Peet, Mal Life: An Exploded Diagram, 416
pgs. Candlewick Press, 2011. $14.28 Language: PG-13 (20+ swears, 3
‘f’); Mature Content – PG13; Violence: PG;
What makes a life? Clem Ackroyd tells his story
from World War II to 9/11. Clem comes from a working-class family in
England. His mom, Ruth, met George Ackroyd during World War II and she
became pregnant with Clem. George returns from the war where he faced
unimaginable things. They move in with Ruth’s mom, Win, and there the
story really begins. Clem does well in school and is able to advance to a
school where he learns art and new experiences. Win is a sad and lonely
woman who finds solace in religion. There is a great part where Win joins
with a cult leader who predicts the end of the world. George finds work
with a wealthy landowner. Clem falls for a girl named Frankie who is the
daughter of the landowner. They sneak around in clandestine meetings
where they discover love and each other. The whole story is set against
the backdrop of major world events during the time frame of the book.
A
lot of the book takes place in the 1960’s during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The writing was wonderful and the story was enjoyable for me as it provided a
glimpse at my own experiences with these historical events.
The story is a great story. I loved reading
it. It felt much older than a young adult novel. There is
considerable talk about sex and the young couple learning about their emotions,
love, and physical attractiveness to each other. Because of the sexual
situations I think it would be only appropriate in a high school. It
would be for more mature readers.
HS – OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Warren Child,
Library Media Specialist Cyprus HS
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