MMGM (1/23/2017): A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin
For MMGM, I am recommending A Corner of the Universe, a recipient of the Newbery Honor, by Ann M. Martin.
Here's the publisher's description:
The summer Hattie turns 12, her predictable smalltown life is turned
on end when her uncle Adam returns home for the first time in over ten
years. Hattie has never met him, never known about him. He's been
institutionalized; his condition involves schizophrenia and autism.
Hattie, a shy girl who prefers the company of adults, takes immediately to her excitable uncle, even when the rest of the family — her parents and grandparents — have trouble dealing with his intense way of seeing the world. And Adam, too, sees that Hattie is special, and that her quiet, shy ways are not a disability.
It's hard to come up with an introductory sentence that describes just how amazing this book is. The main character, Hattie, is kind of shy and has only one friend, at least until she meets her uncle Adam. The author depicts Adam's mental illness in a realistic, yet non-insulting, way. Although you know he isn't exactly normal, he doesn't seem crazy. One of the book's major topics is being ashamed because of others, such as Adam's mother seeming somewhat horrified at her son, or another friend that Hattie makes during the summer whose mother works in a visiting carnival. Hattie is a likable main character who seems wise for her age. At the end of the book, something incredibly sad happens, but it is not relentlessly depressing. Although the book does have a somewhat adult moment and the sad occurrence mentioned previously, it is an incredibly beautiful book for everyone.
Hattie, a shy girl who prefers the company of adults, takes immediately to her excitable uncle, even when the rest of the family — her parents and grandparents — have trouble dealing with his intense way of seeing the world. And Adam, too, sees that Hattie is special, and that her quiet, shy ways are not a disability.
It's hard to come up with an introductory sentence that describes just how amazing this book is. The main character, Hattie, is kind of shy and has only one friend, at least until she meets her uncle Adam. The author depicts Adam's mental illness in a realistic, yet non-insulting, way. Although you know he isn't exactly normal, he doesn't seem crazy. One of the book's major topics is being ashamed because of others, such as Adam's mother seeming somewhat horrified at her son, or another friend that Hattie makes during the summer whose mother works in a visiting carnival. Hattie is a likable main character who seems wise for her age. At the end of the book, something incredibly sad happens, but it is not relentlessly depressing. Although the book does have a somewhat adult moment and the sad occurrence mentioned previously, it is an incredibly beautiful book for everyone.
Wow! I am so glad to hear mental illness being represented in a realistic but non dehumanizing way. Especially with certain, inaccurate stories/movies coming out that...aren't so accurate. We need more books like this, great review!
ReplyDeleteThis is my kind of story. I love to read and share stories that are healing. See why it received a Newbery Honor. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteI love your review! This book seems like something, a book-loving tween, would obsess over!
ReplyDeleteThis book is great! Thank you for reviewing it. There are some painful moments in thia book but it is so beautifully realistic.
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