Star Wars: the force unleashed. LucasArts, 2008.
Plot Summary
Starkiller is the secret apprentice of Darth Vader, one of the most ruthless villains in the galaxy. He has trained in the dark side of the force for many years and now Vader is sending him on his final task: to kill the remaining Jedi in the galaxy. As Starkiller performs this task he meets a number of characters that will influence him and the man that he becomes. Honing his skills through several missions and growing more powerful, Starkiller believes that he is preparing to face Vader’s master, the evil emperor, and help Vader to overthrow him. Starkiller even finds many powerful people who want rebellions and gathers them together. However, Vader betrays Starkiller. He attacks Starkiller and captures his allies, leaving the shocked apprentice for dead. Now Starkiller must free his allies and make a choice: give in to his hate and let the dark side flow through him, or take the path of the Jedi like his father and seek justice, not revenge.
Critical Review
Star Wars is one of the biggest, most popular worldwide brands to ever be created. This game is a part of that universe and introduces players to a new character: Starkiller. He is the secret apprentice of Darth Vader and is very strong with the force. Wielding a lightsaber and armed with numerous powerful force attacks the player will love playing as Starkiller and wrecking havoc on the universe. This is a fast-paced combat-centered game that both serious gamers and Star Wars fans are sure to enjoy. The graphics are well done and the gameplay is easy to pick up. Players will feel like a real force- user as they cut through a battalion of stormtroopers with their lightsaber and pull down a Star Destroyer with only the force. This is an exciting addition to the Star Wars legacy and is something that people are sure to enjoy.
Reader’s Annotation
Wield a lightsaber and control the force as Starkiller…Darth Vader’s secret and powerful apprentice.
Series
Star Wars: the Force Unleashed, game 1
Genre
Science fiction, Adventure
Game Information
www.lucasarts.com/games/theforceunleashed/
Game Talk
Who has ever watched the Star Wars movies and wanted to be able to use the Force? Who has watched them and wanted to use a lightsaber? In the Force Unleashed users will be able to do just that. Become Darth Vader’s secret apprentice Starkiller and play your way through a game that puts a new spin on the Star Wars stories. This game is set during the same time as the movies that we all love, but happen at places and times through a perspective that is entirely new. Build Starkiller into a powerful force wielder and change the fate of the galaxy forever.
Playing Interest Level
9th grade- 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
Star Wars is one of the biggest worldwide brands that there is. This game is a part of that and was met with both critical and popular success. It started up a new part of that universe that is completely original and was embraced by both Star Wars fans and gamers alike.
Batman: Arkham Asylum. Rocksteady Studios, 2009.
Plot Summary
Batman has finally captured the Joker. He has taken him to Arkham Asylum and turning him over to the authorities. However…is this what the Joker wants? When they are in Arkham Joker takes over the facility and forces Batman to play his games. All the while he has a plan to create a super villain that even Batman won’t be able to stop. As Batman races around Arkham trying to stop Joker, he will run into several familiar faces and be forced to restore order to the asylum. Completely cut off from the rest of Gotham Batman will be on his own in the attempt to stop the Joker. There are other people to save and more than enough criminals to recapture. Batman faces his toughest challenge yet has he races to stop the Joker and bring Arkham Asylum back under control.
Critical Review
Batman: Arkham Asylum is one of the best games available today. It squares Batman off against the Joker while throwing in a number of other villains that both those familiar with the comics and the movies will recognize. The controls are easy to grasp and the game itself is visually impressive. Along with the main missions there are a number of other puzzles that the player can solve making this game a multiple hours adventure. Gamers will be engrossed with the story and the gameplay right from the very beginning. This is a game that every gamer should play at least once and there is enough content that it is easily a game that can be replayed again and again.
Viewer’s Annotation
Batman and the Joker square off once again and the Joker takes over Arkham Asylum and uses it as a base for his latest evil scheme. Isolated and trapped Batman must overcome a legion of enemies and save Gotham once again.
Series
Batman Arkham series, Game 1
Genre
Action/Adventure
Game Information
Game Talk
Batman has just captured the Joker and transported him to Arkham Asylum. Thinking that he will transfer him and then move along Batman is in for a major surprise, Joker wanted to be captured. He has put into place what he needs to take over Arkham and strand Batman there too. Now Batman must race against the clock in order to stop the Joker and restore order to Arkham Asylum once again.
Playing Interest Level
9th grade- 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
This game won many game of the year awards and is widely held as one of the best games of all time. It received numerous high reviews from both professionals and gamers themselves.
Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., 2001. 152 minutes. ISBN: 1-41985699-5.
Plot Summary
Harry Potter is a young boy who has not had an easy life. His parents died when he was still a baby and so he has been raised by his uncle and aunt. However, they treat him as a burden and not as family. However, everything is about to change for Harry. On his birthday he receives a very special guest. A half-giant named Hagrid comes to take him to Hogwarts, a school of magic for wizards. Once at Hogwarts Harry makes new friends and looks like he is enjoying his new life. However, everything is not fine. As a baby an evil wizard named Voldemort killed Harry’s parents and tried to kill him. Harry survived and Voldemort disappeared. Now Voldemort is back and trying to regain solid form once again. If he succeeds one of the most evil wizards to ever live will have his power back. It is up to Harry to defeat Voldemort once again, and with the help of his new friends he just might be able to do it.
Critical Evaluation
Based on the first book in the popular Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a fun and entertaining movie. It tells the story of Harry Potter and takes the viewer on a journey with Harry as he learns that he is a famous wizard and that he must follow in the footsteps of his parent and learn how to wield magic. This film has taken the words that Rowling wrote and successfully adapted them to the big screen. The character’s come to life through the actor’s performances and the setting is just what readers everywhere imagined. While some film adaptations of books can fall flat this is one that delivers. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a very good movie that people of all ages are sure to enjoy.
Viewer’s Annotation
Harry Potter is a young boy who learns, very unexpectedly, that he is a wizard. Now he has to go to school and learn all about magic…all while the wizard who tried to kill him years ago is trying to come back and finish the job.
Series
Harry Potter, movie 1
Genre
Fantasy film
Movie Information
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0241527/
Movie Talk
How many of us have ever wished that magic was real? That pieces of wood were actually wands and brooms could actually fly? Harry Potter is a young boy who discovers that all of this is true, and what’s even better is that he gets to go to school to learn how to be a wizard. However, along with his new friends Harry also discovers that there is danger in his life as well. The wizard that tried to kill him many years ago is back, he cannot yet take human form but he is trying and if he succeeds all will be lost. It is up to Harry to stop him. Will everything that he has learned be enough or will is story end just as it is getting ready to begin?
Viewing Interest Level
6th – 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
This is one of the most successful movies of all time and it served to launch the Harry Potter movie series just as the book it is based on originally launched the original series. It is widely considered to be a successful adaptation of the book and has created a following of its own.
Eragon. Twentieth Century Home Entertainment Inc., 2006. 103 minutes.
Plot Summary
Eragon lives on a farm with his uncle and cousin. His entire life is changed one day when he finds an odd rock in the forest. He thinks that it might be worth something so he takes it with him, planning to sell it. However, this is no rock. It is a dragon’s egg…and it’s dragon has chosen him to be its rider. The egg hatches, sending Eragon on a whirlwind adventure that he could have never dreamed of. He leaves his home with his dragon Saphira and a mysterious storyteller named Brom. The evil king of the land has set himself up as the last dragon rider and Eragon now poses a threat to him. Eragon must learn how to be a dragon rider from Brom all while trying just to stay alive. The road is not easy, and being hunted by a shade, an evil wizard, does not make things any easier. However, Eragon must accept his fate and learn not only how to survive, but how to fight back as well.
Critical Evaluation
Eragon is one of those movies that can be viewed in many different ways. If it is viewed in comparison to the book then the viewer will be disappointed. In this adaptation there was much that was left out and other parts that were changed in order to put this book on the big screen. However, if viewed on its own merits this movie is an entertaining film that is easy to enjoy. Viewers can have a fun time with this film as long as they do not compare it to the book it is based on. Eragon is an enjoyable film that, when viewed on its own merits, is sure to provide a fun viewing for anyone that wishes to watch it.
Viewer’s Annotation
When Eragon finds an odd rock he ends up getting more than he bargained for. This rock is in fact an egg, a dragon egg. It’s dragon has chosen Eragon to be its rider and Eragon’s life will never be the same again.
Series
Genre
Fantasy film
Movie Information
Movie Talk
Eragon is a young man who has spent his life on a farm. He has, like all boys, dreamed of being a warrior and a hero, but that does not seem to be his fate. However, Eragon’s fate changes one day when he finds a peculiar rock, a rock that is actually an egg, an egg that is one of the last known dragon eggs in existence. This egg chooses Eragon to be its rider. This set Eragon on a new path, one that he could have never possibly imagined. The only other known dragon rider is the evil emperor of the land and now Eragon must flee his home to avoid his servants. Travelling with a man named Brom, Eragon must learn what it means to be a dragon rider, the last dragon rider. This is an adventure that will decide the fate of a nation and will determine the fate of dragons and their riders alike.
Viewing Interest Level
7th grade- 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
This movie is based on one of the most popular books in the young adult genre. While not as popular as other book adaptations, it did still have success in the box office.
The Avengers. Marvel Studios, 2012. 143 minutes.
Plot Summary
The Avengers Initiative is a plan to unite the world’s greatest superheroes into a team that will battle any evil that shows up. However, this plan has not been able to be realized when a threat arises that only the Avengers can stop. Loki, an alien from the planet of Asgaard has come to earth with an army, bent on world domination. In order to stop Loki the Avengers, made up of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, Hawkeye, and the Black Widow, must come together as a team and learn how to work together. While initially the team has some problems to work out, they are able to start working together and defeat Loki and his army.
Critical Review
The much anticipated movie The Avengers is a surprisingly humorous, action- packed adventure that does not disappoint. Pulling together superheroes that fans already know and love this film is full of star power and creative writing. Although it is over two hours long movie goers will finish this movie thinking that time has flown by. As the Avengers assemble and learn how to work together in order to save the planet fans will be treated with witty dialogue, mind-blowing visuals, and an interesting story. This is a movie that has set records at the box office and is a highly recommended visual experience.
Viewer’s Annotation
In order to save the world the superheroes that make up the Avengers must come together and work as a team. Will they be able to put aside their differences in time to save the humanity that they have sworn to protect?
Series
Genre
Action/Adventure, Science Fiction
Movie Information
Movie Talk
Superheroes have been a part of popular culture. They have been featured in comic books, television shows, and numerous movies. However, rarely has there been such an anticipated superhero movie as The Avengers. Join Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Nick Fury as they utilize every power and gift that they have in order to save the world from Loki and his plans of domination.
Viewing Level/Interest Age
7th grade- Adult/7th grade- adult
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
Superhero movies have traditionally done well at the box office and this one has exceeded all expectations. It is an excellent movie that already has a sequal being planned. Fans who have watched and enjoyed the Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America movies are sure to enjoy this major motion picture blockbuster.
Whaley, John Corey. Where things come back. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. 228 pages. ISBN: 978-1-4424-13337.
Plot Summary
Cullen Witter is a 17 year old teen who lives in a small, southern town named Lily. Town life is overturned when someone claims to have spotted a woodpecker that was thought to be extinct. Tourists come flocking and everyone in the town is trying to capitalize on this alleged discovery. However, at about this same time Cullen’s younger brother Gabriel goes missing. While everyone searches and tries to find out what has happened to Gabriel, weeks pass. Cullen dates one girl for a while, then dates another after that. His family is slowly breaking under the strain of simply not knowing what has happened to Gabriel. The one constant in Cullen’s life is his best friend Lucas. Lucas has always been there for him in the past and is proving that he will still be there for Cullen in the future too. As their summer passes them by all they can do is wait and see if Gabriel will ever return to them, or even be found.
Benton Sage is a young man who has just left his home to be a missionary in Africa. He thinks he is doing the right thing, but while he is there he begins to have doubts. He comes home and ends up going to college instead, leaving a disappointed family behind. While seemingly unrelated, these two boys will play a large role in each other’s lives…all while one town goes crazy over an extinct bird.
Critical Review
Where Things Come Back is a very good book that centers around Cullen Witter and the summer that his younger brother Gabriel disappears. Whaley writes this story with a unique tone of voice, one that draws the reader in and keeps them wrapped up in this story. As the characters in this story evolve and grow so does the narrative. This debut novel speaks very highly of author John Corey Whaley and will have readers waiting and ready for the next book that he writes. Where Things Come Back is a highly recommended book that actually lives up to its billing.
Reader’s Annotation
Cullen Witter is a 17 year old whose younger brother goes missing one day. As the town around him buzzes with excitement Cullen is weighed down by the feeling that he will never see his brother again.
Series
Genre
Realistic fiction
Author Information
Book Talk
Where Things Grow tells the story of Cullen Witter and the summer that his younger brother Gabriel goes missing. All around him his small town buzzes with excitement over the thought that a previously- thought- extinct bird has been discovered and how tourists are flocking into town to try and spot one. But Cullen can’t stand this new excitement, or the thought of never seeing his brother again.
Reading Level/Interest Age
9th– 12th grade/ 9th– 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
Where Things Come Back has been a very successful debut young adult novel. It has won the William C. Morris Debut Award and the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature. It has received many positive reviews and the author, John Corey Whaley, has been touted as an up and coming author.
Westerfeld, Scott & Devin Grayson. Uglies: Shay’s story. Illustrated by Steven Cummings. Del Rey, 2012. Unpaged. ISBN: 978-0-345-52722-6.
Plot Summary
In Shay’s world everyone who is not yet 16 is referred to as ugly and everyone who is 16 or older is called pretty. This is because when a person turns 16 they get extensive surgery done that makes them beautiful. Shay is almost 16. She is waiting impatiently for her birthday to come so that she will get the surgery and get to join the pretties society. She ends up with a group of uglies called the crims. They like to play pranks on the pretties just for fun. Then one day they all go way out into the wilderness and meet a teen their age named David. David tells them about a society where no one needs to get surgery, that everyone is just fine the way they are. This gets to Shay and she decides that she wants to go there. She ends up waiting for awhile. During this time she meets a girl named Tally. She tries to get Tally to come with her, but ends up having to go alone. Eventually Tally does come, but she is followed and a lot of the teens that had joined the community are captured, including Shay. The prisoners are taken back to ‘proper society’ and will have wait and see what their punishment will be.
Critical Review
This is the story of Shay, a character in Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series. This graphic novel tells of how Shay rejects the idea of getting her ‘pretty’ surgery done and that she is happy with how she already looks. The illustrations of this novel are very well done and are done in a black and white format. They add to the story and could tell the story even if no words were involved. Shay’s story is an interesting one and this graphic novel is something that any fan of Westerfeld’s should pick up and read
Reader’s Annotation
What would you rather; get a surgery that changed who you are but made you super-model beautiful, or keep your looks and remain keep what makes you, you?
Series
Genre
Science fiction, Graphic novel
Author Information
scottwesterfeld.com
Book Talk
People get plastic surgery all the time. They do this because they think their looks need improved, that surgery can make them more beautiful. How would you like to live in a society where this is forced on you when you turn 16, that this is something that everyone goes through. This is the life that Shay lives. She is closing in on her 16th birthday and nearing the day she gets her surgery and can go live in the pretties village instead of with the rest of the, haven’t turned 16 yet, uglies. Then Shay meets someone and begins to doubt that surgery is what she really wants. Now she has a choice: get the surgery and live a life of luxury or stay who she is and live a life of hardship in the wilderness. What will she do?
Reading Level/Interest Age
7th grade- 12th grade/ 9th grade- 12th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series is a very popular young adult book series. This graphic novel is a part of that universe yet tells a different story in a different format. Graphic novels are becoming very popular and combining this format with this series produces a very good book that teens will enjoy.
Westerfeld, Scott. Leviathan. Illustrated by Keith Thompson. Simon Pulse, 2009. 440 pages. ISBN: 978-1-41697173-3.
Plot Summary
Alek is a prince of Austria and so far his life has reflected it. For Alek the only thought of war comes when he is playing with his tin soldier or practicing his fencing. However, that all changes when his parents are assassinated. This is the event that begins World War I. Alek and a few trusted advisors must flee Austria and wait out the war in a secret hiding place. With only one walker (a war machine) they must navigate the land and avoid German forces in order to finally reach their destination. While this is happening to Alek, on the other side of Europe a young girl named Deryn attempts to join the British Air Service under the name Dylan. After having her first hours after enlistment interrupted by an adventure, she finds herself onboard the Leviathan, a living ship on a mission of great importance. When fate causes Alek and Deryn to meet, they must overcome their differences and learn how to help each other if anyone onboard the Leviathan or of Alek’s crew is going to survive.
Critical Evaluation
Having already established himself as a popular young adult author, Westerfeld has created another novel/series that is sure to be a hit. Leviathan is an interesting book that combines history and science fiction. In this world, nations are divided into two groups, Darwinists and Clunkers. Darwinists use scientifically engineered animals for everything, including their ships and war instruments. These animals have been designed with specific purposes and perfected to perform these. On the other side are the Clunkers. These nations view this scientific engineering as an abomination and have instead pursued mechanics. In this story as these two worlds collide in war, an unlikely alliance is formed out of necessity and friendships arise from the most unlikely sources. Westerfeld has created a story that is fun to read and is sure to be a hit with whoever checks it out.
Reader’s Annotation
A prince without a kingdom. A girl masquerading as a boy. Two enemies joining forces in an attempt just to survive.
Genre
Science fiction, Steampunk
Author Information
scottwesterfeld.com
Booktalk
Alek is a boy whose world comes crashing down around him and does everything he can just to survive. Deryn is a girl who longs to fly in service of her country, an area dominated by men. As Alek master’s machines and is constantly on the run from his enemies Deryn must conceal her own big secret and help the members of her crew while she’s at it. Through a bit of chance these two characters are thrown into the same place at the same time. While neither trusts the other, they must learn to disregard their differences and join forces to defeat an enemy that is greater than either of them.
Reading Level/Interest Age
7th grade- 10th grade/7th grade- 10th grade
Challenge Issues
The use of Darwin and his theories to create new creatures and animals could be an issue that some people might take with this book.
Reason for Inclusion
Scott Westerfeld is a popular young adult author who already has many successful works in this genre. Steampunk is a genre that is rising in popularity and so the combination of a popular author and popular genre was the main reason for the inclusion of this work. It has also received a number of good reviews as well.
Van Draanen, Wendelin. The running dream. Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 332 pages. ISBN: 978-0-375-86667-8.
Plot Summary
Jessica Carlisle is a runner. That is what she loves and what she does. Then one night tragedy strikes. While the team is being driven on the team bus an accident occurs. One member of the team is killed and Jessica ends up losing a leg. At first she thinks her life is over. She doesn’t know what to do. Then, as she rehabs and learns how to walk on a prosthetic, Jessica begins to understand that her life isn’t over after all. During her time on crutches before she gets her new leg, she meets another student named Rosa. Rosa has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. Rosa helps Jessica in math and in learning how to accept her situation and make the best of it. With the help of her team and community members Jessica is able to get a prosthetic meant for running. After this Jessica decides to do something for Rosa, she will push her in a community race. She does this not to raise awareness for Rosa’s cerebral palsy, but to raise awareness of Rosa and the person that she is. Getting to that point will not be easy, but it is something that Jessica is determined to do.
Critical Review
The Running Dream is an excellent story about perseverance and how you should never give up on your dream. Jessica is a sixteen year old girl who loses her leg in an accident. She is afraid that she will never be able to run again, something that she has loved to do for as long as she can remember. This is a touching story that shows how never giving up on your dream and a single act of kindness can have a lasting impact. This is a well- written story that contains an important message, one that everyone can learn from. This book is a worthy recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award and is a book that any reader will be able to enjoy.
Reader’s annotation
After losing her leg in a car accident 16 year old Jessica is afraid that she will never be able to run again. However, with the support of family and friends Jessica will learn that nothing is impossible.
Series
Genre
Realistic fiction, Inspirational fiction
Author Information
Wendelin’s Job Blog: http://etrtr.blogspot.com
Book Talk
Jessica is a sixteen year old who lives to run. Then one day everything changes. She loses her leg in a car accident and now worries about if she will ever walk, let alone run, again. She must learn how to use a prosthetic all while not giving up on her dream. With the help of her friends, both old and new, Jessica begins to realize that achieving her dream just might be possible. While coming to this realization, Jessica realizes that she might just be able to make someone else’s dream come true too.
Reading Level/Interest Age
7th grade- 10th grade/ 7th grade- 11th grade
Challenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
This book is a recent winner of the Schneider Family Book Award and contains an excellent message. It has many positive reviews as well and belongs on a list like this one.
Tolkien, J.R.R. The Fellowship of the Ring. Mariner Books, 2005. 544 pages. ISBN: 978-0618574940.
Plot Summary
Frodo Baggins is a hobbit. He lives an ordinary life and has is considered to be a reputable member of society. Then suddenly, he is thrust into an adventure that sweeps him away like a wave. Entrusted with the Ring of Power, the ring that can send Middle Earth into Sauron’s evil grip, he must first take it to the elves and then take it to Mount Doom. The place where this ring was forged is the only place that it can be destroyed. Frodo is accompanied on this trip by three other hobbits; Sam, Merry, and Pippin. He is also accompanied by the wizard Gandalf, two men named Aragorn and Boromir, and elf named Legolas, and a dwarf named Gimli. These companions each bring different skills and talents to the quest and it is in this group that the fate of Middle Earth is entrusted. They will suffer many hardships together and overcome many obstacles. In the end, the rings powerful corruption proves to be too much, and the group must split up to keep it safe. Frodo continues down his path with only Sam as a companion. The others must take a different path, one that will lead them right into the thick of battle and strife. In order to continue with Frodo and the others readers will just have to pick up and read the next book in this groundbreaking series.
Critical Review
The Fellowship of the Ring is considered to be one of the best examples of fantasy fiction ever to be written. The scope and size of Tolkien’s world will blow the reader away. Tolkien has created a saga that has remained loved and read for years and will continue on for more years yet. Tolkien’s attention to detail and his world-building skill has made this book into one of the best books ever written. This book is highly recommended and will be enjoyed by readers who love fantasy fiction and even by those that do not.
Reader’s Annotation
The fate of Middle Earth rests on the shoulders of one small hobbit. Fate has decided to bring the One ring, the ring of power into Frodo Baggins’ possession. Will this be enough to save Middle Earth and its people from certain doom?
Series
The Lord of the Rings, book 1
Genre
Fantasy fiction, Classic literature
Author Information
Book Talk
In a world where a strong sword arm and a thick shield provide the means of survival, a world where magic can be used for good or for evil, fate has picked the most unlikely of players to bring hope and salvation to the land: a small hobbit named Frodo Baggins. Frodo is given the task of taking the Ring of Power, the Dark Lord Sauron’s one last missing power to Mount Doom in order to destroy it. While Frodo is given companions to help him along the way, this is a burden that he must carry alone. Hobbits have never been considered important before by the races that rule Middle Earth, now a hobbit is the most important person alive. With help and guidance of friends and companions will Frodo find it within him to succeed in his task? Or will the ring of power overcome him and find its way back to Sauron’s ever searching eye?
Reading Level/Interest Age
6th grade- adult/ 6th grade- adult
hallenge Issues
Reason for Inclusion
Tolkien is widely considered to be the father of modern fantasy writing and the Fellowship of the Ring is the first book in his most recognizable series. It is widely considered to be among the best literature ever written and had been read and loved by readers for decades. This is one of those few books that anyone from a 7th grade middle schooler to an adult can read and enjoy.
LIBR265 Database Project: 50 Excellent Teen Library Materials 