The book Kendra, by Coe Booth, is an edgy/controversial title
(from the recommended edgy list for class). The book was on the 2009 YALSA Best Books for Young Adults list.
How would you
deal with the trials and tribulation of being a teenager when it is evident
that you are not wanted by the only person who matters to you, your
mother? Kendra must face the feeling of this uncertainty daily. She
is being raised by a controlling over protective grandmother that always thinks
the worst, and a mother who does not acknowledge she exits. Kendra's best
friend is her Aunt, but even that relationship gets rocky as events
unfold. Will she ever truly belong to those who should matter most?
Only time will tell in this compelling story of a girl coming into her own, looking
for acceptance and love from anyone who is willing to give it to her. She
will do just about anything, even compromising her integrity and self-worth to
feel like she matters in someone’s eyes.
The book is considered to be edgy/controversial. It
does contain sexual encounters and strong language, but the overall storyline
is riveting. The book would appeal to girls from any walks of life.
Kendra is someone that the reader would either relate to or empathize
with. To "hook" the students I would ask them if they have ever
felt unloved by anyone. I would then tell them I have a story of a
fourteen year old girl who has spent her life not knowing where she really
belongs. The next step would be to read the excerpt inside the cover.
This provides a brief glimpse at Kendra's background.
3 comments:
Looks like a tough book to get through.
I really like your book hook idea. I know every one at one point in time can relate to a feeling of being unloved. Seeing how Kendra made it through (fiction or not) could be very helpful.
I wanted to make sure that everyone realized I had posted two books at the same time. I had posted Kendra and how i live now. I had read ahead and just listed them together.
Margaret I agree with your comment. I thought the same thing as I was reading the book. It was fiction but it could really help someone get through similar situations. The one thing I noticed so far about Coe Booth's books is that she really makes it seem like you are reading about true events. I started wondering if she had witnessed or worked with individuals in similar situations.
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