Module 4: Fantasy and Science Fiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Collins, Suzanne. 2008. THE HUNGER GAMES. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780439023481

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In what HORN BOOK calls “Survivor meets ‘The Lottery’,” Collins’ HUNGER GAMES unfolds the fascinating story of a futuristic society in the ruins of North America where a lottery system selects unlucky teenagers to pit against each other in a televised battle to the death. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen has had her name in the demented lottery drawing since she was twelve, and she just hopes that the odds are in her favor as “reaping” day approaches and an unlucky boy and girl from her district, District 12, will be selected to enter the Hunger Games. With nearly impossible odds, Katniss’s twelve-year-old sister’s name is drawn from the bowl of girls’ names, and Katniss bravely volunteers herself to go in her sister’s place alongside Peeta Mellark, a kind and caring boy who once gave Katniss a loaf of bread when she was starving. As Katniss and Peeta prepare for the fight of their lives, they must choose their strategies wisely and decide who they can and cannot trust, since there can only be one survivor. Both thrilling and haunting at the same time, Collins’ masterpiece deserves a place in any library serving young adults. The plot is fast-paced and definitely edge-of-your-seat thrilling with intense action and countless surprises along the way. Collins masterfully creates sympathetic characters that will resonate with readers, drawing them completely into the characters’ troubling and terrifying situation. Katniss is an incredibly brave female heroine that girls everywhere will undoubtedly cheer on, and her character contains just the right mix of strong and feminine qualities in order to make her believable. With heart-pounding action, a unique and thought-provoking version of a frightening future, and authentic characters, THE HUNGER GAMES is sure to please readers and send them immediately to the nearest library or bookstore for the second book in the series.

CONNECTIONS:

Prior to reading THE HUNGER GAMES, introduce students to the book through the following video book trailer on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023483.

THE HUNGER GAMES is the first book of three in a series. Encourage students to check out CATCHING FIRE (2009), book two in the trilogy, and the third book in the series, which is scheduled to be available in 2010.

Scholastic offers a fantastic website devoted to THE HUNGER GAMES that is full of games and information on both the book and the author at http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/. Encourage fans to check this website out. The games are a lot of fun!

Encourage students to discuss what they would have done if they were in Katniss’ situation. Would they have been brave enough to take Prim’s place? Once at the Hunger Games, what, if anything, would they have done differently?

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From HORN BOOK starred (Sept./Oct. 2008):
“Survivor meets "The Lottery" as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series. The plot is front and center here -- the twists and turns are addictive, particularly when the romantic subplot ups the ante -- yet the Capitol's oppression and exploitation of the districts always simmers just below the surface, waiting to be more fully explored in future volumes. Collins has written a compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (Nov./Dec. 2008):
“The games are so brutal and so real that it is impossible to stop reading until you know who wins the Hunger Games. Highly Recommended.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (September 2008):
“Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator." Book one of a planned trilogy.”

ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2009

ALA Notable Books of the Year 2009

Publisher’s Weekly’s Best Books of the Year 2008

Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers 2009

Texas Lone Star Reading List 2009-2010

TAYSHAS Reading List 2009-2010

Module 4: Fantasy and Science Fiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Anderson, M.T. 2004. FEED. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763622596

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

In FEED, M.T. Anderson unfolds a strange futuristic reality where everyone has “feeds,” which are transmitters implanted in their brains that broadcast advertisements, entertainment, and information. In this troubling world, “School™” is run by the corporations, and the moon is seen as a trashed-out place where teenagers go to party. For Titus and his friends, the “feeds” are a crucial part of their social lives, and they could not imagine a world without them. However, everyone with a “feed” begins to develop unexplained lesions, and the frightening reality that the “feed” can control one’s thoughts and actions is slowly revealed to Titus after he and his friends are attacked by a “feed” protester who hijacks their “feeds” and causes them to malfunction for a few days. While Titus’s new friend Violet is waiting for her “feed” to be restored, she comes up with a plan to create a bizarre personality that will confuse her “feed” so completely that she will ultimately become invisible to it. As Titus learns more about Violet, he discovers that Violet’s “feed” may never be repaired and that she could die from the malfunctions she is experiencing. Underneath the obvious story line is a serious and deeply troubling undercurrent of what the future could hold if advertising and industry are allowed to control people’s thoughts. Written in bizarre, futuristic teenage slang language, FEED borders on confusing at the beginning as readers must get their bearings with the strange word choices. However, once readers orient themselves in the odd world of Titus and his friends, the unusual language takes on a whole new meaning as readers begin to develop a clear picture of just how strange and unsettling a future riddled with thought control and overbearing technology really could be. Readers will identify with Titus as a typical teenager, but Violet’s rebellious and intelligent nature will really draw them into the story. As Violet’s situation becomes increasingly dire, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats wanting to know what will happen next. FEED is an excellent science fiction novel that poses some deep and troubling questions about the future.

CONNECTIONS:

M.T. Anderson says that he read magazines geared towards teenagers and even eavesdropped on conversations in malls to get ideas for the language used throughout FEED. The word choice used throughout FEED is significant to the story line. Ask students to speculate as to why they think Anderson chose to use such strange language throughout the story.

Ask students to contemplate what types of information would be broadcast through “feeds” if the technology existed today. Would this be a good thing or a bad thing?

In FEED, Titus’ character is somewhat sympathetic to Violet’s plight, but he is also apathetic during much of Violet’s troubles. Why do you think Titus is often apathetic and uninvolved? What factors might have affected his behavior during these times?

If students enjoy Anderson’s writing, share this NPR article with them on Anderson: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6525913, where he discusses where his writing ideas come from and shares some of his favorite lines from his stories.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From AMAZON.COM:
“This brilliantly ironic satire is set in a future world where television and computers are connected directly into people's brains when they are babies. The result is a chillingly recognizable consumer society where empty-headed kids are driven by fashion and shopping and the avid pursuit of silly entertainment--even on trips to Mars and the moon--and by constant customized murmurs in their brains of encouragement to buy, buy, buy. Although there is a danger that at first teens may see the idea of brain-computers as cool, ultimately they will recognize this as a fascinating novel that says something important about their world.”

From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (2002):
“Titus proves a believably flawed hero, and ultimately the novel's greatest strength lies in his denial of and uncomfortable awakening to the truth. This satire offers a thought-provoking and scathing indictment that may prod readers to examine the more sinister possibilities of corporate- and media-dominated culture.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (2002):
“Anderson gives his characters a unique language that teens will relate to, but much of it is raw and crude. Young people will also appreciate the consumeristic lifestyle and television shows that are satirized in the book. Violet and her father are the only truly sympathetic characters. The other teens are portrayed as thoughtless, selfish, and not always likable. Only Titus learns anything from his mistakes and tries to be a little less self-centered. A gripping, intriguing, and unique cautionary novel.”

Wilson’s Senior High School

National Book Award Finalist

Los Angeles Times Book Prize Winner

Module 4: Fantasy and Science Fiction

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Westerfeld, Scott. 2005. UGLIES. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780689865381

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Tally Youngblood is anxiously awaiting her sixteenth birthday, but not for the typical reasons a teenager wants to turn sixteen. In Tally’s world, her sixteenth birthday means she can finally undergo extensive plastic surgery to transform her into an extremely beautiful and perfect person. In Uglyville, everyone is considered ugly until they turn sixteen and get the operation to turn them into “pretties” who can move to New Pretty Town and live a carefree and privileged life. Tally is sure this is what she wants more than anything. It is the only way she has ever known, and who wouldn’t want to be gorgeous like everyone else? However, her views on turning pretty slowly begin to change as she befriends another “ugly,” Shay, who does not want turn pretty. When Shay runs away just before her sixteenth birthday, Tally is forced to choose between getting her operation and turning her friend over to the authorities. Tally sets off on an adventure to find her friend, and she uncovers more than she ever thought she would about life on the outside and the ugly truth behind turning pretty. Tally must make her choices carefully since they will affect her and her friends for the rest of their lives. With realistic and sympathetic characters and a fast-paced, action-filled plot, readers will find themselves absorbed in the situations of Tally and Shay as the UGLIES transports them to an unforgettable and unimaginable place. The fantastic and futuristic setting, with its “hoverboards” and high-tech gadgets, is sure to please readers and make them contemplate their own reality and its complicated views on beauty. The UGLIES is so absorbing and enthralling that readers will undoubtedly breeze through its 400+ pages, urgently needing to know Tally’s fate.

CONNECTIONS:

If students like UGLIES, recommend the next two books in the series: PRETTIES and SPECIALS.

Also by Scott Westerfeld: EXTRAS, which is an add-on to the UGLIES series with a new protagonist.

Use UGLIES as a way to open a discussion on the meaning of beauty and what characteristics are most important in a person’s life.

Tally faced some very difficult choices in UGLIES. Ask students to contemplate whether or not Tally made the right choices, and ask them if there is anything they would have done differently.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (March 2005):
“Ethical concerns will provide a good source of discussion as honesty, justice, and free will are all oppressed in this well-conceived dystopia. Characterization, which flirts so openly with the importance of teen self-concept, is strong, and although lengthy, the novel is highly readable with a convincing plot that incorporates futuristic technologies and a disturbing commentary on our current public policies. Fortunately, the cliff-hanger ending promises a sequel.”

From BOOKLIST starred (March 2005):
“Although the narrative's brisk pace is more successful in scenes of hover-boarding action than in convincingly developing Tally's key relationships, teens will sink their teeth into the provocative questions about invasive technology, image-obsessed society, and the ethical quandaries of a mole-turned-ally. These elements, along with the obvious connections to reality programs such as Miami Slice, will surely cause this ingenious series debut to cement Westerfeld's reputation for high-concept YA fiction that has wide appeal.

From KIRKUS REVIEW starred (February 2005):
“With a beginning and ending that pack hefty punches, this introduction to a dystopic future promises an exciting series.”

Wilson’s Junior High School

Wilson’s Senior High School

VOYA, 2005

ALA Best Books for Young Adults

TAYSHAS 2006

Module 3: Adventure, Sports, & Mystery

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Werlin, Nancy. 2004. DOUBLE HELIX. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 9780803726062

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

DOUBLE HELIX cleverly unfolds the haunting and mysterious story of a teenage boy’s struggles to understand his true identity and the fate of his future. Eighteen-year-old Eli is faced with the heavy reality that his mother is dying from a terrible and debilitating genetic disorder called Huntington’s disease. Further complicating this emotional situation is the knowledge that Eli himself has a 50% chance of carrying the gene that will cause Huntington’s disease at some point in his adult life. As Eli deals with this difficult reality, a ray of hope enters his life as he lands a job at Wyatt Transgenics after taking a chance by emailing Dr. Quincy Wyatt, a famous and brilliant molecular biologist who had been called “a legend” and “the most acute mind on the planet.” This is Eli’s dream job, but Eli cannot shake the feeling that he and his family have an important connection to Dr. Wyatt. As Eli works for Dr. Wyatt, more questions about his identity, Dr. Wyatt’s mysterious connection to his parents, and “the situation” that Dr. Wyatt strangely refers to arise. Eli is a likeable character facing a difficult and intriguing situation, and readers will easily connect with and sympathize with him as he uncovers the mysterious secrets of his past. The supporting characters are also brilliantly created, drawing readers even further into the mystery. The action is suspenseful, and the plot is exciting and unpredictable with twists and turns that keep the reader wanting to know more. DOUBLE HELIX takes a unique look at the complicated and haunting ethics of genetic engineering through a teenager’s eyes, and mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy this gripping story.

CONNECTIONS:

Invite students to research more information about Huntington’s disease: when it was discovered, how genetics plays a role in the disease, progress on finding treatments or a cure, etc.

Encourage students to put themselves in Eli’s shoes and ask themselves whether or not they would want to be tested to discover if they carried the gene that causes Huntington’s disease. Have students discuss the pros and cons of such a difficult, life-altering decision.

Open up a discussion on the ethics of genetic engineering. When is it ethically acceptable, and when is it not? How can you tell the difference? Encourage a variety of viewpoints throughout the discussion.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (February 2004):
“A solidly crafted, thoughtful novel featuring a clever, obsessed kid who finds truths, small and large, about life, family, and, of course, himself.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION (October 2004):
“Werlin creates thought-provoking topics and addresses familial conflicts and relationships that are intense. Readers will discuss the topics of cloning and genetic transformation long after they have finished the book. Highly Recommended.”

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (March 2004):
“Werlin clearly and dramatically raises fundamental bioethical issues for teens to ponder. She also creates a riveting story with sharply etched characters and complex relationships that will stick with readers long after the book is closed. An essential purchase for YA collections.”

TAYSHAS 2005

Wilson’s Junior High SchoolWilson’s Senior High School

Module 3: Adventure, Sports, & Mystery

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Pratchett, Terry. 2008. NATION. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061433023

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

After a tsunami destroys his island village, Mau begins to believe that he may be the only survivor. Then Mau comes across Daphne, a young “ghost girl” who managed to miraculously survive the destructive wave from aboard a ship. Mau and Daphne soon discover that they are complete opposites who do not even speak the same language. Daphne views Mau as somewhat of a “savage” native, while she is a wealthy and “Honorable Miss” from the other side of the world. Despite their drastic differences, both characters are easily likeable, and their differences and attempts at communication are often humorous and entertaining. As the two cling to each other in a land that has lost virtually everything, they face the most exciting and dangerous adventure of their young lives. As more survivors arrive in the island, the adventurous plot thickens even further. Mau must figure out a way to feed a starving baby whose mother is extremely ill, and Daphne must help a pregnant woman give birth with no knowledge or experience of childbirth. NATION clearly takes place in another time and place, allowing readers to transcend their realities and transport themselves into this fascinating adventure. The fast-paced plot and exotic setting add appeal to the story, and any adventure fan will undoubtedly jump headfirst into this fantastic tale. Pratchett tackles the classic survival story of man versus nation in a unique and clever way that is certain to grab readers’ attention and not let go until the very end.

CONNECTIONS:

Since Mau and Daphne are such strong characters that differ greatly from each other in some ways (yet have other things in common), have students do a character comparison of the two characters.

Students might enjoy writing a diary entry from Mau’s or Daphne’s perspective (or both).

The setting for this story is not specifically stated. Invite students to see if they can determine what type of time and place this story takes place in. For an extension activity, students could write about or draw this “alternative” setting, describing it in detail.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From BOOKLIST starred (August 2008):
“Broad in its scope and concrete in its details, this unusual novel strips away the trappings of two very different nations to consider what it is people value and why. Certain scenes are indelible: Mau’s nonverbal communication to Daphne that a pregnant woman has landed, and she must help with the birth; or the terrifying yet awesome descent into a cave. Quirky wit and broad vision make this a fascinating survival story on many levels.”

From HORN BOOK starred (January 2009):
“The historical era is an alternative nineteenth century. Serious subjects and juicy ethical questions are fully woven into action and character. Add a romance, encounters with ghosts, and lots of gunfire, and it's hard to imagine a reader who won't feel welcomed.”

From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION starred (January 2009):
“The reader will come to care for these two characters as they struggle to rebuild their lives and society. There is a cast of colorful and interesting supporting characters to move the plot to its satisfying conclusion. Fans of Terry Pratchett will find this an engrossing action story. Highly Recommended.”

ALA Notable Children’s Book 2009

ALA Best Book for Young Adults 2009

2009 Boston Globe – Horn Book Award Winner2009

Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book

Module 3: Adventure, Sports, & Mystery

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Myers, Walter Dean. 2008. FALLEN ANGELS. New York: Scholastic. ISBN 9780545055765

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

After graduating from high school, seventeen-year-old Richie Perry enlists in the United States Army and travels to Vietnam to join the war effort. However, young Richie is disillusioned about what it means to go to war, and he believes that a knee injury will prevent him from having to actually fight in the war. Richie’s hopes are further bolstered by a sergeant’s assurances that he and his new friends will only encounter light, easy work. Inevitably, Richie’s illusions are quickly shattered when one of the new recruits is killed by a land mine. The harsh realities of war begin to set in with Richie, but he is too horrified even to tell his mother and brother back home. Richie must confront his own thoughts on the morality of war, and he is left confused and emotionally shaken. While stuck in the middle of a horrendous war, Richie also begins to look within himself as he questions the worth of his own life and what he will do with it if he survives to rejoin “the World.” Richie faces extraordinarily difficult situations while at war, such as terrifying wounds, facing racism within his own military unit as a black man, and the harsh, frightening, and confusing life of a soldier. Intelligent and ambitious Richie will pull readers into the story with him, and readers will find themselves grappling with the heavy questions he poses about war and heroism. FALLEN ANGELS is an adventure story that takes a deep and serious look at the realities of war and the impact it has on soldiers. In addition to the action-packed plot, the emotional subtext of FALLEN ANGELS will draw readers into Richie’s difficult situation and stick with them long after the book is put down.

CONNECTIONS:

FALLEN ANGELS may increase students’ interest in the Vietnam War. Encourage students to research more about the history of this war. Students can even create a factual timeline chronicling the major events throughout this war.

Richie is emotionally affected by his experiences at war in a variety of ways. Encourage students to write a diary entry from Richie’s perspective, expressing the emotions and confusion that he experiences.

Pair this story with poetry related to war, such as Lee Bennett Hopkins’ AMERICA AT WAR: POEMS.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS:

From KIRKUS REVIEWS:
“With dreams of college fading, Ritchie Perry (17) enlists, buying time to consider his future. By mistake, he's ordered to Southeast Asia and into a bloody, violent nightmare where he sees his fellows gunned down (sometimes by their own side), women and children mutilated and killed, desperate heroism and equally ... More desperate cowardice; his articulate, dispassionate telling only accentuates his story's horror, Myers masterfully re-creates the combat zone with its "hours of boredom, seconds of terror," its crushing tension and the distortion of values brought on by the relentless proximity of death--Ritchie says, "We were in the middle of it, and it was deeply within us." He survives racist officers, pitched battles, guerrilla raids, and multiple wounds—not all of them physical; whether his numbed spirit will eventually thaw is a question the author leaves open. War-story fans will find enough action here, though it isn't glorified; thoughtful readers will be haunted by this tribute to a ravaged generation.”

Wilson’s Junior High School

Wilson’s Senior High School

ALA Notable Best Book

Coretta Scott King Award Book 1989