Gantos, Jack. 2011. Dead end in Norvelt. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 9780374379933
Plot Summary
This semi-autobiographical, historical fiction novel takes place in 1962 and centers around a young Jack Gantos after he is grounded for the whole summer for mowing down his mother's corn crop. He is then forced to help his elderly neighbor, Miss Volker, to write their small town's obituaries. Jack ends up truly enjoying his time with Miss Volker and through the obituaries, he experiences lessons in history and adventure, including a town murder mystery.
Critical Analysis
There are many colorful characters in this novel that readers will find themselves rooting for as the story develops. The main character, Jack, is especially relatable from the very beginning when we see an interaction with him and his mother. Jack is relieved school is finally out and ready to begin his summer until his mother comes out and starts hassling him to be careful with the weapons he is playing with and informs him that he must help Miss Volker this summer. Jack is not happy about this and readers will sympathize with his dilemma.
The plot and setting of this novel are very strong and make it easy for the reader to transport their imaginations to the early 1960s as they read along. The plot is simple and mostly realistic in that it is possible for readers to imagine the same scenarios happening to them. The setting is strong because it vividly paints a picture of the typical 1960s life in small-town America. World War II weapons, drive-in movie theaters, Hells Angels, and typewriters are among the many items in this book that take the reader to a different time when things like this did not just sit in museums.
Death is a strong theme in this book and is something all readers can relate to no matter what time period they are living in. From the writing of obituaries to the slow death of Jack's home town, readers are constantly reminded that life and other things do come to an end eventually. Readers today will be able to relate to this theme because it is still something we see in our time.
The style of this book is strong because readers are hearing the stories of young Jack Gantos from adult Jack Gantos. When reading the novel, it feels like hearing the words straight from his mouth giving it a personal and sincere touch. The language used in the book is not so different from today which makes it easy for readers to connect and understand the story. This also lends to the authenticity. There are no citations or recommendations for further reading but because the author wrote this book loosely based on himself, the descriptions of life in the early 60s are believable.
Review Excerpts
Critical Analysis
There are many colorful characters in this novel that readers will find themselves rooting for as the story develops. The main character, Jack, is especially relatable from the very beginning when we see an interaction with him and his mother. Jack is relieved school is finally out and ready to begin his summer until his mother comes out and starts hassling him to be careful with the weapons he is playing with and informs him that he must help Miss Volker this summer. Jack is not happy about this and readers will sympathize with his dilemma.
The plot and setting of this novel are very strong and make it easy for the reader to transport their imaginations to the early 1960s as they read along. The plot is simple and mostly realistic in that it is possible for readers to imagine the same scenarios happening to them. The setting is strong because it vividly paints a picture of the typical 1960s life in small-town America. World War II weapons, drive-in movie theaters, Hells Angels, and typewriters are among the many items in this book that take the reader to a different time when things like this did not just sit in museums.
Death is a strong theme in this book and is something all readers can relate to no matter what time period they are living in. From the writing of obituaries to the slow death of Jack's home town, readers are constantly reminded that life and other things do come to an end eventually. Readers today will be able to relate to this theme because it is still something we see in our time.
The style of this book is strong because readers are hearing the stories of young Jack Gantos from adult Jack Gantos. When reading the novel, it feels like hearing the words straight from his mouth giving it a personal and sincere touch. The language used in the book is not so different from today which makes it easy for readers to connect and understand the story. This also lends to the authenticity. There are no citations or recommendations for further reading but because the author wrote this book loosely based on himself, the descriptions of life in the early 60s are believable.
Review Excerpts
- 2012 Newbery award winner
- School Library Journal- "A fast-paced and witty read.”
Connections
*Take a few minutes to watch this interview from Jack Gantos where he discusses Dead End in Norvelt. http://youtu.be/neiTB_YvTPo
*Explore Norvelt through this website that focuses on Pennsylvania history. http://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-2D6
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