Mr. Schmidt accurately portrays humans and their foibles. Despite terrible events in various characters' lives, the theme of hope prevails.
In the summer of 1968, Doug and his family moves to Marysville and he hates it. He calls his home "The Dump" and uses the word "stupid" as he describes his new life. Teachers seem to hate him (especially the Phys. Ed teacher and principal); his dad is never home (always with Ernie Eco); one of his brothers is accused of robbery and the other is returning from Vietnam with physical and emotional scars.
But a library with Audubon's bird illustrations displayed, a kind librarian, a feisty girl named Lil, and a grocery delivery job all contribute to a gradual transformation within him.
This book reaffirms the importance of giving others a second chance and of not judging. Kindness always wins.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Incredible character development
Labeled as "YOUNG ADULT" in the library.
Points to discuss: abuse; in his drunken state his father, forces Doug to have a tattoo "Mama's Baby" on his back on his 12th birthday; cancer; lying; Doug begins a romance with Lil (nothing in appropriate-just a kiss, holding hands); affects of Vietnam plus people protesting and treating veterans cruelly.
No comments:
Post a Comment