Style & Plot
Told from the point of view of Leigh Botts, Dear Mr. Henshaw follows the boy through his later elementary years as he writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. The story is told through a series of letters that Leigh writes both to Mr. Henshaw and in a diary that the author suggests he keeps. This style of storytelling draws the reader into Leigh’s innermost thoughts and emotions giving a true picture of his character in a unique way. The plot develops as Leigh ages and becomes a better writer, beginning with his first attempts to write misspelled and simple letters to his story submission for a school collection of short stories. The plot reveals pieces of Leigh’s life gradually, including memories of his family before his parents’ divorce and, through Leigh’s letters, a picture of the other characters that surround him. The ending of the novel is hopeful, as Leigh discovers that he is, in fact, a developing author.
Style & Plot
Timmy Failure’s unique style is evident the instant the book is opened. Author and illustrator Stephan Pastis enhances the story with simple, comic style illustrations throughout the book. In addition, the point of view of the main character is unique and distinct. Timmy’s interactions with his classmates and others are all relayed in a detective movie style. Pastis also uses a significant amount of humor to advance the story. The plot includes twists and turns, especially since Timmy is incredibly imaginative, and is interspersed with moments of poignancy. The ending doesn’t feel like a complete resolution to the story, probably because the book has several sequels.
Setting, Gender & Culture
Bridge to Terabithia is set in the small town of Lake Creek which is clearly in the south as indicated by the dialogue. The book splits much of the action between the town’s school and the rural and wooded area near both Jess & Leslie’s homes. The setting creates the tension within the story, as Leslie and her parents clearly bring with them a different culture than that which exists in Lake Creek. In addition, Terabithia is the world created by the characters and represents the magic of friendship and imagination. The gender and culture of the respective characters is also important. The book focuses significantly on the way secondary characters view Jess’ relationship with Leslie and the way Leslie pushes the societal boundaries of Lake Creek by racing the boys and wearing pants instead of dresses.
Plot & Theme
The plot of Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper engages the reader immediately. As Melody’s ability to communicate increases, her confidence and interactions with others do as well. The way the story builds draws the reader into Melody’s world, even when she is unable to truly interact with her own. When she finally is able to share her thoughts and intelligence with the world, the climax of the book reaches out and grips the reader, first in heartache and then in triumph. The theme of this book is complex and incredibly important. The experiences of Melody and her struggles are a glimpse into a life unlike that of most readers. The idea of personhood extending beyond what can be immediately determined is an issue that is relevant in society today.
Characters & Theme
The characters in Rules are real and multifaceted. The way the characters interact with each other drives the story forward, from Ryan’s insensitive behavior toward David, Catherine’s irritation with her father and her love and exasperation with her brother. The story is driven by Catherine’s journey of self-discovery as her relationship with Jason grows and the way that relationship forces her to examine other parts of her life. The theme of looking beyond a difference or disability to see the beauty is gently introduced and reinforced throughout the book. Another theme in the book is having the courage to step out and do what is right despite fear of rejection or ridicule. This theme is very meaningful to middle school readers who may be experiencing similar dilemmas in their own lives.
Plot & Characters
A Crooked Kind of Perfect’s plot builds naturally as Zoe tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a piano prodigy. As Zoe learns that doing your best and working hard can lead to a crooked perfection, so do young children often learn that their childhood fantasies may not come quite true, but that the process of striving for your goals is sometimes just as fulfilling as reaching them. The plot unfolds realistically as Zoe learns to bounce back from disappointment. The characters also drive the story forward and provide drama. Zoe’s father’s anxiety greatly shapes Zoe’s world. Wheeler’s need for a father figure pushes Zoe to see that her father can accomplish his own goals, even as she accomplishes hers.
Told from the point of view of Leigh Botts, Dear Mr. Henshaw follows the boy through his later elementary years as he writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. The story is told through a series of letters that Leigh writes both to Mr. Henshaw and in a diary that the author suggests he keeps. This style of storytelling draws the reader into Leigh’s innermost thoughts and emotions giving a true picture of his character in a unique way. The plot develops as Leigh ages and becomes a better writer, beginning with his first attempts to write misspelled and simple letters to his story submission for a school collection of short stories. The plot reveals pieces of Leigh’s life gradually, including memories of his family before his parents’ divorce and, through Leigh’s letters, a picture of the other characters that surround him. The ending of the novel is hopeful, as Leigh discovers that he is, in fact, a developing author.
Style & Plot
Timmy Failure’s unique style is evident the instant the book is opened. Author and illustrator Stephan Pastis enhances the story with simple, comic style illustrations throughout the book. In addition, the point of view of the main character is unique and distinct. Timmy’s interactions with his classmates and others are all relayed in a detective movie style. Pastis also uses a significant amount of humor to advance the story. The plot includes twists and turns, especially since Timmy is incredibly imaginative, and is interspersed with moments of poignancy. The ending doesn’t feel like a complete resolution to the story, probably because the book has several sequels.
Setting, Gender & Culture
Bridge to Terabithia is set in the small town of Lake Creek which is clearly in the south as indicated by the dialogue. The book splits much of the action between the town’s school and the rural and wooded area near both Jess & Leslie’s homes. The setting creates the tension within the story, as Leslie and her parents clearly bring with them a different culture than that which exists in Lake Creek. In addition, Terabithia is the world created by the characters and represents the magic of friendship and imagination. The gender and culture of the respective characters is also important. The book focuses significantly on the way secondary characters view Jess’ relationship with Leslie and the way Leslie pushes the societal boundaries of Lake Creek by racing the boys and wearing pants instead of dresses.
Plot & Theme
The plot of Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper engages the reader immediately. As Melody’s ability to communicate increases, her confidence and interactions with others do as well. The way the story builds draws the reader into Melody’s world, even when she is unable to truly interact with her own. When she finally is able to share her thoughts and intelligence with the world, the climax of the book reaches out and grips the reader, first in heartache and then in triumph. The theme of this book is complex and incredibly important. The experiences of Melody and her struggles are a glimpse into a life unlike that of most readers. The idea of personhood extending beyond what can be immediately determined is an issue that is relevant in society today.
Characters & Theme
The characters in Rules are real and multifaceted. The way the characters interact with each other drives the story forward, from Ryan’s insensitive behavior toward David, Catherine’s irritation with her father and her love and exasperation with her brother. The story is driven by Catherine’s journey of self-discovery as her relationship with Jason grows and the way that relationship forces her to examine other parts of her life. The theme of looking beyond a difference or disability to see the beauty is gently introduced and reinforced throughout the book. Another theme in the book is having the courage to step out and do what is right despite fear of rejection or ridicule. This theme is very meaningful to middle school readers who may be experiencing similar dilemmas in their own lives.
Plot & Characters
A Crooked Kind of Perfect’s plot builds naturally as Zoe tries to fulfill her dream of becoming a piano prodigy. As Zoe learns that doing your best and working hard can lead to a crooked perfection, so do young children often learn that their childhood fantasies may not come quite true, but that the process of striving for your goals is sometimes just as fulfilling as reaching them. The plot unfolds realistically as Zoe learns to bounce back from disappointment. The characters also drive the story forward and provide drama. Zoe’s father’s anxiety greatly shapes Zoe’s world. Wheeler’s need for a father figure pushes Zoe to see that her father can accomplish his own goals, even as she accomplishes hers.
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