Summary
After the math teacher runs off with all of the money for the senior prom, Ashley and her friends have to scramble for the next eleven days to get the prom off the ground. The problem is that Ashley doesn't care. She's got a lot going on in her life: she's struggling to graduate, has to wear a nasty rat costume and serve pizza to bratty kids, her mom is very pregnant and her drop-out boyfriend has ideas about Ashley's future than don't match her own. But between her prom-crazy aunts, and her friend Nat's relentless belief in the "prom cause" Ashley is dragged into helping the committee get creative and put together a great prom for their low-income high school.
Critical Evaluation
The concept of an elaborate prom in this low-income neighborhood high school is one that would appear depressing because not only did the math teacher run off with the money, the school authorities seem apathetic, and it doesn't sound like any of these girls can afford the niceties they dream of for the perfect prom. Laurie Halse Anderson takes this disheartening situation and tries to infuse some comedy with Ashley's prom-fanatical and boisterous aunts, her friend Nat who will stop at nothing to have the prom of her dreams and Nat's grandma who is a "little" crazy. Fans of Speak and Twisted maybe disappointed, but other readers may enjoy the comedic change of pace from Anderson.
Reader's Annotation
Ashley is caught up in planning a prom she doesn't care about when the money goes missing with the math teacher. Together with friends and families, the prom committee works to all of their prom dreams come true.
About the Author
Laurie Halse Anderson is a native to New York state, and is where she currently lives and writes. The bestselling author writes books for kids of all ages, but is possibly best known for her young adult novels. Her debut novelSpeak was a National Book Award finalist, a New York Times bestseller and a Printz Honor book. Catalyst followed in 2003, Prom in 2006 and Twisted in 2008—all of which touching on tough subjects with delicacy and the right amount of humor.
Anderson is also very well known for her American History picture books that highlight the women who also helped shape our country. Vet Volunteers is a chapter book series written for elementary readers. While Anderson alternates between her projects, she is often recognized for her outstanding efforts. She was presented with 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award forCatalyst, Fever 1793 and Speak. In 2008, she received the ALAN Award for her "outstanding contribution to the field of adolescent literature. And in April 2010, she was chosen to be the School Library Month spokesperson by the American Association of School Librarians.
Genre
Girls/Women
Adolescence
Curriculum Ties
n/a
Booktalking Ideas
How far would you go to help a friend?…
Given a situation that seems hopeless, are you able to see around the limitations for a solution or hit the brick wall…
Awards
n/a
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15-18
Why I included this title...
I really enjoyed Speak and Twisted… and I thought I'd enjoy this one too.
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