As a former English tutor, I had the pleasure of reading this book with my students when it was first published, adding a project regarding the Great As a former English tutor, I had the pleasure of reading this book with my students when it was first published, adding a project regarding the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl era. Dorthea Lange and other photographers were included in their presentations. Post-teaching, fifteen years and counting, I have used this book as a private tutor, getting reluctant tween readers to explore the the author's writing style, discussing the use of poetic prose, simple language, and unique story-telling techniques. As an author, I am repeatedly astounded by the writing in this bittersweet story of a young girl who not only deals with the everyday angst of drought and hunger, but an additional tragedy that changes her life forever. If you have not yet read this wonderful book, you should. And if you have children or students who have not yet read it, I highly recommend. But discuss it with them. Help them understand how difficult life was in an era when most Americans had outhouses and rain was something they prayed for daily. Five shiny stars for Karen Hesse's timeless classic....more
I don't know what took me so long to review this timeless book. I won't go too far into details, as it would be easy to destroy the ending (much like I don't know what took me so long to review this timeless book. I won't go too far into details, as it would be easy to destroy the ending (much like the second edition, which gives away the gist of the story on the back of the book, much to my dismay.) While I am not a proponent of trigger warnings, let it be said that this book should be for young teens that are mature, and for ninth grade and up. I just finished reading it with three of my private students (summer book club, yay!) and they are rising 9th grade girls. They loved this book so much, they are telling all of their friends to read it. It came out quite a while ago, but it still holds its value. It is the story of a young girl who starts out her first day of high school knowing that all of those who used to be her friends are suddenly her enemies. Something happened during the previous summer, and Melinda (the protagonist) is to blame. But Melinda has a secret, and it festers so deeply that she hasn't the courage to talk to anyone about it. Laurie Halse Anderson, the author, shows us what it's like to hate the world because we hate ourselves, and that healing can only begin when we tell the truth to those who love us. With humor sugar coating the darkness at the heart of the story, Anderson nails the angst and snarkiness of a teenage girl so well, I would swear she was a teen herself. I think that most of us will find bits and pieces of Melinda's life in common with our own. Another classic to be read for years to come. Share it with your teens. It's totally worth it....more
This book by Kate Hattemer turned out to be a delight, not only because it is written with smart kids in mind (and yes, there are a LOT of smart youngThis book by Kate Hattemer turned out to be a delight, not only because it is written with smart kids in mind (and yes, there are a LOT of smart young people out there), but because it is different. The plot is unique, the students' personalities are not cookie cutter, and neither are their relationships with one another. Even with all these great things going for it, thematic value is the book's best asset, offering a glimpse into the poetic, emotional, and comedically dark minds of certain high schoolers. Ezra Pound, a handful of unusual teachers, a gerbil, and a television reality show all play important roles in a story that reminds the reader that no matter how dramatic high school is, the cogs that make up the machine are real people with deep feelings and a human craving to band together to do what's right...even if not everyone is on board! A perfect book for your smarter high school students....more
“Brooke’s voice feels authentic as she struggles to reconnect with her fractured family, and Manning’s historical research shPublishers Weekly Blurb:
“Brooke’s voice feels authentic as she struggles to reconnect with her fractured family, and Manning’s historical research shows…an entertaining novel with realistic characters readers should find it easy to invest in.”
I have decided that 2019 will be the year I review classics. As an author, former English teacher, and current private tutor, I love offering new infoI have decided that 2019 will be the year I review classics. As an author, former English teacher, and current private tutor, I love offering new information to other readers, particularly middle and high school students.
The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger, has been reviewed so many times, and there are so many critique articles and books written about it, I am not sure if I will add anything new to the discussion, but here is my opin.
The plot is slow coming, with an exposition that takes up about 2/3 of the book. You may feel that the plot goes nowhere, merely meanders much in the way that Holden, the main character, meanders along the streets of New York. There are no dead bodies on the first page, no vampires to conquer, no in-your-face mystery to solve. This book is old school, and utilizes old-school exposition. I happen to appreciate long expositions if they are necessary, and in this case this extra slow journey toward the climax is not only necessary, but becomes a backdrop to the entire theme.
There's that word that makes most of my students cringe: theme.
The plot in a nutshell follows the story of a privileged student who can't seem to succeed in school, in relationships, or in any other areas of his angst-ridden life. At first glance, Holden, a sixteen-year-old boy, seems like a selfish, persnickety, sarcastic, and jaded young man. But don't let this in-your-face persona fool you.
Beneath the exterior Holden allows the world to see is a young man filled with grief; deep emotional pain. Even the strongest could crumble under its weight. The author uses a deft hand at showing us Holden's outside shell while slowly chipping away at the hardness until we get to the soft nut inside. And it is very soft. There are crucial scenes where we get to see this softness permeate. If you have not read the book, and you should, just know that these scenes are deliberately placed in order for the reader to decide whether or not Holden really sees the world as "phony" or if he sees the world as "ugly." Sarcasm is used to cover up grief. Young men, I think, are more prone to this behavior than their female counterparts. Girls tend to cry or lean on a friend's shoulder for support, while boys tend to keep everything inside, until they find a brick wall to punch. And keep in mind, this story takes place in the 1950s. Boys then, even more than now, were expected to keep their feelings buried. Holden is the product of an era. But this does not stop tragedy from affecting his heart--it merely forces pain to wear a disguise.
I want you to like Holden, even more than feel sorry for him. I want you to see all young men, all teenagers dealing with angst, as people who are harboring pain, yet are too afraid or timid to share it with others. I would like to add that this is one of the first books about how life affects some teens, the first to lay it out there with brutal honesty. Perhaps that is the real reason the book was banned in so many schools and libraries.
Parts of the book to keep an eye on: 1. The scene where Holden shares the "Catcher in the Rye" poem with his little sister 2. The scenes where Holden, in his infamously sarcastic way, defends women 3. The very last page of the book (DO NOT read ahead)
Specifics I do NOT think you should read into, as they detract from Holden's truth: 1. The red hat 2. The scene with Mr. Antolini 3. The constant use of profanity
I like Holden. As a matter of fact, after reading this book a dozen times in twenty years, I have come to love him; to want to protect him. I want to take him into my arms and hold him, and allow him to let out what it is he needs to expel. If he were my son, I would want to save him, just as he wants to save himself and others. I hope you love him, too. If you don't, put the book on a shelf and pick it up again in a few years. Hopefully, like me, you will learn to love him, and maybe even like him a little. ...more
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