Tanja Nathanael

ENGL 112B / Warner

Annotated Bibliography

2 December 2009

High School Book Survey

This bibliography is focused on information gathered by Dr. Warner during bookpass activities conducted at San Jose high schools: Silver Creek, Overfelt, Andrew Hill, Independence, Gunderson, Yerba Buena, and San Jose High PLUS (an alternative HS); she also went to Sylvandale, Fair, Boeger, and Shirakawa Middle Schools and the Migrant Academy. The 1048 high school students and 651 middle school students surveyed were asked to list on the back of the survey any book they thought they would like to read. A study of this kind is significant because it works in two directions: it tells us what students are interested in reading and it shows students what kinds of books are out there that they would find interesting to read.

As I compiled the data, I was interested in seeing if there were any patterns developing, if one genre was favored more over another. Although it would appear that teens do have a tendency to enjoy genre fiction like fantasy and horror, the votes seem to indicate that there is just as much interest in realistic fiction. Perhaps the primary common factor is that teens like to read about teens dealing with difficult issues—whether they deal with them humorously, absurdly, or in a more practical �real� manner seems to be beside the point. Teens want to read about teens who take charge and solve their own problems.

The following sample is taken from approximately the top 20 books that received the most votes. My selections were limited by what I could find in the library or in Dr. Warner�s collection, so not all are represented here. But they do provide a fair assessment of the kinds of books that teens would like to read.

Aronson, Marc and Patty Campbell, Ed. War Is...: Soldiers, Survivors, and Storytellers Talk About War. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2008. Print.

Twenty pieces of commissioned and edited fiction and non-fiction offering unique and varied perspectives on war. The complexities of war are readily apparent in these essays and stories, providing a range of understanding. War is noble, delusional, obsolete, inevitable, but above all, dangerous. This volume contains exceptional writing and would serve well as a focus for class discussion on the nature and necessity of war. Votes: 91.

Booth, Coe. Tyrell. New York: Scholastic, 2006. Print.

This novel illuminates the harsh realities of inner-city urban life through the eyes of Tyrell, a 15-year-old homeless teen. At turns funny and poignant, the novel tracks Tyrell's struggle to extricate his family from poverty, all the while battling temptations of his own, including the demands of the women in his life and the siren-call of easy money that could be made by becoming a drug dealer. Booth's knowledge of street lingo lends credibility to Tyrell's first person narrative. This novel would appeal to at risk teens, because Tyrell behaves authentically within this world. Votes: 94.

Coelho, Paulo. Veronika Decides to Die: A Novel of Redemption. New York: Harper Perrenial, 2000. Print.

A strange mix of fiction and non-fiction, Coelho weaves his own account of incarceration in a mental hospital with the fictional account of Veronika's attempted suicide and similar incarceration. Veronika's subsequent desire for life in the face of death serves to inspire those around her. Given only a few days to live, Veronika questions all we think we know about life and death. A surreal and existential exploration made more immediate by Veronika's uplifting story. The novel would serve well both as a focus for class discussions regarding life, death, and how we treat mental patients, as well as for teens struggling with the question of suicide. Votes: 93.

Fahy, Thomas. The Unspoken. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008. Print.

A classic horror story about the fates of six teens after they escape the fiery destruction of a religious cult and its leader, Jacob Crawley. Five years later, they are brought together by the death of Harold, Crawley�s son, and are reminded of Crawley�s curse that they would each be destroyed by their own fears. Creepiness ensues as each teen succumbs to the curse. This YA debut by horror author Fahy is sure to be a hit with teen horror fans. Votes: 120.

Henderson, Lauren. Kiss Me, Kill Me. New York: Delacorte Press, 2008. Print.

When heartthrob Dan McAndrew dies in her arms moments after their first kiss, Scarlet Wakefield is left with both guilt and a mystery to solve. Despite its unique premise, the novel serves up a fairly typical teen romantic drama, with Scarlet struggling to deal with body image and social issues while she attempts to solve the mystery of Dan�s death and clear her name. This novel should appeal to teen girls who like a mix of romance and mystery. Votes: 135.

Hernandez, David. Suckerpunch. New York: Harper Teen, 2008. Print.

This teen road trip novel sends Marcus and his brother and his brother�s girlfriend on a revenge quest. Years earlier, their abusive father had left his mark on the boys and then left, abandoning them to be raised by their mother. Now Marcus� brother is bigger and badder and is ready to take Dad on. But gradually Marcus begins to question what starts out as a great idea. This well-written family drama should touch the heart of any teen that has needed to understand and forgive a parent. Votes: 98.

Meehl, Brian. Suck It Up. New York: Delacorte Press, 2008. Print.

Punny and light, this vampire novel puts a madcap spin on the world of the undead. When geeky Morning McCobb is selected to be the first vampire to out himself to the Lifers, or regular humans, much humor ensues. Quirky characters, light romance, and mild suspense make this a delightful read. Great for vampire fans and fans of fantasy humorists Terry Pratchett and Piers Anthony. Votes: 100.

Morse, Scott. Magic Pickle and the Garden of Evil. New York: Scholastic, 2009. Print.

When Jo Jo Wigman discovers secret government experiment Weapon Kosher under her bedroom floor located on Capital Dill, she decides to team up with him to save the world from a team of evil vegetables. Filled with plenty of puns and humorous illustrations, this graphic novel seems especially aimed at the middle school set. Votes: 74.

Noyes, Deborah, Ed. The Restless Dead: Ten Original Stories of the Supernatural. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2007. Print.

Editor Noyes has gathered together short fiction by some of the industry�s leading writers on the theme of death, the strategies and safeguards we use to ensure the dead rest in peace, and what happens when some of those safeguards fail. These well-written gems provide humor and chills alike. Votes: 118.

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. The Dead and the Gone. Great Britain: Marion Lloyd Books, Scholastic, Ltd., 2008. Print.

This apocalyptic survival tale tells the story of 17-year-old Alex and his younger sisters as they try to navigate in a world devastated after a meteor collides with the moon. Alex and his sisters face one plausible challenge after another as they learn to survive without their parents and the once-functioning society they depended on. Religion is a strong theme as Alex struggles with his faith in the face of catastrophe. This novel could serve as a focus for class discussions about a variety of themes, including surviving natural disasters and faith�s relationship to hope. Votes: 87.

Ryan, Amy Kathleen. Vibes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2008. Print.

Kristi is an alienated non-conformist with the psychic ability to read minds. But she isn�t as perceptive as she thinks. As she gradually comes out of her �angry outcast� shell, she begins to really understand the people around her. A fun read for teens grappling with issues of self-esteem, creativity, and self-worth. Votes: 91.

Vizzini, Ned. Be More Chill. New York: Miramax Books, 2004. Print.

When Jeremy swallows the �Squip� – a pill-sized supercomputer that guarantees you your deepest desires – he is transformed from complete geek to the coolest guy in school. But Jeremy discovers that there is a dark side to handing over control of your life – and it can have disastrous consequences. Filled with both pop-culture and literary references, the novel is hip and hilarious. Will appeal to teens interested in science fiction, but will also serve as a good focus for discussion on how the media affects our perceptions of what is cool. Votes: 83.

Vrettos, Adrienne Maria. Sight. New York: Simon Pulse, 2007. Print.

A more serious spin on the hazards of being a psychic teen. 15-year-old Dylan�s terrible gift allows her to see the last moments of a murdered child�s life. She works with the police, providing valuable clues to recovering the children�s bodies; but with nearly everyone else, even her best friend, she keeps her abilities a secret. But when Pilar�s sister disappears, Dylan must race against time to try and save her. A suspenseful thriller that will appeal to adventurous teens. Votes: 72.