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Young Man and the Sea, The

Publication Information

Author: Philbrick, Rodman

Illustrator:

Title: Young Man and the Sea, The

Date: 2004

Publisher: Scholastic

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 0-439-36829-4

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL: Yes

Family: Yes

Young Adult: Yes

Picture:

General Information:

Book Type(s): fiction

HSE Descriptor(s):

Summary:

In an attempt to push his father out of the alcohol-fueled funk he's been in since his wife died, 12-year-old Skiff Beaman repairs the family fishing boat and meets a 900-lb. tuna 30 miles at sea.

Teaching Ideas:

There are so many writing and discussion opportunities arising from this realistic adventure. Although Skiff's mother appears only in his and his father's remarks, readers will enjoy consolidating these references in a character sketch of a wise, spunky woman. Who would want to discuss Skiff's remark (p. 51-52) "It's like when I'm in a mood, being miserable is the only thing that makes me happy." Both Skiff's plans for repairing the Mary Rose and his preparations for hunting tuna provide material for process writing. Readers can find many examples of Skiff's kindness and thoughtfulness to aged Mr. Woodward as well as examples of the kindesses of people in the community to Skiff. Speculate about what the issue was between father and Mr. Croft and perhaps the future between Skiff and Tyler. Students could research the fishing industry.

Teaching Strategies: