King of the Screwups

Author: K.L. Going

ISBN:978-0547331669

Publication Information: Graphia

Plot Summary: Liam is handsome, athletic and popular. But despite being a "cool" kid, there is nothing Liam can do to get his father's approval. He always seems to screw things up. Finally, after one too many mistakes, Liam's father gets fed up and sends him away to live with his grandparents, until Liam's mother intervenes and sends him to bond with his Aunt Pete. Liam hasn't seen Aunt Pete in years (ever since Pete and Liam's father got into a huge blowout), so he isn't sure how the rest of the year is going to go. After a rocky start, Aunt Pete and Liam begin to become friends, understand each other, and eventually, help each other grow up and get over their family issues.

Critical Evaluation: K.L. Going consistently hits it out of the park when it comes to creating deep, empathetic characters that are extremely well written. It is no exception with King of the Screwups. What is different and unique about this particular protagonist is that instead of outcasts, like a fat kid, or a crack baby as a main character, Liam has the opposite problem. He is extremely popular, good looking and athletic. But despite the fact that Liam seems to have a charmed life, his problems with his father (and the way that Going portrays their relationship) immediately creates empathy for Liam from the reader, enticing the reader to read on from the first page. And, readers that are worried that Going has sacrificed her typical quirky characters will be relieved to be introduced to Aunt Pete, an aging gay glam rocker and late night DJ. He and his group of friends are delightful, and equal parts hilarious and deeply moving. Overall, this was a great book and can be recommended for both boy and girls.

Reader's Annotation: Liam seems to live a charmed life. He is popular, good looking and athletic. Unfortunately for Liam, his Dad thinks he is a total screw up.

Author Information: K.L. Going was born and raised in New York (the state, not the city), and currently lives in Glen Spey, NY with her husband and step-daughter. She is the author of seven YA titles. Going is the recipient of a Printz Honor for her debut novel, Fat Kid Rules the World. She is currently employed full time as an author, and has an unhealthy obsession with ketchup. (Information taken from author's website http://klgoing.com/bio.htm)

Curricular Ties: n/a

Genre:Contemporary Life

Book talking ideas:

• Why was it so important for Liam to have his father's approval?
• Why did Liam's mother give up her career as a model? Would you do the same if you were in her situation?
• What did you think of the relationship between Liam and Aunt Pete?
  

Challenge issues: Drugs, underage drinking, sex

• Familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
• Check the library for specific policies on challenged books.
• Check the ALA website for advice on how to respond and react when a book has been challenged. (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm)
  
• Find positive reviews from reputable websites.
• Ask the challenger for their specific objections and try to address them using information from the above research.

Interest Age: Grades 9 and up

Why I selected this piece: I love every book that K.L. has written, I would recommend all of her books.

Fat Kid Rules The World

Author:K.L. Going

ISBN:0399239901

Publication Information:Putnam

Plot Summary: Troy Billings is big, really big. We first meet Troy as he contemplates jumping in front of the next subway train. But before he can make a decision, he is interrupted by a filthy young man sitting on subway floor. This boy turns out to be Curt MacCrae, amazing musician, sometimes student and local legend. Over lunch, Curt and Troy begin a friendship that revolves around drumming, punk rock, and believing in yourself. Curt convinces Troy to be a drummer in his band, and slowly coaxes Troy out of his "fat kid" shell. Meanwhile, Troy learns about Curt's own dysfunctions and insecurities. Curt saved Troy's life in the beginning of the book, can Troy save Curt's later on?

Critical Evaluation: K.L Going has hit gold in the character Troy Billings. As the narrator, his voice is simultaneously funny, self-deprecating, heartbreaking and endearing. His imagined news headlines (that always have to do with his wait), add both humor and gravity to the protagonist's point of view. And Troy isn't the only likable character in the book. Curt is another delightfully well written character, and the reader can't help but root for them both. Set in Manhattan, Going creates a realistic urban jungle for Curt and Troy to work their way through, from grimy punk bars to Troy's spotless apartment. Going's brilliant narration and plot makes this a book that should be recommended to almost all teen readers.

Reader's Annotation:Troy is fat. Troy doesn't belong... until he meets Curt. Curt and Troy, the unlikeliest of friends who set out to rule the world, or at least Manhattan.

Author Information: K.L. Going was born and raised in New York (the state, not the city), and currently lives in Glen Spey, NY with her husband and step-daughter. She is the author of seven YA titles. Going is the recipient of a Printz Honor for her debut novel, Fat Kid Rules the World. She is currently employed full time as an author, and has an unhealthy obsession with ketchup. (Information taken from author's website http://klgoing.com/bio.htm)

Curricular Ties: Health

Genre:Issues

Book talking ideas:

• If Curt was your friend, how would you address his drug addiction? Was Troy right to talk to his father?
• Troy gets extreme stage fright during his first gig. What would you do if you were Troy? Would you try to play or run away? Did Troy do the right thing by giving up?
• Troy's Dad and brother give Troy a hard time about his weight. How would you interact with your family in the same situation?
  

Challenge issues:Drugs

• Familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
• Check the library for specific policies on challenged books.
• Check the ALA website for advice on how to respond and react when a book has been challenged. (http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm)
  
• Find positive reviews from reputable websites.
• Ask the challenger for their specific objections and try to address them using information from the above research.

Interest Age:Grades 8 and up

Why I selected this piece: This book came highly recommended by the local teen librarian at my library. Because San Francisco is similar to New York in its urban landscape, I think this book is realistic and can be influential to a lot of kids in the city. I wanted to read a variety of books that I could recommend to friends and teens in San Francisco.