Shusterman, Neal.
Challenger Deep, 321pgs. Harper Collins, 2015. $17.99. Language:
PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content:
PG ; Violence: PG.
Caden Bosch lives two realities-- one of the daily
home/school/friends routine, and the other as a sailor on a pirate ship bound
for the Marianas Trench. As Caden grapples with the storm of his brain, readers
experience what it is to live with delusion, be admitted to a mental health
ward, and face the triumph and despair of trying to cope.
It's a story of mental illness and wellness, inspired by
Shusterman's own son. Challenger Deep gives
a voice to thousands of people who suffer from mental illness, but receive
little awareness and support. Caden’s story is critically important
reading—since this book is based in fact, the reader gets a real sense of what
it’s like to fear your own mind. It’s tight, compelling storytelling that
leaves you with hope. Because of the
content in the book, and its format, younger readers may struggle to understand
the plot. 8th grade would probably be a good minimum year
I rated the book PG for content—there are subtle allusions
to sexual behavior. These examples include a boy drawing a phallus on paper,
and a boy and girl spooning in bed. (Nothing sexual comes of it) There are also
violent things that happen, but are not described in detail, and they are
subtle enough that younger readers will not understand. These examples include
an attempt at suicide and battle on a pirate ship.
MS, HS - ESSENTIAL
Reviewer: Megan Straw, Language Arts Teacher
FYI - This is Megan's first review for KTB. Her review is a little more objective than her effusive gushing as she was reading the book. She loved that the book forced her to slow down and digest it in small pieces instead of reading at lightning speed as usual. It was so much fun to see her so giddy over this book. Megan is one of the smartest people I know and her knowledge of literature is vast. I am really hoping that I can get her to write more reviews in the future. --Cindy
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