Friday, May 08, 2009

Review: All The Broken Pieces

All the Broken Pieces
Ann E. Burg
2009; Scholastic; 978-0-545-08092-7 (hardcover)

Summary: It's been two years since Matt Pin left Vietnam behind, but in some ways, he hasn't left it at all. He's still haunted by leaving his mother, by the accident that crippled his little brother. And being in America, adopted by a loving family, has only partly relieved his fears. What if his family decides to give him up? Is there any way for Matt to heal the broken pieces inside of him?

A moving novel in verse, All the Broken Pieces blends historical fiction, family concerns, and baseball into a compelling story. Through imagery and rhythm, Burg brings to life Matt's nightmares and hopes, allowing readers to catch a hint of the terror of war-torn Vietnam and the beginning of Matt's healing. A great choice for middle school readers, especially for boys, All the Broken Pieces shows how there are many steps as you repair a shattered life.

If you'd like to learn more, view this booktalk I created, featuring readings from the book.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

this is beautiful....