One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones Sonya. 2004. One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689858208

PLOT SUMMARY

In Sonya Sones verse novel One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, we meet 15-year-old Ruby Milliken. Ruby is devastated by the death of her mother and to make matters worse she must say goodbye to her best friend and amazing boyfriend. She is forced to move across the country to live with her movie star dad, whom she's never met. Ruby is furious that her mother's dead and now she must go live with the man that abandoned her before she was ever born. However, Ruby soon learns that things are not always as they seem and that everyone deserves a second chance.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies, Sonya Sones flawlessly captures the voice of 15-year-old Ruby Milliken. Sones' novel is written in blank verse poetry, so the length and complexity of each poem varies throughout the novel. However, Sones use of imagery weaves around 200 separate poems into an emotional and well-crafted novel. Although the novel is meant to be read in its entirety, the rhythm of the poems lend themselves to being read aloud, individually.

Separately, the poems are emotional, but combined the poems are compelling. The whole collection must be read in order to fully appreciate the emotional impact of the poems. The poem “We flip to the next page,” details a profound moment in which Ruby finds out that her absentee father has always longed for a relationship with her. The poem is full of  revelations; however, the impact of the poem is reduced when it is not read in the context of the novel.

This book will appeal to young adults because the poems are written from the perspective of a 15-year-old girl. The references to current movie stars and fashion trends along with the use of slang terms provides a modern appeal. The language Sones uses in the poems resonates with the target, young adult, audience. In the verse “I don't know why they call it Lakewood,” Sones illustrates what it's like being at a new school and trying to fit in. Lines like “I can feel a huge zit / blooming on the tip of my nose. / It's flashing on and off like a neon sign,” brilliantly capture the insecurities of adolescent youth.

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies creates a good opportunity to discuss grief and the life changes that young adults experience. The book also provides an excellent opportunity to discuss various types of poetry.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW, 2004: “A satisfying, moving novel that will be a winner for both eager and reluctant readers.”

KLIATT REVIEW, 2004: “Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students.”

THE ALAN REVIEW, 2005: “Young readers will be drawn to the journalistic feel, poetic set-up, and page-long chapters.”

AWARDS

• Society of School Librarians International Book Awards: Honor Book, 2004
• YALSA Best Books for Young Adults: 2005
• John and Patricia Beatty Award: Finalist, 2005

CONNECTIONS

• Ask students to select their favorite poem and read it aloud. Then, discuss how this type of novel differs from a traditional novel.

• Discuss dream interpretation and share some books about Freudian and Gestalt theory.

• Ask students to share their experiences with other verse novels. Share a list of other novels in verse, including:
• What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones
• Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff
• God Went to Beauty School by Cynthia Rylant
• Street Love by Walter Dean Meyers