Bibliography: Hautman, Pete. (2004). Godless. New York: Simon & Schuster. 198 pps.
Genre: Adolescent literature, fiction, religion, coming-of-age, friendship
Awards:National Book Award
Synopsis:
Have you ever experienced one of those summers where there was just nothing to do, except maybe hunt for snails and slugs? Or maybe you've had it up to here with your mom insisting that you visit the doctor again for blood work and to get checked out for narcolepsy? I mean, a teenager surely isn't supposed to sleep as much as you. No? Well, Jason Bock deals with these issues and a lot more as his summer vacation takes a spiritual turn in Godless. As he and his friend, Shin, hunt for wild gastropods beneath the town's water tower, Jack has a sudden epiphany, well, he gets his head rung first, then he gets the epiphany. With one quick strike of genius, Jack decides to create his own religion - The Church of the Ten-Legged God! Jack is a born proselytizer. He quickly recruits his best friend, Shin, local P.K., Dan, his love interest Magda, and the town bully, Henry. The five make a unique congregation as they explore the divine waters of their new religion. Like most religions, the Church of the Ten-Legged God struggles with factions and fanatics, and disbelievers and condemners. Once their new religion is uncovered after a deadly midnight mass atop their great God, new issues arise in the lives of these five, and Jack is left to deal with the responsibility he has to his congregation.
Review:
Hautman delves into leadership, the power of ideas, and the search for faith in Godless. It is a book that places many issues teens face into a believable plot. While the title may frighten some at first, a turn of a few pages should settle the nerves. I recommend Godless to seventh graders and above. Those wanting to incorporate it in the classroom may find less resistance if used as a read-aloud, small group, or independent reading.
Genre: Adolescent literature, fiction, religion, coming-of-age, friendship
Awards:National Book Award
Synopsis:
Have you ever experienced one of those summers where there was just nothing to do, except maybe hunt for snails and slugs? Or maybe you've had it up to here with your mom insisting that you visit the doctor again for blood work and to get checked out for narcolepsy? I mean, a teenager surely isn't supposed to sleep as much as you. No? Well, Jason Bock deals with these issues and a lot more as his summer vacation takes a spiritual turn in Godless. As he and his friend, Shin, hunt for wild gastropods beneath the town's water tower, Jack has a sudden epiphany, well, he gets his head rung first, then he gets the epiphany. With one quick strike of genius, Jack decides to create his own religion - The Church of the Ten-Legged God! Jack is a born proselytizer. He quickly recruits his best friend, Shin, local P.K., Dan, his love interest Magda, and the town bully, Henry. The five make a unique congregation as they explore the divine waters of their new religion. Like most religions, the Church of the Ten-Legged God struggles with factions and fanatics, and disbelievers and condemners. Once their new religion is uncovered after a deadly midnight mass atop their great God, new issues arise in the lives of these five, and Jack is left to deal with the responsibility he has to his congregation.
Review:
Hautman delves into leadership, the power of ideas, and the search for faith in Godless. It is a book that places many issues teens face into a believable plot. While the title may frighten some at first, a turn of a few pages should settle the nerves. I recommend Godless to seventh graders and above. Those wanting to incorporate it in the classroom may find less resistance if used as a read-aloud, small group, or independent reading.
1 comment:
I remember talking about this in class, but the information you give is much more interesting. I believe I will have to read this book. A ten legged god?! It reminds me of Hinduism. Seventh grade? Did this remind you of any classics? Thanks, Katherine
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