The Bus Hit the Tree and the Tree is Still Standing

We got to read two really good books this round! Our decision wasn't easy, but we've given the edge to Far From the Tree.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater is non-fiction, a refreshing change. Nevertheless, it reads a lot like fiction, which might win over some who claim not to like non-fiction. The story it tells is not easy to stomach. It does, however, leave a reader with some powerful insights. There are far too few windows on trans teens in our libraries. The appeal of this true story pushes us to think about the reality trans youths face. We might even be more willing to use 'they' as a singular pronoun now. Additionally, we see the realities of youth marginalized by socio-economic status. This makes real the situation of teens growing up without the advantages most of our students enjoy.

Therein is both a strength and a weakness of the book. Slater attempts to tell both sides of the crime story. She attempts equal representation and unbiased reporting. She falls a bit short though. Perhaps she just had less access to Richard Thomas, but he doesn't get as much attention and isn't quite as sympathetic. And if you're wondering why the 'bad guy' should garner any sympathy, you should definitely read the book.

Another weakness was Slater's writing style. Her descriptions of people are a little off. Renee swore that if she read the word penultimate another time, she would scream; she had to scream several times.

Still, Renee is debating using the book with her 9s next year. Wouldn't Richard's experience with the justice system be an interesting way to discuss youth justice and the goals of our current Canadian system. Dia warns of the controversy and parental reaction. What do you think, dear blog reader?

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway grabs you and makes you want to keep reading. It might be meaningful for kids who suffer a lack of family connection. It was refreshing to read about sibling dynamics from a teen point of view; maybe though, first person point of view would have been more effective?

The novel deals with a huge number of issues - foster care, teen pregnancy, slut shaming, drugs, divorce, social anxiety, parental alcoholism. It would have been so easy for this to become a problem novel; but it rises above that. It deals with difficult topics without preaching; it's simply realistic. That said, Dianne points out that the likelihood of three siblings adopted to different families finding each other in close proximity is a little far fetched.

In the end, Far From the Tree is moving on because it's a compelling novel that we really enjoyed reading.

-The Ottewellians: Renee, Dianne, Alisha, and Megan