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Jess
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| Posted: July 16 2008 at 12:37pm | IP Logged
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I was wondering what age level this book would be appropriate for. I remember reading it and watching the movie in high school, but I can't remember if it had anything bad in it. My dd (almost 12) is wanting to learn more about the Great Depression (before seeing the Kit Movie  ) so I was wondering if this book would be too much for her. I just can't remember. She is a voracious reader.
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cornomama4
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It really depends on your daughter sensitivity level and "knowledge" about worldly things.
The issues I remember would be prenancy out of wedlock, stillbirth, a death that could be seen as disturbing, and just a real general downer in many ways. The movie really did very little justice to the book, IMHO. It ended a little too upbeat. Sort of like Breakfast at Tiffany's...in fact I believe that the contrast between the movie and the book of Grapes of Wrath is actually discussed in the book Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Grapes is really about the Dust Bowl experience. I don't know off hand any books about the depression, though I'm sure some of the more well-read ladies will offer suggestions. Does your family know anyone who lived through it?? Listening to my Grandma and Grandpa (both 93!) tell about what it was like for them is a real eye-opener and very inspiring to me.
If you do read Grapes, I'd read it yourself first and I'd consider getting Spark notes or Cliff notes (no booing, please)...it is so rich with symbolism and is really a very complex novel in many ways. I read it as a Sophomore in High School. I reread it about every 5 years. HTH!
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hylabrook1
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I would think it most appropriate for someone 15-16 or older. The movie with Henry Fonda is a good look into the poverty and injustices for workers during the Depression and isn't nearly as graphic as the novel. I completely agree with coronamama4. I would try to preview the movie as well, as I can't remember every detail. It could easily include something unsuitable that I just didn't focus on.
A more age-appropriate look at the Depression for your 12 year old might be Out of the Dust Bowl, I think the author is Karen Hesse. Even that, though, I'd pre-read. I remember reading this as an adult and crying over it. But, it's supposed to be for children, so maybe I was just over-reacting. 
Peace,
Nancy
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Jess
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| Posted: July 16 2008 at 5:11pm | IP Logged
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Thank you. I think I will wait on this one, she is very sensitive so it would be too much for her probably. I'll look into the other book you suggested Nancy.
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Jess
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Mary G
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Here are some that might be better options for your daughter:
1. Rose's Journal
2. Christmas After All
3. Down Cut Shin Creek
Also, the Waltons -- especially seasons 1 and 2 -- have great background info about living thru the Depression as do many of the classic movies, like My Man Godfrey or any of Frank Capra's movies.
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Cay Gibson
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I was in high school too when I read "Grapes of Wrath". I think I would hold off letting a 12 yr old read it.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse is about a 14 yr old girl living in the Oklahoma dust bowl. It's a very easy read written as free verse in diary form, but still a rough portrayal of the Great Depression so it's a bit too crude for young or sensitive readers.
These are all picture books.
The Great Depression
Saving Strawberry Farm by Deborah Hopkinson/ Rachel Isadora
Leah’s Pony by Elizabeth Friedrich/ Michael Garland
The Bravest of Us All by Marsha Diane Arnold/ Brad Sneed
Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression by Kate Lied/ Lisa Campbell Ernst
Dust for Dinner by Ann Turner/ Robert Barrett
Hannah and the Perfect Picture Pony by Sara Goodman Zimet/ Sandy Ferguson Fuller
Finding Daddy by Jo Harper/ Josephine Harper/ Ron Mazellan
Angels in the Dust by Margot Theis Raven/ Roger Essley
The Dust Bowl by David Booth/ Karen Reczuch
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Cay Gibson
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| Posted: July 31 2008 at 12:40am | IP Logged
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hylabrook1 wrote:
A more age-appropriate look at the Depression for your 12 year old might be Out of the Dust Bowl, I think the author is Karen Hesse. Even that, though, I'd pre-read. I remember reading this as an adult and crying over it. But, it's supposed to be for children, so maybe I was just over-reacting.
Peace,
Nancy |
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Oops! I missed Nancy's comment on it.
But I see we're on the same page. It is said for 5th grade level but I've read it. It's pretty harsh.
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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
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Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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hylabrook1
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I agree with Cay that Out of the Dustbowl would be too much for a sensitive young reader. I am always surprized when it appears on a list of children's literature. Even though the reading level is around 4th or 5th grade, I found it upsetting when I read it as an adult. I haven't had my dc read it, because I cried way too much when I did!
(Sorry if I seemed to be endorsing the book in my previous post)
Peace,
Nancy
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4Real Forums : Living Literature
Topic: The Grapes of Wrath
