Module #15

Module #15- Forever by Judy Blume
Blume, Judy. Forever. New York: Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2003.

Summary: Katherine thinks she has found true love when she starts dating Michael. As their relationship develops they both believe their relationship will last forever. Katherine makes the decision to give up her virginity to Michael after carefully consideration and precaution. They can't imagine that their feelings for each other will ever change. Katherine even begins to make decisions about her future (college) based on Michael even though her parents warn her about making such decisions. After a summer apart, Katherine is surprised to see that her feelings begin to change, and her first last does not last forever.

Tattered Cover says: This story captures so perfectly the intense feelings of first love. I love the fact that it is neither nightmare nor fairytale. The boyfriend does not turn out to be a jerk, Katherine does not wind up pregnant but they also do not end up getting married and living happily ever after. Teenagers will get to see a very realistic love story in Forever.

How to use this in a library: I would love to see this book in a mother/ daughter book club. In the book, Katherine and her parents have such open communication. I think this would be a great way to open up the communication between mothers and daughters about such a touchy subject.
Reviews:

"No preaching (Blume never does) but the message is clear; no hedging (Blume never does) but a candid account by Kathy gives intimate details of a first sexual relationship. The characters and dialogue are equally natural and vigorous, the language uncensored, the depiction of family relationships outstanding."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults.

Module #14

Module #14- The Color of Absence: 12 Stories of Loss and Hope

Howe, James. The Color of Absence: 12 Stories of Loss and Hope. New York; Simon Pulse, 2001.

Summary: This collection of 12 short stories by different authors deals with the difficult subject of loss. Each story is about loss in some form from the death of a grandparent to ending a chapter in life. The stories are very authentic in portraying the feelings associated with loss yet instill a sense of hope.

Tattered Cover says: Although I was reluctant to read a book on such an obviously sad subject, I did find myself laughing as well. This book shows that loss is an important part of life and with it comes growth and change. As we become stronger and more appreciative of the present, we get a sense of hope for the future.

How to use this in a library: I think students could analyze the different methods used to write about loss and use this book in conjunction with a writing lesson with the writing teacher. The students could go on to write their own short stories on the subject.
Reviews:

Publishers Weekly (January 13, 2003)

"Addressing the emotional life of adolescents, the author of the Bunnicula books collects a dozen works (one of which he penned himself)," wrote PW. Walter Dean Myers's "Season's End" covers much more than the close of baseball season; in "Shoofly Pie," Naomi Shihab Nye explores the way humor and sadness live side by side; and Jacqueline Woodson and Chris Lynch collaborate on "The Rialto."