5. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark TwainReasons: Racism

6. “The Color Purple,” by Alice WalkerReasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,

7. "TTYL,” by Lauren MyracleReasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

8. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya AngelouReasons: Sexually Explicit

9. “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie HarrisReasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit

10. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen ChboskyReasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

What is your path in life?

Vidya isn't a typical Indian woman because she dreams about going to college. The thought consumes her and she can think of nothing else. She likes to read and enjoys school, and unlike other girls around her she doesn't want to get married.

Everything is going well for her, until the day her father is brutally beaten by an English soldier. With her father unable to work she must move into her grandfather's house, which is occupied by an interesting cast of characters, including some cruel family members. Vidya's life is miserable. The only solace she finds is going upstairs to the library where she reads for hours. However, going into the library is entering the men's quarters and it is forbidden. No woman is allowed in the library.

While in the library Vidya meets a young man named Raman. He's unlike the others in the household because he treats her like an equal and encourages her to read. As time goes on Vidya begins to develop feelings for Raman but she doesn't know if she is willing to give up college for a man. Vidya must choose her path in life, marry like a proper Indian woman should, or be an outcast and go to college.

This book was differend compared to so many that I have read; because this novel takes place in India during World War II. Ms. Venkatraman does an excellent job of immersing the reader in Indian culture. She explains the foods, festivals and different customs. The caste system is explored in this book as well as the gender roles.

The only drawback to this book is there was no glossary. The author uses so many Indian words, which is wonderful, but I think the addition of a glossary would have helped students.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and I think it would be an excellent book for a social studies teacher to use.

For teens who like to read about history, politics and other cultures this is the book for them.

Walk like an Egyptian

As we all know the Heretic Queen is Ms. Moran’s second book. Once again she explores the ancient world of Egypt, something very few historical fiction authors have done.

The novel is about Nefetari who is well versed in various languages, doesn’t shy away from warfare and is a very intelligent young woman. However, she is the niece of Nefertiti and with that comes a lot of baggage. Since her aunt is called the “heretic queen” Nefertari is seen as an unimportant princess. Nefetari is dislike by the people, those at court don’t want her around, and people shun her. Nefetari’s family name has been tarnished and their sins cast a shadow over everything she wants to accomplish in life. How can she become the wife of Ramesses when everyone around Nefetari hates her? Iset, Ramesses first wife, seeks to become his Chief Wife and keep Nefetari at bay. Determined to have the world remember her family’s name, she seeks to win Ramesses heart and become Chief Wife while those around her try to destroy her.

For those looking for Mosses in the novel, he’s not in it, and Ms. Moran explains why she left him out in her historical note. Personally, I’m not a fan of biblical stories so I didn’t miss Moses in the novel.

I know nothing about Egypt. I think most of us have studied it in high school, and maybe took a course in college. I don’t remember much, and when I read The Heretic Queen I was pleased to see Ms. Morgan gives sufficient details in her novel without it becoming longwinded or like a history lecture. There is a fine line to be walked, and I think she did it wonderfully. As a reader I felt immersed in Egyptian culture.

At the back of the novel there is also a glossary of terms and a religious calendar to help readers. Also, there is an essay in the back about how Ms. Moran used historical facts, but when needed she bridged those facts with some creative writing.

For those who enjoyed Nefertiti they will enjoy The Heretic Queen because it has the same blend of interesting characters, back stabbing plots and great historical detail. I look forward to Cleopatra’s Daughter!

OMG Are you kidding me?

This has nothing to do with news, views or reviews on any young adult book but I feel inclined to vent.

I'M SICK!

And when I say sick I don't mean ill in the head (although some of my students may beg to differ). I've only worked in the elementary school for 3 days and I've caught a cold! I can't believe it! Is my immune system that bad? I am not amused.

My venting is now complete and tomorrow I will go back to my regularly scheduled book review.

Welcome Back!

Well, school has started once again. Where did my summer go? I'm posting a few days late because of my new schedule.

Anyway, up for review is X 23: Target X. I really enjoyed the first X- 23 graphic novel and so I decided to give this one a go. It has excellent art. Mike Choi is an amazing artist and colorist Sonia Oback rocks!

This story takes place after X-23 has left the facility. She has been captured by Caption America, who works for a secret organization called S.H.I.E.L.D. Caption America is asking Laura (X-23) questions about her past.

The story is told in a series of flashbacks. The reader is reacquainted with Laura's life in the facility (which was covered in X-23: Innocent Lost), time with her aunt and cousin and also her meeting with Wolverine. While the story does cover material already presented in X-23: Innocent Lost, it does not weigh down the story and is used to refreshing readers of what Laura has gone though.

I enjoyed X- 23: Target X and wish this character would have her own series. I believe she is in the team book X- Force.

If students ejoyed the first book I think they will enjoy this one as well. I don't think anyone needs to read the first book in order to understand the story. I strongly suggest reading the first book because it's an excellent read.

BTW, my copy of The Heretic Queen came last weekend and it is AMAZING. I finished it in two days.

A Powerful novel about Hurricane Katrina

No doubt some are thinking "this chick is like Volponi's personal cheerleader!" Well, you'd be right. Anyone who can get my teenage students, especially the boys, to read a book is someone that needs to be talked about. Frankly, I think the man is amazing.

Once again Mr. Volponi creates a fast paced story that will engage readers. Miles cannot stand living with his mother and his new stepfather. The apartment is too cramped, there are too many kids. Miles has to escape..but where can he go? His mother finally allows him to move in with his father, a man he hasn't seen for most of his life. The relationship with Miles and his father is lukewarm at best. Miles’ father doesn’t have an interest in football and only cares about Jazz. Before the two can work on their relationship Hurricane Katrina hits.

The reader is given a vivid and often painful narrative of what life was like in the Superdome. We see these events through Miles' eyes. He is a frightened, confused young man who struggles to understand the inhumanity that is taking place around him. As always, Mr. Volponi does not shrink away from uncomfortable situations and paints a very realistic vision of what happened during those horrible days inside and outside the Superdome. There is some swearing in this novel, but once again it is never done to shock the reader but further the storyline.

Students who want a realistic portrayal of Hurricane Katrina will enjoy this book. For students who enjoyed Mr. Volponi’s other novels I have no doubt they will enjoy this one as well.

This is a very powerful book about a sad chapter in our country's history.