Have been reading about some interesting girls lately...In Sure Signs of Crazy, Karen Harrington brings Sarah Nelson's sufferings as a child are not so different or absurd as a reader might initially believe. Sarah's mother attempted to drown her and her father is an alcoholic. Basically, Sarah raises herself and has no one or nothing to rely on other than her words. She loves books and words. Although I have a wonderful support system, I can totally relate! I find great comfort in a story.
Ricki Jo Winstead is a Kentucky girl; someone my students can totally relate to. She's a little older than my students, but they enjoy reading about high school students, so her age is perfect for them! She's a Freshman and I love that Alecia Whitaker just tells it like it is! The high school experience can be a traumatic one and Ricki Jo's is no exception. I appreciate the internal conflict she experiences between choosing Luke (the good guy) and Wolf (the bad boy). Would love for my girls to learn this lesson sooner rather than later!
And finally, Tituba...a woman from the past! Ann Petry does such a good job in this work of historical fiction of writing a character that I already feel connected to within the first three chapters. Tituba is intelligent. She's wise. She's cautious. As a slave in 1690 Boston, she's already learned enough about humanity through her experiences as a slave in Barbados to know that she should trust no one and keep her thoughts to herself. Especially when Abigail's around. I have strong emotions against Abigail, the niece and concerns about Betsey, the daughter. I'm predicting that Tituba will be accused of witchcraft and that Abigail will have something to do with it! Happy Reading!
RC
No comments:
Post a Comment