Wednesday, October 24, 2007

SOLD by Patricia McCormick


Mccormick, P. (2006). Sold. Hyperion

Summary: Lakshmi is a thirteen year old girl from Nepal that is unknowingly sold into prostitution by her stepfather. Lakshmi initially believes that she will be working as a maid to make money for her family and pay off her debts. She soon finds out that she has been put to work in a brothel where she is “torn apart” by the men who pay for her. This book is written in sparse, free verse prose and is emotionally gut wrenching and heartbreaking to read. Lakshmi at first resists her new “work,” but is quickly introduced to the world of sexual abuse. She does the math, and begins to wonder if she will ever pay off her family’s debt. Lakshmi eventually makes new friends with some of the children that live in the brothel with her, but tragedy often strikes many of them. Will Lakshmi make it out alive? Or will she be branded a prostitute and be forever destined to live this horrifying life?
Rationale for Selection: This book is on the Florida Teens Read list for 2007-2008, which is one reason I wanted to read this book—but I also loved the layout of the book when I first saw it. Struggling readers want something that is short, with words that are not too squished together. Some of the chapters in this book were only a few lines long—which made it a really quick read. I also wanted to choose something that was multicultural, and this fit the bill.
Reader Response: I thought this book was phenomenal. I read it on a plane ride from Florida to Detroit without putting it down. The first few chapters might be difficult for struggling readers—they don’t necessarily “capture” the reader right away. However, if you get through the beginning you will be astounded by this book. I have recommended it to a few students. Two of them loved the book, and both said that the beginning was tough and were glad they read the entire thing. The third student couldn’t understand the beginning and opted to read another novel.
Genre and Themes: This is a fictional account of children being sold into sex slavery. This topic has been in headlines recently. This book also deals with homelessness, poverty, gambling, and other social issues.
Teacher Thinking Notes: This book could be used in conjunction with a variety of things. It could be read along with an article about children sold into prostitution. The article would involve true stories—this book is fictional. It could also be used as a springboard for writing. Students could read this book and then send letters to appropriate government officials urging them to crack down on the men and women who abuse these innocent children.
Grade or Reading Level: mature 7th grade-adult
Interest Level: very high
Quality Level: very high





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