Module 7: Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie

Module 7: (October 4-10)

Sonnenblick, J. (2004). Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Summary: In this book we meet Steven, who loves playing drums more than almost anything. However, when is little brother is diagnosed with leukemia, Steven’s world is turned upside down, and drumming becomes one of the only ways he can cope with the guilt, anger, and fear his brother’s illness has caused. Steven struggles to balance band practice, homework, and the ever increasing void between him and his parents as his brother gets treatment. Eventually the family finds hope that they might all be okay thanks to the kindness of strangers.

My Impressions: I read this book just after I finished Deadline by Chris Crutcher, and I am so glad this had a different ending! I don’t think I could have handled two cancer deaths in one week, especially since Jeffrey was only five-years-old. I think this is a great debut for Sonnenblick, and I hope he keeps writing such heartfelt, complicated characters in the future. I found out in the discussion boards that there is a sequel to this book which I hope to read soon!

Reviews: “First-time author Sonnenblick has pulled off a rare feat. Not only did he make this story about a 13-year-old boy, whose little brother contracts leukemia, real and raw and heart-rending, he made it hysterically funny as well…. the reader falls in love with the brothers, laughing and crying by turns and rooting for both of them until it almost hurts.”—Kirkus Book Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/jordan-sonneblick/drums-girls-and-dangerous-pie/

“A story that could have morphed into melodrama is saved by reality, rawness, and the wit Sonnenblick infuses into Steven's first-person voice. The recriminations, cares, and nightmares that come with a cancer diagnosis are all here, underscored by vomiting, white blood cell counts, and chemotherapy ports. Yet, this is also about regrouping, solidarity, love, and hope. Most important for a middle-grade audience, Sonnenblick shows that even in the midst of tragedy, life goes on, love can flower, and the one thing you can always change is yourself.—Ilene Cooper. Booklist.*

"A brave book . . . Jordan Sonnenblick carries it off with such charm and élan, you forget for a moment your heart is breaking."—Frank McCourt*

*(Both reviews from this site). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/0439755204/sr=1-1/qid=1290935033/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1290935033&sr=1-1

Library Use: This book might be good for a bibliography of realistic fiction that both boys and girls would like. It might also be possible to do something with main characters that play instruments, like “If you play drums, you might like…” or “If you play guitar you might like…” People that are musically inclined might appreciate a list of characters and books that have similar interests.

Image retrieved from: http://www.amazon.com/Drums-Girls-Dangerous-DANGEROUS-Hardcover/dp/B002VKTYFY/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290837247&sr=1-16