Of course, I read for enjoyment, but I also read with a writer's eye. My favorite middle grade novels tell a compelling story, with a theme so expertly woven in, it's like adding the perfect spice to a hearty stew. In WING NUT by MJ Auch, birds, called purple martins, return to their homes year after year. The birds are in contrast to our protagonist, twelve-year-old Grady Flood who is homeless.
"These martins will go through a lot to get here," Charlie said. "I guess home is a pretty powerful magnet."
Those words hit Grady right in the gut. "I wouldn't know about that. I never really had a home."
The importance of this theme, enriches MJ Auch's novel, and subtly conveys a message about the need to belong. In my opinion, a strong theme is an inherent reason that books are selected for state reading lists, and a critical part of crafting a middle grade novel.
Showing posts with label MJ Auch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MJ Auch. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
WING NUT by MJ Auch
The first book on The Florida Sunshine list is WING NUT. This is from the bookjacket:
Grady couldn't help smiling about the name--wing nut. That was the perfect description of Charlie Fernwald and his crazy attraction to birds.
Twelve-year-old Grady Flood and his mom, Lila, have been on the road ever since Grady's dad died seven years ago. When their old car breaks down, they find themselves stranded in rural Pennsylvania where Lila gets work as a cook and caretaker. There's nothing out of the ordinary in that, unless you factor in her new boss. Old Charlie Fernwald, a skilled mechanic and bird enthusiast, is definitely out of the ordinary. In fact, if Grady's not mistaken, Charlie is a certifiable "Wing Nut." For the time being, Grad figures, he can help Charlie with his birds and maybe even learn how to fix a car engine. But before he can do either, something goes terribly wrong.
I just finished this book, and I highly recommend it. In my opinion, the book is on the state list because:
1. It's a great story.
2. The book has something to say about protecting wildlife, and the dangers of introducing non-native anmals into a new environment.
3. The protagonist is not from a traditional family, and many children can relate to that.
4. The book has a hopeful ending.
If you're intrigued enough to read WING NUT, I'd love to hear your opinion. I will be posting more about the book and its author.
Grady couldn't help smiling about the name--wing nut. That was the perfect description of Charlie Fernwald and his crazy attraction to birds.
Twelve-year-old Grady Flood and his mom, Lila, have been on the road ever since Grady's dad died seven years ago. When their old car breaks down, they find themselves stranded in rural Pennsylvania where Lila gets work as a cook and caretaker. There's nothing out of the ordinary in that, unless you factor in her new boss. Old Charlie Fernwald, a skilled mechanic and bird enthusiast, is definitely out of the ordinary. In fact, if Grady's not mistaken, Charlie is a certifiable "Wing Nut." For the time being, Grad figures, he can help Charlie with his birds and maybe even learn how to fix a car engine. But before he can do either, something goes terribly wrong.
I just finished this book, and I highly recommend it. In my opinion, the book is on the state list because:
1. It's a great story.
2. The book has something to say about protecting wildlife, and the dangers of introducing non-native anmals into a new environment.
3. The protagonist is not from a traditional family, and many children can relate to that.
4. The book has a hopeful ending.
If you're intrigued enough to read WING NUT, I'd love to hear your opinion. I will be posting more about the book and its author.
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