Historical Fiction

Dead End In Norvelt - Jack Gantos

Gantos, Jack. (2011). DEAD END IN NORVELT. Macmillan Audio. 2011. compact disc. ISBN 9781427213563

This audio book read by author, Jack Gantos, is hilariously entertaining. The reader meets Jack in 1962 just as he finds himself grounded for life.  His only relief from being grounded is helping old Miss Volker type obituaries for the local newspaper.  This is also the summer Jack realizes his town, Norvelt which was established by Eleanor Roosevelt, is dying.  Through the author's memories and imagination we are transported to a time when bartering and home treatments were commonplace.  Readers will find the humor in growing up even when the act itself isn't always fun!

Told with humor through the eyes of a young boy, the author successfully captured how confusing life can be.  Although the story is historical fiction, historical details are carefully intertwined within the story line by carefully describing events that provide humor and insight at the same time.  The details seem secondary, like the origin of the town, but are used to explain the characters' personal motivations.  The origin of the town is important to both Jack's mother and father, but with differing perspectives. Readers will see how a generation was raised and marvel at a different time that wasn't so long ago.

This book is one of my personal favorites.  The fact that parents don't always see eye-to-eye can have dire consequences for children.  However, the author is able to weave an important lesson into the conflict.  We are defined by our own choices, no matter what caused us to arrive at that decision.  

 2012 Newbery Award Winner
2012 Scott O'Dell Award 
Kirkus Review - "Characteristically provocative gothic comedy, with sublime undertones."

* Introduce readers to Jack Gantos' book series, Joey Pigza
* Ask a grandparent who remembers the 1960s to provide a read aloud from the book and follow it with a discussion
*Research Eleanor Roosevelt through the History Channel website:
 http://www.history.com/search?q=eleanor+roosevelt&x=15&y=11