Book Detail

Can't Get There from Here

Publication Information
Author:  Strasser, Todd Illustrator:  
Title:  Can't Get There from Here Date:  2004
Publisher:  Simon & Shuster City:  New York
ISBN, paperback:  0-689-84169-8 ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Young Adult:   Yes
Picture:  

General Information:
Book Type(s):    fiction

HSE Descriptor(s):   

Summary:
This fictional story of homeless teens trying to survive on NYC streets in winter recounts the perils of drugs, sex, starvation, cold, and the help of a few who try to intervene. This is a gripping story, but not for the faint of heart.

Teaching Ideas:
The book could be used to examine problem solving (options and consequences) of the main characters. Perhaps more interesting still would be an examination of the abuses that pushed these outsiders onto the streets. Readers could keep a reading journal of what helped them and what did not and why. Discussion and writing topics abound: How is the group like a family and how not? Why does the policeman tell Maybe that "pretty soon there will be no going back (p. 122)?"

Teaching Strategies:
bullet Discussion Webs
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/discussion_webs.pdf
bullet Helping Students in the Writing Process
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/help_writing_process.pdf
bullet Types of Journals
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/types_of_journals.pdf
bullet Problem and Solution Outline and Text Frame
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/prob_solution.pdf
bullet (Write and Share) 2
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/write_share2.pdf

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > death
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > physical issues > health
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > life choices > problem solving
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > physical issues > safety
bullet Hardships > survival
bullet Communities > urban
bullet Family > family life
bullet Family > teenagers
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > personal issues > individual > depression


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