I am nearing the end of this novel and I have to say, it took me a while to get into it but as I read, I find more depth within each character and find myself rooting more and more for August and wanting to see him succeed. What I love about this author is how she creates the story in the perspective of different characters ranging from August, to his sister, and to his friends. There are many instances of misunderstanding and bullying that I think will open up the eyes of students to the harsh reality of bullying and how it effects people. My hope with this book in the classroom is that it could be used to demonstrate how beauty is only skin deep and how it will come to end. I want to emphasize to student's that character and the heart of a person is what truly makes up that person. I believe another important lesson to be learned here is that everybody has faults and it does not matter what those faults may be, it is what is inside that people will remember you as. As cliche as that sounds, I feel it is never too early to instill these outlooks in children and encourage them to look beyond what is on the outside and get to know a person's character.
I look forward to finishing this book and seeing what wonderful things August will accomplish in his story!
Hayden,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your book blog. I know that this book has been a favorite in our E339, and I may have to consider reading it next. It seems like it would be a great book to read with students. The multiple lessons that could be taught to students through this book seem endless. I like the ideas for lessons that you mentioned about bullying and also about how it is what is on the inside that counts. Today, so many students have the wrong impression of physical appearance, almost as if it will either make you or break you, but physical appearance is only one aspect of a person. I think that this book would help students see that there is so much more to someone than what they look like, but that their character is what truly matters.
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ReplyDeleteWow, that is heart-wrenching and it is true for almost every student will experience bullying in school. I have to admit, listening to the brief description in class I was skeptical on whether or not I would like it. After reading your review, I am sure I would like to read it too. Good Work!
ReplyDeleteHi Hayden,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and your post is great! You have done a great job of making connections between this story and your future classroom. Any way that we can work to teach students to accept and love each other for who they are, is a key learning opportunity in the classroom. Yes, our job does entail teaching students lessons in math, science, reading, etc., but we are also helping to mold students into being great members of our society. This book seems to be a great way to introduce topics of bullying and acceptance in the classroom. Thanks for sharing!