King, A. S.
2012 ASK THE PASSENGERS. New York: Little Brown. ISBN 9780316194686
[Suggested Grade Level 9 – 12]
REVIEW
Astrid
has a lot of love to give, but feels that no one in her life is willing to
receive it. When feelings of isolation become overwhelming, she stares up at
passing airplanes and sends the passengers her love. “Because if I give it all
away, then no one can control it. Because if I give it all away, I’ll be free.”
Astrid
has a lot of questions too; about life, her family and herself. It helps to ASK
THE PASSENGERS of the airplanes some of her questions like: “Is it okay to lie
in order to be happy?” Inserted vignettes told in the passengers’ voice offer
attempts at answers.
Astrid’s
own questions are accompanied by the larger questions posed in her high school
humanities class. With the help of the Socratic Method, and the philosopher
himself (aka Frank), Astrid asks, and eventually answers, herself.
This
book is responds to the question of identity, not just sexuality. Astrid discovers
who she really is, while fending off the labels and expectations of others,
including friends, family and society.
CONNECTIONS
The
backdrop of Astrid’s humanities class provides a platform for her debates with
herself as well as teachers, parents and peers. Taking a page from the novel
create a Socrates Project, asking students to adopt a philosophy/philosopher.
Is movement a super-task? Is it impossible?
RELATED
BOOKS
More
well crafted books by A. S. King:
THE
DUST OF 100 DOGS. ISBN 9780738714264PLEASE ASK VERA DIETZ. ISBN 9780375865862
EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS. ISBN 9780316129282
By Marianne Crandall Follis
No comments:
Post a Comment