Nellie Carlson Team

“I, Claudia” by Mary McCoy vs. “Moonrise” by Sarah Crossan

Our team debated the merits of both books, and there were many merits to debate.  

“I, Claudia” is a spinoff of Robert Grave’s novel, “I, Claudius”, which is itself a retelling of Roman history.  The book considers the question: Does absolute power corrupt? I, Claudia is a wonderful introduction to politics, both the potential and the corruption.  The premise, while a bit unrealistic, is challenging, complex and filled with believable motivations and ideals. Throughout the book, the reader is lead to believe the protagonist, but the final trial leaves the reader doubting the truth… we all see the world through our own eyes.  

However, there are a few weaknesses to the book.   The opening chapter has an encounter with a fortune teller that seems random, unconnected, and distracting.  The amount of power invested in a student body is unrealistic, even if you choose to see this book as a school life allegorical extension of Roman history.  The teachers and administration are for the most part, anemic, weak, and even unethical. However, such is the strength of the writing, that the student politics engages the reader to the point where they are able to suspect belief for the sake of the plot. 

Overall, I, Claudia is a strongly written modern day prep-school rewrite of Ancient Roman politics and corruption.  It would be a great way to introduce students to politics, history, and the philosophical question of power and corruption. 

The second book, Moonrise, by Sarah Crossan, tells the story of a family struggling with the imminent death sentence of an older brother.  The story is written in blank verse and with an emotional intensity that is both gripping and heart wrenching. Although a quick read, the book is written in a style that is not easy to read.  It requires concentration.  I read parts of the book out loud to enjoy the style, and to force concentration and engagement. 

Moonrise raises difficult issues of justice, forgiveness, racism, and social marginalization.  It also forces the reader to consider whether capital punishment is simply legalized murder, based on revenge, the ultimate irony of a “justice system”.  At the same time, Moonrise forces readers to wrestle with issues of family dynamics, poverty, and prejudice. Dysfunctional families still feel love, hope, laughter, and profound sadness.  The balance of justice and mercy is dynamic, and effects more than the immediate victim and criminal. Does our justice system consider this balance?

Moonrise is a beautifully written book that leaves the reader unsettled.  It is serious, political, thoughtful and moving. For round one of Smackdown, Moonrise rises as the winner. 

Henry (and Team)