Monday, June 8, 2009

Grape Thief


Author: Kristine L. Frankline
Type or emotional/crisis issue(s) addressed: Family financial difficulties
Year of Publication: 2003
Publisher & Location: Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press
ISBN#: 0763613258 
Target Age Level: Junior high
# of Pages: 290
Quality of Illustrations: none
Brief Summary: In 1925, in a small Washington State community made up of families from different ethnic backgrounds, twelve-year-old Cuss tries to stay in school as he watches those around him struggle with various financial difficulties.
Personal Comments/Biases, and/or Things to Consider When Using This Book With Children: The main character is nicknamed "Cuss" because he can swear in 14 languages--I don't think the book includes foul language, but still....
Activity: Have students discuss what they know about the Great Depression of the 1920s, including any stories from their own family history. Talk about what life was like for teens of that era and compare that to the current experience of teens and their families in the current economic recession.

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