Cormier, R. (1999). Frenchtown Summer. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 9780440228547
· Plot Summary
Eugene is experiencing Summer in Frenchtown, narrating the events as they happen for the curious reader. He is twelve, and begun his first paper route, but it's circumstances surrounding his family and neighbors that are the most interesting. From the boy who dies after tormenting Eugene (causing the narrator to believe he can cause everyone to die at will), to his grieving aunt mourning her dead son, and the suicide of Eugene's uncle, a poignant picture is given.
· Critical Evaluation
Everything is revealed using poetry, including the mentions of deaths that cause the deceased to be buried in unhallowed ground and the details of Eugene's nocturnal emissions. Innovative presentation of vignettes that might otherwise be dry.
· Reader’s Annotation
Serious topics as viewed through the eyes of a twelve year-old boy. No subject is too grim, yet the reader isn't brought down by it, because the lines flow so naturally.
· Information about the author
Robert Cormier was a journalist that turned to writing novels, and has received multiple awards for his efforts, including several Best Books for Young Adults from ALA. He lives in Leominster, MA with his wife, and the pair have four grown children.
· Genre
Poetry, Fiction
· Booktalking Ideas
Suicide repercussions and burial customs.
Mourning and grief in the lives of young people.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-9/Ages 10-14
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
The use of poetry to tell about daily events was intriguing. Eugene's story might be one told by a million boys his age, but the poetry makes it all stand out.
