Theories of Relativity by Barbara Haworth-Attard (2003) is true to life, according to youth who live just like Dylan and the other characters in the book. Dylan is 16 years old and lives on the street; he was forced onto the streets by his mom on his 16th birthday.
He must survive, and will do almost whatever it takes to survive; though, he won't give in to Vulture, a guy who is as conniving and manipulative as his nickname suggests.
Dylan develops his own personal "theories" as he lives on the streets, yet certain experiences challenge these theories, for better and for worse, and challenge his ability to survive physically and mentally.
Haworth-Attard includes an Author's Note to all the young adults who read this book, and it's an important message they need to know: "be aware of that kid on the corner of a city street.....You will grow up to help run this country and inherit the problem. We must all work toward a solution" (230).
Thank you, Barbara Haworth-Attard.
BOOKS SAVE LIVES!!!
3 years ago
This reflection is from my student assistant, Lisa, who is quite the avid reader and my go-to resource when it comes to information about authors, publishers, and the industry at-large.
ReplyDeleteThis book reminds me of the saying, out of sight out of mind. On the North shore, it is very easy to forget the problems of poverty and homeless teens and children. However, reading about Dylan makes it impossible to forget again that not all teens even have a home. Even right now, we can be making a difference. Through various clubs at school and community service it is possible to help people like Dylan and make a difference today, which is just as important as making a difference tomorrow.