The Fault in Our Stars (John Green)

Summary of The Fault in our Stars (by John Green):

Sixteen year old Hazel is clinically depressed after three years of fighting off terminal cancer. The doctors have found a way to keep the cancer from spreading (for the time being), but she has limited lung capacity.  To help her deal with her illness and (hopefully) make friends, her parents bring her a weekly support group.  When charismatic and witty Augustus Waters begins to attend, Hazel finds a kindred spirit who not only understands her situation but is also her intellectual equal.  Through their relationship, Hazel begins to experience life more fully. 

Evaluation:

Insightful:  Author John Green has drawn authentic characters who offer insights not only in what it means to live and to fight off illness but also on what it means to be young, in love, and dealing with loss.  I loved the playful banter between the characters (especially Augustus and Hazel).  The often poetic way that a situation or idea is described is brilliant and wonderful.  I thoroughly enjoyed Green’s use of language and metaphor. 

Bold: The author does not belittle those with terminal illness, but he does not romanticize the fight of cancer patients either.  The characters themselves comment on the common stereotype of the “heroic” fighter.   They illustrate in their lives that even the “best” of people and fighters are not always graceful and brave. 

Irreverent:  Hazel has no idealistic notions of the world, God, or the afterlife.  She believes in a vague “universe” that she eventually concludes “wants to be noticed.”  Her attitude towards traditional religion and beliefs is impertinent.   While Augustus has a sense of wanting to make a difference in the world and of a “something” beyond, Hazel does not see the purpose.  She shames him for believing his position is more enlightened, and he caves.  Hazel is content to just be part of her small circle, eventually dying and being forgotten.  While this aspect of the novel is realistic and reflective of many people’s beliefs, I found it disappointing and depressing.

Raw:  Green reveals the harsh reality and difficult setbacks of his characters.  The characters get angry, yell, and, even, break things. They occasionally use raw language and profanities.  Parents sometimes showed their weakness in dealing with their sick children.  Some of the more heart-wrenching moments are when Hazel is desperate to find out what happened to the mother in her favorite novel (An Imperial Affliction), and her fears on what will happened to her parents (especially her mother) after her death. 

Overall, I genuine enjoy The Fault of our Stars.  I cried.  I laughed.  I smiled (especially when Augustus was “in the picture”).  I recommend this book for ages 14 and up. 

Picture Book: Always and Forever by Alan Durant

Summary of Always and Forever:  

A group of animals—Fox, Otter, Mole, and Hare—live together in a house in the woods.  Each member has a special role to play in the family.  They dearly love one another.  During the autumn months, Fox falls ill.  He grows thin and pale.   One day, he goes out alone, but he does not come back.  His family finds him still and cold beneath a tree.   The trio bury him under his favorite willow tree.  A wintery sadness consumes their once happy home.   There is an emptiness where Fox once dwelled—physically and emotionally.  The little family is silent and heart-broken.  As spring begins to peak out, the trio gets a visit from Squirrel who reveals that their other friends miss them.  Mole tells him they have been too sad to go out.  Squirrel urges them that life has to go on.  Otter asks, “How can it, without Fox?”  Despite their sorrow, they ask Squirrel to stay for dinner.  Preparing a meal together, they fondly recall what a terrible cook Fox was.   While doing the dishes, they remember other comical stories about him.  Soon, the house is filled again with laughter.  The animals use their talents to build a special place under the willow tree where they remember their beloved friend and companion. 

Evaluation:

Always and Forever is a touching story.  Author Alan Durant depicts the stages of grief and a healthy recovery after a tragic loss.  The sweet pictures by Debi Gliori are a beautiful companion to the text.  This story could be therapeutic for young people who have lost a loved one because they often believe no one understands how they feel.  Always and Forever is an ideal narrative to begin talking about grief.  The animals start to heal when they remember amusing stories about their friend and when they create a special memorial for him.   Constructing a special place or memorial as well as talking about the lost loved one can help children to heal.  Even if a child is not dealing with a loss, reading and discussing different situations help to build empathy or tools for later life experiences. 

Though this story is not necessarily one for educational instruction, I want to include books like this for families or educators who need to help children through emotionally trying situations. 

Bear Snores On (and other titles) by Karma Wilson

I have a new favorite author:  Karma Wilson!  I picked up a book called Bear Feels Sick (ages 4-9) at the library, and I instantly fell in love with the characters. A group of small woodland animals (which includes a hare, a gopher, a mole, and a couple birds) loving nurse an enormous but kind-hearted bear back to health.  Each character is compassionate and considerate.  Bear finally gets well, but now, his friends are all ill.  He is seen taking care of them.  There is a charming and warm relationship between the animals. 

Well, naturally, when I went back to the library, I searched for other books by the same author.  There is a whole series of Bear books!   Alex reminded me that we read one of them, Bear Feels Scared, already.  This book has a similar plot formula:  Bear gets lost and feels scared.  His small furry friends search for him, find him, and of course, comfort him.   As I discussed this book with Alex, I asked him why the author chose a bear to be scared.  He hit the nail on the head!  It is to show that everyone is scared sometimes, even big, strong bears! 

Next, we read two more stories:  Bear’s New Friend and Bear Snores On.  Both continue the motifs of friendship, kindness, sharing, compassion, and individual differences.    Other outstanding features of these books include beautiful illustrations by Jane Chapman as well as rhythmic and expressive language.  The repetitive lines (such as “Bear’s Not Scared”) invite student participation during reading.  They will not need much prompting to get involved with these stories because they are endearing and fun! 

Karma Wilson has a wonderful site that includes Features for Teachers, Parent’s Place, and Kid’s Corner.   In these areas of the site, you will find activities, coloring sheets, snack ideas, and crafts to go along with the books.   

I am excited about reading her other books too!  I have already checked some of them out of the library.  I will post information on some of my favorites.  Definitely, check this author out!  Her books are worth the cost for a classroom or home library!  Click on the title links anywhere in the blog or bibliography to go to Amazon to learn more and/or to purchase these titles. 

In my web search, here are some great links to go along with the books.  If you have any additional sites you think would be helpful, please email me.  

General Activities

Activities from Simon & Schuster
Unit Plan for the Bear Books
Bear Poems & Finger Plays
Teddy Bear Activities

Bear Feels Scared Activities

Bear Feels Scared: Activities
Bear Feels Scared: Lesson Plan
Bear Feels Scared:  Teaching to Predict

Bear Snores On Activities

Bear Snores On:  Lesson Plan 1
Bear Snores On: Unit
Bear Snores On:  Resource including Interactive Computer Activities
Bear Snores On: Writing Activity

Bear Feels Sick Activities

Help Bear Feels Better Activity
Bear Feels Sick: Poems, Activities, & Unit Available for Purchase
Bear Feels Sick: Activities