| Booktalk
#1
Carolina is the youngest of
four girls living in a small Appalachian town in the 1950s. Carolina
feels very small and insignificant next to her sisters. She feels
like nothing at all. Now, meet her cousin Tadpole. Wonder how
he got his name? Well, he got it by eating a live tadpole.
ICK! Well, Tadpole is living in an abusive household. In spite
of this, he is optimistic and has a flair of making the best of everything.
He alternates between living with his uncle and living with Carolina's
family. When he runs away, he stays with Carolina's family who agree
to help him. Tadpole's effect on Carolina is electric.
Booktalk #2
It’s the summer of 1955 in
rural Kentucky. Tadpole comes to visit his cousins - Carolina, Kentucky,
Virginia, and Georgia. The girls were all named for states their father
had visited. Tadpole, well, he once swallowed a live tadpole and
had been known by his nickname ever since! Tadpole’s talent for playing
the guitar and making people laugh ensures his popularity with everyone.
But then the family learns the terrifying truth: Tadpole’s uncle
has been abusing him. Can the cousins and their mother keep Tadpole
safe from future harm? Read Tadpole by Ruth White to learn how this
family deals with the tragedy of physical abuse. (Deborah Wolfe, South
Carolina Book Awards, 2006)
Booktalk #3
In
the summer of 1955, money is tight for the Collins family, but some how
they manage to fit in cousin Tadpole when he shows up on their doorstep
in rural Kentucky. With his good cheer and exceptional guitar playing,
you would never know Tad’s heartbreaking secret. He’s running away from
abusive Uncle Matt, his legal guardian. Tad, never thinking of himself
even in the greatest danger, becomes an inspiration to all. He brings out
the best in everyone, including Carolina who never though she had talent.
But Uncle Matt is determined to make life miserable for Tad and the Collins
family. Will Tad be able to escape this horrible man? Greater things are
yet to come. (Jean B. Bellavance for Pennsylvania
Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2005-2006) |
