Digital Resources Reviews

Websites

http//www.bebo.com
Bebo.com is a social networking site geared towards users thirteen and up. For younger teens, this may be a more attractive option since the popularity of MySpace is dwindling into an old fad, and Facebook is viewed as a site for older age groups (although this perspective is changing very quickly). Bebo is a site that is clean and sleek with silver, black, and white frame, which can all be customizable by changing the skin and modules on one’s profile. The defaulted profile is already provided with tabs and frames that allow one to add games, favorite bands, photos, and homemade videos. Other ‘teen appealing’ features are that one can publish stories and share details about how they know specific friends, and easily spot friends’ of friends. Similar to Facebook, the social aspect of the site is heavily emphasized, but is projected on a more user friendly scale where one can join groups not only by interests, but also by ranking of how many members and friends have recently joined. Applications are strictly designed to appeal to teens with names like "wholikesu", "mindjoltgames", and quizzes such as, "Do you know all the Justin Bieber lyrics?" One also has the ability to self-publish and read other member’s books, and poetry by genre, as well as write reviews on published books. Aside from the ability to rate content and keep up with recent happenings of friends, the most distinctive aspect of Bebo is the language it uses. Phrases like "I catch your drift", "tell your friends what you're up to!", and checking out one’s “lifestream” (the feature which allows one to keep up with myspace, facebook, delicious, flickr, etc. all at once) may just be what keeps Bebo a strictly teen social site, while older Internet users stray elsewhere. Sign out and you can’t help but return to a site that is “Missing you already…”.

http://www.teenreads.com/
Teen reads is a reader's advisory website, which is successful at keeping up to date with new young adult titles. The site has been updated monthly since 2001, and contains an extensive archive of reviewed titles. The archives even include the "Best of..." for each year. Other features are the easy to follow tabs of categories that show titles that are "Cool & New", books that have become movies, streaming videos of anything book related, how to start a book club and what to read, and a "Coming Soon" tab that features the new releases for upcoming months.
Even though the site is outstanding in terms of content, has a searchable author's index, and showcases lists of award winning books, it is extremely unappealing to a teen audience. With too much text, distracting advertisements, and tacky colors and font, it appears to be outdated. The books chosen also appear to be overwhelmingly fiction. Even though the site states that it "bring(s) teens info and features about their favorite authors, books, series and characters", and "Teenreads.com is THE place online for teens to talk about their fave books --- and find the hippest new titles!", it presents itself as a reference site for YA librarians and teachers, rather than for teens. The site does have useful information and it would greatly benefit from a searchable index by genre and author read-a-likes, a message board or forum where teens can talk about their books and socialize, and an overall design makeover.

http://www.gocomics.com/
GoComics.com is an account-based site that is free to users of all ages. The site features classic comics, editorial comic strips, as well as "Sherpa", comics, which is a service that “lets aspiring cartoonists (or established cartoonists with new ideas) tap into the huge and loyal GoComics.com readership for feedback and exposure.” The homepage advertises its new content through a meter that shows how many comics and editorials are updated every day. Account users have the option add comics to their "favorites collection" and create collections according to a chosen theme, as well as leave comments on strips. The site is very teen and user friendly in terms of content and organization. The site has an archive with an index of A-Z listings where each comic that has been updated is marked by an orange dot. Comics are categorized according to popularity, currency, and tagged by frequency, and some are even available in Espanol. Editorial comic strips are categorized by the same, as well as by political slant, internationally by continent, and those awarded by the Pulitzer Prize. The site has an attractive lay out and color scheme with quality content and little advertisements. Once can perform searches by feature, tag or creator. The only downsides that may deter some teens are that it is limited to comic strips, and contains no graphic novels or manga.


Databases

LearningExpressEBooks.com
Learning Express Searchable Ebooks is a simple database that contains test preparation guides and study aides by subject, which can be easily downloaded and read via PDF format. The database provides some test preparation materials, such as the SAT's, to students without forging up the cost and carrying around the bulk. The PDF files are extensive, clear, and sharp in appearance. The database is useful for students who need to attain last minute study guides when bookstores are closed and shipping is not longer an option. Searching for the correct subject is very simple, whether it is locating the link of the guide on the front page below the subject, or conducting a search in the field. Unfortunately, the search terms have to consist of a simple "SAT" or "Biology" or "Algebra" to retrieve the relevant results. Another con is that the study guides do not have a simple indication of date of publication or vendor on its index. So if a student were looking for an SAT guide by Kaplan, they would have to download each e-book on SAT's until one is found. The results for specific tests, such as one for AP English will yield zero to a handful of results that only relate to vocabulary and writing essays. Overall the website is useful for students who are looking for additional guides or last minute test preparation materials at their convenience.

Biography Reference Center via EBSCO
The Biography Reference Center is an attractive database that provides concise bibliographic information and full-text articles of over 450,000 iconic and influential people. Biography and Biography Today source the majority of the content, and each record provides photos, bibliographic information, occupations, achievements, and a short summary of their accomplishments. Additional articles are listed, which can be easily printed, saved, or sent to an email address. The home page is attractive because it provides photos of featured people that can easily be browsed through, as well as an index that categorizes records by subject. One can also easily browse the records by last name or by performing a simple search of a occupation, country, nationality, etc. The people listed are very recent, whether it is a search for J.D. Salinger or Wayne Carter ,also known as "Lil Wayne". Unfortunately authors like Stephanie Meyer or Marcus Zusak are not listed in their records, but the records are diverse and extensive as far as subject, occupations, and nationalities. This is a very user-friendly resource for students who are looking for ideas about their next essay or an analysis of the life of Jack Keroac or discography of Rhianna.

Points of View Reference Center via EBSCO Host
The Points of View Reference Center database is an outstanding point of reference for students seeking information on controversial or high profile topics. The database is student focused, whether one is trying to choose a topic to formulate a hypothesis, looking for advice or a format about how to write up a persuasive essay to express their point, or researching past cases or scholarly opinions about topics that they are passionate about. On the home page, one can browse by category or topic, sort through research guides for writing composition, or read what is "In the Spotlight" for current topics. Featured topics, such as Bullying and Suicide, Animal Welfare, Gender Equality, Gangs and even Facebook attract students because they are relevant and concern significant issues. Search terms retrieve a number of relevant articles, as well as periodicals, newspapers, and transcripts from radio and TV news transcripts. Like many database articles, subject terms within the records link directly to other searches on the topic, as well as provide subject terms to use and combine, for example "RAP (Music)" and "Censorship", as well as the option to add articles to a "Folder" to view reference for later.

Video Games

PetVille by Zynga on Facebook
PetVille is one of the most popular game applications on Facebook where one can create a pet to their liking and personality. Similar to many simulation games, one has to maintain their pet by washing him, feeding, him and socializing him with other animals. Using the features of Facebook, one can also see which of their friends are playing the game and become neighbors for more points. The game is attractively made and simple to learn. The more that one plays, the more neighbors and new items one can attain, as well as move up to higher levels. Not much mental power is needed in this game, but it is an entertaining way to pass time, and indirectly connect and interact with other friends on Facebook. The appeal is that is free, easy to access, and has all the perks of "pet" with accessories without the clean up and fussy chores delegated by parents.

Dragonica by IAH Games - downloadable software
Dragonica is a fantasy MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) that is free of charge and can be easily accessed through signing up for an account and downloading the software. Users play in real-time, can customize their characters and move in levels by fulfilling their assigned quests and objectives. One has the option of going through different modes, such as one that encompasses a storyline where one can only progress through it by clearing objectives. There is also the defense mode, which allows one the battle mobs of monsters at a quick, sporadic rate. Like other RPG games, users can attain cash for extra accessories and powers. They can also be a part of different classes and guilds, which each have its own skill tree and alliances. The appeal of a fantasy game for teens is not new or original, but Dragonica's charming graphics, ‘cute’ pet side kicks, highly customizable features, and multiplayer online mode make it an entertaining way to pass time and manipulate their skills to dive deeper into another world of magic and mysticism.

Wii The Beatles: Rock Band by MTV Games - Nintendo Wii
Rock band is a staple for Wii fanatics, as one doesn't have to know how to learn the notes to perform a tune. The instruments of a guitar, bass, and drums are designed where the feel and look simulate the real thing. Teens can play in a 'band' with their friends or compete with other fanatics online. One of the newest titles of the Rock band series features the Beatles, where one to four players can be John Lennon or all of the legendary Beatles in their pursuit to make music history, create landmark records, and do what the Beatles did best, which was become one of the most idolized bands in history. With three point harmonies, 45 classic songs, and the visual dreamscape of performing at their most famous concert venues, the game is true to their sound and is successful at not sabotaging the hits. For young adults this is a stimulating challenge. The game offers a chance to play songs of a band that has transcended generations, flexibility to play individually and in groups at various difficulty levels, and test one’s eye-hand coordination, vocal chords, and rhythm.

Internet use of Teens

In each of the libraries where I work and volunteer, teens are typically the most technical savvy and most frequent computer users in the library. I have observed that the computers are used for mostly schoolwork and entertainment. In the two libraries, each have computers that are reserved and separated from the main computer areas for privacy. I observed that this separation doesn't keep young adults from using the main computers more frequently then in their own areas. A direct observation of their use is difficult because many do keep their monitors directed away from a normal view, but the teens that I have observed and helped during my tech helper shifts usually jump back and forth across social sites, streaming video sites, and gaming sites. Most usually borrow headphones from the paging desk or are equipped with their own, and especially at the Berkeley Public Library are seen viewing the latest Rap or R&B videos on Youtube. The majority is also always seen checking back to their Facebook pages and looking at other profiles or messaging friends. This is the most significant trend that I have seen and it is not at all surprising! In a third of the instances, especially after school, teens are coupled with their friends or significant others viewing the same videos or working on reports, which show that Internet usage is a social experience. There is even a rule at the BPL that only two people at the most can sit at computers and the noise level has to be low. The most common complaints from other computer users are that the groups of young people are causing too much of a commotion or are simultaneously talking on their cell phones, while bumping the music in their headphones too loudly. At the Alameda Free Library, the teen patrons are usually seen playing games, such as PetVille, checking their Facebook, and writing reports.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon, 2004)

GENRE: Graphic Novel - Memoir

HONORS: 2001: Angoulême Coup de Coeur Award

REVIEW: Persepolis has given needed exposure to Iranian history that Americans do not often see or even too ignorant to learn about. The first volume is where Marjane Satrapi writes about her childhood growing up during the Islamic Revolution. This volume highlights the digression from a liberal culture to a strict, religious state. Reader's get to learn how the black robes and extreme Islamic domination are not a refection of Iran's citizens, but of their government. Before the war, Marjane lived a lavish life where her parents raised her to be educated and independent. In this graphic novel, she illustrates the transformation of the Iranian government, as well as the emotion of having to part with her lifestyle, her parents, and her identity because of the war.

OPINION: This book is as gripping and can be thought of as an equal predecessor of MAUS in terms of quality and content. Marjane has written something that is very relevant to our current political affairs, but in a light that can be understood from a Western standpoint. Her punk rock attitude and quirks of finding ways to express her individualism are a welcomed comic relief from such a heavy subject.

IDEAS: Notable curriculum for social studies or English class when focusing on war torn/ oil rich countries and how it has changed their culture.

Hiroshima by John Hersey

GENRE: Classic Lit; Historical Non-fiction

HONORS: none that I could find

REVIEW: Hiroshima started as a magazine article that was a result of Hersey's investigative reporting. The story highlights six interviews and varying perspectives of the events that happened before, during, and after the attack of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by a detonated atomic bomb. The story is a startling account of the extensive and deep harm that man can induce. No one expected the type of impact and aftermath that came from the use of the nuclear bomb. Hersey reveals the personal accounts of those who lived to experience the tragedy and they are an astonishingly vivid picture of that morning.

OPINION: This book is significant because it was the first time that a country used nuclear technology, and it concluded a significant war in the world's history. The first person narratives that describe the occurrence are the most interesting because even though the reader knows what happened, those involved tell a story without the knowledge of the situation. It is an episode of unfiltered history

IDEAS: Notable book for curriculum on world history and military warfare.

Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft Vol. 1 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2008)

GENRE: Graphic Novel - Horror

HONORS:2009 Eisner Awards nomination for "Best Limited Series" and Joe Hill is nominated for "Best Writer
2009 British Fantasy Award for Best Comic or Graphic Novel

REVIEW: The talented collaboration of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez means a quality graphic novel of extraordinary graphics and a captivating story about the evil in paranormal and alternate worlds. The murder of Rendell Locke, a father of three and high school principle, by Sam, an angst ridden teen, has hauled the Locke family cross - country to their safe haven, a mansion in the town of Keyhouse in Lovecraft, Massachusetts. This may seem like a story about high school violence (i.e. Columbine), but the story progresses to paranormal signs of evil. While exploring the mansion's grounds, Bode finds a key that unlocks a new realm and releases the demon from the well. They soon learn that their father and this house holds more secrets then they bargained for.

OPINION: This graphic novel is not for the squeamish, and has more of an appeal to older teens because of its relatable characters, as well as violent, shocking illustrations. The quickly changing time lapses, puzzles, and multiple climaxes are what make this series addicting and hauntingly gratifying.

IDEAS: Teens who are a fan of Stephen King and his novels, as well as graphic novel series will be enthralled with this story. (Joe Hill is King's son). Unfortunately, the novel may not be as easy to access. (I was only able to find one copy out of three library systems.)

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952)

GENRE: Classic Lit

HONORS:The Nobel Prize in Literature 1954

REVIEW: A short novella by one of the great American writers of our time, The Old Man and the Sea still awes readers with the loyalty a young boy has for an old Cuban fisherman who is shunned from his peers from having lost the skills in his trade. The struggle of fighting with a giant marlin in for almost 90 days conveys the old man's dedication and deep rooted integrity, even though the benefits and "trophy" are lost in the end. The story's simple symbolism has made it a literary classic and is one of Hemingway's most notable books in his career.

OPINION: The story is an immediate classic and transcends time with its readers. The adventure of sailing the Gulf Sea and tragic suspense resides long after the book is finished. The story can be taken simply for its exotic setting and endearing characters, or be meticulously analyzed for its symbolism and literary merit.

IDEAS: A notable book for curriculum featuring American authors and suggested quick -read that is classic for its prize winning merit.

Breaking Through by Francisco Jimenez (Houghton Mifflin, 2001)

GENRE: Memoir - Latino

HONORS:Booklist Editors’ Choice
An American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
American Library Association’s Pura Bupré Authors Honor Book Award (among many others!)

REVIEW:Breaking Through is the sequel to The Circuit , Jimenez's memoir about migrating as a child to the U.S. from Mexico. This story continues his experiences as a student who lived during a time of racial ignorance. Jimenez poetically writes about his experiences going to school in the day time, then working at night in the fields and later as a janitor to help support his family. He struggled to learn English and was often inclined to down play his heritage because of his yearning to have a 'normal' adolescence. However, his self-conscious father and deep loyalty to provide for his family did not faze his destiny to succeed.

OPINION: This memoir is a gripping tale and harsh reality of the struggles in the lives of migrants. Francisco Jimenez was able to rise above all the cultural barriers set before him, especially at a time of racial segregation and intolerance. This is a courageous tale that is rich in history, as well as Mexican culture.

IDEAS: Notable to incorporate in curriculum about immigration, California history, or documenting one's own family history.

The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint (Viking, 2004)

GENRE: Urban Fantasy

HONORS: 2007 Great Lakes Great Books Award for grades 9-12
Nominated for the 2008 Grand Canyon Reader Award (Arizona)

REVIEW: Imogen is a subversive 17-year old that has moved into a new town to start a life a new. Readers will cling to her strong character, as she stands up against the jocks, and will not conform just because her thrift store clothes have detered most kids from being her friend. Imogen has a ghost as a secret admirer, Adrien, who has put her at risk to the faeries who will steal her soul. The blue is only one of the few things that can save her, along with the tenacious will of her friends, Maxine and Adrien. This is a story of merging worlds, where the inconceivable causes the mortals to believe. De Lint has made the 'weird' girl the hero, which will empower readers to be proud their individuality.

OPINION: The interchanging of mortal and ghostly perspectives along with the twist of evil in faeries are the strongest aspects of the story. The plot is consistently anti-climatic, but full of fantasy and the notion that the dubious can be a reality if one looks for it. It's a good story of liberation and the celebration of individualism.

IDEAS: Great recommendation for fantasy fans with a Gothic twist.

Dear Diary by Leslie Arfin (VICE, 2008)

GENRE: Memoir - Drug Abuse

HONORS: none

REVIEW: "Dear Diary" is a lively, personal account of Lesley Arfin and her years as a teen growing up in New York City. Lesley has published excerpts of her journal since the age of thirteen and revisits each entry as an adult, which portray that "the lows are way lower and the highs are way higher". The uniqueness of this book is that she supplies the insight about each phase and emotion, and actually interviews her old friends and ex-boyfriends that she knew back when she was a teen. Her ultimate battle with heroine is the dark point of this story, which is realistically captured and non-condemning. The reader has a chance to conclude for herself the repercussions of use, and Lesley explicitly adds in an interview with her father about coming clean, "Another girl, somewhere in Minnesota, might be going through the same thing and feeling the same way. Maybe if she reads this, she'll realize that she is not the only one who goes through this stuff."

OPINION: This book reminded me of a contemporary Go Ask Alice. Teens will appreciate the truthfulness of her story, even though it seems that Lesley is putting down her old emotions as a teen, she is also spreading the message that it will all be better soon. It's a party girl story gone under.

IDEAS: Read-a-like for any kind of drug induced story.

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block (Harper Collins, 1989)

GENRE: Fantasy; GLBT Themes

HONORS: ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
Parents' Choice Gold Award


REVIEW: Weetzie Bat is a subculture classic that takes place in the mystical town of Shangri-L.A. where surf and glam reign supreme. Weetzie is an eccentric, charismatic character who isn't completely enthralled with the southern Californian city (sometimes she calls it 'Hell-L.A.'), but with the company of her best friend, Dirk, they are able to have the best adventures and take joy in the simpler things in life. This is the first book of the series, where Weetzie is granted three wishes and is ultimately in search for "My Secret Lover Agent Man" and a "Duck (a love) for Dirk. Reader's see that Weetzie has a lot of love to give and share as her family grows.

OPINION: The book features a lot of themes that break many conventional ideas about love, family, and what brings happiness. Weetzie is a charming girl with a punk-glam edge, and the book confronts heavy issues in a mystical, dream-like scape. Weetzie is almost fairy-like, but has to deal with the death of a loved one and a broken family. Other topics, such as AIDS, homosexuality, and birth out-of-wedlock (dated term!) are not conveyed as negative aspects, but as issues that one accepts as a part of life. This is an offbeat story that is still as progressive, as it was twenty years ago!

IDEAS:A great book for reluctant readers and teens who are in search for a story with an alternative edge.

Feed by M.T. Anderson (Candlewick, 2002)

GENRE: Science Fiction

HONORS: Finalist 2002 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
2003 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction
2003 Golden Duck Awards Hal Clement Award for Young Adults
ALA Best Book for Young Adults

REVIEW: The value of uninhibited information is priceless in this day and age, especially in Feed where almost every child carries an implanted chip in their brain that sells them the places to go, where to shop, and what to think about for a 'good' time. A trip with some friends to the moon is where Titus and Violet fall in love, but her view on the grim reality of the world doesn't have Titus or his friends thrilled to have her around. With a harmful glitch and an sabotaging attempt to fight the feed, Violet's life is in danger and Titus has to decide for himself what is more valuable: artificial pleasure or the desolation of integrity.

OPINION: M.T. Anderson has created a masterpiece of that will entertain readers, while allowing them to question our society's behavior of passive consumption. M.T. Anderson is a fantastic writer that isn't afraid to confront the tragic in an endearing manner.

IDEAS: This story is a great read-a-like for teens who have read 1984, Brave New World, and other titles in dystopian sci-fi. This story is a good example for curriculum that emphasizes information literacy or the uses of language.

Buried Onions by Gary Soto (Gale, 2003)

GENRE: Fiction - Latino

HONORS: none

REVIEW: Buried Onions contains a lot of truth about the pressures, poverty, and racial oppression that Latinos and other ethnic groups face on a daily basis. Eddie is a 19-year old who resides in Fresno, California. He has lost a father and every male figure in his family, so he has to make ends meet by performing odd jobs like painting address numbers on curbs in the suburbs. His ultimate goal is to make his way outside of the Fresno ghetto and away from all the crime and violence. Unfortunately, violence still happens to find him when, Angel, a ruthless cholo is on his tail to get revenge. Eddie is still determined not to retreat to the violent streets, so with the help of his best friend and old coach, he is able to find a way out.

OPINION: The themes portrayed in this book highlight the very grim reality of individuals that live in repressed areas. Even though Eddie has the best intentions, he has to overcome the uncontrollable struggles and hardships put before him. Soto is successful at portraying a realistic perspective of young, first and second generation youth.

IDEAS: It is a great book to display and have for a booktalk in a library with a heavily diverse, urban population.

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones (Simon & Schuster, 2003)

GENRE: Novel in Verse

HONORS: 2002 American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults
2002 American Library Association Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
2001 Top Ten Editor's Choice by Teenreads.com
2003 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice

REVIEW: Ninth-grader Sophie is experiencing all the emotions of falling in love with almost every boy she lays her eyes on. In the book Sophie is accompanied by best friends, Grace and Rachel, who seem at first to be two very supportive, but later do not have the best interests in her well being. In these narrative verses, Sophie expresses the longing of affection from a passive father, and having to deal with an overprotective mother, which she has a close bond with. The story progresses to the most significant lesson that is portrayed through Sophie's secret crush on a boy in art class who is NOT at all popular. Sophie learns that looks and social status are not the end all the happiness and she succumbs to her true feelings.

OPINION: The 'novel in verse' format conveys Sophie's adolescent experiences in a first person, uninhibited perspective. This format adds a personal touch where a reader can genuinely feel what Sophie is going through. Her sporadic emotions between teen crushes and loves is the humorous part of the novel, but there is plenty of truth the scenarios. Sophie's gradual realization of what brings true happiness is realistic and an eye opening resolution for teen readers.

IDEAS: A good book for reluctant young teen readers. Also an iconic book to display for Banned Book Week. (ALA’s list of most frequently challenged books in 2004 and 2005)

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Little, Brown, 2010)

GENRE: Fiction - Thriller

HONORS: none

REVIEW: The looming of a war has sent the Carvers to a faraway beach town and into an old inhabited beach house once owned by the Fliechmans. The story outlines a feeling of mysticism and suspense, as the discovery of a moving statue park, old films, and haunting dreams has left Max and his sisters startled by the encounter of a ghostly clown who is known to grant any wish in exchange for one's loyalty. Max's new found friendship with a resident ocean diver, Roland, lead to the unraveling of a deathly pact. Max is determined to save the lives of Roland and his sister from the "Prince of the Mist", and true identities of the beach town residents and history are startling!

OPINION: The Spanish author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, wrote this first book for young adults, way before his adult novels Shadow of the Wind and The Angel's Game put him on the map in literature. His first book exudes the eeriness that many Spanish authors convey. The language and esoteric plot gives a new edge to YA fiction and is something that fans of haunted houses and the paranormal may enjoy.

IDEAS: Works as a good recommendation for a suspense novel.

If you liked King Dork, you might also like…

Music is one of the most influential media that is a venue of expression, defines a young person’s identity amongst himself and his peers, and often evokes nostalgia like a play list to fond memories or soundtrack to this time in one’s life. King Dork read-a-like materials would bring a fresh perspective in libraries exemplifying music culture, local talent, and self-expression and would be useful in promotions and programs targeted at teens. Promotion can be as simple as a monthly poster, bookmark, or booklet that pair music with books and other newly acquired materials by genres and themes. Another method is to have changing displays featuring ‘how-to’ books about how to record music, self-publishing, etc. or go beyond banned books week and display classic reads or other material by themes that are deemed controversial or subversive. A program that allows teen volunteers or YA patrons to create a library zine with their creative writing, photos, and art, while including the books and music that they turn to for inspiration would create a venue for self-expression and a sense of community. Another idea would be a ‘treasure hunt’ or media trivia game through recovering clues in books or movies with giveaways of mp3 players or movie tickets, as well as music and books to choose and take home.



King Dork - Frank Portman
Best friends Tom Henderson and Sam Hellerman live and think against the grain to make some sense of their world. A pair of aspiring hard rock musicians, they bank on their ever-changing band names and albums before musical skill to gain admiration. Incorporate a literary trail through an old library of coming of age classics that may lead to Tom discovering the cause of his father’s mysterious death, and King Dork is a smart, quick witted, and insightful read that is packed with good-taste and DIY ingenuity.

If you liked King Dork, you might also like…



Catcher in the Rye – J. D. Salinger (Back Bay; Reissue edition 2001)
For many it’s required reading and King Dork thinks it’s not that a big of a deal, but it’s still a literary classic and one of the most widely banned books. One of the first rebels around, Holden Caulfield is angst, expelled from prep school, and trudging through New York City for a piece of mind.

…And the Women Who Love Them – Mr. T Experience (CD, Lookout! Records, 2002)
Before King Dork, was the soundtrack to author Frank Portman’s life concocted through his pop punk band, Mr. T Experience (MTX). The album with its adrenaline pumped rhythm and witty lyrics was much of Portman’s inspiration for his book, which is recognizable in songs like King Dork, Thinking of Suicide, and I Wanna Ramone You.

Despite Everything: A Cometbus Omnibus - Aaron Cometbus (Last Gasp, 2002)
The East-Bay punk rock scene has been a sub-culture staple and Despite Everything, a best of collection of Cometbus’ 48 zines, is an underground classic with music reviews, short stories, photos, and illustrations that showcase the free spirit adventures of teens who live against the social norm and questions common thought.



The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky (MTV, 1999)
“…the feeling of being infinite and those moments that are so small and so perfect and can almost seem to sum up being young in one night, or one song, or whatever it is that makes you feel untouchable for that one moment.” Charlie confides in an anonymous friend through a journal of letters that reveal his relationships, drug experimentation, and the books and music that influence him.



Scott Pilgrim Precious Little Life (Volume 1) – Bryan Lee O'Malley (Oni Press, 2004)
Scott Pilgrim is contentedly unemployed, but spends his time in a band called ‘Sex Bob-Omb’ and in the relationships of the girls that love him. He finds the love of his life, but has to fight off her seven evil ex-boyfriends to win her heart. This manga-like novel series is full of rock ‘n’ roll, alt-lit, and hilarity where eye-catching illustrations and unexpected super powers conjoin.



Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist– Rachel Cohn & David Levithan (Knopf, 2008)
A relationship created at the spur of the moment usually won’t amount to much, but Nick’s dressed down style as the straight guy in a queercore band and Norah’s hippie, “don’t give a sh*t” mentality bring the two together one night at a punk rock club. A high-energy romance and unique connection is soundly spoken through their alternating inner dialogues and passion for music.

TeenInk: A Literary Magazine ; http://www.teenink.com (Monthly circulation)
This monthly magazine is packed with book and music reviews, art and photography, as well as contains articles featuring poetry, fiction, and essays about hot topics and cultural issues all created for and written by teens!

Youth in Revolt (DVD, Sony 2009)
An adaptation of C.D. Payne's young adult series, Nick Twisp is a clever 16-year old that falls for a part-time trailer park girl, Sheeni and her infatuation for Jean-Paul Belmondo movies and Serge Gainsbourg records. A must see for any one who has battled with their rebellious alter ego and wanted play with fire.



Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close- Jonathan Safron Foer (Mariner, 2006)
If you liked discovering and deciphering codes in King Dork, a search to find the lock in the big city that fits for a mysterious key may just be the challenge you need. Child prodigy, Oskar Schell, accepts this feat as it may lead to some connection to his father who died in tragedy of 9/11. A hunt through the five boroughs of New York means encounters with interesting characters and glimpse into the past.