Scorpions. ISBN0-06-440623-7. Walter Dean Meyers. 1988. Newberry Honor Book. Ages 12-17.Contemporary Realistic Fiction. African- American youth. Multi-cultural urban residents. Lower-socio-economic status.
Synopsis
Twelve year-old Jamal Hicks is facing difficult issues in his life. His older brother is in jail for murder, he's not doing well in school, and now his brother's friend, Mack, is trying to get him to be the new gang leader of the Scorpions. He reluctantly agrees to become the gang leader and even takes the gun that Mack gives him. Throughout it all he has his best friend Tito at his side, but problems start to arise when Jamal and Tito use the gun and Tito eventually ends up killing someone. In the end, Jamal is left to fend for himself when Tito is sent back to Puerto Rico.
This book would create great discussions on gangs and violence and when and if violence is every acceptable. Some interesting and reflective journal entries could be written about how student's feel towards both Jamal and Tito's actions and what they could have done differently.
Critique
Jamal seemed very believable as a twelve year-old boy put through tough times and in the wrong situations. Not all readers will identify with Jamal or Tito because of the situations they are put in (not many people can say they shot and killed someone at the age of twelve). However, they are probably very realistic to the setting and time during which this was written. What most people will probably relate to is the struggles with bullies and peer pressure that Jamal faces throughout the book. Middle school age is a tough age to be no matter who you are because of peer pressure, and Jamal's constant battle with wanting to be fearless and strong but truly being scared on the inside is a very poignant part of the story.
The plot kind of felt like it went all over the place because Jamal seemed to have so many issues to overcome: raising money for his brother Randy, taking over the Scorpions, fighting bullies at school, dealing with teachers at school, taking care of his mom and little sister, looking after the gun, and the list seemed to go on and on. However, there was a fluid stream to it despite all the issues Jamal faced. In the end, not even all of these problems are resolved, and in actuality none of them are except for the gun issue and whether or not Jamal is the leader of the Scorpions.
The author also uses a lot of action (as evidenced by all the issues facing Jamal) to bring the story along. He shows the plot rather than telling it. It moves as fluidly as it can when a young boy faces so many problems, and it is through these different events that the author conveys his message without preaching. Tito is definitely the voice of reason and caution in the book, yet in the end it is Tito who commits the murder because he was trying to save his friend's life.
Some readers might feel disappointed with the ending of the story and all the loose ends to tie up. However, this is what the author intended, to show that not all problems can be wrapped up in pretty bows, and that is one more way this story is very believable. The open ending could also foster some writing activities where the students get to finish the story and make up an ending for Jamal that they think is believable to the story.
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I like your suggestion about having students rewrite the ending of this novel. I enjoyed the book, but wasn't necessarily thrilled with the ending. I think students would enjoy making up an alternate ending to this book...it would allow them to practice their critical thinking and creative writing skills.
ReplyDeleteMichele, You need to do Kristi's assignment. That is, create a double entry journal page for Monster, as Kristia directed. Try again. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteKristi, You have certainly gone above and beyond with your blog. You are treating the blog as an AUTHENTIC activity for engaging in literary discussion with whomever might be out there and interested. It will be fun to see what kinds of responses you get.
ReplyDeleteI loved your entry on Salinger whose Cathcer in the Rye might have been considered among the first of YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE.
You BLOG BUDDIES activity is exactly what I'm looing for. You've explained it clearing and have given a helpful example. GOOD WORK. Bonnie Fihse
Kristi, Your synopsis and Critique of Scorpions are interesting and intriguing. You capture the qualities of character development and stylistic choices that make these books award winners. While you think many students maynot identify with the situations Jamahl and Tito face, you accurately point out that too many chidlren do face this kind of scary life, and that all students face bullies at one time or another.
ReplyDeleteYour grades for this week's assignments are posted in the Blackboard Grade Center.
Bonnie F.