Acceleration

Acceleration is one book with which I was totally immersed. I read the story in one sitting because I did not want to put it down. I was eager to see what sort of morbid things would be revealed in the journal, how Duncan would figure out the journal author’s identity, and whether or not he would be able to intervene before it was too late. I seldom read books fitting into the mystery/suspense genres, so this was a positive experience for me leading me to want to seek out more literature of this type. I can see why this books of this type would appeal to adolescents. According to Lesesne (2006), this genre is one of the most popular for grades 4-8. She recommends incorporating this genre into student reading as it appeals to boys and girls alike. I wonder though, if schools would approve of this book being recommended to or shared with students. The subject matter and Rodent’s history are pretty disturbing and violence. I have not checked to see if this book is on any “book ban list,” but it would not surprise me if it were—there are some pretty morbid ideas being presented. Having said this, I am in favor of this book being shared with adolescents.

For fun, let’s assume for a minute that schools will have an issue with teachers presenting this book to students due to the violence and the disturbing behavior of the mysterious journal author. My challenge to the schools would be to show me how the subject matter in this book differs from that of other more “classic” works such as Shakespearean plays. Adolescents read about teenagers committing suicide in Romeo and Juliet, incestuous love in Hamlet, and detailed descriptions of murders in just about any Shakespearean play to which I have ever been exposed. The violence is there, but it makes for an exciting (albeit disturbing) story. These types of stories are where the concept of “escapism” comes into effect. Furthermore, neither the author of, nor the protagonist in, Acceleration are promoting this type of abhorrent behavior. This type of behavior must be stopped and Duncan feels himself to be the one to stop it. How many times does Shakespeare advocate for the cessation of violent behavior?

Persepolis

I had previously expected a graphic novel to be simplistic in its subject matter. After reading Persepolis, I realized that I was wrong. This book has been, by far, the most challenging piece of adolescent/juvenal literature I have read in a long time—perhaps ever! I experienced two distinct challenges when reading this book. One, my knowledge of social influences and ideals regarding politics and religion are severely limited (thought I didn’t realize how limited before reading this book). Therefore, I was at a loss with the references to the Islamic Invasion and what religion was practiced prior to this. I was never really quite sure, who was actually in charge, how they came to be, what political ideals were or weren’t acceptable and why, who was good, who was bad, who was killing who and why, who was protesting what, etc. Two, I have never had any experience remotely close to what Marji had. I could not identify with her feelings, her reactions, or her thought process. While I was able to follow the text and could interpret from the pictures (to an extent), I was essentially lost when it came to the significance of this piece of literature. I know there must be great significance, but I cannot comprehend it.
Given that I struggled with this graphic biography, I would be hesitant to recommend it to any adolescent without additional lessons to clarify the history of the country and culture as well as background on the conflicting ideas/messages presented to Marji through her experiences. However, an examination of this culture could prove to be beneficial given the current events involving Iran. Additionally, an examination of the Middle East (the history, geography, and culture of various countries/peoples) could increase student understanding of how their country/culture has become intertwined with those half-way around the world. As a soldier being deployed for a second time (in addition to my brother serving two tours and my fiancé serving his third), I still lack this understanding. Persepolis could be a venue used to help introduce this region of the world that is so influential on American lives today.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

More like diary of a mean kid! I couldn’t believe all the mean and selfish things Greg does. He uses his best friend, dumps him because he’s not cool, pretends to be injured to get attention, throws apples at a girl...the list goes on and on. The only times where Greg could be considered as wimpy (for example when he hides at his grandmother’s house on Halloween), he was more of a coward than anything. And yet, he is still likeable (to a point) and I can totally identify with him. I would like to think that I was nicer than Greg when I was younger, but truth be told, I probably wasn’t. I can remember things I did in middle school to my friends that I still turn my stomach in guilt. I remember wanting to be voted “best” in something in the yearbook or to appear to be “cooler” than I actually was. The author paints a very realistic adolescent and captures the self-centered nature and limited forethought given to the actions.

For those of you who don’t know, I read the book while I was away performing some military training. SPC Stout, another female soldier in the barracks, saw me reading the book and laughing at parts. I talked to her about the book and she began to read it after I finished. When talking to her nine-year-old daughter on the phone, SPC Stout told her that she was reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and her daughter got excited because she had just read it. The book and Greg’s actions became a topic of conversation for a few phone calls between the two. They enjoyed bonding over the book so much that SPC Stout’s daughter ordered the second book. They have plans to read it together after SPC Stout gets home. SPC Stout is excited about this new opportunity to connect with her daughter and has request that I recommend other books for them to share. If anyone has recommendations of their own, please let me know.