Gerald "the Crapper" became a reality star at the young age of 5 by defecating everywhere in his house while being filmed on Network Nanny reality show. Throughout the novel, teenage Gerald tries desperately to shake the childhood memories and control his anger which is often sparked by his psychopathic older sister, Tasha. With the help of new found friend from the circus and his first love Hannah, he eventually runs away with Hannah controls his anger and realizes his sister and mom are the soul reason why he has so many emotional issues in his life. Upon his return, his father finally takes a stand, and finds another place for Gerald and he to live. I would recommend this book for high school teen boys and girls. This would be a powerful tool for teachers to teach characterization, for Gerald, the dynamic character, continuously evolves throughout the novel. Before meeting Hannah, Gerald's anger was out of control, and did not allow himself to look or interact with girls much less fall in love with one. With so many of our students suffering from ADHD and Anger management, I think this book is great. One of the qualities of a good young adult book is a solid or unique plot (Hipple 1991). The non-linear narration from his present teen life to his childhood experience on the reality show added to the quality of the book.
No comments:
Post a Comment