Book Title: Mockingbird
Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Kathryn Erskine
Publisher: Puffin Books
Copyright Date:2010
Selection Choice: National Book Award Winner
Brief Annotation: Caitlin is a young girl who is learning how to deal with life after the death of her brother, Devon. As a person with Asperger’s Syndrome, Caitlin has always seen things in a different light and her brother had always helped her make sense of things in her world. Now that Devon was gone, she must now depend on her father, but he has a hard time understanding her. Caitlin remembers the things she learned from her brother and finds comfort in the words and information in books and dictionaries. The words provide some comfort and consistency to Caitlin as she navigates through her changed life and learns about healing, making friends and letting go.
Your Rating: 5/5
Readers who will like this book: Readers who enjoy all genres will like this book. It is a story that enlightens readers from the first person perspective of a child with special needs such as Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.
Question to ask about this book before reading: When reading a novel, what perspective (first person, third person) works best in order for the reader to truly understand the main character? Why? If the perspective were to change, how would that effect the reader’s ability to understand the main character?
Question to ask about this book during reading: People with Asperger’s Syndrome often exhibit ritualistic behaviors. What are some of Caitlin’s rituals? In what ways do these rituals effect Caitlin and others?
Question to ask about this book after reading: Why does Caitlin identify with books more than people? What is it about books that feel safe to her? Why might the book be titled Mockingbird?
I've had this book on my list since August when a teacher recommended it to me. I wonder if you've read the book Rules which has a similar topic--brother and sister, brother has severe autism, the sister (who doesn't die!) has to figure out how to support him (they're very close), but also navigate her own social life. I'd recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI like the questions you've included--did you see this resource for teaching Mockingbird? http://www.ingramlibrary.com/Teacher%20Guides/Mockingbird_DG.pdf
This book is a fine example of contemporary realistic fiction, and the topic, I know, would resonate with a lot of kids. It will be a useful title to know about when you're a teacher--do you think it would be a good read aloud choice?