Let's open with the disclaimer: this book is dedicated to me and my good friend Kylene Beers. Having said that, I need to insert another disclaimer here: I love Gary Paulsen. I first heard him speak when he had completed his first Iditarod. He had the entire audience laughing and weeping throughout his presentation. And, of course, then there are the books. HATCHET, DOGSONG, THE WINTER ROOM, THE ISLAND, HARRIS AND ME...the list goes on. I have read each and every one of his books. Gary has a way of reaching deep inside and finding that nerve and touching it, probing it, making sure we are fully alive in the story. So now we come to PAINTINGS FROM THE CAVE (Wendy Lamb Books 2011).
Three novellas tell the stories of kids who are the cast offs from society, kids who are living on their own for a myriad of reasons. Jake, Jo, and Jamie live on the fringes, surviving but barely. It is art that keeps them sustained. For Jo, it is the art of tending to her dogs and learning to listen to them speak to her. She can "read" them. Jamie is an artist who hopes his art will be a way for him to help earn money so he and his brother can find a permanent place to live. And for Jake, art is about movelment, learning how to move to stay safe from the winos and junkies and dealers who inhabit his world. Brutal, spare, heart-breaking, and redemptive: here is Paulsen writing about the kids who fall through the cracks, the ones left behind. <519>
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ReplyDeleteI'm also a HUGE Gary Paulsen fan. I just finished reading aloud Hatchet to my fourth graders. They wrote letters to Brian offering words of encouragement. I love Lawn Boy too. Can't wait to read Paintings From the Cave!
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ReplyDeleteI had not read anything by Gary Paulsen until I began the MLS program. I really enjoy him, and look forward to checking out Paintings From the Cave. We have so many children who seem to "fall through the cracks" these days - it makes me both sad and mad.
ReplyDeleteDorinda Boysen
Ls5385
Yes, many fall through the cracks. I would love to get books like this in these kids' hands to give them hope and something to relate to...
ReplyDeleteWow. It is so cool that he dedicated the book to you and your friend. I have only read one of his books but have been wanting to read some of his other ones. This book sounds really good. I definitely plan to read it.
ReplyDeleteAnother great book by Gary Paulsen. He is one of those authors that I can always point boys to and they will find something they enjoy. On top of that, his stories are so funny and real. I really enjoy reading his writing.
ReplyDeleteI need to gooooo and read more of Gary Paulsen's book. The ones that I have read are Hatchet and Mud Shark. I like Mud Shark because it is a fast read which is something boys would like. I especially love Hatchet!! I had one of my students read it and she loved it! Keep in mind, she is only 7 years old!
ReplyDeleteI read Hatchet to my fourth graders every year! The boys are captivated! I have added this book to my Christmas Break reading list!
ReplyDeleteGary Paulsen is one of my favorite authors and has been since I first read Woodsong with my class. Since I have read numerous other titles. Kids struggle with many different challenges and those that manage to escape the described pain, can benefit from empathy. I look forward to reading this one and possibly adding it to my classroom shelf.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an inspirational story. An eye opener to some as well as a reality check. Can't wait to read it. I love the cover!
ReplyDeleteGary Paulsen is great at capturing the readers attention. I loved Mudshark. I will have to get this book for my son, he has read all of Paulsen's books and loves them all.
ReplyDeleteLS5385
ReplyDeleteI have heard of some of Gary Paulsen's books, but I haven't had the opportunity to read some of them. This books sounds like the one I should try reading first.
I read Hatchet to my 6th graders about 8 years ago and they loved it.
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