Defiance
Defiance. Hobbs, Valerie, Frances Foster Books, 2005
Grade Level: 6-8
ISBN & Cost: 0-374-30847-0 $16.00
Synopsis: Toby’s mother is driving him crazy with her over-protectiveness because he has been very ill Even their summer “vacation” isn’t really relaxing—he has to try to get her off his trail so he can even ride the bike he found, or visit his friend Pearl and her tranquil cow, Blossom. The experiences Toby and Pearl share with Blossom help them discover new paths leading toward their own freedom, regardless of circumstances they are trying to overcome.
General Review: Anyone who has ever faced challenges in dealing with illness or other difficulties will be able to relate to Toby and Pearl, who, although quite different in many ways including age, still connect. Toby has cancer and Pearl is losing her sight, but both have many talents and much to teach each other about life. It is apparent from this book that learning can continues at all ages, and somehow even difficulties can provide some positive insight when you are open to bonding with others.
Themes: Death; Hope; Cancer; Poets; Cows; Country life
Author information: Valerie Hobbs is the recipient of the 1999 PEN/Norma Klein Award, a biennial prize that recognizes "an emerging voice of literary merit among American writers of children's fiction." She holds a B.A. and an M.A. in English from the University of California at Santa Barbara, where she now teaches academic writing. Valerie lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband. (Publisher’s website)
Defiance has been awarded: ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, Kirkus Best Books of 2005, Children's Literature Council of Southern California "distinguished book of the year"
Author’s Website: http://www.valeriehobbs.com/
Discussion Questions: Standard 3; Benchmark
1. Do you think Toby’s mom was right in attempting to protect him from things she thought were dangerous?
2. How did Toby respond, and why?
3. Why did Toby seek friendship from Pearl and Blossom?
4. Why did both Toby and Pearl identify with the sign “Whoever steals my freedom takes my life?” Do you?
5. What did Toby and Pearl learn from each other, and from Blossom?
Activities:
- Toby and Pearl read poetry together. Discuss with students some of the poets mentioned in the book. Research information about: Robert Frost, Dylan Thomas, Thomas Hardy. Standard 1 Benchmark 5 .
- Look up poetry written by students in your age group. Ask students to find a poem they think Toby would like to show Pearl, and read it to the class. Standard 3. Benchmark 2.
- Ask students to write their own poems about “freedom” from their own points of view. Use some of the poems you have found for ideas, etc. about writing your own poem .These don’t necessarily have to “rhyme,” and don’t be afraid to express yourself in poetry in your own way! Standard 4, Benchmark 2
Similar Books for Further Reading:
Rue, Nancy N., Sophie's stormy summer,
Kuns, Judith Irvin, While you were out,
Carrick, Carol, Upside-down cake,
Napoli , Donna Jo, The bravest thing,
Cohen, Barbara , The long way home