From School Library Journal
Schall introduces specific themes in YA literature and a number of activities tied to them. The human search and struggle are reflected throughout each chapter heading-"The World Reacts," "We Act," "Forces Try to Confound Us," "We Struggle and Give." Each subtopic includes at least five books (fiction and nonfiction) with a summary/description, a short booktalk, activities for students/teens, and a list of related works (some of which are highlighted in other chapters). These subtopics include family decisions, nature's patterns, spirituality, good versus evil, disease, hate and prejudice, the supernatural, and trust. The author's clear, brisk writing will encourage professionals to use many of the books as jumping-off points for a discussion. The short booktalks lend themselves for use in reading either over the intercom or on television announcements. While Jennifer Bromann's Booktalking That Works (Neal-Schuman, 2001) and Carol Littlejohn's Keep Talking That Book! Booktalks to Promote Reading, Volume III (Linworth, 2001) contain many useful ideas, this guide will help take librarians further with great ideas for motivational activities and will be useful as a tool for curriculum connections.
Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL
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