Three young adult novels are reviewed below:
- Newbery Honor book (audiobook): Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos
- Michael Printz Honor Book: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Michael Printz Award winner and graphic novel: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos (audiobook)
Plot Summary
Joey Pigza has recently begun medication that allows him to keep his extreme hyperactivity under control. His mother is supportive and wise, teaching Joey a variety of reasoning and self-management strategies that have helped him improve his interactions with his teachers and classmates. When summer begins, Joey finds himself bored and still a bit mischievous, and his mother decides that it would be a good time for Joey to build a relationship with his absent father, Carter Pigza. Joey's formerly alcoholic father claims to be sober, and so Joey travels three hours to spend six weeks with his grandmother and Carter.
Joey immediately senses that his father is naturally even more hyperactive and unstable than himself. Carter tries to spend time with Joey, but as Carter is usually doing most of the talking, Joey feels that their relationship is superficial. Joey finds a niche when Carter asks Joey to pitch for the baseball team Carter coaches. Joey initially pitches very well, but after Carter forces Joey to stop taking his medication, Joey's pitching and behavior suffer. When Joey has completely lost control, he runs from a baseball game and contacts his mom. Learning the truth of his situation, Joey's mom comes to get him, and Joey escapes from his father. The final scene describes Joey waving to his grandmother, who he has built a better relationship with, and Joey realizing that he cannot have a healthy relationship with his father.
Joey immediately senses that his father is naturally even more hyperactive and unstable than himself. Carter tries to spend time with Joey, but as Carter is usually doing most of the talking, Joey feels that their relationship is superficial. Joey finds a niche when Carter asks Joey to pitch for the baseball team Carter coaches. Joey initially pitches very well, but after Carter forces Joey to stop taking his medication, Joey's pitching and behavior suffer. When Joey has completely lost control, he runs from a baseball game and contacts his mom. Learning the truth of his situation, Joey's mom comes to get him, and Joey escapes from his father. The final scene describes Joey waving to his grandmother, who he has built a better relationship with, and Joey realizing that he cannot have a healthy relationship with his father.
Critical Analysis
Joey Pigza Loses Control is an excellent audio book. Jack Gantos reads the story with emotion and at the perfect pace. The fast-paced plot and ample humor of the story keep the listener engaged, and the relatively short length of the audio book (approximately 4 hours) makes this an excellent choice for personal reading or for use in the classroom.
Gantos fills his story with allusions to fairy tales. The symbolic nature that "Humpty Dumpty" has assumed for the father is clearly described, as is Joey and Carter's application of the symbolism of "Jack and the Beanstalk" to their relationship. Joey's journey from controlled emotion to loss of control is reflected in his experiences as a pitcher, and this also adds an additional layer to the story. The use of Joey as a first person narrator is extremely effective, as it greatly increases the readers' understanding of the thought-processes and struggles of a child dealing with ADHD. Carter's character is also believable, and his return to alcoholism is described with clarity and sufficient detail for a younger audience. By the end of the novel, the reader has developed great compassion for Joey, and his decision to return to his mother and to regain control of his life is applauded as the reader has come to love this dynamic character.
Gantos fills his story with allusions to fairy tales. The symbolic nature that "Humpty Dumpty" has assumed for the father is clearly described, as is Joey and Carter's application of the symbolism of "Jack and the Beanstalk" to their relationship. Joey's journey from controlled emotion to loss of control is reflected in his experiences as a pitcher, and this also adds an additional layer to the story. The use of Joey as a first person narrator is extremely effective, as it greatly increases the readers' understanding of the thought-processes and struggles of a child dealing with ADHD. Carter's character is also believable, and his return to alcoholism is described with clarity and sufficient detail for a younger audience. By the end of the novel, the reader has developed great compassion for Joey, and his decision to return to his mother and to regain control of his life is applauded as the reader has come to love this dynamic character.
Review Excerpts
Audio book Reviews
Audio book Reviews
- Review from School Library Journal (02/01/2001): " This is a humorous story about very serious subjects. The inner conflicts and secret wishes that often affect children of divorce are well expressed. Gantos, at his best with real kidspeak dialogue, conveys the nervous tension that plagues both the young and old Pigzas. With its cast of less-than-perfect characters, this recording is a good choice for libraries looking for material to help kids deal with real world concerns."
Book Reviews
- Newbery Honor Book
- New York Times Notable Book, 2000
- Review from Booklist (10/01/2000): "Gantos has given Joey a remarkably vivid personality, and, blending irrepressible humor with a powerful depiction of a child's longing for normalcy, he has written a dead-on portrayal of a young person assessing the often self-serving behavior of the adults who control his life. Few children these days don't know someone wrestling with ADHD; meeting up with Joey is a fine way to gain insight into the problems 'hyper' children face. But the story is more than message. Ganto's skillful pacing, sly humor, and in-depth characterization make it a truly memorable read."
- Review from Publisher's Weekly (11/11/2000): " Like its predecessor, this high-voltage, honest novel mixes humor, pain, fear and courage with deceptive ease. Struggling to please everyone even as he sees himself hurtling toward disaster, Joey emerges as a sympathetic hero, and his heart of gold never loses its shine."
- Review from School Library Journal (09/01/2000): Readers will be drawn in immediately to the boy's gripping first-person narrative and be pulled pell-mell through episodes that are at once hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately heartening as Joey grows to understand himself and the people around him. The ride home isn't smooth, but it is hopeful and loving."
Connections
- Scholastic offers a free teacher's resource for teachers wishing to use this short fictional novel in the classroom. The lesson plan can be found here.
- This website offers a variety of resources related to attention deficit disorder (ADD) that teachers and parents might find useful.
- Students who enjoy Joey Pigza Loses Control might also enjoy the following realistic fiction:
- Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, also by Jack Gantos (ISBN: 0312623550)
- Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (ISBN: 0061972150)
- The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (ISBN: 0670062510)
- My Name is
BrainBrian by Jeanne Betancourt (ISBN: 0590449222) - There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar (ISBN: 0394805720)
- Wringer by Jerry Spinelli (ISBN: 0060592826)
Bibliography
Gantos, Jack. 2009. Joey Pigza Loses Control. Read by Jack Gantos. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN
0739381032.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Melinda Sordino begins her freshman year at Merryweather High having been cast aside by her friends after she called the police from and broke up a high school party during the preceding summer. Melinda's emotions range from numbness to disbelief at the cruelty of her former friends. She struggles to get through each day, but eventually finds one friend to spend time with and one teacher who understands her. When this art teacher challenges Melinda to create trees in art, one of the major symbolic elements of the novel is introduced.
Melinda finds that a boy she first refers to as IT is a student at Merryweather High, and his presence in the hallways and his involvement with her former friends carry Melinda to a breaking point. Melinda spends most of her days in complete silence with only a few exceptions. In an effort to protect a former friend, Melinda is forced to reveal that this boy, Andy Evans, raped her at the summer party, forcing her to call the police. The former friend does not believe Melinda until Melinda is once again attacked by Andy, this time in her secret hideaway and only safe haven in the school. The attack is stopped by students who overhear the sounds of Melinda finally calling out for help. Melinda expresses her healing process by painting a tree that is developing new growth in spite of having been harmed by disease and cut back extensively.
Melinda finds that a boy she first refers to as IT is a student at Merryweather High, and his presence in the hallways and his involvement with her former friends carry Melinda to a breaking point. Melinda spends most of her days in complete silence with only a few exceptions. In an effort to protect a former friend, Melinda is forced to reveal that this boy, Andy Evans, raped her at the summer party, forcing her to call the police. The former friend does not believe Melinda until Melinda is once again attacked by Andy, this time in her secret hideaway and only safe haven in the school. The attack is stopped by students who overhear the sounds of Melinda finally calling out for help. Melinda expresses her healing process by painting a tree that is developing new growth in spite of having been harmed by disease and cut back extensively.
Critical Analysis
Speak is a powerful work that is nearly impossible to put down once started. Melinda is a very believable character, and her interactions with friends and enemies will ring true with most high school students. The plot is realistic and also contains surprising twists that leave the reader satisfied with the creativity of the author's fictional story. Anderson uses a variety of styles throughout the novel, ranging from dialogue written in lines of script to multiple choice quizzes to report cards that summarize how Melinda fared, both academically and socially, during each term of the school year. Anderson demonstrates sensitivity toward her readers' varied backgrounds by describing Melinda's rape in limited but sufficient detail.
The overarching theme of the novel is a valuable lesson to all readers: one must speak out when a wrong has been done, or oneself and others will only continue to be victimized. This is an important lesson for students who have been victimized as well as students who might realize that someone who seems alienated from the student body might be suffering as Melinda is suffering in the novel.
The overarching theme of the novel is a valuable lesson to all readers: one must speak out when a wrong has been done, or oneself and others will only continue to be victimized. This is an important lesson for students who have been victimized as well as students who might realize that someone who seems alienated from the student body might be suffering as Melinda is suffering in the novel.
Review Excerpts
- A Michael L. Printz Honor Book
- A National Book Award Finalist
- An ALA Best Books for Young Adults
- A Booklist Editor's Choice
- A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
- Review in Publisher's Weekly (09/13/1999): "In a stunning first novel, Anderson uses keen observations and vivid imagery to pull readers into the head of an isolated teenager.... Through the first-person narration, the author makes Melinda's pain palpable... Though the symbolism is sometimes heavy-handed, it is effective. The ending, in which her attacker comes after her once more, is the only part of the plot that feels forced. But the book's overall gritty realism and Melinda's hard-won metamorphosis will leave readers touched and inspired."
- Review in School Library Journal (10/01/1999): "Anderson expresses the emotions and the struggles of teenagers perfectly. Melinda's pain is palpable, and readers will totally empathize with her. This is a compelling book, with sharp, crisp writing that draws readers in, engulfing them in the story."
- Review in Booklist (09/15/1999): "Melinda's voice is distinct, unusual, and very real as she recounts her past and present experiences in bitterly ironic, occasionally even amusing vignettes. In her YA fiction debut, Anderson perfectly captures the harsh conformity of high-school cliques and one teen's struggle to find acceptance from her peers. Melinda's sarcastic wit, honesty, and courage make her a memorable character whose ultimate triumph will inspire and empower readers."
Connections
- Laurie Halse Anderson's website offers excellent resources for teachers, librarians, or parents working with this book. Not only are lesson plans provided, but Anderson has also included links to sexual assault survivor resources and social action projects. The website can be found here.
- Students who have enjoyed Speak might also want to read these realistic fiction novels:
- The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier (ISBN: 0375829873)
- Looking for Alaska by John Green (ISBN: 0142402516)
- Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult (ISBN: 0743496736)
Bibliography
Anderson, Laurie Halse. 1999. Speak. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374371520.
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Plot Summary
Gene Luen Yang tells the story of Jin Wang's development through three story lines which converge at the end of the graphic novel. The first story line follows the struggles of a Monkey King who seeks equality with the gods. After being offended by being refused entry to a party because was not wearing shoes, the Monkey King learns a variety of supernatural skills which he uses to try to prove that he deserves respect from all of the gods, and finally the highest god, Tze-Yo-Tzuh, translated "I was, I am, and I shall forever be." After being trapped under a mountain by Tze-Yo-Tzuh, the Monkey King finally is able to free himself in order to save a humble monk named Wong Lai-Tsao who he serves for the rest of his life. The monk tells the Monkey King that he will not need shoes, and so the Monkey King finally removes the shoes that have come to symbolize his ambition to be like the gods.
The second story line details the initially realistic story of Jin Wang. Wang was born in America to Chinese-American parents, and he struggles with his racial identity. When a new Chinese student, Wei-Chen, enrolls in his school, Jin finds himself associated with this student even though he has no desire to be. Jin seeks the attention of a girl named Amelia and he begins adopting the hair style and mannerisms of a white student who Amelia seems to like. Toward the end of the book, Jin looks in the mirror and finds that he has actually turned into a light-skinned, blonde boy he calls Danny.
The final story line is told as episodes from a television show titled "Everyone Ruvs Chin-Kee." This show depicts a white American family. Danny, the teenage son, is visited and accompanied to school by his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee. Chin-Kee is a heavily stereotyped character who quickly ruins Danny's reputation. Danny shares that this chain of events occurs yearly, forcing him to switch schools often. Danny fights with Chin-Kee, knocks off his head, and reveals that Chin-Kee is actually the Monkey King in disguise. Immediately, Danny is revealed to be Jin Wang in disguise, and he returns to his previous identity. Jin learns that his friend Wei-Chen is actually the Monkey King's son. Jin finds Wei-Chen and begins to repair their relationship, which has been strained by their similar desires to become something other than themselves.
The second story line details the initially realistic story of Jin Wang. Wang was born in America to Chinese-American parents, and he struggles with his racial identity. When a new Chinese student, Wei-Chen, enrolls in his school, Jin finds himself associated with this student even though he has no desire to be. Jin seeks the attention of a girl named Amelia and he begins adopting the hair style and mannerisms of a white student who Amelia seems to like. Toward the end of the book, Jin looks in the mirror and finds that he has actually turned into a light-skinned, blonde boy he calls Danny.
The final story line is told as episodes from a television show titled "Everyone Ruvs Chin-Kee." This show depicts a white American family. Danny, the teenage son, is visited and accompanied to school by his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee. Chin-Kee is a heavily stereotyped character who quickly ruins Danny's reputation. Danny shares that this chain of events occurs yearly, forcing him to switch schools often. Danny fights with Chin-Kee, knocks off his head, and reveals that Chin-Kee is actually the Monkey King in disguise. Immediately, Danny is revealed to be Jin Wang in disguise, and he returns to his previous identity. Jin learns that his friend Wei-Chen is actually the Monkey King's son. Jin finds Wei-Chen and begins to repair their relationship, which has been strained by their similar desires to become something other than themselves.
Critical Analysis
Gene Luen Yang has created a powerful graphic novel rich in symbolism and requiring strong analysis skills to appreciate. The illustrations are highly engaging, full of action, sound effects, and even Chinese lettering that has significance in the story. The illustrations of the transformations that various characters go through make this an ideal format. Viewing the changes in illustrated form blends the elements of fantasy and the elements of reality seamlessly. The depiction of Chin-Kee is one of the illustrative components that is most key to the character development of the novel as whole. Chin-Kee's coloring, teeth, hairstyle, and clothing are all intentionally based on stereotype, and this helps the reader understand the significance of this character to the story.
The three converging story lines are thoughtfully crafted, and each offers insight into elements of the other story lines. When the reader learns how the many characters all come together at the end of the novel, he or she must return to the entire book, rethinking the events of every story line. The book leaves an impression and will also leave the reader pondering the overall message. As a criticism of stereotyping and a depiction of the effect that stereotypes have on their targets, the book sends a strong message that all people must find some way to embrace their cultural identity or else they risk becoming something else at the expense of their own self-worth and purpose.
The three converging story lines are thoughtfully crafted, and each offers insight into elements of the other story lines. When the reader learns how the many characters all come together at the end of the novel, he or she must return to the entire book, rethinking the events of every story line. The book leaves an impression and will also leave the reader pondering the overall message. As a criticism of stereotyping and a depiction of the effect that stereotypes have on their targets, the book sends a strong message that all people must find some way to embrace their cultural identity or else they risk becoming something else at the expense of their own self-worth and purpose.
Review Excerpts
- Printz Award winner
- National Book Award finalist
- Review from School Library Journal (09/01/2006): "A well-crafted work that aptly explores issues of self-image, cultural identity, transformation, and self-acceptance. [Three] stories converge into a satisfying coming-of-age novel that aptly blends traditional Chinese fables and legends with bathroom humor, action figures, and playground politics. Yang's crisp line drawings, linear panel arrangement, and muted colors provide a strong visual complement to the textual narrative... This novel explores the impact of the American dream on those outside the dominant culture in a finely wrought story that is an effective combination of humor and drama."
- Review from Library Journal (03/15/2007): "The three stories suddenly merge, to center on Jin coming to terms with his minority experience and moving beyond his own fear and hostility. Coalescence comes almost too quickly, but the trivision approach and treatment are unique and moving. The art is simple, colorful, and both attractive and effective."
- Review from Booklist (09/01/2006): "With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book0) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life.... Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects--shame, racism, and friendship--receive thoughtful, powerful examination."
Connections
- American Born Chinese utilizes a variety of literary elements that can be meaningfully analyzed in a classroom setting. Some include symbolism, allusion, personification, exaggeration, and irony. A lesson plan analyzing characterization in the graphic novel can be found here.
- MacMillan has created a lesson plan demonstrating how this novel can be used in the history classroom. The lesson plan can be accessed here.
- Readers who enjoy American Born Chinese might also enjoy:
- The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (ISBN: 0375714839)
- A Step from Heaven by An Na (ISBN: 0142500275)
- Feed by M.T. Anderson (ISBN: 0763622591)
Bibliography
Yang, Gene L. 2006. American Born Chinese. Color by Lark Pien. New York, NY: Square Fish. ISBN 0312384483.
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