Censorship
Author: Syosset Library Teens
Game Review by Roman T.
Sqube Darkness (2021)
Rated E
Sqube Darkness is a mobile game that can be downloaded through the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store. This game is a parkour/obstacle course game where the player will run in a straight line through a course. This course will have obstacles such as spikes and dangerous pits, however, the main part of this game is avoiding the flying scanning creatures above the course. The player (a black square) will have the ability to blend in to the course, and avoid detection from the scans, which would then allow the player to continue on for longer on the course. This game will take some skill, as players will have to know how to avoid the obstacles, and hide from the scans at the right time. Sqube Darkness can be very fun to play once getting to know the controls, and concept of the game.
Movie Review by Jacqueline L.
The Miracle Worker (2000)
Rated TV-PG, 1 hour 35 minutes
I watched the movie “The Miracle Worker”, it was a movie on how Annie Sullivan taught Helen Keller.
I loved the movie because Sullivan realized what ageism needed and fought so that Helen didn’t need to be protected or pitied. As someone with multiple kids in the family I know how it frustrating it is to deal with spoiled kids in general therefore I think what Sullivan did was remarkable. It was fascinating seeing how Sullivan taught Helen and those scenes drew me in. I’m not sure why but I especially loved seeing how she didn’t give in to Helen when Helen kept trying to run away when during the breakfast scene. The actors were also amazing, I thought I was seeing the actual events. Honestly I wished there was more to the movie like perhaps showing Helen later on as she grew up. I would’ve loved to see how Helen learned from Sullivan and lived on without needing to be pitied anymore.
Book Review by Ikshan R.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
(2010) 370 pages
Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks masterfully weaves together science, ethics, and human interest, creating a nonfiction narrative that reads as engagingly as a novel. This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells—known as HeLa cells—were taken without her consent and went on to fuel countless scientific breakthroughs. Skloot’s investigative approach reveals not only the scientific significance of HeLa cells but also the ethical and moral questions surrounding medical consent, racism, and exploitation in the healthcare industry.
The depth of research in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is impressive, as Skloot examines not only the scientific advancements made possible by HeLa cells but also the Lacks family’s struggles and emotions. She connects with Henrietta’s descendants, providing readers with a glimpse into the lasting impact that the unauthorized use of Henrietta’s cells has had on her family. Skloot’s sensitive portrayal of the Lacks family humanizes the story, showing how the intersection of race, poverty, and scientific progress affected them profoundly.
The book challenges readers to reflect on the ethical responsibilities of medical practitioners and researchers, raising questions about the cost of progress and the need for compassion in scientific pursuits. For those interested in bioethics, medical history, or social justice, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is essential reading, blending emotional storytelling with critical insights into the complexities of science and humanity.
Movie Review by Steven R.
Kindergarten Cop (1990)
Rated PG-13, 1 hour 51 minues
Kindergarten Cop is a unique blend of action, comedy, and family film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in an unexpectedly humorous role as a tough cop going undercover as a kindergarten teacher. The film follows Detective John Kimble, who is tasked with being an elementary school teacher to find the estranged wife of a dangerous drug dealer and their son. The movie balances its action-packed crime plot with genuinely funny moments and heartwarming interactions between Kimble and his young, interesting students. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of a hardened detective learning to connect with kids is both amusing and surprisingly tender, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to step out of his typical action-hero persona. While some elements can feel dated, Kindergarten Cop remains an entertaining watch, offering a mix of laughs, action, and a feel-good message about personal growth and the importance of empathy. It’s a standout for its era and has retained a certain charm over the years, making it a beloved classic in the realm of family comedies. I give this movie a 10/10 because of all the funny moments and the action that unfolds.