Journal topic 6: Problems and resolutions in three books

Look at the "problem" the protagonists had to face in each of the three novels that you read for this module. What were they? Were they the type of problems that children or young adults might have to face? How was the problem handled? Was it handled realistically--even if the problem was rather improbable? What can be the value of "problem novels" for young readers?

In Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos, Joey faced a multitude of problems. His father deserted him as a baby and his mother took off to find his dad, leaving Joey in the care of his ill-equipped grandmother. Because of her own mental issues, she verbally and emotionally abused him. Their house was a disaster area, filled with broken furniture, piles of messes and not enough healthy foods. When his mother returned, she tried hard to make a better life for them, but Joey's ADHD was such a challenge that it was difficult to rein him in. She could only afford the cheaper drugs, so midway through the day Joey's behavioral problems would disrupt the class. Teachers spent more time punishing him than teaching him. After an accident with another classmate, Joey was sent to a rehab/special ed school for six weeks. There he learned ways to deal with his feelings. His meds were regulated. The teachers understood his ADHD and empowered him to change his outlook and behavior. They also tried to intervene with his mother and encourage her to make changes in her life, which in turn would improve Joey's situation.
The book was incredibly realistic. As Joey narrated the story, readers could experience the frenetic, distracting and exhausting experience of having ADHD. We sympathized with Joey's sad family life and with his mother, who was doing the best she could being with her limited resources. None of the characters were perfect. Like real life, they were all flawed and complicated. The value of novels like this is that readers who might have ADHD or dysfunctional home can see representations of their own messy lives. They can read about someone who overcomes overwhelming obstacles and still tries, even when he makes mistakes. They can learn that although life is hard, there are people out there who can help. Parents and teachers who might not understand ADHD can gain a better understanding of what the kid is going through--and perhaps have a little more patience with him/her.

Alvin, in Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Distasters by Lenore Look, is a scaredy cat. He's afraid of everything and it limits his life and experiences. Other kids tease him. He feels physically sick when fear overtakes him. His father wants to go camping with him, but the notion gives him a panic attack. Alvin finally joins his dad and sister on a camping trip. Although they get into trouble--Alvin and his sister sneak his dad's credit card to buy a bunch of special camping supplies, the dad forgets the food and accidentally steps into Alvin's trap, it rains--Alvin meets another kid like him, who is also afraid of camping. He survives the evening and actually has fun, while learning that he can conquer his fears.

While the problem was exaggerated to extremes and was handled humorously rather than realistically, kids would still enjoy this book. Some children are meek and terrified of unfamiliar experiences and people. By reading about Alvin and his adventures, they can perhaps be more willing to try something new. It's also great to have a fun and engaging Asian character in young adult books. Asian kids can then see themselves as protagonists or as normal characters in books, rather than as the token minority.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen tells a story that few readers will experience in real life. Brian is already reeling from his parents' divorce (caused by his mother's infidelity), when the pilot of his plane dies of a heart attack. Brian must fly the plane, figure out how to land it without crashing, and survive in the wilderness with just a hatchet after living in the city his entire life. He faces immense obstacles--ignorance of the environment, swarms of mosquitoes, starvation, lack of shelter, lack of supplies, fear and self-pity, extreme weather and tornadoes, moose attacks, injury. Paulsen writes Brian as a very believable character, who makes mistakes and learns lessons as he goes. It's an incredible story of maturity and manhood that will appeal to male and female readers of all ages.

While readers will not have to fight for survival like Brian does, he does impart lessons that apply to "normal" life. He gives a message of self-reliance and tough hope--that even when forced into an extreme situation with almost no resources--there are still ways to survive. It's also possible to find humor and joy in the most heart-breaking situations. Life is fragile. People can live with the bare necessities--food, shelter, water and feel satisfied. Our modern existence is far removed from that of the animals, plants and rhythms of nature. Sometimes bad things happen for no reason. Finally, it also asks readers to contemplate if they would have enough tenacity and knowledge to handle a situation like Brian's.