If you were a 16 year old pregnant girl, would you sell your baby to its deceased father's parents? That's a wild idea that becomes an actual situation to ponder in Sharon Draper's November Blues.
November Blues by Sharon Draper is the followup novel to the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, The Battle of Jericho. Without having read the first novel, it wasn't hard to understand what happened. At the beginning of November Blues, Josh Prescott (Jericho's cousin) died suddenly in a pledge stunt. November Nelson was his girlfriend. Both Jericho and November are taking Josh's death pretty hard. Especially when November finds out that she is pregnant with Josh's baby.
November struggles with having to deal with being a 16 year old teen with the opportunities to go to Cornell and have a fine education, now left with a tough choice to make. Even though Josh is gone, through November and Jericho's memories the reader really does get to know him well.
Draper gives the reader a glimpse into how devastating it is to lose a loved one in adolescence, the consequences of teen pregnancy and the pressures of body image for young girls. To thicken the plot, Josh's parents decide after being exceedingly bereft from the loss of their only son, that they want November's baby. They have a big-wig "beige" lawyer to draw up papers for November to give the baby to the Prescott's in exchange for a large sum of money, her college education paid for, and no baby responsibilities. Talk about crazy! Although the deal is tempting for November, she stands up for herself and takes her time to think about it.
While all of her friends are talking about sports, shopping, summer plans and "kid stuff," November is down in the dumps about her pregnancy. She stays home all summer instead of tearing up the town like her friends. The reader gets to meet a onslaught of characters and their involvement dealing with Josh's death and November's scandal. Her roller coaster of emotions truly shows through, and the tough decision she makes will affect her entire life.
November Blues by Sharon Draper is the followup novel to the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, The Battle of Jericho. Without having read the first novel, it wasn't hard to understand what happened. At the beginning of November Blues, Josh Prescott (Jericho's cousin) died suddenly in a pledge stunt. November Nelson was his girlfriend. Both Jericho and November are taking Josh's death pretty hard. Especially when November finds out that she is pregnant with Josh's baby.
November struggles with having to deal with being a 16 year old teen with the opportunities to go to Cornell and have a fine education, now left with a tough choice to make. Even though Josh is gone, through November and Jericho's memories the reader really does get to know him well.
Draper gives the reader a glimpse into how devastating it is to lose a loved one in adolescence, the consequences of teen pregnancy and the pressures of body image for young girls. To thicken the plot, Josh's parents decide after being exceedingly bereft from the loss of their only son, that they want November's baby. They have a big-wig "beige" lawyer to draw up papers for November to give the baby to the Prescott's in exchange for a large sum of money, her college education paid for, and no baby responsibilities. Talk about crazy! Although the deal is tempting for November, she stands up for herself and takes her time to think about it.
While all of her friends are talking about sports, shopping, summer plans and "kid stuff," November is down in the dumps about her pregnancy. She stays home all summer instead of tearing up the town like her friends. The reader gets to meet a onslaught of characters and their involvement dealing with Josh's death and November's scandal. Her roller coaster of emotions truly shows through, and the tough decision she makes will affect her entire life.
Complications arise, and November comes through. This novel is definitely a page turner and worth the read. It's not just another book about teen pregnancy; it offers the perspective of a teen girl in an easy to read format and addresses some difficult issues in a non-preachy way. This book is a great pick for someone looking to read a story for the sheer pleasure of it--from a seemingly authentic teen perspective.
7 comments:
Tara,
Your synopsis makes me want to go out and purchase the book. The first book I read is about teenage pregnancy, but the author leads you into a world of so much more. I hope November does stand up for herself.
I agree with Shirley, you make the book sound as though it does offer more than just another story of teen pregnancy. Even as a male I am interested in reading the book. What perspective does the book take and the point of view is it written in?
This books sounds really interesting. I was reminded a lot--probably because of the teen pregnancy angle--of Make Lemonade. November Blues seems like a look at what it might've been like if Jolly had been the narrator instead of LaVaughn.
Dr. Philion--the above comment is from me. For whatever reason, my profile wasn't set up correctly!
November Blues is written in third person, but has an easy dialogue, too. I think it appeals to both boys and girls.
Since the perspective is in "young adult" terms--discourse on the prevention of her pregnancy is pretty much non-existent. I think she mentions that she did not know, or didn't even think about it.
That bothered me a little bit at first, but then I can see why Draper did that--young adults don't want to be preached at. The lesson that it's not a good choice is definitely demonstrated in what she has to go through--without explicitly stating it.
You wrote a great review, Tara, and if I ever don't have anything to do, I am bound to get my hands on this book.
Because of its controversial subject matter, do you think that this book would be a good one to be taught in the classroom or as an independent read with a really interesting assignment attached to it? I'm just thinking that a book with this sort of subject would not be able to get the time it needs in a classroom that is already pressed for time as it is...
Hi Val--my response to your question is that it really depends upon your situation. Who (among your students) might want to read this text, or need to? How does it fit with the larger issues or goals at hand, and the larger school or community culture?
I think its hard to answer this question decisively; I can envision using this book in a diversity of classrooms, suburban and urban, depending on the needs of the students and the curriculum and the community. It seems to me it could be used to challenge stereotypes and assumptions related to teen pregnancy, but also reinforce certain very important messages about abstinence, safe sex, etc....
On another note, Tara, I would recommend cutting the first sentence of your last paragraph--I think you give away too much with this line. Leave em hanging is always the best approach when it comes to a good review or book talk.
Otherwise, very nice job here--maybe some hyperlinks, too?
TP
(oh yes--I am also reminded that a lot of YA lit today seems to embrace the "high end" of our society, in terms of characters and situations--you know, sort of the celebrity or elite culture that various other reviewers have described in their book reviews previously--it seems to me that this book is interesting in the way it also sets up a fairly "elite" context or setting for the plot, while exploring a social issue that many people can identify with, regardless of their own economic or social circumstances?)
Take care,
TP
Post a Comment