Module 3- Verse Novel

Applegate, Katherine. Home of the Brave, New York: Square Fish, 2007. ISBN- 978-0-329-71277-8.

Review:

Applegate writes a compelling free verse novel of Kek, a Sudanese refugee and his experiences in America. There are four parts and an epilogue which begin with an African Proverb. Applegate captures the loss and guilt Kek feels at being the survivor of his family. He saw his father and brother killed and had to leave his mother to hide from the attackers. He has come to America not knowing where his mother is or if she is alive. Applegate uses similes, metaphors, and personifications well in her free verse poem to describe things through Kek's eyes. For example, "The icy air kicks at my chest". Kek is not used to the cold air and it can feel like a heavy blow to your body when first inhaling freezing air. In this alien world, Kek feels overwhelmed and lost at times, but finds solace in a lonely gariatric cow. In his tribe, everything has a place and purpose in life around cattle. Kek begins to tend to the cow and befriends it-a small glimmer of home. I recommend this book to classroom teachers, especially ESL classroom teachers. Many students will be able to identify with Kek's feelings and experiences.  

Introduction:

Have students discuss these questions and write down responses on poster paper:

How many of you have moved here from another school? Another country?

How does it feel to be the "new kid" in school?

How many of you did not speak English when you first came here?

How did that make you feel?

What made you feel better during this time?

Poem:

expert from Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

Again I'm learning

that America people

don't understand the wonder of a cow.

Maybe if they had more cows

on the TV machine,

people would begin to feel as Ganwar and I do.

You can have your dogs and cats,

your gerbils and hamsters

and sleek sparkling fish.

But you will  have lived

just half a life

if you never love a cow.

Extension:

Have students choose 1 or 2 similes, metaphors, and/or personifications from the verse novel. Have them illustrate the simile, metaphor, and/or personification. Then have students create similes, metaphors, and personifications and share with the group.