Today when we were talking about our class reading, "Al Capone Does My Shirts", I was really kinds surprised to hear that people didn't like the book. I heard people mention that the book didn't represent Natalie as a person, that it wasn't fair to her, etc. To that I think-
1. The book was told from a 12 year olds point of view. I think that is something that is often over looked in the reading because there is so much pressure and responsibility put on Moose. But at the end of the day, he is a 12 year old boy. He also is younger then Natalie, meaning that he has never been without her in his life. Of course he loves her, and of course he doesn't understand it. But he loves Natalie, and takes pride (especially by the end of the book) in the close bond that he has with his sister.
2.This takes place in the 1930's- families didn't discuss situations like the Moose's family had. It was sometimes considered that the mother was an "icebox"- meaning that she had not been loving enough to her child while she was pregnant, or when the child was very young, hence why many mothers, such as Moose's, blamed themselves in one way or another. Also, many people felt that Natalie's condition was a punishment from God because someone in the family committed a sin. People didn't want to talk about it at all. That could have been a big reason that Moose was reluctant to tell people about his sister, or to openly talk about her. It might not have been because he didn't view her has a whole person, it was more to protect her and protect his family.
3. Natalie, while she is not a conventional character by any means, represents someone with autism. Autism is such an umbrella term- no one is the same-there is not line to cross to say "ok you have autism, ok you dont" Every child with autism is different, and their characteristics are all different too. While Natalie might not be what we think of a child with autism, her characteristics, from what we know, are ones that could fit under the autism spectrum.
4. Growing up on the island is not conventional at all. But, as far as a social life, there was social interaction between all the kids. And it seems to be more socialization then Natalie ever got before they were on the island. And the kids accept her for who she is- at first of course, they were a little worried- but they came to accept Natalie, and it was as if she was one of the gang-disability or not. That's part of what made this book good to use in a classroom I thought. The fact that the kids accepted her, and didn't isolate her is a really good thing-especially considering the times. In fact, the big push right now in special education is for inclusion, and one of the main pluses of inclusion is the social interaction between peers- and that is exactly what the Natalie is getting on the island. I would be willing to bet she is getting a lot more interaction there with peers then she would at the school her parents what her to go to.
Okay, I will step off my soap box now. But I just wonder, if you did not like this book, why? I know we didn't get to talk about it in class today, but I really would like to hear your side because maybe you are seeing something that I am not seeing. Thanks!
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2 comments:
Wow, Katie you hit my feelings on the spot! I was also surprised to hear that people did not like the book. I really enjoyed the read and realized how beneficial this text really is.
It seemed as though my group had concern on whether or not the depiction of Natalie and her family was politically correct and if students would not understand the book and its characters and transformations for what it was. I think that students deserve more credit. I think that they would remember that the time of the story was 1935, in fact I think the book opens many doors for teaching opportunities.
There are so many opportunities in the book to use it to enhance a lesson or unit. I think the book could be used as a historical reference or for a language arts class as well as readings on inclusion and people with disabilities. If used in a classroom appropriately, the book could further teach students to have acceptance for those different than themselves as well as deepen students understanding of people with disabilities.
From class discussions I was not aware that there was such a dislike for the book. In my group it seemed we all liked it and only had issues with the way the mother was portrayed and the relationships she had with Moose and Natalie.
I know when I was reading I had a hard time remembering the story was placed in the 1930s. In today's society kids would still try to catch glimpses of the convicts, scheme to make money, and play baseball. Yet there is a huge difference in how people with disabilities are seen and treated in society. I believe this is one way this book can be used in the class to show just how far society has changed. It was a complete different world that did not have the science or technology to completely understand why people were different as we do today.
It seems people really need to contextualize the book. This book can be very valuable in the classroom, especially in the way, like Katie pointed out, that Natalie is accepted and included with the rest of the kids on the island.
I found the book to be refreshing and different. It was a vastly different story covering issues that are not too often found in children's book and I don't feel that people should judge the book solely on the portrayal of Natalie.
This is not to say I like everything about the book. The mother frustrated me in how MOose was given most of the responsibility to take care of Natalie. She did not seem to understand all that Moose was giving up. Also the end seems a bit abrupt, but these issues do not make it an unworthy book in the classroom.
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