As you can see from the photos below, this year’s workshop was a huge success!  Over 500 teachers, librarians, authors, publishers and YA Lit enthusiasts attended the dynamic, engaging two-day workshop held at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World.  Are you interested in attending next year’s workshop?  Make plans now to attend.  ALAN 2011 will be held November 21st and 22nd in Chicago.

ALAN President, James Blasingame, and the Workshop Program Consultants are pleased to announce the 2010 ALAN Worksop Program.  To download a preview copy of this year’s program, follow the link below.

Orlando 2010: ALAN Workshop Program

If you would like to attend the 2010 ALAN Workshop, you can register for this event on NCTE’s Annual Convention website by clicking here.

Borderline by Allan Stratton
Boys without Names by Kashmira Sheth
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
Dream Life by Lauren Mechling
Fizzy Whiz Kid by Maiya Williams
Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
In a Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

Borderline by Allan Stratton
HarperCollins, 2010, 296 pp., $16.99
Suspense/Terrorism/Adventure/New York/Toronto
ISBN: 978-0-06-145111-9

The life of sixteen-year-old Iranian-American Mohammed Sami Sabiri, known to his friends as Sammy, is about to change. Sammy has always felt like an outsider. He is taunted by bullies at his prestigious private school when summoned to prayers several times a day by his strict father. When his dad takes a secretive trip to Toronto, Sammy feels that his father just might be having an affair. But life gets worse for the Sabiri family as the FBI and Homeland Security conduct a raid using police dogs, guns and a search warrant. Mr. Sabiri is taken to an undisclosed location and accused of being an international terrorist. The media pounces on the story, adding to hysteria by focusing on the fact that Mr. Sabiri is the research director of a facility where anthrax and other deadly viruses are stored.

Sammy and his friends travel to Toronto to find out the truth of the accusations. This humorous adventure/mystery/suspense thriller is more than a great story which could jump off the page of tomorrow’s newspaper. Tones of McCarthy Hearings, and the Salem Witch Trials make Borderline more than a captivating tale and a fast-paced story.  It is a novel that stays with the reader both for its penetrating view of people’s connectedness and for its examination of the rush to judgment so often promulgated by today’s instant communication network. Crisp writing and believable characters make for an unforgettable story. What more can you ask of a realistic young adult novel?

Reviewed by John Jarvey, Cleveland Heights, OH

When Gopal’s family falls on hard times, they have no choice but to leave their small rural village and head to Mumbai, where an economic boom has attracted thousands just like them. Their journey challenges the family at every turn. The story is told through the eyes of young Gopal, who finds that pacifying his cranky younger siblings with stories is as much of a challenge as surviving a monsoon or finding food. Intent on contributing to the family, Gopal sees economic possibilities everywhere. His ambitions, though, make him an easy target for the city’s seedier characters, and Gopal eventually finds himself locked into a sweatshop with five other boys, forbidden to speak to one another.

Kasmira Sheth’s novel really takes off once Gopal winds up in the sweatshop, too. The first half of the book is a chore to get through, as Gopal’s family isn’t nearly as interesting as Gopal’s acquaintances in the sweatshop. The last third, most likely the part Sheth most wanted to write, is riveting fiction. The bonds that Gopal forms with his five co-workers are authentic and powerful. Though it does linger on the negative aspects of Mumbai, Boys without Names would make a decent companion book to any middle school project on Indian culture. Sheth’s prose even mixes in an occasional word from various Indian languages (Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi) that will sharpen context clue skills. A glossary is included.

Reviewed by Sonny Harding, Marietta, GA

In addition to the Cuban Missile Crisis, readers learn more about the 1960s space program through Drew’s interest in becoming an astronaut. Jo Ellen becomes involved in the civil rights movement and teaches Franny, and readers alike, about important moments in civil rights. Shell-shocked Uncle Otts parades around as if he is still a soldier in WWII; although, extremely embarrassing to Franny, his behavior demonstrates the long-term effects of war.

Countdown tells a compelling story with interesting characters and is packed with historical information. This novel is touted as a documentary novel because it provides a snapshot, via a story, about a time in American history and Franny’s story appears side-by-side with documents from 1962. Readers will finish the documentary novel with a deeper understanding of these terrifying days in 1962 because Franny’s story provides a reference to which to attach the information. Countdown would be an invaluable addition to any American history classroom and provides a vivid walk down memory lane for children of the 60s.

Reviewed by Aimee Rogers, Tucson, AZ

Switching schools can be a daunting experience for any normal adolescent. The problem for Will “Hamburger” Halpin isn’t just that he is (ahem) hefty. Nor is it just that he likes to make up weird nicknames for people and write notes about them (Jimmy Porkrinds = addled pothead or gifted lyricist). What makes switching schools for Will an obstacle is everyone else has the ability to hear. As if that isn’t enough, the most popular kid dies on a field trip to the local coal mine. Suspecting foul play, Will teams up with another unpopular student to see if they can help solve the murder, while still trying to insert their feet in the door to popularity.

Inspired by The Hardy Boys, Josh Berk discovers what it would be like if modern-day teenagers tried to solve a crime in their community. In addition to the obligatory caves, old buildings, and an old car, Berk adds cell phones, digital surveillance cameras, and instant messaging to the standard Hardy Boys format. The book is not just a good mystery; it introduces the reader to the deaf culture. The main character gives insight into the everyday obstacles that deaf teens face. Most importantly, Berk establishes that deaf people are no different from anyone else. This book is great for grades 7-12 since it deals with bullying and deaf culture. It reads easily.

Reviewed by Brian Spiro, Cincinnati, OH

It’s not only her name that aids Claire Voyante in solving mysteries; she also has a cameo that induces black-and-white dreams with symbolic clues  leading to the answers. Lauren Mechling’s second novel in the Claire series, Dream Life, takes the reader back to Manhattan and into an elite socialite society doing secret restoration projects for New York City. Claire’s BFF (Becca Shuttleworth) provides middle-class Claire entrée into the rarefied society, and she re-pays Becca by helping to bring down a rival group.

Dream Life is a multi-layered novel that keeps one turning the pages until the end. The characters ranging from Claire’s ex-showgirl grandmother Kiki to her French professor father to the privileged young socialites in the Blue Moons and their rival group, the Elle House, are just some of the well-crafted people who engage the reader. The mystery is compelling and ends with a moral dilemma that Mechling delivers without being didactic. This novel lacks for nothing; there is a  delightfully sweet budding romance between Claire and Andy, as well as strong, emotionally healthy relationships between Claire and, well, just about everyone she meets. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy reading everything from Nancy Drew to The Gossip Girls series.

Reviewed by Lottie Waggoner, Bloomington, IN

Twelve-year-old Mitch Mathis is no stranger to being the new kid. For some reason, his cockroach-loving scientist/professor father has trouble staying in one place, so Mitch has developed some coping strategies. One of them is making lists and the other is not to call attention to himself. In fact, “Don’t Stand Out!” is the most important thing NOT to do on the first day in a new school. Unfortunately for Mitch, his new school is in Hollywood, California,  and his classmates want to stand out, so, by not standing out, Mitch stands out. And not in a good way. On top of everything, Mitch doesn’t own a television set and has never seen Star Wars or most movies, for that matter. So what’s a guy to do?

Mitch answers a cattle call audition to become the next Fizzy Whiz Kid and, despite nearly decapitating the producer, he ends up getting the part. The ad campaign is a hit, and Mitch rises to stardom quickly. He finds himself invited to parties and recognized on the street. When fame becomes a bit too much to handle, Mitch needs to discover how to strike a balance in his life and what is important to him.

Mitch is likable and believable in his role of common kid who makes it big. While most of the secondary characters are painted with broad strokes and the time-line is rather rapid, there is a genuine insider vibe to the story as well as some real affection for the industry and its people—the author is a television writer/ producer.

Reviewed by Brenda Kahn, Closter, NJ

Although readers might expect Alice, the proverbial evil twin, to take the spotlight in book two of the Prophecy of the Sisters, Guardian of the Gate is more about Lia’s intimate relationships with her friends and with Dimitri—the epitome of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. Lia continues her quest from book one, seeking the missing pages from the prophecy. Lia is hoping for clues that will close the gate against Samael, the Beast, who is attempting to enter and rule the world for evil.

In this second novel, Lia’s voice rings clearly as she tells her story in present tense. She knows traitors lurk everywhere:  Whom should she trust? While often predictable, the plot holds some surprises as Lia faces risk after risk to grasp the missing pages of the prophecy. She also explores the island of Altus, home of her beloved Sisters who fight for the side of good
throughout the ages. Readers of romance will enjoy Lia’s new love interest and the clashing mores of late 19th-century London and Altus.

Reviewed by Angie Beumer Johnson, Columbus, OH

The town of Hollow is famous for Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow. How does this legend influence the people who live in this town? As the story opens, Abbey is grappling with the reality that her best friend is no longer alive. Moreover, she is questioning how she will continue living without Kristen. Abbey pushes on through the mundane routines of high school life, while struggling to find someone with whom she can confide her deepest thoughts. Much of this story takes place in the cemetery of Hollow, where Abbey and Kristen often went together. While some may think this is a morbid place for a grieving teenager to frequent, it turns out to be quite the contrary. Abbey finds solace in the various people that she meets in the cemetery of Hollow.

Verday writes an intriguing story by weaving the Legend of Sleepy Hollow into this modern-day tale by opening each chapter with a passage from the original legend. The Sleepy Hollow vignette provides a clue to curious readers as to what may occur, thus, guiding the reader to better understand how the story of Hollow is embedded within the legend. Abbey’s struggle with grief over the death of a dear friend reminds us how we may find comfort in our mind’s mysterious ways.

Reviewed by Aimee L. Morewood, Morgantown, WV

Eagan is a teenager whose passion is ice skating and whose dream is to skate professionally. She has the support of both parents. However, her mother’s support is stifling to Eagan due to secrets and lies; in turn, their relationship is a constant battle. Eagan makes a wrong move during one of her competitions and dies from a head injury.

Amelia, who is in desperate need of a heart transplant in order to live, gets Eagan’s heart. Once on her way to recovery after the transplant, Amelia begins to notice changes in herself; she notices changes in her attitude, her likes and dislikes, even the things that she gets emotional over that would not have fazed her before. Amelia meets Ari, the brother of a transplant patient, who explains to her that it is not uncommon for patients to become part of the person from whom the organ came. Because of the connection Amelia now feels to her donor, she is determined to meet Eagan’s family; and Ari helps her. Eagan’s mother is resistant at first, but when Amelia gets sick, Eagan’s mother visits her in the hospital and makes a peace with her daughter and her death. Eagan, in an afterlife experience, watches as the whole story plays out.

Heartwarming and compassionate describe the magnificent work Loretta Ellsworth has done in her book In a Heartbeat. The style in which she writes this story allows the reader to keep up with each individual character’s story and anticipate connections between and among them.
Ellsworth has created two heart wrenching stories and intertwined each into the other.

Reviewed by Priscilla A. Boerger, Boca Raton, FL

This week’s earthquake in Haiti has left us all shaken and shocked; our friends are there. Yet another tragic disaster has hit the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Thousands have been killed and the destruction has been devastating. Those that were spared are in critical need. We have already seen the nations of the world pledging help with basic medical and food aid. But Haiti needs more than that.

For the past year our colleagues at IBBY Haiti have been running a Children in Crisis project to train teachers, librarians and care-givers how to use the healing power of storytelling and books after natural environmental disasters, such as the series of enormous storms that hit Haiti in recent years and the
collapse of a school that killed many children in 2008. The earthquake on January 12th has wreaked so much more havoc and brought death to thousands, and a very uncertain future to millions more.

As you may be aware, the USBBY has a very special twinning partnership with IBBY Haiti through its President Jocelyne Trouillot. Some of you may have met her when she recently spoke at the 8th IBBY Regional Conference in St. Charles about the projects in Haiti schools and libraries funded by the Children in Crisis Fund and USBBY support.

After trying to reach Ms. Trouillot for several days, we are happy to report that we received a message from her early this morning. She reports that: “The University Caraibe and most universities in Port au Prince are completely destroyed. Most schools too. Thousands of school children and university students are under those buildings.Thousands of houses have collapsed. Rich and poor and middle class have lost families and houses. I cannot describe the horrors. I have seen so many corpses today, many of my own students dead or injured. I don’t want to describe it. My house is partially destroyed but we hope to make it. I hope to coordinate some help next week. For now, we have to bury the dead. The children of Haiti will need psychological help and bibliotherapy will certainly bring some healing. Schools will not reopen until September or October. The buildings and the teachers are not there. We will have to find other places. Many churches have been destroyed too. We stay positive but for most of us, we will need some strong will. Thank you for your support.” Jocelyne

During the tsunami disaster in Asia, USBBY members contributed many thousands of dollars in just a few short weeks to the relief efforts coordinated by IBBY. We are appealing to you today for similar support for the Haiti earthquake disaster. It is believed that the best way to do this is through donations to the Children in Crisis Fund. Therefore, USBBY will accept donations in trust for IBBY Haiti to help the surviving children and their families through the healing power of books and storytelling, bibliotherapy, and the reconstruction of libraries.

Won’t you help today? Donations to the Children in Crisis Fund for Haiti Relief
are desperately needed! The process is simple!

Your choices are:

Go to the USBBY web site at www.usbby.org; click on Opportunities to Help
Use your credit card

-or-

Download and print the PDF membership application, then mail it and your check
to:

USBBY Donations c/o V. Ellis Vance
5503 N. El Adobe Drive
Fresno, CA 93711-2363

(If you are already an USBBY member and it is not yet time for you to renew your membership, just fill out the Donation Section of the membership form and check Children in Crisis Fund. All donations coming into the Children in Crisis Fund will be used for Haiti relief during the coming months.)

Sincerely,

Ellis Vance, Membership Chair

2010 Summer Theme:  Interplay: Influence of Film, New Media, Digital Technology, and Image on YA Literature

The lines between various forms of media are frequently blurred for young adult readers; young adult novels increasingly have some combination of web sites, blogs, fan fiction, and video games to accompany them. The theme of this issue asks us to consider the influences of film, new media, digital technology and image on young adult novels.  What does the interplay between digital media and young adult literature look like?  How is young adult literature being influenced by digital media?  What roles do film and image play in young adult literature? What are the reading experiences of young adults who “read” books in multiple media?  Which novels and novel media help readers to question or critique society and the world?  This theme is meant to be open to interpretation, and we welcome manuscripts addressing pedagogy as well as theoretical concerns. General submissions are also welcome. Submission deadline: February 15, 2010

Winter 2011 Theme: Looking for the Real Me: The Search for Self in Young Adult Literature

An oft-cited reason for including YAL in the middle and high school curriculum is that YAL is literature in which young adult readers can see themselves.  The theme of this issue asks us to consider questions of identity and self in young adult literature.  How does this YAL literature address or not address the young adult reader’s search for his or her own identity, for familiar issues and concerns, and for answers to questions about life and choices?  How is young adult literature answering the call to be more inclusive?  What role does YAL play in helping young adults shape and/or question their identities?  Which novels, old and new, help young adults ask questions and challenge assumptions about their own identities?  This theme is meant to be open to interpretation, and we welcome manuscripts addressing pedagogy as well as theoretical concerns. General submissions are also welcome. Submission deadline: July 1, 2010

Beginning with only a few brief words of welcome from Dr. Sissi Carroll, the President of ALAN, the 2009 conference was immediately set into motion this morning with a keynote address by author Gregory Maguire.  Now, with arms full of new books and endless possibilities, the ALAN community has settled in for the first of two days of literature, laughter and light.

The ALAN Breakfast was attended by a record crowd in the Downtown Marriott Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA.  Attendees were served  breakfast by the Marriott banquet staff and enjoyed a keynote address by Laurie Halse Anderson.  Those in attendance also received an audiobook copy of Laurie Halse Anderson’s publication, Wintergirls.

The ALAN Breakfast featured an awards presentation in which Wendy Lamb, Editor for Wendy Lamb Books, was recognized as the ALAN Award Winner for her service to Young Adult Literature.

Also recognized at this year’s breakfast was the 2009 ALAN Award Winner Naomi Shihab Nye.