No Child's Game: Reality TV 2083 by Andrea White

Can't believe I missed this one, it was published in 2005! The story is set a teeny bit into the future, in a country that has had some hard times, especially financially (a little too real, in view of how our economy has been through the wringer in the last year). Public school is no longer possible, with kids watching Edu-TV instead until a certain age. The educational content is delivered in survivor reality shows, each one mirroring a particular historical event. Kids are required to watch a certain amount of Edu-TV per week and must enter into a lottery to see if they can go to high school and college.

Five 14-yr old kids are chosen to attempt Antarctica Survivor, which re-creates the historic voyage to the South Pole attempted by Robert Scott (epic fail). Of course, the whole game is rigged to increase viewer ratings, with the kids enduring calamities galore. Through the tiny cameras implanted in their corneas, the whole country can watch the drama unfold. I was totally drawn into this story by the characters, each special in their own way, and by the evil plotting Secretary of Entertainment (I love a good conspiracy). Honestly, the whole reality show drama is completely believable, based on what passes for entertainment today. I found myself alternately rooting for characters and worrying about them.

Good read, I recommend it! The website about the book is also well-done, here is the link:
http://www.survivingantarctica.com/

Essential Graphic Novels for a Jr. High Library

I've had a graphic novel collection for 4 years now and have learned a few things about maintaining it. First of all, they will be HOT. They must be in an area close to supervision, as the activity there will be chaotic at times. Most of my shelving is graphic novels, they're out, they're in and back out again all in one day. Keep that section close. Secondly, you need room to grow. These are almost always written in series, with volumes and volumes available for purchase. The thirst for these books is insatiable, with the students always asking for more. Here are the essential titles i would use to begin a collection (5 of each series if you can):

Bleach
Azumanga Daioh
Beauty Pop
Basara
+Anima
Fruits Basket
Full Metal Alchemist
Case Closed
The Simpsons (all of them, multiple copies)
Bone (all of them, multiple copies)
Essential X-men
Naruto
One Piece
Ouran Host Club
Persepolis
Star Wars (all of them)
Tsubasa
Spiderman
Batman
Maus 1 & 2
Mail Order Ninja
Tokyo Mew Mew
Yotsuba
Harlem Beat
ultramaniac
Calvin & Hobbes (all of them)