[trexteach]

I am getting ready to do Book Clubs based on a strong,central character.

One of the books I was considering was The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson. (sp?)

Have you read this with your kids? I teach fifth, and I'm just not very comfortable with the things the characters says in her head and orally. She cusses and is uncomfortable around black people. I just don't think this is a book to use with my kids.

I'm guessing her character grows and her opinions and poor attitude change as the story progresses, but I can't see parents being comfortable with this book when I'm not. I didn't read very far into the book because I didn't think it would be okay to read with kids this age.

If you've read it with your kids, 5th grade or not, what are your opinions of it? Am I missing something? Not giving it a fair chance?

[xavier]

when I was in 6th grade. We read it as a class and I know that my teacher talked with us about the language and it was not an issue. Or at least from what I can remember... I just remembered what a great character Gilly was and how she changed, then I reread in a middle school literature class in college because it is on the top 100 banned books. I wrote a paper on how this book should be taught in schools. I truly believe that it is a great story and that the language is relevant to the character. Gilly acts and talks the way she does because of her life story. She had a hard life growing up as a foster child and she does grow as a child. I'm sure all your students have heard cussing on tv and probably in the hallway. If you explain to your students that while cussing is not appropriate it, it makes for the well developed character of Gilly. Maybe this could lead into a lesson on how to create well developed characters. Talk with your students and perhaps have them write a short paper or something about how they might have changed as a person if they were faced the same challenges as Gilly or even talk about the obstacles they have had to face in their lives. Gilly being racist also provides a discussion topic in your class. Maybe tie this topic into a history lesson on slavery or the African American freedom movement. You can also send home a letter letting parents know that you will be reading this novel and that it does contain strong language and racist ideas, but that you feel it is relevant to the class and invite the parents to read it themselves. Perhaps you can find an alternate book for students whose parents feel the book is inappropriate. Maybe only let a group of mature students who can handle the book read it. Please finish this book and give it a chance!

[trexteach]

Thanks for your input. I appreciate it. I think what you suggested sounds like good, useful ideas. I would love to discuss the character as she grows and changes, but I just keep thinking that parts of it are e-mails waiting to happen. I don't know if it would fly with my group of parents this year. Maybe I'll send a letter home and see what the reaction would be. After all, it would only be one group of around 5 kids reading the book. In the meantime, I'm looking for alternatives to cover my wimpy butt.

[GiantSubs]

I inherited a fifth grade class after the summer reading list had gone out, and the kids were supposed to read this book in preparation for our first whole class novel, Bridge to Terabithia by the same author. My parents hated the book - said it was too hard for the majority of kids and the subject matter was a little rough. I will not be using it again, at least with this age group.

I just read Elijah of Buxton with my kids and they loved it. It goes with the Civil War, which they are doing in SS, and the character is great - just the kind of stuff you want to do with your kids. Check it out - author is Christopher Paul Curtis.

[trexteach]

Thanks, GiantSubs. I've only heard of the title of the book you mention, but I've not read it. When we get to the Civil War unit, I'll check it out.

[phillycms]

I taught fifth last year and have done Esperanza and Gilly. Gilly does have a lot of issues to discuss, so if you still want to do a character study Esperanza is a great one to use. She really transforms in the story and it is a much easier read than Gilly.

[trexteach]

Thanks for the suggestion, phillycms. Esperanza Rising is another one I've heard of quite a bit, but I haven't read it yet.