Books

Fiction

Myers, W. D. (Speaker). (2000). Monster [CD]. New York: Listening Library.

Is Steve innocent or guilty of being an accomplice to murder?  This is a fascinating story that covers many issues that teenagers will want to discuss.  Is time in prison equal and equitable for all?  How do we decide who is guilty or innocent?  Should teenagers be treated as adults for certain crimes?  The CD format gives voices to the characters and enriches the story background.  This book is highly recommended and the CD version is the winner of the audiofile “Earphone” award.

Ralston, J. (2003, October). Reviews: Fiction [Review of the audio book Monster]. School Library Journal, 49(10), 99. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=11071305&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Yang, G. L., & Pien, L. (2006). American born Chinese. New York: First Second.

This book embraces three separate stories that merge in the end.  This graphic novel takes a look at stereotyping, self acceptance and the need to fit in and race.  The artwork is simple and clear.  The message is as simple and clear as the artwork.  This is a new look at an old story: the value of accepting oneself.

Cornog, M. (2007, March). Reviews: Fiction [Review of the book American Born

Chinese]. Library Journal, 132 (5), 54.  Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=24382067&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Books

Nonfiction

Davis, S., Jenkins, G., Hunt, R., & Draper, S. M. (2005). We beat the street. New York:  The Penguin Group.

Describes the pact that three young men made during high school to support each other and “beat the street.  Each chapter ends as a conversation by one of the three doctors about relevant issues, positive role models and advice for teens.

Jones, T. E., Toth, L., Charnizon, M., Grabarek, D., Raben, D., Goldsmith, F., (2005, May). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book We Beat the Street]. School Library Journal, 51(5), 146-148. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=17034400&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Lindsey, J. W. (1993). Teen dads: rights, responsibilities, and joys. Buena Park, CA: Morning

Glory Press.

This book shares insights on parenting for teenagers in a common sense format.  It prepares the new father for each of the phases of his new baby’s life.  This book provides lots of good advice for the new father in a non-judgmental tone.

Weisman, D. (1993, October). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book Teen Dads: Rights, Responsibilities and Joys]. School Library Journal, 39 (10), 163.  Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9310148025&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Muharrar, A. (2002). More than a label: why what you wear and who you're with doesn't define

         who you are. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit. 

How do you feel about racial slurs and labeling?  Do you see how it impacts everyday life?  Teens will appreciate taking this survey and looking at their beliefs.  This book provides a provocative look at what teenagers “hear” and what other teens think about the power of these thoughts and words.

School Library Journal (2003, October). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book More Than A Label: Why What You Wear or Who You’re With Doesn’t Define Who You Are]. School Library Journal, 49(10), 64. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=11126464&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Parker, J. F. (1996). Everything you need to know about decision making. New York: Rosen.

How do you know when the decision you have made is the correct one?  In this book teens are shown practical solutions in making good decisions.  Teens are reminded that all decisions have consequences.  Some decisions are harder to make than others. 

Gross, M. (1996, May). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book Everything You Need to Know about Decision-Making]. School Library Journal, 42(5), 143. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=9605142662&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Pelzer, D. J. (1993). A child called "it”: an abused child's journey from victim to victor.

         Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications.

David Pelzer tells teens that one of the biggest emotional battles to overcome is unresolved issues. This book is a brave recounting of dealing with a painful childhood. Readers will glimpse a harrowing life experience and get to know the power of the human spirit.

English Journal (2002, November). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book A Child Called It]. English Journal, 92(2), 25-26. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=7886905&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Salzman, M. (2003). True notebooks. New York: Random House.

The author gives us a picture of what life is like for a teen inmate incarcerated in the juvenile justice system.  He teaches students in the maximum unit the writing process and finds himself involved in their lives.  There is no way to make this story pretty.  It makes us wonder if we are really rehabilitating teens or just keeping them confined without hope for a positive future.

Bartelt, K.R. (2001, May/June). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book True Notebooks]. Library Journal, 128(13), 84. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=10576900&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Thomas, P. (1997). Down these mean streets. New York: Vintage Books.

Although this memoir took place a long time ago, the issues raised by Piri Thomas are just as relevant today.  The book describes the impact of living in poverty, the dangers of prison life, and the pain of prejudice and racial identity.  This moving story is empowering to the spirit of humanity.

McGill, L. (2000, May/August). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book Down These Mean Streets]. Bilingual Review, 25(2), 179-184. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=5632489&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Williams, S. T. (2001). Life in prison. New York: Morrow Junior Books.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams was one of the originators of the Crips gang. His life was turbulent and violent. He had many troubled years while in the prison system before he turned his life around. This book vividly captures daily life in prison with no apologies. Williams was put to death in California for murders in which he claims innocence. Supporters continue his work to help teens stay out of prison.

Sutton, Roger (2001, May/June). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the book Life In Prison]. Horn Book Magazine, 77(3), 352-353. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=4351555&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Film

DeVito, D., Shamberg, M., & Sher, S. (Producers), & LaGravenese, R. (Director). (2007).

         Freedom writers [Motion picture]. United States: Paramount Home Entertainment.

Teens are held captive by this book and this movie.  Real life is conveyed through reading the diaries and seeing these characters portrayed on film.  Students can identify with the experiences the students describe as their life.  The fact that so many of the original freedom writers went on to college, is enough of a reason to take a look at this book and film.

American Libraries (2007, May). Reviews: Nonfiction [Review of the film Freedom Writers]. American Libraries, 38(5), 18. Retrieved July 15, 2008 from Academic Search Premier database at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=25038236&loginpage=login.asp&site=ehost-live

Websites For Teens

Youth Speaks http://www.youthspeaks.org

This website promotes using your voice to create social change.  Using written and oral literacy strategies as vehicles, teens can express themselves as the new generation. Youth Speaks believes that self-empowerment is essential to building character.  Youth Speaks offers workshops and internships.  Being a member of this group will enhance your ability to find your voice.

Conscious Youth Media Crew http://www.consciousyouthmediacrew

If you are looking for a way to change the system from within, this might be the place for you.  Conscious Youth Media Crew helps teens develop leadership skills, make conscious decisions, stimulate creativity and learn about the latest and most update digital technologies. Even if you are not inclined to participate as part of the crew, this is an interesting place to visit and watch movies made by teens that are interesting and thought provoking.

Omega Boys Club / Street Soldiers http://omegaboysclub.org

Do you want to be a Street Soldier?  Joe Marshall started the Omega Boys Club.  He and a counselor Jack Jacqua wanted to do something to stop the violence in the neighborhood.  They see violence as a health issue that needs prevention as a cure.  There is so much valuable work and information on this website.  Teens can take a look at the Omega Leadership Academy, The Omega Training Institute and the nationally syndicated Street Soldiers Radio Show.  The Omega African Heritage Library Collection has an extensive literary collection with over 900 pieces. 

The Beat Within http://www.thebeatwithin.org

If you want to find out what it is really like on the inside, you might want to take a look at this website for incarcerated youth.  Teens in prison use the beat as a vehicle to find their voice.  Having their drawings and writings published while they are locked up is a step closer to hope and freedom.  Read some of these poems and verse and be moved at the journey we all share.  Here is a website that lets teenagers express their feelings and share conversations with each other.

Sex, etc. http://sexetc.org

If you have a question about sex and you are not sure where to find the answer, this might be the website for you.  This is sex education for teens by teens!  Chats, quizzes, videos, blogs are all available.  If you are in crisis, you can call the hotlines listed that are ready to listen to you now.

The New Mexico Young Father’s Project http://youngfathers.org/

This website is the place to be if you live in New Mexico and want to be mentored so that you can become a great father. Individuals can receive life skills training with other groups of young fathers.  Leadership and making the right decisions are part of the training you will receive.  You will also have the opportunity to mentor other youth as a part of this program.

MultiCulturalPedia http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~tokyo3/e/

This is a website that would be especially interesting to younger teens who might just be beginning to understand the power of labeling and stereotyping and the effects it can have.  MultiCulturalPedia is a website where you can learn about other cultures and the impact cultures play in our lives.  You will gain a new respect for your own self as well as for the traditions of others.

The Work of Byron Katie http://thework.com

Who would you be without your story?  That is the question that Katie asks on her website.  If you want a simple and powerful way to get to the truth and get a reality check on your thoughts, this website is for you.  You can download a worksheet and put your stressful thoughts on paper.  As you answer the four questions, you will find yourself amazed at the clarity and relief you will feel from discovering the truth.  This website also offers excerpts from Katie’s books, videos, and a hotline to call if you need help with your problems.