To Hell with Dying
Publication Information
Author:  Walker, Alice	Illustrator:  Deeter, Catherine
Title:  To Hell with Dying	Date:  1988
Publisher:  Harcourt Brace Jovanovich	City:  San Diego
ISBN, paperback:	ISBN, hardback:  0-15-289074-2
Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes	ESOL:
Family:   Yes	Young Adult:
Picture:   Yes
General Information:
Book Type(s):    fiction, memoirs/reminiscences
HSE Descriptor(s):
Summary:
Because of the controversial subject matter and the language of the title, this book would have to be introduced carefully and treated sensitively. The author tells the story of growing up down the road from old alcoholic Mr. Sweet, who would fall on his death bed from time to time. She and her little brother would revive Mr. Sweet by loving him and playing his guitar and letting him know he was needed. Walker makes a comment on the importance of love over respectability.
Teaching Ideas:
This book could be paired with others about the African American experience, could be used in a unit on family and community, or could be used in a unit on dying. Students may want to explore how Walker uses specific details to make the memory come alive. It is a good introduction to Alice Walker's writing.
Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
Ethnic Groups > African-American Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > death Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > group > relationships > intergenerational Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > love Social Studies > sociology > social issues > drug addiction > alcoholism

We welcome your comments