Randalls Wall

Rating:
Summary: A strong book with troubling flaws.
Review: I read this book at my 5th-grade son's suggestion -- he had read it for a school project. Generally, the book was good, and the author is to be congratulated for confronting the main character's serious problems. However, I was stung when a passing reference one of the female characters made to what sounded a lot like an eating disorder was never revisisted or addressed in any way. With that ringing in my mind, I saw the book in a different light and found myself troubled by casual mentions of possible drug addiction, domestic violence, abandonment and other serious problems. I tried to ease my mind by comparing this book to other literature ... is Randall's father the same as Huck's Pap? No, I realized, because Pap is a three-dimensional character, while Randall's father is simply a violent, drunken man. While I was pleased and charmed to find that Randall overcame his problems because kind people reached out to him and because he had a gift that drew them to him, I found that the book lacked any strong statement about how people overcome difficulties. Its solutions were hopeful and pleasant, but they seemed too simplistic and almost naive. I suppose what is most important is my son's reaction to the book -- he enjoyed it, and that's why he recommended it to me. Unfortunately, had I read it first, I would not have suggested it to him.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for teaching tolerance to 8-12 year olds
Review: Upper elementary and middle school kids can be brutal to those considered different. This book brings home the point that all people have value and how we treat others has a profound affect on how they feel about themselves. Randall has the worst of all worlds. An abusive father, an absolutely horrible home complete with bed bugs, and no friends. His dirty body is a "wall" that keeps those away who hurt with their unkind remarks. He is amazing in his artistic talent, though, and escapes into his drawings. One child takes it upon herself to tear down Randall's wall, whether her efforts are good or bad in their results. The book unfolds into a story with humor, sadness and hopefulness. I read this book to my 4th and 5th graders yearly and I can tell from the way they hang on to every word that they understand those children who are "different" may be Randalls who need care and compassion. It opens a wonderful dialogue between teacher or parent and child. It is highly recommended.