Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Bibliographic Information: Stone, T.L. (2009). Almost astronauts: 13 women who dared to dream. New York: Candlewick. ISBN: 9780763645021

  

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: This close look at a specific chapter in women's history explores 13 amazing women who paved the way for female astronauts. These courageous women proved, through a series of strenuous physical and psychological tests, that women were just as fit, if not more so, than men to be astronauts. Unfortunately, due to the social and political climate, vice president LBJ's actions, gender expectations and general resistance from NASA, these extremely smart and passionate pilots never got to become astronauts, but they certainly paved the way for future generations of women to enter space. Full of gritty details, expert research, and a passionate approach to this interesting topic, Almost Astronauts offers a reliable example of an important aspect of civil rights and sexism. Stone writes about the topic in a very poetic and engaging manner that teens will be very drawn to.

Reader’s Annotation: Find out just how difficult it was to be a woman…and an astronaut in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Author Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states, “Tanya Lee Stone is the author of dozens of nonfiction books for young readers, including titles in the "Regional Wild America," "Wild Wild World," and "Making of America" series. "I am passionate about nonfiction," Stone told Suite 101 online interviewer Sue Reichard. "I just love coming across a little-known piece of history or an interesting topic in science and finding a way to get kids just as excited about it as I am." In 2006 Stone expanded into fiction with A Bad Boy Can Be Good for a Girl, a young-adult novel that was described as "one of the most honest treatments of teenage sexuality to be found in YA fiction" by Kliatt contributor Claire Rosser. "I absolutely love reading and writing within this genre," the author remarked to Teri S. Lesesne in Teacher Librarian. "The urgency, passion, drama, and importance, all wrapped up in transitioning from being a kid to an adult, is the stuff of life. I love immersing myself in it." In addition to her nonfiction titles, Stone has also published picture books that include B Is for Bunny: A Springtime Alphabet Book.
Stone, whose father was also an author, developed an early interest in telling tales. "I've been writing stories since I was seven years old," she noted on the Random House Web site. "Some of them were even published--in the school newspaper." After graduating from Oberlin College with a degree in English, Stone moved to New York City, where she spent thirteen years in the publishing industry. "My editorial background has definitely been an advantage in terms of craft," she explained to Cynthia Leitich Smith on the Cynsations Web site. "I edited hundreds and hundreds of books before I wrote my first one for publication."

Genre: Non-Fiction, Space

Subjects: women’s rights, astronauts, space, NASA, discrimination

Booktalking Ideas: How are women in the sciences perceived nowadays? Has anything changed?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 10+

Challenge Issues/Defense: N/A

Reason for Selection: This is an ALA Best Book for YA’s and won the Sibert Medal. Young girls interested in careers in the sciences and aerospace will love taking a glimpse into the history of their future professions. Students with research assignments will be provided with a wealth of useful information, resources and photographs, even if this book is intended for younger audiences. 

Punk Rock Etiquette

Bibliographic Information: Nichols, T. (2008). Punk rock etiquette: The ultimate how-to guide for diy, punk, indie, and underground bands. New York: Roaring Book Press. ISBN: 1596434155

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: For the striving musician and diy-er, this fun how-to book provides tips and ways to start a garage band, develop a fan base, and become rock and roll legends. With witty and wise words, Nichols gives teens the opportunity to learn the importance of merchandising, booking shows, touring, and on-stage performance etiquette to become a successful band. Funny illustrations are interspersed with text to offer a hand made “zine” feel. Though there is some practical advice offered, this book is primarily for humorous entertainment (and his tips for sleeping in a van while touring sound fun, but can be dangerous).

Part of what makes this book so entertaining, is the drama Nichols weaves into his topics. For example, when discussing stage etiquette, he describes three steps to “winning millions of dollars” through performance: The Setup, The Thunder, and The Departure. He switches between examples of bands with good and bad etiquette, with little cartoonish sketches to illustrate. The bad band heads straight for the bar, while the good band introduces themselves to the sound guy and sets up their merchandise table. Even if the rock and roll dream seems trite, the overall theme of advice is professionalism—which can be carried into any career choice.

Reader’s Annotation: Learn about all of the in-and-outs of forming band, writing, recording, getting fans, and touring with this quirky how-to guide.

Author Information: From his official website, the quirky Travis Nichols says of himself:

“I write books. And draw drawings. And paint. And draw comics. And rock (and roll). So until this interweb fad goes away or gets co-opted by THE MAN, this is a “website” of my work. Feel free to “click around”. I also cold hustle my wares, so if you’ve paid your rent and picked up enough tofu and vegetables to get you by until next week, well, have at it, darling. I accept funds made of money. Also, I like you a lot. And I really wish you’d recycle.

Hey, but seriously, though. Real quick. I’m the author and illustrator of Matthew Meets the Man, The Monster Doodle Book, and Punk Rock Etiquette: The Ultimate How-To Guide for DIY, Punk, Indie, and Underground Bands. Punk Rock Etiquette was awarded a Blue Ribbon by The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. I’m still waiting on the actual blue ribbon to arrive. PRE was also nominated as one of the Best Books for Young Adults, as well as one of the 2009 Popular Paperbacks by YALSA.”

Genre: Non-Fiction, How-to-Guide

Subjects: punk music, rock music, bands, DIY

Curriculum Ties: N/A

Booktalking Ideas: Have teens divide into two groups: the band with good etiquette, and the band without. Have them act out examples form the book.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+

Challenge Issues/Defense: N/A

Reason for Selection: This is an ALA Best Book for YA’s and a very humorous read for all those punk teens.

John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth

Bibliographic Information: Partridge, E. (2005). John Lennon: All I want is the truth. New York: Viking. ISBN: 978-0670059546

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: A compelling and in-depth look at the real John Lennon, this attractive biography with full spread black and white photographs, full discography, and candid perspective about the rock-legend's lifestyle, is the perfect teen bio. Exploring his childhood, quick rise to fame, the relentless touring and eventual decline of the Beatles and impact of his tragic death, Partridge's details draw heavily on John's own words—from interviews to lyrics, to paint Lennon as an often troubled, unhappy artist.

Reader’s Annotation: John Lennon was a rock icon, but few know about the man behind the round glasses. This book aims to tell (the truth).

Author Information: Gale’s Contemporary Authors Online states, “California-based writer Elizabeth Partridge is the author of a range of books, from historical fiction and biographies to stories for young children. She is also the author of Annie and Bo and the Big Surprise, an easy reader about two mice who are friends, and the picture books Oranges on Golden Mountain, Moon Glowing, and Big Cat Pepper. Commenting on Annie and Bo in Booklist, Gillian Engberg appreciated Partridge's use of "simple, descriptive language," which the critic deemed "just right for beginning readers." Similarly, a Kirkus Reviews contributor called Annie and Bo a "sweet and gentle" story that provides "fast-clipping exercise" for new readers.
Partridge's father was a photographer, as was her paternal grandmother, Imogen Cunningham. Prior to his marriage her father, Rondal, was fortunate to have the opportunity to apprentice with family friend Dorothea Lange, a noted documentary photographer who remains best known for her work done on the behest of the Farm Security Administration during the Great Depression of the 1930s. After Rondal married, his family continued to associate with Lange's family until her death in 1965, when Partridge was a young teen, and Lange also became Elizabeth's godmother.”

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography

Subjects: The Beatles, John Lennon, rock, fame, music

Curriculum Ties: Biography Assignments

Booktalking Ideas: In part of the book, John Lennon says he doesn’t know if he was born with talent or found out about it later, all he knows is that he just “did it.” How does this affect your view of artistic expression? Does it come from inspiration, hard work, or both?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12+

Challenge Issues/Defense: N/A

Reason for Selection: Fans of rock and/or the Beatles will cherish this intriguing tale of an interesting man. Teens will be drawn in by the author's forthright analysis and objectiveness.