Not Another Teen Knitting Book

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:

Not Another Teen Knitting Book. Howell, Vicki. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York. ISBN 978-1-4027-2066-6

PLOT SUMMARY:

Not Another Teen Knitting Book will teach you how to knit and has some really great projects. There is a list of abbreviations used in knitting patterns as well as a step by step guide on how to knit using several different stiches. Projects have three difficulty levels: Freshman, very easy, JV, moderately easy, and Varsity, a bit more challenging. High school consists of different groups and in the book each group has a project. The projects range from a sweater vest for the nerds to a guitar strap for the rockers. There is a photo of each project completed so that the reader can see the finished product.

CRITICAL EVALUATION:

I was drawn to this book because I have always wanted to learn how to knit. The instructions are simple and I was able to knit a row. The projects range in difficulty. Some of them will most definitely be liked by teens, and some of them will most likely not be liked. Scarves are always a hit, but things like a knit varsity jacket and the best friend wristbands seem to really miss the mark. I can’t see any teen wanting to wear either one, much less take the time to knit one. There are some really great projects like the felted messenger bag and a glittery dress up wrap for prom. I think another project that will go over well is the college dorm pillow, but it is accompanied by a lampshade that looks way to homey. It seems for every great project there is one that misses the mark. This is a good book for teens that are new to knitting. However, I think that there are books in the adult section that will have better projects and also provide knitting instruction.

READER’S ANNOTATION:

This book makes knitting simple. There are some great projects for teens and their friends.

AUTHOR:

Vickie Howell is a mother, designer, writer, spokesperson, viral marketing consultant and DIY Lifestyles expert with a focus on the Needle Arts and environmentally conscious crafting. She is most well-known as the Host and Creative Consultant from DIY Network & HGTV’s show, Knitty Gritty. She was also the co-host of DIY’s Stylelicious, Lifetime Television’s web series, CRAFTED, and several craft-based TV specials. Howell’s designs and projects have been included in over 100 publications worldwide. She is also the spokesperson for Caron. Caron launched her Stich, Rock Love line of yarns. Vickie is the best-selling author of several craft books: the 2005 Craft Trends Award Finalist, New Knits on the Block: A Guide to Knitting What Kids Really Want, Not Another Teen Knitting Book, Knit Aid: A Learn It, Fix It, Finish It Guide for the Stitcher on the Go, Pop Goes Crochet, and, AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher that she co-wrote with activist, Adrienne Armstrong. She’s currently working on her 7th book which will be published in Fall 2012.

All of Howell’s creative endeavors along with her husband Dave Campbell’s movie news site, Smells Like Screen Spirit, are housed under their company Craft.Rock.Love Media. (Unknown, About Vickie Howell)

GENRE:

Non-fiction, Art

CURRICULUM TIES:

New York State: Art

BOOK TALKING IDEAS:

Have you ever wanted to learn to knit
Simple quick projects that you can make with your friends

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE:

Age 14 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES:

None.

In order to prepare yourself should this book be challenged you may wish to take the following steps:

•Read the book or familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
•Refer to the library’s collection development policy.
•Read the book reviews from sources such as Booklist, School Library Journal, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), Publisher’s Weekly, or BookSpot.com
•Seek the opinion of teen readers that have read the book.

Should this book be challenged you should follow the additional steps below:

•Advise the senior staff of the challenge.
•Let the patron know that their challenge will be filed and that senior library management will review their request and notify them once a decision has been made.
•Offer any further assistance should the patron have additional questions.

WHY DID I INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit.