Mr. Murphy
asked:
Considering adding this book to my classroom library. Does it tend to glorify self harm? Or is it a book that can speak life to teens struggling with this issue?
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Girl in Pieces,
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Cheriee Weichel
I think it depends on the age of your students and who they are. I have met students in elementary school who were cutting themselves. The book has sexual content, drinking, and self harm, but none of it is glorified here. I would selectively give it to readers aged 12 - 13 and up.
Janae Salinas
It all depends on the age of the children you teach. This book talks about drugs, alcoholism, sexual engagement, self-mutilation and many other hard topics children may not understand or read maturely. This book definitely is a book for a more mature group of students and is not likely to get across to 12-13 year olds. 14+ is a good age to read this book, because those students will definitely enjoy this type of book. The book does talk about these things with respect and does not seem to tempt the reader into wanting to do these things. It really makes these actions seem less than enjoyable and would probably steer students in the right direction.
Clementine
I agree with Renee: It definitely doesn't glorify self-harm. There are a lot of characters that are constantly running from things, though. I'm worried the book might tempt and uncertain students to flee because although Charlie's life was sad she doesn't seem to say anything about missing school. She's just in survival mode.
Renee Mihulka
It certainly does not glorify self harm. I liked it because it dealt with a lot of issues and with people suffering and making bad choices and did so with empathy and respect. But most of all there is always a sliver of hope for everyone, especially Charlie, which I think is crucial for this age group to latch on to. It shows how easy it is to slide back into old habits and how hard it is to drag yourself out, but that you can do it.
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