PAPERBOY

1.   BIBLIOGRAPHY

Vawter, Vince, 2013. PAPERBOY, New York, NY:  Random House, Inc. ISBN 0-394-80020-6

2.   PLOT SUMMARY

Paperboy is an engaging book about a young boys from Memphis who has a stuttering disability and does not even like to say his own name.  This boy takes over a paper route for his friend for the month of July, but is afraid to talk to people.  The boy is an exceptional writer and baseball player.  This book focuses on a relationship that the boy has with his nanny that he calls “Mam”, a man he meets on his route that speaks eloquently and has a house full of books, a junk collector and a women that is beautiful that appears to be abused and has a drinking problem.  He is forced outside of his comfort zone and is required to communicate with people.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story was an historical fiction book, an unexpected read about segregation, coming of age, a little danger, violence and multiple challenges along the way.  The book uses “ssss…” frequently to show how the boy speech impediment.  I found the book was a slow-read, but well written with sweet moments of empathy and success.  The book also demonstrates the diversity and how he was accepting of all people even during a time of segregation and even when other did not.  I believe that his being teased as a child taught him sympathy for all people. This book had some beautiful quotes for example “You can’t replace one hurt with another”.

3.   REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

2014 Newbery Medal of Honor Book

4.   CONNECTIONS

·      Research and report on disabilities and racial discrimination

·      Related reading: COPYBOY a sequel by  Vince Vawter