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So B. It
Sarah Weeks; Laura Geringer Book, 2004
Gr. 3 rd-5 th
ISBN: 0066236223
Cost: $16.89
Synopsis:
Heidi’s mom has a vocabulary of only twenty-three words, but the most unusual one is “soof,” a word that only she knows the meaning of. Heidi’s unconventional home life has her looking after her mentally retarded mother and their “unique” neighbor Bernadette. Bernadette has been Heidi’s teacher in many areas, but Bernadette has a problem – she refuses to go outside her apartment.
Heidi has a lucky streak that always seems to make good things happen just when she needs it. Heidi’s desire to learn the truth behind her mother’s early life and the meaning of her mother’s mysterious word, leads her on a journey across the country in search of the past.
General Review:
Heidi’s desire to learn more about her mother’s background will resonate with many students as they pursue information about their own families. Starred reviews in Booklist and VOYA.
Themes: Family, Identity, Mothers and Daughters, Friendship, Mental Illness, Social Issues
Author web sites: http://www.sarahweeks.com
http://www.harperchildrens.com/authorintro/index.asp?authorid=12867
Discussion Questions: Standard 2: Benchmark 2
- The title, So B. It, could have several meanings. What do you think the title means?
- One of the themes of the book is “What is truth?” Explain what you think this means in relationship to the book.
- Heidi has tremendous responsibilities for someone so young. She shops for her mother, runs errands for Bernie, and baby-sits for a neighbor in order to earn money they need. How do these experiences influence Heidi as she grows up?
- Heidi is afraid she will end up like her mother, full of missing pieces, if she does no go to Liberty to discover her past (p. 85). Do you think that taking this journey is worth the pain it causes Bernie?
- Heidi seems to be a very lucky person, but after the journey to learn about her personal history ends, her lucky streak seems to disappear. What is the significance of Heidi losing her luck?
Activity Suggestions:
- Mama’s mysterious word soof is an important part of the story. If you were writing a similar story, is there a different word that you would make Mama’s mysterious word? Why? What is the significance of the word you would choose to use? (Standard 2: Benchmark 2)
- One of the lessons that Heidi learns is that life is not fair. Discuss the people and events in Heidi’s life, and then create a Venn Diagram that shows which people and events were fair and which were unfair. (Standard 2: Benchmark 2)
- Bernadette selflessly and patiently takes care of Heidi and her mother, who both need a caretaker. Why do you think she is willing to spend her time and money on people she does not know? What benefits, if any, does Bernadette receive? Consider and discuss these questions, and then write a short paper – 2 or 3 paragraphs – about a person that means so much to you that you would do the kind of things Bernadette did? (Standard 2: Benchmark 4 and Standard 4: Benchmark 2)
- Perform the Reader’s Theatre script for So B. It found on Sarah Weeks website, and then hold a class discussion about the performance. (Standard 3: Benchmark 4)
