Site Title

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Developer: Nintendo

Director: Aya Kyugoku

Programmers: Yoshitaka Takeshita and Hiromichi Miyake

Artist: Koji Takahashi

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Genre / Format of the item: Fantasy video game

Awards or Honors: “Best Family Game” at the 2020 Game Awards, “Game of the Year” at the 2020 Japan Game Awards, “Nintendo Game of the Year” at the 2020 Golden Joystick Awards, and “Game Beyond Entertainment” at the 2021 British Academy Games Awards

Reading Level/Interest Level: While it’s rated for PEGI-3 (ie for ages 3 and up), it has appealed to all ages

Plot Summary: Each player starts with an island that they can build upon, free-form; they can plant tulips, catch rare insects to put in a museum, lay train tracks, and build furniture. Villagers come by to interact and give advice. The game follows the seasons in real time (though savvy players can figure out how to time travel), and players can visit their real-life friends on their islands through an airline run by anthropomorphic animals and attend events like concerts or even weddings.

Creator Background: Aya Kyugoku started working at Nintendo in 2003, and became the first woman game director at Nintendo, working on Animal Crossing: New Leaf, in 2012. After realizing she was frequently the only woman on any team at Nintendo, she and the game’s producer hired a team that was half female; she also made sure that everyone was able to contribute ideas to the game, regardless of their title (Wikipedia, n.d.). Kyogoku noted that Animal Crossing: New Horizons reflects an understanding that the audience for games has expanded: “society is shifting to valuing a lot of people’s different identities” (Favis, 2020). 

Critical Evaluation: While the timing was accidental, its release coincided with the global lockdown and satisfied tens of millions of people looking for ways to connect (Wikipedia, n.d.). Its sweet and simple graphics—childlike but with enough detail to enchant—and gameplay are a bit like playing in a dollhouse city. While there’s no peril and little drama, this is a soothing, absorbing, and well-designed game. This truly is a game everyone can enjoy; while younger kids also play, the game speaks to the nostalgic part of teens (and adults) that can still enjoy being a child. The emphasis on creativity and patience makes this a valuable addition to any library’s video game collection. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Many libraries used Animal Crossing for virtual programming during the pandemic (Spina, 2020). While libraries are open again, some people may still prefer virtual programming for reasons of health or temperament. An interested librarian could create a virtual library branch on Animal Crossing and stock it with DIY “recipes” for creating various items in the game.

Speed-Round Book Talk: Stuck at home? Create your own fantasy world through Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Will Tom Nook approve of what you’ve done?

Reason for Inclusion: Animal Crossing: New Horizons felt very emblematic of the pandemic; while it is not quite as ubiquitous, it’s still very much a part of teen discourse. 

Want more? Creativity is a huge part of Animal Crossing. Here is a roundup of some fantastic user-created design codes to add to your game, from realistic stone paths to custom pantry jars and even a Totoro hoodie:

References

Favis, E. (March 23, 2020). Nintendo explains philosophy behind Animal Crossing’s big changes, such as gender expression and terraforming. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/03/23/nintendo-explains-philosophy-behind-animal-crossings-big-changes-like-gender-expression-terraforming/

The Loadout (n.d.). The best Animal Crossing QR codes and custom design codes. Retrieved from https://www.theloadout.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons/qr-codes

Spina, C. (June 25, 2020). Visit these creative libraries that use Animal Crossing for fun virtual services. Retrieved from themarysue.com/visit-these-creative-libraries-that-use-animal-crossing-for-fun-virtual-services/

Wikipedia (n.d.). Animal Crossing New Horizons (video game). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Crossing:_New_Horizons

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Cruella

Director: Craig Gillespie

Screenplay: Dana Fox and Tony McNamara

Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures

Streaming Service: Disney+

Release date: 2021

Genre: Historical fiction, thriller

Format: Film

Awards or Honors: 2022 Academy Award for Best Costume design, 2021 People’s Choice Awards for Drama Movie

Interest Level: Rated PG-13

Plot Summary: Young Estella has a naughty streak and a fascination for fashion design. When her mother dies in a tragic accident, she creates a chosen family of riff raff on the streets of London. When she grows up, she snags a coveted spot working for the famed fashion designer the Baroness von Hellman, who is as exacting as she is talented. One day, however, Estella sees her wearing a necklace taken from her long-dead mother, and hatches a plan to get it back, starting a game of one-upmanship that threatens them both. Which of these two brilliant women will come out on top? And what secrets will be revealed?

Director Background: Craig Gillespie was born in Sydney, Australia, and moved to New York to attend School of Visual Arts. He has created many award-winning commercials (who knew that was even a thing!) as well as a number of critically acclaimed films such as Lars and the Real Girl and I, Tonya (Wikipedia, n.d.). He is also set to direct a sequel to Cruella. 

Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: This dark origin story for 101 Dalmations’ Cruella DeVille doesn’t disappoint, and even explains how someone as devilish as Cruella came to be. While the source material is a classic children’s animated film, this film is aimed at an older audience, with stunning visuals, fabulous costume design, a pounding 1970s soundtrack, and clever plot twists. All of the characters from the cartoon make a showing in this film as younger, edgier versions of themselves (and a multi-racial cast is an improvement) but familiarity with Perdita and Pongo is not a requirement to enjoy it.

Creative Use for a Library Program: Calling all fashionistas! Host a fashion design party, with materials for collage (including fashion magazines), craft supplies, and scrap fabrics to let imaginations go wild. Including Fashion Plates or Crayola Creations (stencil kits aimed at younger kids) might allow nostalgic teens to remember the fun of mixing and matching outfits from their childhoods.

Speed-Round Book Talk: We all remember Cruella De Vil, but why did she turn out that way. This villain backstory will have you howling, gasping, and chewing your nails to the quick.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Um, it’s a Disney movie. It will be fine. (Mildly scandalous that it’s a Disney movie that’s PG-13, but teen parents shouldn’t mind.)

Reason for Inclusion: Sometimes teens need to enjoy their childhoods a bit more. This grown-up movie is a little more sophisticated than your average Disney fare, but still allows young adults to indulge their nostalgic side. 

Want more? Here’s the official trailer

References

Bradshaw, P. (May 26, 2021). De Vil wears prada in outrageous punk prequel. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/26/cruella-review-emma-stone-emma-thompson-disney-101-dalmatians

imdb.com (n.d.) Cruella [film]. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3228774/

Wikipedia (n.d.) Craig Gillespie. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Gillespie

 

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V.E. Schwab

ISBN: 978-0765387561

Publisher: Tor Books/MacMillan

Copyright Date: 2020

Genre: Fantasy/historical fiction

Format of the item: Print book 

Awards or Honors: Nominated for 2020 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, YALSA Teens’ Top Ten 2021 (voted by teens)

Reading Level/Interest Level: While technically released as an adult book, the subject matter’s focus on the meaning of life and the nature of leaving one’s mark is very much relevant to teens.

Plot Summary: Addie has never wanted an ordinary life, but as a girl growing up in 18th century rural France, her options have always been limited. Her wise neighbor warned her to “never pray to the gods who answer after dark,” but in a moment of desperation, she forgets (Schwab, 2020, epigraph). A deal is struck: her soul in exchange for freedom. But she doesn’t set the terms, and while she’s suddenly free from a forced marriage, the real price is revealed: no one will remember her, ever, at all. As the years pass, Addie forges a hard-earned wisdom as she learns to play the long game with the dark spirit who is tormenting her. She lives through revolution, literary renaissance, and vast technological change. But one day, someone remembers her, and her life will never be the same.

Author Background: Victoria Schwab was born in 1987 and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee (Wikipedia, n.d.). She attended Washington University in St Louis, and sold her first novel before graduation. She has since published many novels, some as Victoria Schwab (her middle grade and YA fiction) and some as V.E. Schwab (adult fiction). She divides her time between Nashville, rural France, and Edingburgh and does not like Earl Gray tea (Schwab, n.d.). 

Critical Evaluation: This book totally sweeps you away: it’s a yearning exploration of what it means to build a life, to be human, to leave a mark. The narrative alternates between Addie as she makes her devil’s bargain, learning year by year through the sweep of history, and a (much) older, wiser Addie who has figured out how to live with her curse. The book is punctuated by artworks she has managed to inspire, and her plight is an elegant metaphor for the creative muse that strikes all artists. The plot twists keep the pages turning, and the insights from Addie’s hard-earned wisdom will have you thinking long after you reluctantly turn the last page.

Creative Use for a Library Program: Art scavenger hunt. Bea notices Addie’s presence in art through the ages. Have library patrons search through art reference books for works they think could represent the same person over centuries (male or female). At the end of the month, this could make a fun display. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Addie traded her soul for immortality, but with a twist: no one will ever remember her, the second she’s out of their sight. Can Addie leave a mark anyway?

Reason for Inclusion: Given that this book is so popular with teens (YALSA, 2021), speaks to such important issues as identity and self-determination, and normalizes queer relationships (both Addie and Henry have had same-sex relationships though they are not the main part of the story), it feels like an excellent addition to the list. 

Want more? This interactive map of New York shows Addie and Henry as they explore the city.

• References

Schwab, V. (n.d.) FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.veschwab.com/faq/

Schwab, V. (2020). The invisible life of Addie LaRue. New York, NY: Tor Books. 

Wikipedia (n.d.) V.E. Schwab. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V._E._Schwab

YALSA (n.d.). Teens’ top ten. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/yalsa/teenstopten

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Arcane: League of Legends

Creators: Christian Linke and Alex Yee 

Directors: Pascal Charrue and Arnaud Delord

Production Companies: Riot Games and Fortiche

Streaming Service: Netflix

Copyright Date: 2021

Genre: Sci-fi/fantasy, Steampunk, Action/Adventure

Format: 9 episode TV series

Awards: Nominated for and won nine top Annie Awards (Excellence in Animation) in 2022.

Interest Level: 14+ (Commonsense Media, n.d.)

Plot Summary: The underground city of Zaun is a dark mirror of the bustling, bright, innovation-driven Piltover. A rebellion is quashed, killing the parents of Vi and Jinx, who are adopted by Zander, the unofficial leader of Zaun. The two cities’ stories become further intertwined with that of the sisters when Jinx accidentally steals magic crystals under development by a city councilor of Piltover. Jinx becomes emotionally unhinged after an accident she causes kills some of her friends, driving a wedge between her and Vi. Will she spiral into madness or can her sanity be salvaged? As the story progresses, Piltover becomes addicted to the power created by the crystals; can it survive their dark side? 

Author Background: There isn’t a great deal of biographical information available, but both Christian Linke and Alex Yee have worked on the League of Legends video game and were inspired to create a show exploring some of the characters and settings more deeply (Wikipedia, n.d.).

Critical Evaluation: Lush animation and complex emotional story arcs make this series really stand out. Universally acclaimed (Rotten Tomatoes has it at 100% critical reviews and 98% user reviews), the Steampunk worlds of Piltover and Zaun allow the creators to explore themes of innovation and addiction, resistance and authoritarianism, all of which are sadly relevant at the moment. While there are apparently many Easter eggs for fans of the League of Legends video game, familiarity with the game is not necessary to enjoy the show. Arcane swept the Annie awards in 2022, winning for voice acting, production design, writing, and directing, among others. A richly imagined tale of two cities plagued by inequality, Arcane rings echoes from our time, making it darkly relevant and entertaining to boot. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Host a Steampunk crafting event, where participants can transform gears and odds and ends into jewelry, bookmarks, or other decorations. If funding is available, inexpensive welding goggles could be purchased to decorate as part of a Steampunk costume, and the other materials can be found at a local recycle/reuse supply store.

Speed-Round Book Talk: The underground city of Zaun is a dark mirror of the bustling, bright, innovation-driven Piltover. Can the two cities learn to live in harmony? Even when so much bad blood has been spilled? This League of Legends crossover show blurs the lines between sanity and creativity. 

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  No known challenges, though some may object to the references to drugs and prostitution and the pervasive violence. Given that this is so widely appreciated by fans and critics, however, it clearly deserves a place in the library. 

Reason for Inclusion: Video games are such an important medium for many teens; having a TV show that appeals to gamers can increase literacy opportunities and make them feel seen. 

Want more? The visuals in this show are fantastic, so it makes sense that it would inspire some fantastic fan art. I love how the internet makes it so easy for super fans of a show (or movie, or book…) to share their own visions. Here is a roundup of some of the best Arcane fan art around.

References

Ahr, M. (2021). Arcane was surprisingly good. Retrieved from https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/arcane-was-surprisingly-good/

Common Sense Media (n.d.). Arcane (review). Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/arcane

Wikipedia (n.d.). Arcane (TV series). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcane_(TV_series)

Rotten Tomatoes (n.d.). Arcane: League of Legends. Retrieved from https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/arcane_league_of_legends/s01

Taquib, S. (2021). Arcane fan art that you should really check out. Retrieved from https://retrology.net/arcane-fan-art-that-you-should-really-checkout/

 

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Firekeeper’s Daughter

Author: Angeline Boulley

ISBN: 9781250766571

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co./MacMillan

Copyright Date: 2021

Genre: Thriller

Format: Print book

Awards: 2022 Printz Award, 2022 Morris Award, 2022 Walter Dean Myers Award (Teen category)

Reading Level: 14+ (Stewart, 2021) though I personally feel it’s best for older teens given the fairly graphic content relating to drugs, alcohol, sex and sexual assault, and violence. 

Plot Summary: Daunis Fontaine has always stood astride two worlds: that of her Ojibwe family, and that of her old-money, traditional white family. Tragedy has struck her family, and she’s setting aside her college plans to help take care of her mom and grandma. While it’s hard pause her dreams, she’s happy to have a little more time to spend with her aunt and cousins, and to learn more about the native traditions on the Firekeeper side of her family. Not to mention the cute new boy who just moved to town to play hockey on the same team as her younger brother. But accidental deaths keep happening in her town, until she realizes that they may not be accidental, or unconnected. 

Soon she’s an undercover informant helping the FBI find the source of a meth lab, and trying to figure out who she is becomes harder than ever before. Where do her loyalties lie? Can she help her community and the government at the same time? Will she ever feel like true Firekeeper’s daughter? And, most importantly, can she stay alive?

Author Background: Angeline Boulley is also a Firekeeper’s daughter, of the Chippewa tribe, from Sugar Island near Sault Ste. Marie in what is now Michigan (Boulley, n.d.). If she has ever been an FBI informant, she’s not telling, but was formerly the Director of the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Firekeeper’s Daughter was her first published novel.

Critical Evaluation: This thriller will keep you turning pages as fast as you can, but it also digs deep into questions about what it means to belong, to be a strong woman (or strong man), to respect your elders, to grieve loved ones, and to support your community. While the scenes of life on an Indian reservation feel very specific and true, many of these questions are relevant for everyone, indigenous or not. Boulley’s pacing is like that of a long-distance runner, like Daunis: she knows when to speed up, when to take a breather, when to fall into the rhythm of the pages. This is not a lightweight book; though it’s a thriller, it tackles very serious topics. Grief stalks the pages: grief for lives lost, love turned away, elders gone, others taken too young. But the wisdom of Daunis’ elders also weaves throughout the book, and all of us leave the last page a little wiser. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Readers will have a lot to talk about after this book. I think a discussion group to process all that’s going on (loss, violence against women, drugs, identity) would be very empowering. Participants can be encouraged to create a diagram showing their intersectional identities and share what happens in the overlapping places (Magee, 2021). 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Daunis has always felt like an outsider: Ojibwe, but not a registered member of the tribe; a Fontaine, but with decidedly non-white parentage. So when she’s asked to help the FBI figure out who is cooking meth in her community, she feels like she can’t win. Can she help her people without ratting them out?

Potential Challenge Issues: Some parents may feel that the depictions of drugs and violence are too much. I feel that the important and empowering messages far outweigh that, and will help teens deal with issues that are already part of their understanding if not (hopefully) their lived reality. 

Reason for Inclusion: Powerful, beautifully written, and full of insights into a culture not often portrayed in YA literature. A total slam dunk. 

Want more? Margaret Noodin, a professor at UW-Milwaukee, has created a resource page related to the book on Ojibwe.net, with recordings and translations of important phrases and prayers used by Daunis throughout the book. If you loved Firekeeper’s Daughter, you should also read Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It is most certainly not a thriller; it’s a collection of nonfiction essays by a woman who is both native and trained in Western botany. It reads like something Daunis would write when she grows up, informed by her knowledge of indigenous plants and ceremony, as well as her training in Western scientific thinking. These essays use indigenous ways of thinking about community and knowledge to explore the natural world. It’s a beautiful, powerful book, similar to Firekeeper’s Daughter in its message and very unlike it in delivery!

For those of us who don’t speak Anishinaabemowin, the audiobook, read by Isabella Star LaBlanc, will add further layers to the book. Here’s a sample of the audiobook:

 

References

Boulley, A. (n.d.) About Angeline. Retrieved from https://angelineboulley.com/aboutangeline

Magee, K. (2021). A teacher’s guide to Firekeeper’s Daughter. Retrieved from http://www.mackidsschoolandlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-FKD-TeachersGuide.pdf

Ojibwe.net (n.d.) Firekeeper’s Daughter [online resource]. Retrieved from https://ojibwe.net/firekeepers-daughter/

Stewart, K. (2021). BOULLEY, Angeline. Firekeeper’s Daughter. School Library Journal, 67(3), 104. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A654790352/AONE?u=csusj&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=ed74f0d0

Bibliographic Information:

Title: Riot Baby

Author: Tochi Onyebuchi

ISBN: 9781250214751

Publisher: Tor Books

Copyright Date: 2019 

Genre: Sci/fi, speculative fiction, historical fiction

Format: Print book

Awards: 2020 ALA Alex Award winner, finalist for the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards

Reading Level/Interest level: 14+ (Jensen, 2020), but the complexity of the language mean it’s best for older teens

Plot Summary: Ella has a Thing, though she can’t quite control it. She starts to realize it during the riots after the Rodney King verdict, when he mother goes into labor and gives birth to her brother. They flee to the other side of the country, but violence follows them wherever they go. Kev grows up in Ella’s absence, as she grapples with her abilities, and ends up in Rikers after being caught up in an armed robbery. The narrative is never straightforward, but scenes jump between Ella and Kev, reality bending to fit Ella’s gifts. Kev struggles with his family’s past, intertwined with ever-present racial violence, and a speculative future in which the Algorithm rules policing and the policed. Does Ella have what it takes to bring it all down? Will she? Should she?

Author Background: Tochi Onyebuchi has degrees from Yale University, Tisch School of the Arts, Columbia Law School, and the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Onyebuchi, n.d.). He has worked with prisoners in Rikers as well as He has written both fiction and non-fiction featured in The New York Times, NPR, and The Best American Science Fiction. 

Critical Evaluation: This is a powerful, important book, though not an easy one. I wasn’t always sure of what was going on, but the feelings were never in doubt; rage simmers under the surface of every sentence. Beautifully crafted, Onyebuchi explores the difference between peace and order as the past and the future layer into one reality: “it’s gravity that smashes us together, and then we turn into electrons being flung apart by stuff larger than ourselves. It’s all physics” (Onyebuchi, 2019, p. 77). Teens may struggle at times, but they deserve the respect to grapple with this important work and figure out what it means to them. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: This book lends itself well to a discussion group. Readers will undoubtedly have many questions. The moderator should take care that Black participants feel supported to process any anger and grief that comes up after reading the book. Because even this white reader felt a lot. 

Speed-Round Book Talk: Imagine your brother was in jail, and you had special powers that could break him out. Would you? And if you could, would you stop there? This searing work of speculative fiction examines race in America, and leaves us with our own answers.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  This is an angry book, which makes many white people very defensive. It depicts drug use, makes reference to prison rape, and includes a fair amount of cursing and violence. While it’s not aimed at younger teens, one of the narrators is a teen for the bulk of the book, and it’s an excellent way to talk about difficult topics. School Library Journal recommends it highly for older teens, so I would feel confident having their backing. I would argue that the topic is too important to ignore.

Reason for Inclusion: It’s rare to find a book about race that is completely uncaring for the white gaze. Onyebuchi is very frank about his aims; as he puts it, “while dystopia is imagined future for some, it is lived reality for others” (Mayer, 2020, para. 16). Though fiction, this book tackles important topics for teens, and everyone.

Want more? Check out these illuminating interviews with the author: one with YALSA after his Alex Award win, and one with Petra Mayer at NPR as well as this one at the Strand Bookstore:

 

References

Jensen, L. (2020). ONYEBUCHI, Tochi. School Library Journal, 66(11), 72.

Mayer, P. (2020). ‘This isn’t new’: Questions for Tochi Onyebuchi, author of ‘Riot Baby.’ [interview] Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2020/01/26/798237707/this-isnt-new-questions-for-tochi-onyebuchi-author-of-riot-baby

Onyebuchi, T. (n.d.). About me. Retrieved from https://www.tochionyebuchi.com/about-me

Onyebuch, T. (2019). Riot Baby. New York, NY: Tom Doherty Associates/MacMillan

Strand Bookstore (February 7, 2020). Tochi Onyebuchi | Riot Baby

. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfknrg4peL8

YALSA (May 14, 2021). An interview with Alex Award winner Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Riot Baby. Retrieved from http://www.yalsa.ala.org/thehub/2021/05/14/an-interview-with-alex-award-winner-tochi-onyebuchi-author-of-riot-baby/

Bibliographic Info:

Title: Kent State: Four Dead in Ohio

Author: Derf Backderf

ISBN: 9781419734847

Publisher: Abrams Comic Arts

Copyright Date: April 2020

Genre / Format: Nonfiction Graphic novel

Awards: 2021 Eisner Award Winner, 2021 ALA/YALSA Alex Award Winner for Teen Readers and Adult Books

Reading Level: 13+ (Batten, 2020). 

Plot Summary:  This graphic novel follows a group of young people in the days leading up to the shooting of four students at Kent State, Ohio, in 1970, as well as its aftermath. Based on interviews with eyewitnesses as well as the extensive archives at Kent State University Library, Backderf fleshes out the characters involved: idealistic college students, overworked National Guards, and jumpy administrators and policemen. In the days before, students protested the Vietnam War, cooked dinner, and flirted, but a riot that breaks out at a bar one night puts everyone on edge.

The National Guard had been camped out covering a nearby Union strike, and were moved to Kent State as nervous leaders fell prey to conspiracy theories about Students for a Democratic Society. The action switches between the various groups involved, counting down the minutes. A second day of protests leads to an accidental fire at the ROTC headquarters on campus; outfitted with old equipment and deadly weapons, Guardsmen are hot, under-slept, and stressed. They attack protestors with tear gas and bayonets; the shooting  at the protest the next day was a disaster waiting to happen. 

Author Background: Derf Backderf grew up in Akon, Ohio, and has been in love with comics since eight years old (Backderf, n.d.). He briefly attended art school before dropping out and becoming a garbage man. He later went back to school on a journalism scholarship and was an award-winning political cartoonist for almost 25 years. As newspapers began to cold, he switched to writing graphic novels, winning multiple awards for his books about his time as a garbage man and his friendship with a young Jeffrey Dahmer, the mass murderer, as well as his most recent book about Kent State. 

Critical Evaluation for Books: This book is a must for anyone hoping to better understand the dangerous cocktail of misinformation, miscommunication, and accident. While the research is As you watch the key characters go about their days, unaware of what was to come, the tension builds, hurried along by Backderf’s graphic black and white illustrations and varying panel sizes. The images are cartoonish and have a 1970s, R. Crumb vibe that is very appropriate for the material. Text-heavy for a graphic novel, the narrative alternates between dialog, historical background information, and diagrams of the events, switching between points of view. While at first a little confusing and overwhelming, it ultimately adds to the feeling of chaos and loss of control that informed the events. Contrasted with the steady pacing and inordinate detail, the reader comes away feeling heartbroken and informed. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Graphic novel workshop! Have participants choose a recent news item, research it, and create a political cartoon or short graphic novel about it. Teens can listen to podcast interviews with Backderf and look through other nonfiction graphic novels as well. (The Invisible War, The Best We Could Do, March, and Smile are all excellent examples.) A display featuring the works can showcase the artists as well as draw attention to nonfiction graphic novels in the collection.

Speed-Round Book Talk: You’ve probably heard of the shootings at Kent State, but do you know what really happened? That’s because those responsible didn’t want you to know. This graphic novel puts you in the heart of the action.

Potential Challenge Issues: What happened at Kent State was portrayed very differently in the media in the days, weeks, and years following the events in the book; some parents may be reluctant to grapple with the light the government, police, and National Guard are portrayed in. However, Backderf’s research is referenced in exhaustive detail, and it’s an important piece of history to learn about. 

Reason for Inclusion: Many teens may think this is ancient history, but there are powerful themes here that apply to their lives today.

Want more? Veteran comic Backderf talks to the crew at the Awesome Comics Podcast about his research, background, and the work that goes into making a graphic novel. It’s well worth a listen.

References:

Awesome Comics Podcast (n.d.). Kent State and the comics of Derf Backderf! (w/ Derf Backderf!) Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-275-kent-state-comics-derf-backderf-w-derf/id1019628337?i=1000494451672

Backderf, D. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.derfcity.com/about/about.html

Batten, T.L. (February 1, 2020). Kent State: Four dead in Ohio [review]. Retrieved from https://www.libraryjournal.com/review/kent-state-four-dead-in-ohio

 

Bibliographic information:

Title: Sour

Created by: Olivia Rodrigo and Dan Nigro

Release date: May 21, 2021

Label: Geffen Records

Format: music album

Awards: 2021 People’s Choice Award Album of the Year, nominated for seven Grammys in 2022, winner of three.

Interest Level: 13+ due to Parental Advisory for explicit lyrics

Artist Background: Olivia Rodrigo is an actor and songwriter. Born in 2003 (Gahhh!!!! Sorry, feeling old) in Southern California, she acted in a direct-to-video movie and a TV series before landing a starring role in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+ in 2019. She wrote and co-wrote a few of the songs, and then signed with Geffen Records in 2020, keeping control of her own masters. (Thanks for the tip, Taylor Swift.) She released her debut single in 2021 to applause, and went on to create an entire album, which has been critically acclaimed and wildly successful.

Review: I heard about Olivia Rodrigo before I heard her; I’m not exactly her target demographic, and it’s been a long time since I got my driver’s license. But Sour is a pop delight unashamedly reveling in the “sour” emotions: jealousy, sadness, and anger (Wikipedia, n.d.). Like many Gen Z creations, it’s a bit genre bending, borrowing heavily from pop music, folk, and punk. The audio quality is exquisite; it feels as though Rodrigo is singing directly into your ear, with every word perfectly enunciated with Rodrigo’s California accent and teen intonation preserved. Lyrical ballads alternate with punk anthems to blast in your car or dance around the living room. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Many of the song videos begin with a sticker-covered notebook opening, and the lyrics written out by hand; stickers cover Rodrigo’s face on the album cover. This very personal and self-reflective album would lend itself well to a journaling program, with simple marbled composition notebooks, stickers, and glue, scissors and magazines (for collage) available to use. Participants can listen to the album and perhaps some of the music that inspired it, like Taylor Swift, Alanis Morisette, and X (Wikipedia, n.d.) while they try their hand at journaling.

Speed-Round Book Talk: Going through a break-up? Ever been through a break-up? Then wallow in the “sour” feelings with Olivia Rodrigo and I promise you’ll feel better, or at least not alone.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  This definitely has a number of f-bombs and other swear words, so extremely conservative communities may complain, but it’s hard to argue with seven Grammy nominations. 

Reason for Inclusion: This album clearly struck a nerve. Given that it’s a response to her fans’ call for more music, it would be negligible not to include this album in your collection or provide some programming around it.

Are these really the golden years? See Rodrigo’s Take:

And here’s a New York Times interview with Rodrigo and her producer about how she wrote “driver’s license” and why she loves the dog TikToks:

References

Wikipedia (n.d). Olivia Rodrigo. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Rodrigo

Martoccio, A. (May 21, 2021). Allow Olivia Rodrigo to introduce herselves. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/21/arts/music/olivia-rodrigo-sour-review.html

New York Times (2020). Diary of a song: Drivers License. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWq_ma9ZDxk

Rodrigo, O. (n.d.). brutal (Official Video). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGUy2UmRxJ0

Bibliographic Info:

Title: Terraria: Journey’s End

Developer: Re-Logic

Producer: Whitney Spinks

Designer: Andrew Spinks, Whitney Spinks

Platform: PC, XBox, Switch, Mobile

Release Date: May 16, 2020

Genre / Format: Fantasy/Adventure/Sandbox multiplayer video game. 

Interest Level: 11+

Plot Summary: The World of Terraria was a peaceful place, designed by gods with perfect fairness in mind. A Cthulhu destroyed that peace and set out to destroy Terraria, only to be partially disabled by Dryads. A dangerous cult plots to bring him back. Players start with a few tools and an NPC (non-player character) to drop some words of wisdom. They are able to explore caves and different biomes, find materials and items, and craft their own, while fighting enemies and bosses to advance in the game. As they create more elaborate structures, NPCs may be attracted to come live there, adding their skills and further complexity to the game. 

Author Background: Andrew Spinks was born in 1983 and was the lead developer for Super Mario Bros X before designing his own game, Terraria, with his wife, Whitney (terraria.fandom.com, n.d). He lives in Indiana with his family.  

Critical Evaluation: While Terraria has been out for a decade, with rolling free updates, the release of Journey’s End transformed the popular game, earning raves from critics (Benner, 2020). The update was partly a response to Minecraft, bringing a “sandbox” element to the game, where players can create whatever they want and play in Journey mode (similar to Minecraft Creative mode, where you can explore freely without fear of death). However, there’s also Master mode, which dials up the difficulty level significantly (full disclosure: I did not play Master mode). The graphics are deceptively simple; while pixelated, there’s a surprising amount of detail and complexity. Players can choose creativity or combat, battle enemies or befriend villagers (or all of the above). While it may look like a 2D game, it really gets your blood pumping. 

Creative Use for a Library Program: Many video games don’t work cross-platform, but with the release of Terraria: Journey’s End on Nintendo Switch in January 2022, almost anyone can now play with anyone else, no matter how they’re accessing the game. Offering teens a place to play together, in person, but on the same game would be very satisfying. A Terraria gaming night would allow fans to meet each other in real life as well as let people who haven’t had a chance to play it see what it’s like.

Speed-Round Book Talk: Love Minecraft but wish it had a little more story to it? Maybe even (gulp) better graphics? Then Terraria: Journey’s End is for you!

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  Unlikely to be any, other than general distaste for video games. I would point out the importance of gaming for literacy and problem solving (National Literacy Trust, 2021).

Reason for Inclusion: This is a very fun and intellectually challenging indie game that could engage kids who are not traditionally gamers.

Want more? This short documentary explores how Andrew Spinks and his collaborators developed Terraria:

References

Benner, A. (March 20, 2020). Terraria: Journey’s End review: An unexpected journey. Retrieved from https://gamingbolt.com/terrraria-journeys-end-review-an-unexpected-journey

National Literacy Trust (2021). Children and young people’s video game playing and literacy in 2021 [Report]. Retrieved from https://cdn.literacytrust.org.uk/media/documents/Video_game_playing_and_literacy_report_final_updated.pdf

Terraria.fandom.com (n.d.). Re-Logic. Retrieved from https://terraria.fandom.com/wiki/Re-Logic

ThatGuyGlen (March 28, 2021). How Terraria was made and why development suddenly stopped. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENT2_yeBf0w

Wikipedia (n.d.) Terraria. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraria

Bibliographic Info: 

Title: Just Dance 2020

Developer: Ubisoft Paris/Milan

Publisher: Ubisoft

Platform: Nintendo Switch, XBox, Playstation 4, Google Stadia, Wii

Release Date: November 5, 2019

Format: Multiplayer video game

Awards: Nominated for “Best Family/Social Game” at Titanium Awards 2019.

Interest Level: 10+ (Salzman, n.d.). 

Author Background: I couldn’t find credits for this specific iteration of Just Dance, but according to a Just Dance fan wiki, Mehdi Kerkouche frequently does the choreography and performs as one of the dancers (justdance.fandom.com, n.d.). He grew up in Paris and has been a fashion designer and choreographer. He has also served on the jury for the Just Dance World Cup.

Critical Evaluation: Just Dance is a multiplayer party game where participants try to match the wildly gyrating silhouettes on the screen to earn points. The graphics are fairly simple but the choreography is impressive! The game is updated each year, with a mix of classics and recent hits. The 2020 version, for example, included Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” Lil Naz X’s “Oldtown Road,” and the ubiquitous “Baby Shark.” Some songs feature a single dancer that everyone mimics; others have multiple dancers performing independent movements for an extra challenge. There are a range of skill levels as well, so more seasoned dancers can test themselves, and newcomers won’t be too embarrassed. It’s a fun way to keep bodies moving and anyone from taking themselves too seriously. Nominated for Best Family/Social Game in 2019, critics obviously thought so too.

Creative Use for a Library Program: Teenagers think they’re too cool for school, but Just Dance is silly enough to break down most barriers. Just Dance NOW allows you to download a free app onto a mobile phone so a large group can play together, watching a video projection of the choreography. Perfect for colder seasons when outdoor activities are harder to do, participants can be encouraged to show up in crazy costumes to bring the fun up a notch.

Speed-Round Book Talk: Love it or love to hate it, Just Dance is hard to resist when the music is playing and your friends look ridiculous trying to outdo each other. Come get your blood pumping and fight over which songs to play!

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  Some of the lyrics are considered “mature” (Salzman, n.d.) and very conservative people might find some of the dance moves suggestive. I would argue that the importance of exercise and socialization far outweighs those minor concerns (the game is rated for 10+ so it’s hardly shocking). 

Reason for Inclusion: This is a fun way to help teens shake off their self-consciousness and enjoy dancing with their friends, spiced up with a bit of competition.

Haven’t seen it? Here’s the launch trailer with a preview of some of the songs and choreography:

References

justdance.fandom.com (n.d.). Mehdi Kerkouche. Retrieved from https://justdance.fandom.com/wiki/Mehdi_Kerkouche

Nintendo (November 8, 2019). Just Dance 2020 launch trailer. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BrAT_o7yWA

Salzman, M. (n.d.). Just Dance 2020 [review]. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/just-dance-2020

Wikipedia (n.d.). Just Dance 2020. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_Dance_2020#Awards