Professional Media

-- Library Journal, 02/01/2010

Bodart, Joni Richards. Radical Reads 2: Working with the Newest Edgy Titles for Teens. Scarecrow. 2010. c.464p. bibliog. ISBN 978-0-8108-6908-0. $45. PRO MEDIA
Veteran author Bodart continues the work she began with Radical Reads: 101 YA Novels on the Edge (2002), this time featuring titles that have been published since then. After discussing the value of "edgy" books—those that reflect the sometimes harsh realities of life for teens—Bodart provides entries for over 100 titles, each including bibliographic information, subject areas, a list of characters, a book talk, a list of major themes and ideas, and suggestions to students for writing a book report and book talk of their own about the given title. Each entry also includes information that will be helpful to teachers and librarians in anticipating and handling challenges, including lists of the strengths and potential "risks" (controversial content) of the book, awards, and quotes from published reviews. The book's appendixes provide information on understanding and dealing with censorship, a discussion of why and how to write a rationale for a book before teaching it, and a list of resources for resisting censorship. VERDICT Recommended for YA librarians in schools, as well as for teachers; public librarians serving teens will find this to be an excellent reader's advisory tool as well as a professional resource on handling challenges and preparing book talks.—Rachel Q. Davis, Thomas Memorial Lib., Cape Elizabeth, ME

Cohn, John M. & Ann L. Kelsey. The Complete Library Technology Planner: A Guidebook with Sample Technology Plans and RFPs on CD-ROM. Neal-Schuman. 2009. c.160p. ISBN 978-1-55570-681-4. $99.95 with CD. PRO MEDIA
This book provides a comprehensive wealth of information for libraries in need of creating or updating a technology plan. Whether your goal is to introduce an integrated library system (ILS) or transfer from an existing system to a new one, Cohn and Kelsey make clear the strategic planning process involved and provide the tools needed to create a plan, including how to meet funding requirements, implement the plan, and evaluate its success. The accompanying CD-ROM contains 38 sample technology plans and requests for proposals (RFPs) that have been collected from 32 different libraries (academic, research, public, library consortia, school, and special, as well as library agencies). The plans can be accessed by library name, library type, and type of document (plan or RFP). The book includes an annotated webliography, which is duplicated on the CD-ROM with hyperlinks. VERDICT Highly recommended.—Susan E. Ketcham, Long Island Univ. Lib., Brentwood, NY