Classic Teenplots: A Booktalk Guide to Use with Readers Ages 12-18

by John T. Gillespie, Corinne J. Naden

Overview

Everything you need to create compelling booktalks featuring outstanding young adult novels that are mainstays in library collections. For each of the 100 titles selected, there is background information on the book and the author, a list of principal characters, a detailed plot summary, critical comment and notes on suitability, material on key themes and subjects, passages for booktalking, and selected titles that link these classics to contemporary titles.

Everything you need to create compelling booktalks featuring outstanding young adult novels. The authors have chosen 100 classic YA titles published over the past 30 years based on literary merit, continued popularity, and availability (all titles are in print); and have categorized them into broad genres (Teen Life, Adventure, Sports, etc.). For each title, they provide an introduction that gives background information on the book and the author; a list of principal characters; a detailed plot summary; critical comment and notes on suitability; material on key themes and subjects, passages for booktalking; and references to sources of more information on the book and the author. Entries also feature selected titles that link these classics to contemporary titles. Building on previous volumes in the Juniorplots and Seniorplots series, this is an information-packed and lasting guide; it is a must-have for librarians who serve teens. Grades 6-12.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591583127
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/30/2006
Series:	Children's and Young Adult Literature Reference
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

JOHN T. GILLESPIE, former Dean and Instructor of Library Science, Long Island University, N.Y., has authoried numerous books in the areas of library management, school libraries, and children's and young adult literature.

CORINNE J. NADEN is a freelance writer and editor based in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She has published more than 30 books.

Table of Contents

Preface
ABrief Guide to Booktalking
Teenage Life and Concerns (20 titles)
Social Concerns and Problems (17 titles)
Science Fiction and Fantasy (18 titles)
Historical Fiction and Other Lands(15 titles)
Adventure and Mystery Stories (15 titles)
Animal Stories (5 titles)
Sport Stories (5 titles)
Important Nonfiction (5 titles)
Author Index
Title Index
Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

Starred Review This book should become a staple for high school librarians. . . . Each title provides the reader with an introduction that gives background information on the book and author; a list of principal characters, plot summary; critical commentary and notes on suitability, key themes and subjects, passages for booktalking (I really liked that!), and reference sources of more information on the book and the author. This book is clearly written, easy-to-use, and features excellent indexing including not only author, title, and subject, but also selected websites on children's literature and authors. Highly recommended.” —Library Media Connection

“This resource will appeal to those interested in presenting book talks to young people ages 12–18, or perhaps even younger with some titles. There is an eclectic mix of nearly one hundred old and new fiction titles with definite teen appeal. . . . Librarians, teachers, parents, and even students will find this a useful resource.” —Christian Library Jourbanal

“Author, title, and subject indexes will assist in ease of use. Classic Teenplots will be welcomed by librarians, both school and public, who have long relied on the authors' out-of-print tools.” —VOYA

“Librarians looking for new booktalk material will find a treasure trove in this compilation of information about 100 titles. The authors present a variety of classic and newer literature, grouped by topics such as Teenage Life and Concerns, Science Fiction and Fantasy, and Important Nonfiction. They intentionally exclude Newbery and Printz winners, which are treated in The Newbery/Printz Companion (Libraries Unlimited, 2006). Each entry includes introductory material, a list of main characters, a plot summary, discussion of themes and subjects, highlighted points for booktalking, additional titles of interest, and pointers to more information about the book and its author. The entries are indexed by author, title, and subject, and the preface, A Guide to Booktalking, can serve as an introduction or a refresher course.” —School Library Jourbanal

“This book includes everything you need to create compelling booktalks for young adult novels. The authors have chosen 100 classic young adult titles from the past 30 years based on literary merit, continued popularity, and availability. . . . For each title, the guide provides an introduction that includes background information on the book and author, a list of principal characters, a detailed plot summary, critical commentary and notes on suitability, material on key themes and subjects, passages for booktalking, and references to sources for further information on the book and the author.” —Christian School Teacher

“Libraries in which the Juniorplots series is still available already have much of this material, but the updating and convenient one-volume format make this a worthwhile purchase.” —Booklist/Professional Reading

From the Publisher

Librarians looking for new booktalk material will find a treasure trove in this compilation of information about 100 titles. The authors present a variety of classic and newer literature, grouped by topics such as "Teenage Life and Concerns," "Science Fiction and Fantasy," and "Important Nonfiction." They intentionally exclude Newbery and Printz winners, which are treated in The Newbery/Printz Companion (Libraries Unlimited, 2006). Each entry includes introductory material, a list of main characters, a plot summary, discussion of themes and subjects, highlighted points for booktalking, additional titles of interest, and pointers to more information about the book and its author. The entries are indexed by author, title, and subject, and the preface, "A Guide to Booktalking," can serve as an introduction or a refresher course.
—Beth GallegoCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal