Wolitzer, Meg. Belzhar. New York. Dutton Books, 2014

I just barely got this read under the wire! So many of my colleagues have been considering this as Printz 2015 material, so I wanted to get it done before the big announcement. Cutting it close; story of my library year.

Honestly, the title did not disappoint. The story begins with Jam Gallagher’s arrival at a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont. We, the readers, believe that she is here because of her inability to function after the death of her boyfriend. This is school is designed for kids who feel broken and unable to function in their traditional environments. She learns through her roommate that she is enrolled in the class that everyone wants - Special Topics in English. Handpicked by its teacher Mrs. Quenell, Jam, Griffen, Marc, Sierra, and Casey embark on a very special some what fantastical journey that involves a classic red journal and the works of Sylvia Plath. They are instructed to look out for each other. What a perfect message that is for our students in and of itself. We do need to take care of one another.

A beautifully crafted novel, this novel was appealing in so many ways. Jam is a complex, fully realized character. As an adult, I didn’t relate to her loss nearly as well as I know my readers will. They will feel the pain and be, perhaps, just a bit frustrated with her parents’ and friends’ seeming lack of understanding. We get to watch her grieve and grow and change and heal...we notice even before she does. Gradually, we learn the stories of all of the students in Special Topics and we begin to root for their successes too.

Since I am an English teacher as well as a librarian, I loved the class discussions revolving around Sylvia Plath, her works, and her life. Absolutely librarians and English teachers believe in the power of literature to influence and change. Early in her narrative, Jam reflects on her teacher, “Everyone is paying very close attention to her. We’re talking about the novel, right? But maybe we’re not. We’re talking about ourselves. And I guess that what can start to happen when you talk about a book.” Beautiful.

I will be able to book talk this title in a couple of ways. I focus on a series of books set in boarding schools with my juniors. I can fit this one in quite nicely. I have also just recently book talked Your Own Sylvia by Stephanie Hemphill. The readers who pick it up, might enjoy following that read with this one. Certainly books of loss...books of coming of age..books with a bit of mystery. I am anxious for more of my kids to read this one!

On another note, I haven’t read The Bell Jar yet. If I ever begin to feel just a bit less slammed, I am going to pick up a copy. Add it to the list...