Introduction to the Book Review Tonight by Sea

What is a book review? A book review gives some information about the book, along with the opinion of the writer about the book, usually with a recommendation on the value of the book to a potential reader. In college courses in language arts, and also in other subject areas as well, you will likely be asked to write book reviews, to share information with classmates about selected books.

Journal Activity Find and read the book review on Chris Crutcher’s Young Adult novel Whale Talk in our Student Work pocket in pocket knowledge. The review was written by a high school senior and is a good example of what we are aiming for. As you read, think about the novel Whale Talk. What could the writer have added? Would you be interested in reading this book? Why or why not? Discuss, and write responses in your journal.

Beginning your book review You will write a book review of your own about the book Tonight by Sea. Your book review will be about 2 pages, double-spaced.

Your Book Review will include: A summary introducing 3 main Characters of your choice Setting at the water’s edge Plot – what happens? An in-depth discussion of one of the book’s themes Your opinion and recommendation about the book

Themes of the book to explore Leaving home for a better place – when might it need to happen? Why? What do Uncle, and the people in the village see in Miami, Florida? Why do they want to go there? What are some possible outcomes? Politics and life – what are some results of an unjust political system? What was happening in Haiti in the mid 1990’s? Who was Aristide and why do the book’s characters feel so strongly about him? When is it necessary for people, like Paulie and Jean-Desir, to become involved? Caring for the environment – why are there not enough shellfish to eat in Paulie’s village? What scarce resources from the environment do they need to build their boat? What is the role of information technology in the story Tonight by Sea? What are the attitudes toward the reporter, photography, the radio? How do all of these change life? Do they make it better? The symbolism of the boat Chache Lavi – how was the boat constructed, rowed, and sailed? What did it mean to the people of the village?

To Do in Class In the computer lab, begin a free- write, which we will edit and revise together next week, of your responses to some of the prompts above. Print out with your name and today’s date, and hand in at the end of class. Continue at home, along with your Journal Entry #2