 Suzanne’s Diary to Nicholas by James Patterson
ISBN: 978-0-7595-2521-4
Patterson, J. (2001). Suzanne's diary to nicholas. New York: Hachette Book Group
Plot Summary
Katie Wilkinson has found the man of her dreams. He is kind, handsome, and can support a family. When Katie feels their relationship is going somewhere, Matt suddenly leaves, with only a diary to show Katie he was once there. Katie distraught, the man she loved left her, and she soon realizes she is pregnant. The diary is called Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas. As Katie reads, she realizes that Suzanne was married to Matt. She is immediately horrified, thinking Matt is married and was having an affair. Katie continues to read about Suzanne, her pregnancy, and subsequent birth of her son Nicholas. The novel switches back-and-forth between Katie’s day-to-day life to the diary. Katie reads about Matt through another woman’s eyes, their joy with their son Nicholas, and excitement over Suzanne’s second pregnancy. The feeling is bittersweet, as Katie wants all that Suzanne and Matt had for herself and her unborn child. As Katie nears the end of Suzanne’s diary, she will reach a tragedy that has affected Matt, and their future happiness as a family.
Critical Evaluation
One of Patterson’s first forays outside the thriller crime novels he is best known for, brings Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas. Typical Patterson elements include short chapters, surprising twists, and a fast-moving good story. Told in both first- and third-person, the diary and narrative formats are surprisingly suited for one another. Katie, the protagonist, reads the diary written by Suzanne in first person. The diary entries read like a story unto themselves, which serves to juxtapose Matt’s two lives with two different women. A love story at its heart, the novel teeters between sentimentality and overly saccharine. Sensitive readers will need to keep some tissues nearby, while hardier readers may roll their eyes at the tragic circumstances. Though the ending somewhat explains Matt’s leaving, one also gets the feeling of wanting to smack him. There is sympathy, but also annoyance that he could not discuss his warring thoughts with a woman he was intimately involved with, and suddenly left instead. In the end, love is portrayed as beautiful, yet imperfect, with pitfalls and heartbreaks along the way.
Reader’s Annotation
Katie found the perfect man, until he left, leaving only a diary about his wife and son behind. Why did he leave, and why is the diary so important?
About the Author
James Patterson is one of the most successful adult authors. Patterson’s books have sold 260 million copies worldwide, has had five new hardcover novels debut at #1 every year since 2005, has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Times bestselling novels, and holds the Guinness World Record for most Hardcover Fiction titles by a single author with 76 books. Some of Patterson’s novels have been turned into Hollywood movies, including the Alex Cross novels with the title character portrayed by Morgan Freeman. Patterson’s first young adult series, Maximum Ride is currently being filmed.
James Patterson was born in New York in 1947. He attended Manhattan College and Vanderbilt University earning both a bachelor and master degree in English. Patterson first worked in advertising, but retired in 1996 and turned to writing fulltime. Patterson is a prolific writer, and signed a deal in 2009 to write 11 adult books and 6 young adult books by the end of 2012. He has founded four programs that encourage reading and literacy, including the James Patterson PageTurner Awards that donated $100,000 to companies and people with creative ways to spread books and reading. Patterson currently lives in Palm Beach, Florida with his wife and son.
Genre
Romance/Chick List
Curriculum Ties
Writing diary entries
Booktalking
Matt had a reason for leaving, but was it a good enough reason?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 5th grade
IL: 9th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include sexual relationships between adults before marriage.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
James Patterson is such a well-known author of both adult and young adult novels; I felt it important to include one of each. Additionally, Patterson is most known for his crime novels about Alex Cross and the Lady Detectives, so I decided on one of his other works.
Others in the Series
N/A
References
Hachette Book Group. (2013). About james: Biography. Retrieved from http://www.jamespatterson.com/about_biography.php#.UVHwCxlAus0
James Patterson. (2013, April 14). Retrieved March 20, 2013 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Patterson
 Son of the Mob by Gordon Korman
ISBN: 978-1417627547
Korman, G. (2002). Son of the Mob. New York: Hyperion Book.
Plot Summary
Vince Luca has it made. His family is wealthy, his parents are great, he’s a new star in football, and might just have a new girlfriend name Kendra. But, his family’s money is from illegal doings, his father is a mob boss, he’s scoring touchdowns because the opposing teams are scared of him, and his new girlfriend’s father is an FBI agent. Of course, Kendra’s father is not just any FBI agent, but the agent who is specifically tasked with solving a murder he suspects Vince’s father committed. Vince wants out of the family business and has tried his hardest to keep out and get good grades to attend college out of state. Now he has to be even more careful, as visits to Kendra’s house result in parent interviews and Kendra’s visits are closely monitored for any bugs or wiretaps. Vince is just a teenager who wants a normal date for once.
Critical Evaluation
Described as The Sopranos for teens meets star-crossed lovers, Son of the Mob is a brilliantly funny novel. It takes a talented writer to take the Mob, a decidedly dangerous group of individuals, and make them likeable and almost normal, but Korman succeeds. One is almost able to forget the illegal activities surrounding the Luca family because of the humor infused throughout. Even a date cut short by a body in the trunk (still alive thankfully) lends itself to a moment of laughs at the absurdity of the situation. Main character Vince also shows a realistic portrayal of a young man who loves his family, but not what they do. He recognizes the wealth and power his name affords him, but also the bad things that created the wealth and power. Korman expertly combines situational humor and organized crime into a winning novel. Witty dialog and the portrayal of high school dating complicated by your family (albeit Vince’s contribute more than the usual complications) are experiences any teenager can relate to. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the hilarious story, and eagerly latch on to the sequel.
Reader’s Annotation
Vince’s family belongs to the mob. When he begins dating an FBI agent’s daughter, things get complicated really fast.
About the Author
“Gordon Korman was born October 23, 1963 in Montreal, Quebec in Canada. He wrote his first book, This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall when he was 12 years old for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English … he later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in the Sixth Grade Nickname Game, where Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.
His first book found a home with Scholastic, who also published his next 20 or so books, including six more Bruno and Boots titles, and several award winning young adult titles, among them my personal favorite, Son of Interflux. Scholastic still publishes many of Gordon's titles, though Hyperion Press is also now printing some of Gordon's stories. Gordon eventually made one of his homes in New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While in New York, he also met his future wife, and they eventually married -- they now have three children. He now lives on Long Island, outside of New York City, has approximately 70 books to his credit, and is currently contracted for several more.”
Genre
Humor
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Booktalking
What are some of the conversations possibly overheard in the Luca household?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 5th grade
IL: 8th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include the humorous portrayal of a mob family and their illegal activities.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I first read Son of the Mob as a young teenager and loved it! I remember actually laughing out loud at several parts, and recommended it to several of my friends. Several years later, it’s still incredibly humorous and well written.
Others in the Series
Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle (Book #2)
References
Korman, G. (n.d.). Gordon korman- biography. Retrieved from http://www.gordonkorman.com/.
 Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot ISBN: 978-0-06-085198-9 Cabot, M. (2006). Queen of babble. New York: William Morrow. Plot Summary Lizzie Nichols is newly a college graduate going to visit her boyfriend in London. But, Lizzie did not really graduate (she still has to finish her thesis), and her boyfriend is a guy she has not seen in three months. It will all work out great, right? Lizzie arrives in London only to find that Prince Charming Andrew is not really Prince Charming. She quickly takes a train to the south of France to join her best friend Shari and Shari’s boyfriend Chaz as they help cater a wedding at Chateau Mirac. On the way over Lizzie sits next to an incredibly handsome man, Luke, and quickly falls in love and embarrasses herself. Turns out Luke is the son of Chateau Mirac’s owner and Lizzie will be seeing him for the next few weeks. Lizzie’s blabbermouth rubs Luke the wrong way and he basically hates her. Andrew turns up wanting money, Lizzie is still trying to finish her thesis and finally graduate, and needs to figure out a way to make Luke fall in love with her. Critical Evaluation Meg Cabot is a Queen of Chick Lit. Perhaps best known for the Princess Diaries series, Cabot is just as adept at writing adult novels. Characters are playful, quirky, humorous, and looking for romance. The setting is every female college grad’s dream, a French chateau. The love interest is every female college grad’s dream, a handsome, wealthy, and educated man with an accent. Though a fluffy novel without too much substance, fans of Cabot will eat this up and enjoy it. The problems and antagonists are not earth shattering, or even particular evil or horrible. It is clear one is supposed to support the protagonist, her friends, and quest for love, but it is not necessary to hate anyone who gets in her way. Handsome man’s girlfriend is spoiled, but appears like a caricature of perfected mean girl-ness. The setting adds some needed element of surprise and the idea that anything can happen. It is only Cabot’s light-hearted writing, and her likeable characters that make any kind of impression. There is nothing particularly outstanding in Queen of Babble, and a happy ending is essentially predetermined, but that does not prevent readers from enjoying the ride. Reader’s Annotation Lizzie Nichols has found the love of her life, but he hates her. How is she going to make Luke fall in love with and finish her undergraduate thesis on time? About the Author Meg Cabot’s first published book was Where Roses Grow Wild at age 30 and was written as Patricia Cabot. Before moving to one publisher, Cabot also used the pen name Jenny Carroll. She is a prolific writer with twelve series, even more stand-alone novels, and contributes frequently to anthologies. Cabot’s most well-known works are probably the Princess Diaries books that have sold over 20 million copies, translated into 38 languages, and made into two movies by Disney. Meg Cabot was born in Indiana in 1967. She attended Indiana University at Bloomington, IN and studied studio arts. Cabot always enjoyed writing, but was dissuaded from majoring in creative writing because a guy at a party said majoring in writing would suck the love of writing out of you. Years later Cabot was reintroduced to the guy and ended up marrying him. She worked as an assistant residence hall director at New York University, and uses some of these experiences in her Heather Wells books. Cabot now lives with her husband and two cats in Key West, Florida. Genre Romance/Humor Adult Crossover Curriculum Ties History of Fashion Booktalking Imagine you’re at a French chateau with your best friends and a gorgeous guy. Lizzie Nichols doesn’t have to imagine, she’s living it. Reading Level/Interest Level RL: 5th grade IL: 9th grade and up/adult Challenge Issues Possible challenge issues include sexual relationships. I probably would not include in a school library. In my defense file, I would include the following: 1) Library Mission Statement 2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor. 3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights 4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist 5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled 6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards 7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead 8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why. Why Included Meg Cabot has had movies based on her book, and is a well-known author of contemporary novels for teens and adults. I felt she is an excellent example of an author whose books might be written for adults, but are also read by teens (and vice-versa). I actually enjoy many of her adult books more than the young adult ones. Others in the Series Queen of Babble in the Big City (Book #2) Queen of Babble Gets Hitched (Book #3) References Cabot, M. (2013). About meg cabot. Retrieved from www.megcabot.com
 Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9266-0
Gier, K. (2012). Sapphire blue. (A. Bell, Trans.). New York: Henry Holt and Company. (Original work published 2010)
Plot Summary
After discovering she, and not her cousin Charlotte, has the time-traveling gene Gwyneth’s life has been much more complicated. Gideon, her time-traveling partner, is gorgeous, but Gwen is unsure of his feelings towards her. One day he’s kissing her, the next he’s ignoring her completely. Gwen also is not sure why her cousin Lucy and Gideon’s cousin Paul are considered traitors and stole the first chronograph. Was it because they want the secret power of the chronograph for themselves, or is were they trying to protect someone? On one trip to the past Gwen and Gideon attend an evening soiree where Gideon flirts with an older woman and Gwen drinks too much. Their meeting with Count Saint-Germain is somewhat informative as Gwen learns of the Florentine Alliance, a group dedicated to killing the time-travelers. During one of Gwen’s time-traveling episodes, she goes to 1947 and meets her grandfather. After their initial surprise, the two compare information about Lucy and Paul, and what their potential motives might have been. They form a plan and agree to discuss any new information they find. Aunt Maddy has a vision about a ruby stone pushed over by a lion, and shattering into blood. Gwen is shaken and believes she is the ruby and Gideon is the lion. Soon after Gideon clumsily admits to Gwen that he is in love with her. They leave on another time traveling trip with disastrous results.
Critical Evaluation
As with Ruby Red, Bell has translated so wonderfully that it does not seem to have been written in a language other than English. The jokes and sarcasm come off as naturally as if a friend spoke them, and there are no awkward sentences or phrasing. Sapphire Blue begins just minutes after Ruby Red, the first installment, ended. Readers unfamiliar with the first novel will have a challenging time trying to keep up and understanding the time-traveling problem. Gwen comes off convincingly as a sixteen-year-old girl. It is not the time-traveling that has her crying or talking about for hours, but a boy. Like a regular teenager, life takes second place when a boy issue is at stake, and Gwen’s best friend is ready to listen. Gwen’s mother also acts as a real mother, one who loves her children deeply and will do anything to keep them safe. Though a major plot point, the time-traveling explanation remains elusive. There is no convincing explanation of how or why it started, and the chronograph makes little sense. The timing is also difficult to understand as characters in the past experience visits with Gwen linearly, but Gwen hops back-and-forth between time. Despite these complications, Gier has written a captivating story with likeable characters and intriguing plot points. Fans will be waiting eagerly for the last installment.
Reader’s Annotation
Gwen and Gideon continue their time-traveling adventures and their feelings for each other grow.
About the Author
Kerstin Gier is German and all information I could find was in German, but I used the translate feature.
Ruby red and the two sequels are Gier’s first youth adult fantasy novels. It has been translated into seventeen languages include English, Spanish, Polish, and Norwegian. Anthea Bell is the German to English translator. Ruby Red has also been turned into a German-language film. Before turning to young adult, Gier wrote 13 novels for adults.
She has enjoyed reading fantasy since childhood, but finally decided it was a good time. Gier has published novels under the pseudonyms Jule Fire and Sophie Berard. However, Gier now just writes under her own name. She says she used to write more prolifically, but now just has need for one name. Gier is married and has ason. During book tours Gier’s mother takes care of her son. Favorite authors include Nick Hornby, Marian Keyes, Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Stroud, and Antje Babendererde. She lives in Bergisches Land on the western side of Germany.
Anthea Bell is a well-known translator. Her most recognizable translation are Cornelia Funke’s children’s novels. Other than English, Bell is fluent in German and French, and can also translate Danish, though she does not speak it. Bell attended Oxford University and took a special English course on language development. Bell was married at 21 and became a secretary. By chance, someone asked if anyone read German and could give a publishing house an opinion on a German book. From there, Bell began reading books in German and eventually turned to translating them. She has won the Batchelder Award for book translations four times and has been honored an additional three. Bell currently lives in England.
Genre
Fantasy/Romance
Curriculum Ties
History
Booktalking
Are Gideon’s feelings genuine and what is going on with Paul and Lucy?
What does Aunt Maddy’s vision means?
Reading Level/Interest Level
RL: 6th grade
IL: 7th grade and up
Challenge Issues
Possible challenge issues may include time travel and murderous threats.
In my defense file, I would include the following:
1) Library Mission Statement
2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor.
3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights
4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist
5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled
6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards
7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead
8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why.
Why Included
I loved Ruby Red and definitely needed to read the sequel right away and add it to this assignment.
Others in the Series
Ruby Red (Book #1)
Emerald Green (Book #3- Not yet translated into English)
References
Lear, Elizabeth (2011, May 19). Q & A with anthea bell. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/interviews/article/47327-q-a-with-anthea-bell.html
Swiss, Tine. (2009, November 30). Interview with kerstin gier. Tines World Books. Retrieved from http://tinesbuecherwelt.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/interview-mit-kerstin-gier/
 Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier ISBN: 978-0-8050-9252-3 Gier, K. (2011). Ruby red. (A. Bell, Trans.). New York: Henry Holt and Company. (Original work published 2009) Plot Summary Gwen has been waiting for the day her cousin Charlotte will time travel. At sixteen, it should be very soon; the telltale headaches are present, and Charlotte’s training nearly complete. Their family has a special time travel gene that manifests in individuals born on certain days, at least according to Sir Isaac Newton. By all accounts, Gwen was born on the wrong day, so why is she getting headaches too? While running an errand, Gwen suddenly feels dizzy, she collapses, and when she rises the entire street has been transformed. The clothing is different, the cars are different, the flowers are different. There has been a mistake. Charlotte, with all her training, is not the one with the time travel gene, but Gwen, the less intelligent, less popular, less prepared cousin. Gwen’s mother quickly takes her to the Lodge of Count Saint-Germain, the secret society for time travelers and their keepers. The switch is rather a shock to everyone, especially eighteen-year-old Gideon. An experienced time traveler, Gideon has been collecting blood for a chronograph from all the deceased travelers to complete an old prophecy. He does not like that a new girl without training is his traveling partner. Not trusting Gideon, or any of these new people, Gwen does not tell anyone she is able to see and communicate with ghosts. Gwen and Gideon travel to the 18th century, but are nearly murdered. Gwen learns there is some conspiracy with the chronograph, and her cousin Lucy stole one and disappeared to prevent the prophecy from happening. Critical Evaluation Until now, Gwen’s most pressing concerns were high school, her perfect cousin Charlotte, and boys, a thoroughly normal teenage girl. Gwen has moments of brilliance, but is happiest gossiping with her best friend and acting silly. Other than the time-traveling gene and communicating with ghosts, Gwen is a completely normal teenager, a rarity now with genius intelligence or super strength, witty and sarcastic dialogue, or any of the other unlikely traits bestowed upon teenage girls. She is a rather refreshing protagonist who does not understand the position she is in or what to do about it, but has a remarkable ability to keep it all in stride. Some of the time-traveling explanations become a bit wordy and detailed, but the plot remains intriguing enough to just bypass the slower parts. Gwen has a dedicated mother, her father is deceased, and is remarkably kind to her younger sister and brother. She understands who her true friends are, and which family members to confide in and trust. For a recent time-traveler, Gwen refuses to fall into hysterics and decides to use her own strengths to survive. She is shrewder than her family or the secret alliance realizes, and waits to pass judgment until she knows something for sure. Overshadowed by her cousin, Gwen will finally have her opportunity to show her family just how special she really is. Time-traveling, an engaging heroine, and a love interest combine to make this trilogy an entertaining read. Reader’s Annotation Gwen finds out she, not her cousin, has the time traveling gene, she travels three times in two days, is nearly murdered, and is able to talk to ghosts. If that’s not enough, she has a grumpy, but hot time travel partner, and it’s up to them to complete a prophecy. About the Author Kerstin Gier is German and all information I could find was in German, but I used the translate feature. Ruby red and the two sequels are Gier’s first youth adult fantasy novels. It has been translated into seventeen languages include English, Spanish, Polish, and Norwegian. Anthea Bell is the German to English translator. Ruby Red has also been turned into a German-language film. Before turning to young adult, Gier wrote 13 novels for adults. She has enjoyed reading fantasy since childhood, but finally decided it was a good time. Gier has published novels under the pseudonyms Jule Fire and Sophie Berard. However, Gier now just writes under her own name. She says she used to write more prolifically, but now just has need for one name. Gier is married and has ason. During book tours Gier’s mother takes care of her son. Favorite authors include Nick Hornby, Marian Keyes, Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Stroud, and Antje Babendererde. She lives in Bergisches Land on the western side of Germany. Anthea Bell is a well-known translator. Her most recognizable translation are Cornelia Funke’s children’s novels. Other than English, Bell is fluent in German and French, and cal also translate Danish, though she does not speak it. Bell attended Oxford University and took a special English course on language development. Bell was married at 21 and became a secretary. By chance, someone asked if anyone read German and could give a publishing house an opinion on a German book. From there, Bell began reading books in German and eventually turned to translating them. She has won the Batchelder Award for book translations four times and has been honored an additional three. Bell currently lives in England. Genre Fantasy/Action & Adventure Curriculum TiesHistory Booktalking What time period would you most want to travel to? What are some potential problems you would face? Reading Level/Interest Level RL: 5th grade IL: 8th grade and up Challenge Issues Possible challenge issues may include the fantastical element of time travel and brief instances of profanity. In my defense file, I would include the following: 1) Library Mission Statement 2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor. 3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights 4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist 5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled 6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards 7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead 8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why. Why Included I love fantasy and historical fiction. Combining the two sounded like a great idea, and it was! Others in the Series Sapphire Blue (Book #2) Emerald Green (Book #3- Not yet translated into English) References Lear, Elizabeth (2011, May 19). Q & A with anthea bell. Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/interviews/article/47327-q-a-with-anthea-bell.html Swiss, Tine. (2009, November 30). Interview with kerstin gier. Tines World Books. Retrieved from http://tinesbuecherwelt.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/interview-mit-kerstin-gier/
 The Fault in Our Stars by John Green ISBN: 0-525-47881-7 Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York: Dutton Books. Plot Summary Hazel is probably depressed, has few friends, and a somewhat negative view of the future. This is all rather understandable as Hazel has an incurable form of cancer and must use an oxygen tank at all times. An experimental drug has stopped tumor growths, leaving Hazel and her parents living in a sort of limbo. She cannot be cured, but if the drugs continue to work, Hazel will continue to live. Hazel’s mother takes her to a Cancer Support Group where she meets Isaac and Augustus. Augustus, a cancer survivor himself, is immediately interested in Hazel, but she is more hesitant, afraid to get involved with someone when she could die at any time. The two share their favorite books, Augustus ends up loving An Imperial Affliction as much as Hazel, and agrees to take her to meet Peter Van Houten, the author, in Amsterdam. Though Amsterdam is not what they expected, Hazel and Augustus make the best of their trip, admit they love each other, and agree to spend as much time together as they can. They will stay together until death parts them. Critical EvaluationGreen takes a difficult subject, children with cancer, and has managed to create a heart-warming book about love and life. There are plenty of depressing moments, and death plays a heavy role, but as Hazel learns, the love was worth it in the end. Hazel, Augustus, and Isaac are smart, sarcastic, and great friends. Their language and humor, however, seem rather advanced for their age. When dealing with difficult situations, chemotherapy, cancer, and death, the three are sarcastic, ironic, humorous, and irreverent at times. More than once the impression of 'gallows humor' being used was present. The discussions Hazel, Augustus, and Isaac have are at times mildly esoteric and deal with stars, nature, blindness, and life after. It is difficult to imagine actual teenagers speaking similarly. However, these three all have cancer, and have already faced extreme difficulties in life. The friendships between the three are also extremely positive. These are friendships that have dealt with chemotherapy and death, petty arguments are not important. Their frankness and 'get over it' attitudes reveal that life is not worth complaining about, but is precious enough to get up and do something about it. Augustus and Hazel also have a healthy romantic relationship. All three struggles with cancer are presented realistically, without being maudlin. Of course, a book about cancer will predictably have at least one of the characters die. Though it is not entirely unexpected, there is the hope everything will turn out alright in the end. Make sure to have Kleenex nearby for the last few chapters, they will be needed. Reader’s Annotation Hazel is a sixteen-teen-year old girl who takes college classes, loves to read, and has a new boyfriend. She has only one problem, her incurable cancer. About the Author John Green was born in 1977 and raised mostly in Orlando, Florida. While writing, Green has lived in Indiana, New York, and Illinois. He is married and has one child. Green attended Kenyon College and double majored in English and Religious Studies. After college, he worked at Booklist, a magazine reviewing hundreds of books every two weeks. During this time, Green realized that normal people wrote books, and considered writing one himself. He credits his editor, Ilene Cooper, as one of the individuals who encouraged him most to begin writing, and see where it led. Green says that his ideas come from realistic situations and people. John Green has written five books all for young adults. He won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award and 2009 Edgar Award, and has been a finalist twice for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. In 2007, Green and his brother Hank decided to communicate online through YouTube. The two of them still upload videoblogs twice a week and are followed by millions of fans. Green also uses Twitter frequently. Genre Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Social Issues/Romance Curriculum Ties Literature and favorite books Science and Cancer Booktalking If you were given a Wish, what would you use it on? Isaac has been seemingly cured of cancer, but is blind. What kind of a trade-off is this? Reading Level/Interest Level RL: 7th grade IL: 8th grade and up Challenge Issues Possible challenge issues include several instances of profanity and brief sexual content. In my defense file, I would include the following: 1) Library Mission Statement 2) Library Selection Policy approved by any or all of the following individuals—principal, school board, district librarian OR library manager, city council, mayor. 3) Library Bill of Rights adapted from CSLA Bill of Rights, AASL Bill of Rights and/or ALA Bill of Rights 4) Reviews, both positive and critical, from respected sources such as School Library Journal, VOYA, Booklist 5) Rationale for book inclusion for titles anticipated to be controversial, frequently challenged, or created when a book is challenged including: summary, audience, purpose, controversial issues and how they are handled 6) How the book fits within Common Core Standards or State Standards 7) Reconsideration form for challenger to complete—include a section asking which part was of particular concern, if the entire book was read, and what other similar titles are suggested instead 8) Student reviews from those who have read the book and either enjoyed or disliked the book and why. Why IncludedI read TFiOS for class and absolutely adored the novel! I loved the main characters, their interactions with one another, and the way the author dealt with all their issues. Others in the Series N/A References Green, J., & Lastufka, A. (2012). John green biography faq. Retrieved from http://johngreenbooks.com/bio-contact/
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