In Radical Reads, Joni Richards Bodart identified 101 young adult books that featured gritty, complex plots, focused on multidimensional characters, and tackled such difficult subjects as teenage pregnancy, dysfunctional families, gangs, prejudice, violence, drugs, or other provocative issues. Teen readers were drawn to such books because they could identify with both the characters and the situations depicted in these raw and edgy works of fiction. In Radical Reads 2: Working with the Newest Edgy Titles for Teens, Bodart continues where the first book left off, examining more than a hundred titles published since the previous edition. The books featured here are engaging and tough, yet well written and accessible to readers. For each novel, Bodart lists the main characters, major themes and subject areas, and offers a brief summary. Along with providing book report ideas, she cites the strengths of each work, excerpts important reviews, and lists any awards the book has received. Indexed by author, title, subject, curriculum area, reading level, interest level, and genre, Radical Reads 2 is an indispensable tool for librarians, teachers, and parents alike, and will appeal especially to teens looking for relevant and topical fiction.

Radical young adult fiction can be edgy and raw, which is why young adults who read it find it to be very relevant to their lives. Teens struggling with issues in today's society can often recognize themselves and identify their problems in the fictional lives they read about. There are no easy answers or pat endings in these books. They often are accused of being dark, gritty, and bleak because they deal with subjects like incest, teenage pregnancy, dysfunctional families, gangs, prejudice, violence, drugs, or other complex problems. Central characters can be quite mature and multidimensional and plot lines are complex. These books break boundaries in various ways, from the challenge they present to the reader to the voice they give to their young protagonists. Radical YA fiction is frequently more complex and better written than many adult bestsellers. Bodart, long known as the reigning queen of booktalking, has identified 101 engaging, tough, and well-written books and presents them in a way that will help the librarian defend their presence in the library or classroom, the parent who wants to know what their child is reading, and the teen who is looking for a "Rad Read." Naturally, there is a booktalk to pique interest and give away just enough of the story. Entries also include character lists and sections on subject areas and major themes. Bodart also provides a number of booktalk and book report ideas. Her section on "risks" will alert adults to mature themes, while her section on "strengths" will help defend these books against their critics. The author has also included awards won and a section of book reviews, which will be useful for both adult and student. All the books listed are accessible to readers of middle school ability and up. This is truly a multipurpose book from an expert who knows her stuff and essential for any library serving a teen audience and handy for parents as well.

Teen readers have always been fascinated by monsters, but lately it seems like every other young adult (YA) book is about vampires, zombies, or werewolves. These works are controversial, since they look at aspects of life and human nature that adults prefer to keep hidden from teenagers. But this is also why they are so important: They provide a literal example of how ignoring life s hazards won t make them go away and demonstrate that ignorance of danger puts one at greater risk. In They Suck, They Bite, They Eat, They Kill: The Psychological Meaning of Supernatural Monsters in Young Adult Fiction Joni Bodart examines six different monsters vampires, shapeshifters, zombies, unicorns, angels, and demons in YA literature. Bodart first discusses the meaning of these monsters in cultures all over the world. Subsequent chapters explore their history and most important incarnations, comparing the same kind of creatures featured in different titles. This volume also contains interviews with authors who provide additional insight and information, and the bibliography includes a comprehensive list of titles featuring the various monsters. Analyzing the most important and well-written series and titles for teens, They Suck, They Bite, They Eat, They Kill will be useful for parents, teachers, and anyone else hoping to understand why teens want to read books in this genre and what some of the benefits of reading them might be."

The book report is due and panic sets in. A THIN book is the ticket. But perhaps a THINNER book? Or the THINNEST book of all? And how to pick one (quickly) that will be interesting? Students, teachers, and librarians will love this handy little volume that describes 100 titles recommended for middle and high school students. Readable, attention-grabbing all are less than 200 pages. Each entry lists title and author, provides information on characters, plot, and action, and even suggests topics to cover in a book report. Librarians and teachers will appreciate the inclusion of curricular areas and readability indexes, and students will find the appendix on approaches to writing a book report or booktalk a real gold mine. Five indexes make locating the perfect title a breeze.The genre index guides you to the kind of book you want to read. The subject index lists dozens of subjects, from adoption to writing, divorce to time travel. The readability index guides you to the "quick reads" or "thoughtful novels." If you have a favorite author or already know of a novel you want to read, there is the author or title index. Finally, the curriculum index allows you to look for a book for a particular class.

Young adults live in a violent culture, so trying to protect them from the world they live in is not only futile but can also be dangerous. No matter their ethnicity, social class, or economic status, teens must know how to survive the perils that may await them. Most teens understand this, and they want books, television shows, and films to reflect the reality of their world-the bad along with the good. In They Hurt, They Scar, They Shoot, They Kill: Toxic Characters in Young Adult Fiction, Joni Richards Bodart examines works of fiction that feature characters who threaten the psychological and physical well-being of teens and their friends and families. In this companion volume to They Suck, They Bite, They Eat, They Kill, the focus is on individuals who prey on the vulnerable: bullies, manipulators, torturers, sexual predators, and sadists. The novels and stories discussed in this volume feature adult criminals or predators who look for young people to ensnare; school personnel who interact with students in harmful ways; teens who bully others in order to hide their own fears and weaknesses; and parents, siblings, and others who mistreat family members. Arranged in five sections that cover such topics as bullies, school shootings, and monsters at home, this volume analyzes the most important and well-written series and titles for teens. They Hurt, They Scar, They Shoot, They Kill will help parents, teachers, and other adults understand the value of these titles and the benefits of reading them, so they will be less likely to forbid them to their teens or challenge library collections for carrying them.

Teen advisory groups (TAGs) may flourish in many libraries today, but many others are newly initiating them or hoping to revitalize ones that are floundering. But even successful groups need tips and best practices to make their TAGs even better. This updated and revised second edition remains the go-to guide for planning, running, and evaluating TAGs in both school and public libraries. Its wealth of positive advice and information leads TAG teens and their peers to meaningful experiences that encourage reading, library use, and library support-into adulthood. In this indispensable guide, Diane P. Tuccillo carefully explains and explores the current, wide landscape of TAGs, covering funding to bylaws; getting a new group on its feet to rejuvenating an old one; planning traditional TAG projects to creating unique roles; and community involvement to voting on adult library boards. Vivid profiles of successful teen groups, organized into public and school library sections, tell each group's story along with pertinent teen feedback.Sample documents covering mission statements, applications, parent permission forms, publicity flyers, and teen book review ideas, as well as evaluation advice, can be borrowed or adapted. A helpful bibliography and webliography is included. Library directors, school administrators, library educators, and librarians who work directly with teens in school and public libraries will be unable to resist such compelling testaments to the value of TAGs.

Teen advisory groups (TAGs) may flourish in many libraries today, but many others are newly initiating them or hoping to revitalize ones that are floundering. But even successful groups need tips and best practices to make their TAGs even better. This updated and revised second edition remains the go-to guide for planning, running, and evaluating TAGs in both school and public libraries. Its wealth of positive advice and information leads TAG teens and their peers to meaningful experiences that encourage reading, library use, and library support-into adulthood. In this indispensable guide, Diane P. Tuccillo carefully explains and explores the current, wide landscape of TAGs, covering funding to bylaws; getting a new group on its feet to rejuvenating an old one; planning traditional TAG projects to creating unique roles; and community involvement to voting on adult library boards. Vivid profiles of successful teen groups, organized into public and school library sections, tell each group's story along with pertinent teen feedback. Sample documents covering mission statements, applications, parent permission forms, publicity flyers, and teen book review ideas, as well as evaluation advice, can be borrowed or adapted. A helpful bibliography and webliography is included. Library directors, school administrators, library educators, and librarians who work directly with teens in school and public libraries will be unable to resist such compelling testaments to the value of TAGs.