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Variant
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Variant
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Nov 09, 2012 08:16AM
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I loved this book, however, I would have liked to see it have more of a conclusion. I always feel a little bit "cheated" when I know that if I don't read the sequel I will not find out what happens to my favorite characters.I do think that it would be valuable in helping students understand characterization. We get to hear what the main character is thinking and how he feels about his surroundings. I am not a sci-fi reader so keeping up with the various terms and technology keep me checking if I was reading about a robot or a real person.
The demographic that the author is targeting will love the elements of suspense and adventure in this book.
Variant is a book I have totally enjoyed. It's an easy read and grabs you from the beginning.This is another one that could lend itself for good story structure. There are lots of characters to compare and contrast, lots of try/fails and blocks, and a wonderful setting.
The book is full of questions that go unanswered leaving one anxiously anticipating the next book (luckily I was able to get it and get my questions answered!).
I really enjoyed reading Variant! It was a fun, quick read! I liked that it was different and I was really surprised at the twist in this book. My teenage daughter read it too and we have had fun talking about it together. I am looking forward to meeting the author tomorrow!
Variant immediately captured my attention because of the unique setting. On the first page, the author writes: "The fence was probably twelve feet tall, topped with a spool of razor wire, like the kind of repo lots and prisons. A security camera, mounted on the end of a pole, was the only sign of people--someone, somewhere, was watching us." I loved the concept and mysterious nature of the book. The author did an excellent job describing and illustrating Maxwell Academy and its surroundings without being too verbose. I think several of the passages on setting (like the one on pg. 6, second paragraph) would be great to use with students as examples of setting and discussing the use of setting in the development of plot and story. I enjoyed reading this book from the beginning--it held my attention and was a good read. The only thing is I wish that the ending was more conclusive...does Becky survive? Is their escape successful?
I agree...this would be an excellent book to share in teaching "try/fails." Benson is tirelessly thinking of ways to escape and being blocked from reaching his goal. I think it would be a fun activity for the students to write their own ending to the story at around page 300 to see how they would write Benson's resolution to the story.
If you haven't already seen Rob Wells' blog, you might want to check out the fun "bonus features" of Variant he has posted: http://www.robisonwells.com/category/....
Variant was fun to read because it was like trying to figure out a puzzle. I also liked that there were a couple of times in the book where I actually said out loud, "Oh my" because the twists and turns of the story were so good. This book would be fun in the classroom to analyze and contrast the points of view of different characters. Although Benson is the main narrator, other characters opinions about their situation are equally as strong and it would be fun to compare and contrast why their lifestyle was appealing to some and why it was worth sacrificing everything for others to leave.
When I read I concentrate on characters so much that sometimes I forget how great other elements of the story are. I agree that the setting was well described without being too wordy. I felt as the story developed we understood the layout of Maxfield Academy better and it would be an interesting discussion with young students about how setting isn't just a paragraph at the beginning of a story, but like a character it can be developed.
The author's style of writing engaged me as a reader from the first page. I appreciated the character development especially and the mysterious unfolding of a compelling story. The story completely captivated me. I could not put it down. I often got frustrated, however, as I was mentally trying to fix the problem and get the children away from such a place. I am intrigued as to how the author came up with the plot. I am looking forward to hearing from the author about his writing process on the story. I loved the book.
AT first I wasn't sure if this book would be worth reading. I must say that it eventually pulled me in so I really enjoyed it. It got a bit boring now and then when some lines were repeated. I know it was for the sense of urgency the author was trying to create which would be a good way to help with the core requirement for narrative.It is too bad that so many books must have a sequel go with it. I guess that is what the kids are into now days. All in all good read.
Lori wrote: "I agree...this would be an excellent book to share in teaching "try/fails." Benson is tirelessly thinking of ways to escape and being blocked from reaching his goal. I think it would be a fun act..."Lori, what a great idea. This would cover the core requirement for narrative and add an element of fun as well.
Celeste wrote: "When I read I concentrate on characters so much that sometimes I forget how great other elements of the story are. I agree that the setting was well described without being too wordy. I felt as t..."Celeste, I agree that the development of the setting could have been a bit better. Just as you said, the setting became more clear as the story went along. It would help students a bit more if they could have a clearer picture from the beginning.
I really liked it! This is a surprise because this is not my favorite genre. However, I like to use experiences like this to teach my students to become wide readers--to TRY a different genre and see if they can be accidentally delighted by something out of their comfort zone. I love to have students struggle a bit in deciding WHAT genre they've just read! They ask, "Is it this...is it that...?" And I say, "What do YOU think and WHY is it THAT genre?" They have to argue and prove what they think.
I always like to look deeper and find the author's purpose for writing the book. I feel like it was important for the kids to see that we need to stand up for what we know what is really right and stand up for it. It will get really hard at times to stand alone for that purpose.
Great read!!! A book that is contagious. While reading it, I had multiple people want to read it too. It's a book that you can't put down and people want to know why. I think that would be true with your students too!
I loved this book! It was different, it held my attention, there were a lot of twists and turns. I found it very creative and the characters well-developed and real. I think there would be a lot teachers could do as far as using the literature to discuss describing characters in the story and how they contribute to the sequence of the story. I like this quote, "I looked back at Becky. She was smiling-the same tour-guide grin- only now with red swollen eyes...Becky was real. She had to be." I think a lot of discussion could be generated with regard to the characters- Benson, Isaiah, Jane, Lily, Becky and how they change throughout the story. I think this could definitely be used with core RL standard 5.6 or 4.3.
I also agree that books rarely have an ending in and of itself. The characters are very distinguished.
Love the idea to teach try/fail. I love to turn it into a discussion about right and wrong and perspective too!
As I began reading this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but, it really captured my interest right away! The characters were developed well throughout. I wish there was a conclusion at the end of the book but, will have to read the sequel to answer the questions in my mind! I think many young adult readers would be drawn to this book.
As I read this book I was constantly thinking about how different students in Maxfield Academy reacted to the things that were happening within the school. I think it would be interesting to have students discuss or write about the different points of view of the students in the story. It would be interesting to have them get inside other students' heads like Becky and see why her point of view is different from Benson's at the beginning of the book. What experiences previous to Benson's experience at Maxfield made other students feel differently about running away.
I agree that the element of surprise really helped keep the story moving. I did not see the end coming at all! I am so looking forward to book two. I think that this story has enough description to set the stage but leaves enough unsaid to allow the imagination to fill in the gaps. My emotions were held captive by the book from the love story unfolding to the tension between characters, to the twists throughout.
Lori wrote: "Variant immediately captured my attention because of the unique setting."I agree that the author did very well in describing the setting. It would be interesting to use passages from the book to show students how certain words can help a reader to be able to picture the setting more cleary and how to envoke a feeling.
Variant would be an excellent novel to use as we work with teaching INFERENCE from the New Core. The pacing and intensity of the plot lend to natural inferencing. It would be fun to lead students through a discussion of what they expect to happen and why. We could then practice finding supports from the text to support our various opinions. Kids will love this book. With the sequel, they could check their ideas. Were they right or wrong - or close?
I really liked this book. It definitely sucked me in and was a very quick read. However, when I thought about whether or not I would want to recommend this book to my 16-year-old, African-American foster brother, I have to say that I decided against it. The gang rule, and the fact that it seemed to be presented as OK, and the best way to keep things under control, bothered me. I think if you were going to use this in a classroom setting, it would be important to have some discussions about this, and maybe have the students write some opinion pieces about their thoughts on different aspects of the book.
I first want to say that I hated the violence in this book because I can NOT use it in my 5th grade classroom. In fact I don't think it can be used in most grades. I mean they teach how to make pepper bombs and kids hack each other in the ending. The adults in the story target Foster Kids and then kill the kids. What parent would like appreciate that theme for their kids in my class???So if I were to teach this book in some alternate universe. I would use the common core standard that talks about changes in characters viewpoint and how they approach challenges in a story. I would follow the character Becky and how in the beginning she totally positive of the status quo and then is part of the rebellion.
Personally I liked reading the book as an adult enough that I bought book two Feedback. It is even more violent than Variant but a very quick read. A page turner.
Celeste wrote: "Variant was fun to read because it was like trying to figure out a puzzle. I also liked that there were a couple of times in the book where I actually said out loud, "Oh my" because the twists and..."It really was like trying to figure out a puzzle. I like that comparison. It kept me reading because I can't stand to leave a puzzle without solving it!
Celeste wrote: "When I read I concentrate on characters so much that sometimes I forget how great other elements of the story are. I agree that the setting was well described without being too wordy. I felt as t..."Reply: Then, after a look at the development of the setting, go deeper and tackle the characters and how they develop as the book progresses.
Breann wrote: "Great read!!! A book that is contagious. While reading it, I had multiple people want to read it too. It's a book that you can't put down and people want to know why. I think that would be true wit..."Melanie wrote: "I loved this book! It was different, it held my attention, there were a lot of twists and turns. I found it very creative and the characters well-developed and real. I think there would be a lot..."
I think you would really like Feedback which is the second book because the characters really develop more and it is a page turner.
Jen wrote: "As I read this book I was constantly thinking about how different students in Maxfield Academy reacted to the things that were happening within the school. I think it would be interesting to have s..."I totally agree that each student has a different viewpoint. Often that is based on their background and past. It might be fun to have them write about what they would do in Maxfield Academy and which group that they feel would fit them best. Also to compare groups in their own middle school or high school to groups in Maxfield Academy.
Penny wrote: "I loved this book, however, I would have liked to see it have more of a conclusion. I always feel a little bit "cheated" when I know that if I don't read the sequel I will not find out what happens..."I agree. The ending bothered me. I know he's trying to get people to buy his second book, but I really would have appreciated a little more closure. I did end up reading the second book, and it made me feel better about how things wrapped up, but I would have liked to have had that closure sooner.
As a fifth grade teacher, I would not encourage kids to read this book. I think it is an excellent jr high/high school text. I could use it to share strong verb choice, not found in the new core for fifth grade. A good core concept for 9-12 Literature Standard 1. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. Would be excellent to use with this book. Students would love to gather inferences and text clues that prove there is something wrong with these students..ie some are robots. That is the only way I can see that I would use this text!
Barbara wrote: "The author's style of writing engaged me as a reader from the first page. I appreciated the character development especially and the mysterious unfolding of a compelling story. The story complet..."I totally agree. I was totally engrossed. However, I had to sleep with the lights on after the first chapter. It reminded me of stepford wives. I also thought...are these students dead?? Crazy I know...but very engaging writing.
Jen wrote: "As I read this book I was constantly thinking about how different students in Maxfield Academy reacted to the things that were happening within the school. I think it would be interesting to have s..."I think that would be a great idea. That would really have the students look at why the other students are the way they are. I think it would be a great narrative activity, they would write the backstory of other characters.
Mama wrote: "Variant would be an excellent novel to use as we work with teaching INFERENCE from the New Core. The pacing and intensity of the plot lend to natural inferencing. It would be fun to lead students..."I think the kids would love gathering evidence from this book to prove that something is really wrong with these kids....droids...etc... HOWEVER...I would never use this on an elementary level!
I thought this book would lend itself very easily towards prediction. Students could discuss what happens to characters, or what might happen if they leave the academy. I think there were many opportunities to stop and discuss, have students look at the consequences of choices and what 'could' happen. I think many of my students would be interested in this book.
I was a little leery starting this book, hoping I would really like it. On pg. 4-I was hooked! Where Benson begins to describe in detail his surroundings that included in-depth detail (4th grade Reading Standard 2). I quickly realize my eagerness for this boy to attend this beautiful school was way off course! I liked the twists and turns because it kept me engaged. The characters were so much fun to get to know as well. I do have to say I detested the "ending," if you could call it that. There were too many questions not answered. Reading the first couple of chapters of the second one didn't help me much either. I have many questions about the androids.
Joan, you are spot on! I agree this would be much better for a jr. high setting. Some of the situations could be VERY scary for 10-11 yr olds. I do believe it is a great study for the younger age group though in character study
Jessica wrote: "Penny wrote: "I loved this book, however, I would have liked to see it have more of a conclusion. I always feel a little bit "cheated" when I know that if I don't read the sequel I will not find ou..."Agreed. I hope you are right about the second book, because the first two chapters at the end of Variant didn't answer my questions!
Stephanie wrote: "I thought this book would lend itself very easily towards prediction. Students could discuss what happens to characters, or what might happen if they leave the academy. I think there were many opp..."What a great idea. I've been working a lot harder this year to have students do predictions, so this fits that. I wonder if you could even have them read a chapter and get them to predict. It might even rope them into it on their own. :)
R.L. 6.5 talks about sentences or scenes that change the plot. I could ask the sixth graders where in this book the author does this. One part that does this is 218-220 where Benson finds out that Jane is an android or robot. This was the part of the book that really threw me for a loop because I was not expecting it. R.L. 6.4 discuss how word choice affects tone of the book. On the bottom of page 223, last full paragraph you could really feel Benson's despair. " I wasn't a boyfriend mourning for a lost love; I was a dupe, mourning my own blindness." To me this sounds like how an angry male teen would sound. I would have the sixth graders find other parts in the story that have good word choice and how it made them feel.
I absolutely loved this book! The first chapter had me drawn in and I didn't stop until I'd finished the second book "Feedback". It's geared more to older readers than my fifth graders, but I really liked the author's use of vivid verbs and colorful descriptions. I will use this book in my lessons about getting rid of boring words and using more colorful ones. For example, on page 244 [...the gear they sold practically taunted me into trying to run.] What a great vocabulary word, "taunted". There are many many other examples and it goes along with the ELA common core standard Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Objectives 4 and 5. I just really liked the way the author incorporated more interesting words, that made the story more visual to me.
I very much agree with your analysis of the conclusion. I will have to read the sequel now to end my curiosity. I think this book could be used to satisfy the use of predictions in student writing too.
Jen wrote: "Lori wrote: "Variant immediately captured my attention because of the unique setting."I agree that the author did very well in describing the setting. It would be interesting to use passages from..."
I also loved the author's choice of words which heightened the visual picture of things in the book. I totally enjoyed it!
alisonwonderland wrote: "If you haven't already seen Rob Wells' blog, you might want to check out the fun "bonus features" of Variant he has posted: http://www.robisonwells.com/category/...."Alison, thanks for sharing the link to Rob's blog. It was fun to see the casting photos he used to help with his character development.
I have always enjoyed Sci-fi that begins in today's world and moves forward from reality, so I really enjoyed Variant. I loved the world without adults Wells created, the tension, and surprises. I can certainly see this being a book that will grab reluctant readers. I agree with those who felt this would be a wonderful book for inferring and citing evidence from the text.(RL 1)I didn't love the ending, and I had a hard time figuring out why? Maybe I was hoping that you could trust someone.
Jessica wrote: "I know he's trying to get people to buy his second book, but I really would have appreciated a little more closure."I was interested in the fact that the editor/publisher wanted a different ending than Mr. Wells had originally written ... which was very open-ended but not the cliffhanger/sequel set-up in the published book. Lois Lowry has open endings in The Giver and Gathering Blue - and while I have heard people complain about that, it certainly didn't keep from them being published and much loved!
What do you think about open endings? Does an open ending provide any specific teaching opportunities?
Julie wrote: "R.L. 6.4 discuss how word choice affects tone of the book. On the bottom of page 223, last full paragraph you could really feel Benson's despair. "I wasn't a boyfriend mourning for a lost love; I was a dupe, mourning my own blindness.""I marked the passage with that sentence as being one of my favorite passages of the whole book:
I struggled to get to my feet, fighting the pain but unable to fight the hopelessness. Jane had become my best friend, and now she was gone. But it was worse than death - she had never existed. I wasn't a boyfriend mourning for a lost love; I was a dupe, mourning my own blindness.
The contrasts and the parallels in these sentences make it a powerful paragraph. Both the word choice and the sentence construction affect the tone and its impact on the reader.
Gayle wrote: "I absolutely loved this book! The first chapter had me drawn in and I didn't stop until I'd finished the second book "Feedback". It's geared more to older readers than my fifth graders, but I rea..."I also read both books. I really enjoyed both of them. They are for older students then I teach. I thought It would be interesting to compare the characters from the first book to the characters from the second. Not to give anything away. There are some really interesting traits you could compare.
Gayle wrote, "I will use this book in my lessons about getting rid of boring words and using more colorful ones." Thanks for this great idea! As I was re-reading certain parts of this book I noticed more of the great words and sentences he used. We could also ask our students to find quotes and share them with the class, because a lot of his sentences and paragraphs are also powerful, not just one word.
Teachers' Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Giver (other topics)Gathering Blue (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
Carolyn Haywood (other topics)Lois Lowry (other topics)
