Picture the scene... I'm into my very lofty reading goals for the summer. I'm racing through some great books. I'm half way through Eric Walters' book, 'Alexandria of Africa' and I LEFT the book at the neighbourhood pool!!! Argh! So frustrating. And it's a library book. Oops! Good thing I'm the librarian. I need to practice what I preach.
So I will start a post about this book and have to finish it when I locate the missing copy.
I've been wanting to read this book for a while. It is popular in the library. I try to read the unpopular books in order to broaden horizons of my students; but decided to see if this one was as good as the preteen readers proclaim.
I have to say Walters seems to have a definite theme wherein teens that are off the rails get payback through some very extreme punishments. It can be quite satisfying. Alexandria is another tough teen who is spoiled and has never had to account for her behaviour. She is given an opportunity to serve 'time' in Africa, working for a charity. Another Walters theme is novels which center around African communities struggling with lack of resources needed to provide the basic necessities. Teens learning lessons in a different, eye opening environment is not only satisfying but educational for Walters audience. We should be very thankful for these life lessons!
'Alexandria of Africa' teaches some great lessons. Where I am currently, she has just visited the school which lacks many western touches, but makes up for this in the spirit of its students. Literally, the middle of the book and our protagonist is starting to show signs of humanity!
Stay tuned for an update of the status of my lost library book and Alexandria's adventures.
5 hours later: Update!!! Book found! phew!
Finished this evening and it was a predictable ending. It was satisfying to know that Alexandria learned that the excess that she enjoys at home is not even close to the norm in other parts of the world. All people, young and old should have a similar experience. It is so hard to teach gratitude on a daily basis when we do have so much and we are so lucky in many ways.
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