mockingbird

__Mockingbird__ by Kathryn Erskine ISBN: 978-0-545-30725-3 c2010 232 pages

Good sections to read aloud: pp. 4-9 the aftermath – people at the house – people wanting to help – people that Caitlin doesn’t want around, much less talk to

Summary: Caitlin’s brother is killed at the beginning of the book in which we later find out was a school shooting. All that she has left is her father (her mother has also passed away). Caitlin is a special young girl. She understands SO much around her, yet not everyone appreciates her understanding because she has trouble socially because of her Asperger’s. Her brother, Devon, always understood her. She realizes that life is much harder without his understanding because Dad just doesn’t get it. Neither does the school counselor, but she does find a ‘friend’ in a young boy from the elementary building that she sees during an extra recess time. She discovers that they have a special connection and realizes that having friends is important, even if they aren’t your age. A very moving book.

YA Fiction--teen issues; death; middle school; counselors; Asperger’s

©Jennifer Lang - WDMS - 2014