One of those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya. 2004. ONE OF THOSE HIDEOUS BOOKS WHERE THE MOTHER DIES. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-85820-5

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

 Boston teen Ruby Milliken’s mother has recently succumbed to cancer. Not only does she have to come to terms with this horrific event, but she has to do it on the other side of the country from her friends and boyfriend. This is because her father, a famous movie star that divorced Ruby’s mother before she was born, lives all the way in Los Angeles. Needless to say, Ruby is not happy.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

 Sonya Sones has a clever writing voice. She takes the subject of a teen losing her mother to cancer and having to move clear across the country away from everything she knows, and makes it an enjoyable, and often times humorous, read.

The novel is written in verse, a style of poetry writing that the average book reader may have to get used to. The entries are short—one to two pages long—and offer quick insights into Ruby’s mind. She also writes emails to her best friend Lizzie and boyfriend Ray, and even to her dead mother. The story is poignant and our lead character is quirky and quick-minded. Young adults everywhere will find a new favorite author in Sones.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “It's solid and well written, and Sones has a lot to say about the importance of carefully assessing people and situations and about opening the door to one's own happiness.”

Starred review in BOOKLIST: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*Lead the teens in a discussion about the loss of a parent. Has anyone in the group experienced this, or have a friend who has? Did this book come across as realistic? Do they think it would be helpful to someone who has lost a parent? What did they think of the verse format of the book?

*More verse novels by this author:

Sones, Sonya. STOP PRETENDING: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN MY BIG SISTER WENT CRAZY. ISBN 0064462188

            Sones, Sonya. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. ISBN 0689855532

*More young adult novels written in verse:

            Hopkins, Ellen. CRANK. ISBN 1416995137

            Schroeder, Lisa. I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME. ISBN 1416955208