Module 15/SLIS 5420: Challenged and Censored Books

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson

by Louise Rennison

2003 BBC's Big Read
2001 Printz Honor
2001 ALA Best Books for Young Adults
2002 Book Sense Book of the Year
2001 ALA Best Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

Summary

Fourteen-year-old Georgia Nicolson has a three-year-old bedwetting sister, a pet cat who stalks the neighbor's poodle and shreds her stockings, and clueless parents. She has a crush on a "Sex-God" who is much older than her, and spends her time stalking boys, spying on their girlfriends, and worrying about the state of her nose. All this is recorded in her year-long diary.

My Impressions

I must admit the mere title of this book was enough to excite my Anglophile tendencies as I picked it up from the library. The British slang and irreverant commentary are hilarious, but I must admit that I was a little disapointed in the book. It was difficult for me to sustain interest as the protagonist rambled on and on, and I was actually annoyed with Georgia's character, which I felt manifested little or no growth. I wouldn't feel comfortable reading or introducing this book to anybody's children. It would be like showing American Pie to your class. I think it would be of little interest to most boys, and is best left as the type of reading I consider "brain candy;" nothing of real value is promoted in this book, but it's funny.

Reviews

British writer Rennison's subject matter may be the stuff of Bridget Jones's Diary, but the wit and bite of her delivery shares more in common with Monty Python. In a spectacular YA debut (Rennison is a comedy writer and columnist), the author creates a winning protagonist in the persona of 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson, whose wry observations and self-deprecating humor covers everything from prudish parents and bed-wetting three-year-old siblings to errant cat behavior and kissing (aka snogging) lessons. Publishers Weekly

American readers wondering what on earth "full-frontal snogging" is will find the answer in the helpful (and hilarious) glossary appended to this antic diary of a year in the life of an English girl named Georgia Nicolson. Snogging is, simply, "kissing with all the trimmings," and it's much on 14-year-old Georgia's mind these days. For even though she's still reeling from her devastatingly bad decision to go to a party dressed as a stuffed olive, she has fallen in love with an older man (he's 17), a Sex God named Robbie. The trouble is, S. G. is dating a girl named Lindsay who--brace yourself--wears a thong. Honestly, how wet (idiotic) can you get!... This "fabbity, fab, fab" novel will leave readers cheering, "Long live the teen!" and anxiously awaiting the promised sequel. Michael Cart for Booklist

Activities

Again-- I wouldn't feel comfortable reading or introducing this book to anybody's children. However, activities centered around British slang could be a fun way to introduce students to various English dialects, and some passages from this book could be included.

Bibliography

Rennison, Louise. Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging. New York: HarperCollins, 1999. ISBN: 0060288140

Module 14/SLIS 5420 Short Stories and Poetry

*note* I enjoyed this module so much-- I included a poetry and a short story collection.

Witness

by Karen Hesse

2002 Christopher Award
2002 Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Award
2002 Book Sense Book of the Year





Summary

Karen Hesse tells the true story of a small Vermont town in 1924 that is infiltrated by the Klu Klux Klan through the eyes of eleven fictional inhabitants. Each character speaks in verse with his or her own unique voice as the reader follows the chain of events that nearly leads the town to disaster. Two families- one black, one Jewish- are especially in danger as fear, hatred, and violence begin to take over the community.

My Impressions

The characters in the story captivate the reader as their innermost thoughts are revealed and we see the action unfolding through many different points of view. The personalities of the characters are fascinating as we witness their fears, justifications, and reactions as the presence of the KKK slyly makes its way into their small community. Hesse brilliantly portrays the loss of innocence experienced by the two young girls (one black, one Jewish) through their thoughts and language.

Reviews

The author of Out of the Dust again turns language into music in her second quietly moving novel written entirely in verse. Here, 11 narrative voices chronicle actual events occurring in a sleepy Vermont town after the arrival of the Ku Klux Klan in 1924. ....The author distinguishes the characters (whose pictures appear in the front of the book) not only by their varying opinions but also by their tone of speech. The simpler, candid language of the two youngest cast members, Leanora and Esther, effectively crystallizes their gradual loss of innocence. Easily read in one sitting, this lyrical novel powerfully records waves of change and offers insightful glimpses into the hearts of victims, their friends and their enemies. Publishers Weekly

Part mystery, part social commentary, Hesse's historically accurate chronicle is a riveting catalyst for discussion that thoughtfully explores race and identity from every possible point of view. The free verse format and distinct characterizations also make Witness a perfect choice for library or classroom reader's theater productions. Jennifer Hubert for Amazon.com Reviews

Activities

This free-verse novel would be ideal for a readers theater.

Read the following interview with Karen Hesse (find section about Witness), and discuss her writing process:
http://www.teachingk-8.com/archives/author_interview/karen_hesse_the_rest_is_history_by_katherine_pierpont_associate_editor.html
Give the students pictures of various people and have them imagine what kind of character, voice, family life, etc. the person in the picture would have. Have the students write a poem in that character's voice

Bibliography

Hesse, Karen. Witness. New York: Scholastic Press, 2001. ISBN: 0439271991


Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Stories

by Jane Yolen

1998 Nebula Award (for "Lost Girls")




Summary

Yolen offers a varied and eclectic collection of twelve short fantasy stories. The stories range from those based on established tales (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Three Billy Goats Gruff) to original stories. Yolen includes humor, suspense, horror, and whimsy in her stories that run the gamut from an Appalachian vampire chiller to a neighborhood alien attack adventure.

My Impressions

I didn't have to blog about more than one book for this module, but I loved this collection so much, I simply had to include it. I've always been a big fan of the short story format- Ray Bradbury's short stories are some of my favorite reads- and this collection offers some great little gems. I've always admired Yolen's storytelling ability, but I think she really shines in this medium.

Reviews

This solid collection of short stories is a good introduction to various types of fantasy. Three of the 12 pieces are new and the rest have been published in other compilations. There is something here for everyone; tales that are scary, gross, or fanciful... There's a story of a frightening sea monster, one about a fairy, and another about aliens; all will chill and delight the imagination. Virginia Golodetz for School Library Journal.

Yolen consistently writes fresh, off-the-wall stories that even children who don’t normally read fantasy will enjoy. … Yolen’s introduction and her final comments on the origins of each story add to the fun and provide wonderful insights into the writing process. Booklist

Activities

A multitude of classroom and library activites could be mined from this collection of highly imaginative short stories. The variety and short duration of the stories allow for a read-aloud and an activity within an hour. The author also includes commentary about the writing process and in-depth information about her sources for each story. I've included just a few activities that could correspond with the first story in the collection:

Read Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky" out loud to the class, and discuss the poem with the students. Make sure they know what the poem is about and its importance in Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. Then read "Tough Alice" from Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast to the class, having them pay attention to Carroll's characters. Focus on Alice's triumph over the Jabberwock, and ask the students why Alice was able to defeat the monster herself.

After reading "Tough Alice," read Yolen's commentary concerning the creation of this story in the section titled, "Running in Place: Some thoughts Long After." Discuss how she (and Carroll) make plays on words or phrases, and encourage the students to do the same. A discussion on nonsense languages like Pig Latin and Double Dutch could also be included.

Lead a discussion on "twisted tales." Discuss other "twisted tales" such as Shrek or The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and encourage the students to write their own.

Bibliography

Yolen, Jane. Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast. Orlando: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1997. ISBN: 0152015248

Module 13/SLIS 5420 Series and Graphic Novels

American Born Chinese

Written and Illustrated by Gene Luen Yang

2007 Michael Printz Award
2007 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens
2007 Eisner Award
2006 Cybil's Award
2006 National Book Award Finalist
2007 Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth
Publisher's Weekly Best Book of the Year
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2006/07 Chinese American Librarians Association Best Book

Summary

Yang offers three seemingly unrelated stories that cleverly converge at the end of the tale to form a strong lesson about the importance of self-acceptance. Jin has just moved from Chinatown to a school in the white suburbs where he must deal with racism and isolation. The Monkey King is unhappy with his sovereignty and wishes to become a god, while Danny must deal with his negatively stereotyped cousin, Chin-Kee.

My Impressions

The powerful story offered in this graphic novel was very well presented and kept my interest piqued throughout. The illustrations are delightful, and even though it deals with very serious topics, the story also had a lot of humorous moments. The conclusion was completely unexpected and very clever-- I read the entire book twice to make sure I didn't miss anything. Teens will be able to empathize with the characters and enjoy the book as well.

Reviews

With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life... Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination. Jesse Karp for Booklist

Graphic novels that focus on nonwhite characters are exceedingly rare in American comics. Enter American Born Chinese, a well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance.... this novel explores the impact of the American dream on those outside the dominant culture in a finely wrought story that is an effective combination of humor and drama.–Philip Charles Crawford for School Library Journal

Activities

American Born Chinese would be a wonderful springboard into exploring racial stereotypes.

Here is a great discussion of ideas and activities about comic book heroes and racial stereotypes using American Born Chinese: http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/teachers/abcLesson.html

Bibliography

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second Books, 2006. ISBN: 1596431520