Son

Title:   Son

Author:  Lois Lowry

Illustrator:

Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Publication Date:  October 2012

ISBN:  978-0547887203

Audience:  Ages 10 and up

Summary: Son begins in the same controlled community and at the same time as The Giver. Twelve-year old Claire has been assigned to the role of birthmother. This means that at about age fourteen she will be artificially inseminated and officially designated a Vessel.  Her baby will be called a Product and she will never see it, know its sex or its name.  Claire has discussed this with the other birthmothers in her dormitory so she has some idea of what to expect.  But the delivery does not go as planned; a C-section is required; Claire cannot have another child.  She is soon sent to work in the fish hatchery but not before she learns that she had a male child and his number is 36.  Working at the fish hatchery gives her the opportunity to visit her son, to play with him, to love him without ever being identified as his mother.  She learns that he is scheduled for release and then, that he has been kidnapped by Jonas and taken from the community. Claire makes her escape simultaneously by a river barge.  With a gap of time and memory, Claire is washed up on the shore of a village, bounded by the treacherous sea and an insurmountable cliff..  Here she remains for seven years, regaining her strength and her memory, and determining still to find her son. Lame Einar, one person who reached the top of the cliff, helps her prepare for the grueling climb out and warns her that at the top awaits Trademaster, who cut off Einar’s feet because he refused to make a trade.  An arduous, dangerous climb brings Claire to the top of the cliff where Trademaster awaits her.  To find her son, she must trade him her youth, and she does so with no hesitation. Then as an old woman she watches her son, Gabriel, grow. No one knows who she is until she is near death and tells her story to Jonas, the community leader who brought Gabriel there over 14 years ago.  Jonas knows the nature of Trademaster and sends Gabriel to confront him for Claire is near death.  Gabriel goes without weapons, with  only his gift, the ability to enter another person’s mind and emotion and understand how the other feels.

Literary elements at work in the story: While the novel begins in a dystopian community, it enters a wider world and becomes a struggle between good and evil, a timeless battle that transcends the genre.  Claire’s physical preparation for the trip and the climb up the cliff match the ordeals of any dystopian heroine.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  In the original community, giving birth is a low status role.  There is a consciousness of which jobs are prestigious. The village where Claire is washed ashore makes some distinction in gender roles.  It is a poor village, somewhat primitive, with no social classes..  Though the quartet is futuristic, beyond the first section of the novel, this could well be Europe in the dark ages. . In the village where Claire finds her son, outsiders are welcomed, handicaps are accepted.

Theological Conversation Partners: At least four themes run through this novel: the first is the power of  love and empathy; the second is the power and nature of evil; the third is individual gifts and their use in the community; and the fourth, the power of story and memory. There is a tendency to idealize Mother Love; Jesus has words to say about familial love that conflicts with the demands of his Kingdom. This story, however, is about parental love that will not let go. Evil is considered a force rather than a person.  Gabe’s realization that Evil will starve without the misery of its victims is reminiscent of Screwtape waiting to devour Wormwood. The weapons used to fight evil are a firm resolve not to kill, the ability to identify with and experience Evil.   Gifts are given for the benefit of the community and they disappear when no longer needed.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Would this story work as well if a father were searching for his son?  Why or why not?
2. How does Claire’s community guarantee that mother’s will not bond with their infants?  Why is this desirable?
3. Claire is consumed by the desire to find her son; no sacrifice is too great.  Can the love of a parent for a child be selfish or unhealthy?
4. How many aspects of unselfish love are exhibited in the story?
5. Gabe has the gift of “veering.”  How does this enable him to know that he had a mother?
6. Why did Claire wait so long to tell her story to Jonas? What happens when she does?
7. What is Gabe’s first weapon in going to meet Trademaster?
8. How does Gabe’s gift of veering enable him to defeat Trademaster? What is the cost of this identification with Evil?
9. Trademaster is considered to be a force rather than a person.  Does this square with the biblical view of evil?
10.  In the Apostle’s Creed we say, “He descended into Hell.”  Think about Gabe’s experience of identifying with Trademaster.  What light does it shed on this phrase?

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Into the Wild

Name of Book:  Into the Wild

Author:  Jon Krakauer

Illustrator:  None

Publisher:  Anchor

ISBN: 978-0307387172

Audience:  Although this is written for adults, I think this book could be used effectively with high school age adolescents through young adults.

Summary:  In 1992 Christopher McCandless graduated from Emory University, gave his $25,000 savings account to charity, burned all his money and identification, gave away the vast majority of his possessions, and eventually abandoned his car. Why? To begin an almost 2 year journey, hitchhiking around America, to “find himself”. Eventually he arrives at his destination, the wilderness of Alaska, where he finds an abandoned transit bus turned hunting “lodge”. McCandless lives here until he eventually dies of starvation, due to accidentally poisoning himself with berries. The book is written using Christopher’s diaries, letters, and notes found with the body, as well as from interviews with family members and friends McCandless made during his trek to self-discovery.

Literary elements at work in the story:  The book takes place during 1990-1992, and follows the two year ordeal of the main character, Christopher McCandless. This book could be categorized in several different ways. First, I think it can be called a partial biography since it deals mainly with the two year time period that Christopher spent wandering and hitchhiking trying to make it to the Alaska wilderness. There are occasional flashbacks to McCandless’ childhood and adolescence, but these are merely to flesh out a point or explain part of his rationale for this trek. Second, in my opinion, this book could be considered  an autobiography or memoir of the main character Christopher McCandless since it is written mainly from his own diaries, letters and notes. Finally, it is also, in a sense, a memoir of the author, Jon Krakauer. Throughout the book he draws parallels between his life – his own rebelliousness, his own struggles with his parents, his loss of faith in mankind, God and society, and his extreme efforts to find his “place” – and the life of Christopher McCandless. The point of view alternates between the author and McCandless which makes the story a little less fluid, and occasionally a little difficult to follow. The other characters in the book seem to help McCandless “find” a part of himself that he is looking for. The book is written in a very realistic and gritty style that allows you to feel the physical hardships and highpoints he endures. It is a beautifully written book that at the same time allows to you feel Christopher’s desperate desire to know who he is and to achieve his goal, and his elation and peace when he finally achieves his goal and “finds what he is looking for”.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  Economics seem to play a role in the events that unfold in the book. Christopher is disenchanted with the life his parents lead and expect him to lead, a life of privilege and overconsumption. Part of his quest for self is a quest for a simpler more authentic way of life. However, McCandless takes his quest for economic justice and a simpler life to an extreme.

Theological conversation partners: As Christians we believe that we are in a constant relationship with God. We believe that God is present and active in our life at all times. We also believe that it is in that relationship with God that truly discover who we are and grow into the person God intends for us to be. We also believe that we are called into action to strive for social justice and equality for all. McCandless states that he’s not sure that God exists but there is something more out there. Instead of looking for answers within the context of God as that higher power he runs away from God. Also, in his attempt to find social justice for the poor and disenfranchised he runs away from society instead of working to find a way to bring about change.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Why do you think people turn away from God?
2. How can faith and a relationship with God help someone to “find themselves”?
3. What does it mean to work for social justice?
4.  How can we do this in this day and age?
5.  How does our faith help us to work for social justice?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Shasta Brown.

Walking Home to Rosie Lee

Title:  Walking Home to Rosie Lee

Author:  A. LaFaye

Illustrator: Keith D. Shepherd

Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press

ISBN:  9781933693972

Audience: First grade and up, parents and children

Summary: Slavery separated many African American families as parents and children were sold and sent to different plantations. At the close of the Civil War these people were at last free to search for their loved ones. Freedmen’s Bureaus were established as clearing houses of information for people who were looking for their families. This poignant chapter in our history comes to life through Gabe, a boy searching for his mama, Rosie Lee. He joins the folks on the road who have freedom on their minds looking for work, dreaming dreams around night time camp fires, “all hope and hurry on.” Gabe’s memories of Rosie Lee-her sweet smell of jasmine, her good cooking, the yellow scarf around her neck, her sweet smile- keep him going month after month, town after town, until one day… The story ends with thanksgiving to God.

Literary elements at work in the story: This is a little known story in our tragic history of slavery that the author has researched through newspapers, diaries, articles and interviews. The story is told in Gabe’s voice that has a poetic, rhythmic quality.  The illustrations complement this voice with strength and feeling.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? This is a story about poverty, prejudice, injustice, cruelty, sorrow that affects whole families but  it is not a story about passive or helpless people.

Theological Conversation Partners: The story of Gabe and Rosie Lee can engage us on two levels.  The first is the sad chapter of slavery in our nation’s history.  Adults and children of any race benefit from knowing this and giving thanks for changes.  The point is not to burden children with guilt but to help them see that such injustice can exist in our own society.  The lost boys of Sudan, refugee families, families separated by war and poverty are reminders that this tragedy exists today.  It’s a good plan to introduce children to something they can do when faced with wrong and the refugees of Sudan and now of Syria, offer an opportunity for prayer and gifts through denominational programs.  The second level is found in the yearning of Gabe and his mother for each other.  Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have always been our home. (TEV)” and home is not a place but a Person. The heart yearns for God as Gabe yearned for his mother. Jesus captured this in the story of the Prodigal Son. Luke 15.  Psalm 42:1,  63:1 are further statements of this yearning. For both Gabe and his mother, their relationship comes from God and rests in God. Parents and caring adults are a sign of God’s love and we can help children be aware of the Giver.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Try to imagine what it would be like to have one of your parents taken to live in another town or place because they had been sold.  This was once a practice in our country.
2. Do you know of families that suffer separation today?
3. Have you ever been homesick?  Have you been homesick even if you were at home? Why?
4. Who helped Gabe as he was searching for Rosie Lee?
5. Are there adults as well as your parents who help you?
6. Why do we love our parents and adults who help us?
7. Jesus tells us that God is like a heavenly parent, father or mother, who wants to give us better gifts than even our real parents (Luke 11)

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Goin’ Someplace Special

Name of Book: Goin’ Someplace Special

Author: Patricia C. McKissack

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Publisher: Antheneum Books

ISBN: 0689818858

Audience: Ages: 6 – 12

Summary: Patricia C. McKissack recounts her own story of growing up in racially segregated Nashville, Tennessee during the 1950’s. Goin’ Someplace Special follows a girl named Tricia Ann as she leaves the protective comfort of her grandmother, Mama Frances, to take a big step. She is going downtown alone, to Someplace Special.

In Goin’ Someplace Special we see the world of Jim Crow through Tricia Ann’s eyes. There are signs on the bus that say “Colored Section,” the bench by the Peace Fountain reads, “For Whites Only” and the Southland Hotel’s grand lobby where Tricia Ann wanders in by mistake, only to be yelled at and put out by the manager. The journey is frightening for Tricia Ann but throughout she is supported by friends and neighbors. On the bus, Mrs. Gannell tells her, “Carry yo’self proud.” Jimmy Lee, a street vendor, helps keep her spirits up. “Don’t let those signs steal yo’ happiness,” he tells her. In the end, Tricia Ann reaches her destination and it is only then that the reader learns that Someplace Special is the Nashville Public Library; a place where all people are welcomed.

Literary elements at work in the story:  The text and illustrations work beautifully together to tell a straightforward story with emotional depth and a strong message. The author speaks clearly through the story to kids about the pride of growing up, the fear and sadness of facing prejudice, and the comfort of finding safe, special places in this world. Because kids will be able to relate to how Trisha Ann is feeling, they will begin to understand just how hurtful discrimination can be and how wonderful it is that we have safe places, like libraries, where everyone is welcome.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic ability:  This would be a great book for generating discussion on racism from either a historical, sociological, or theological perspective for a variety of age groups.

Theological conversation partners: Genesis 1:26-27, Galatians 3:26-29,

Faith Talk Questions:

1.      How do you think Tricia Ann felt as she started off on her adventure alone?

2.      What made her and her grandmother think that she is ready for this trip alone?

3.      Why did she have to sit on the back of the bus?

4.      Why couldn’t she sit on the park bench?

5.      How do you think those experiences made her feel?

6.      Why did she call the library Someplace Special?

7.      Do you have a special place that you go to?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Susan Wills

The Face of Our Past

Name of Book: The Face of Our Past

Author: Kathleen Thompson and Hilary Mac Austin

Publisher: Indiana University Press

Audience: Girls 5-17.   This book will capture the attention of African American girls and teenagers.

Summary: This book creates a visual and written history of black women from Colonial America to the Present. The images tell stories of black women in America–the farm worker, teacher, dancer, doctor, midwife, athlete, religious worker, etc.

Genre: Photographic Essay

Literary Elements at work in the story: This is a book of pictorial history told in 302 images of strong, African American women throughout history. It emphasizes the life of these women in nine stories spotlighting a particular aspect of life: Family life, Work, Hair, Resistance, Class, Education, Religion and Community, Play and Inner Life. The images included in this book tells a story within themselves. They are moving, compelling, emotional and capture the reader’s attention.  Each section gives a brief written history with descriptive captions and quotations, and other sources.

Theme: The complex and multidimensional lifestyle of African American women from the past to the present.

Perspective: African American women. When reading this book it gives the reader a glimpse of the multi facets of how it is be an African American woman in America. Not only does this book teach all African American women of their history, but, it allows one to step into the emotions of the images that are depicted. It will also make one proud of their heritage and awaken strengths that may be lying dormant.

Theology: While reading this book and being emotionally moved by the images, I thought of the Exodus experience. Personally, this book depicts a wilderness experience. By looking at the images I see so much pain, yet hope. The opening of the book of Exodus describes how the Egyptians oppressed the descendants of Jacob, subjecting them to forced labor. It was Moses, who Yahweh used to mediate Israel’s deliverance from slavery to oppression. This book displays and briefly tells the historical story of African American women and their wilderness or Exodus experience of slavery and depression.

The book also describes African American women displaying hospitality by loving her family, fighting for her people and helping each other to survive. African American women have always provided the nurture and care of the family, church, and community, whether in slavery or in freedom.

Also, obedience is captured in the book as it details how African America women were used by their male and female owners. If they were disobedient they endured harsh whipping, their bodies scarred, deformed and even death. Thru very harsh treatment they became submissive by unruly treatment.

Educational Use: One way to use this book to teach African American girls of their heritage is to be used in a workshop setting, a retreat for young girls, during black history month in Sunday school, a mother daughter luncheon, etc. I would also ask the girls to do a memory book or a collage of women who they feel have helped mold their identity. I would also ask them to write a brief journal telling how these women have motivated or helped them in any way.        

Focused Scripture: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 43:1, 2 Kings 43:1, Psalm 31:24, Matthew 25:40, 1 Peter 4:9-10, Deuteronomy 5:29, Deuteronomy 6:3, John 13:17

Faith Talk Questions:

1. As you read this book and pondered over the images of the life of African American women, how can you see God being active in this culture of people down thru generations?
2. In what ways does this book speak to you as an young African American female?
3. If you could walk into the past and have a conversation with any of the women portrayed in the book, who would you choose and what do you think you may ask her to help you to develop and increase your faith?

Review prepared by Vera Witherspoon, MDiv, Entering cohort, Fall 2005