Stuff for Teens

As it will soon be time for our "Battle of the Books", I decided that I should undertake the challenge of reading some of the books on the Intermediate Sequoyah Masterlist for 2012.  I chose this book, All the  Broken Pieces by Ann Burg, as my first reading project.  Historical Fiction is a genre that I do not typically choose to read; but I was quickly drawn in to this book in such a fashion that I could not put it down until completely finished!  I tend to judge a book by it's ability to move me to tears and this one definitely did that.  The lucid verse in which it is written makes it an interesting and quick read and one that is heart-wrenching and incredibly hopeful.  I adored this unforgettable perspective on the lasting impact of war and the healing power of love.

The main character of this book, Matt Pin, was one of hundreds of children that were air-lifted out of Vietnam at the end of the war.  He was a "bui doi"; a child born of an American soldier and a Vietnamese mother.  Shortly after witnessing the horrific disabling of his little brother, his mother begged American soldiers to take her son in hopes that he would have a better life.  In America, Matt is adopted by a caring and loving couple who do their best to provide a loving home for him. 

Throughout the book twelve-year-old Matt struggles with social acceptance and some "bullying" from a boy whose brother was killed in Vietnam.  They both come to terms with the horrible consequences of the war through the healing power of music, baseball, and a patient loving coach. 

This awesome book gives a glimpse into the horrifying era of the Vietnam war and how it impacted so many lives.  I highly recommend this book for not only young teens; but anyone affected by war.  I believe this would also be highly therapeutic for disabled veterans.

This book can be found at the BPL near the Young Adult section where all the Intermediate Sequoyah Books on the 2012 Masterlist are located.