WORTH by A. LaFaye
Book Review: Historical Fiction
WORTH by A. LaFaye
Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. WORTH. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. ISBN 0689857306
Plot Summary
After Nathaniel’s leg is shattered in a freak farming accident, he is bitter, frustrated, angry and mourns the sense of self. While working through the pain, his father adopts a boy, John Worth, to help on their Nebraska farm. Both boys share different, yet similar wounds and learn to accept each other as they realize how much they need each other to survive. The novel grapples with the grueling hardships of farm life during the late 19th century and the power struggles between farmers and ranchers.
Critical Analysis
LeFaye’s novel introduces the readers to the Orphan Train of the late 19th century and the hardships that often occurred for farming families. Heartfelt emotions are evident throughout this Scott O’Dell Award winning book for historical fiction. LaFaye weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book. Alexandria LaFaye has created a group of memorable characters engaged in a compelling, page-turning plot. WORTH is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12.
Book Review: Historical Fiction
WORTH by A. LaFaye
Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. WORTH. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. ISBN 0689857306
Plot Summary
After Nathaniel’s leg is shattered in a freak farming accident, he is bitter, frustrated, angry and mourns the sense of self. While working through the pain, his father adopts a boy, John Worth, to help on their Nebraska farm. Both boys share different, yet similar wounds and learn to accept each other as they realize how much they need each other to survive. The novel grapples with the grueling hardships of farm life during the late 19th century and the power struggles between farmers and ranchers.
Critical Analysis
LeFaye’s novel introduces the readers to the Orphan Train of the late 19th century and the hardships that often occurred for farming families. Heartfelt emotions are evident throughout this Scott O’Dell Award winning book for historical fiction. LaFaye weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book. Alexandria LaFaye has created a group of memorable characters engaged in a compelling, page-turning plot. WORTH is recommended for readers aged 8 to 12.
Review Excerpts
“The short, spare novel doesn't need the heavy heroic parallels; it tells its own story of darkness and courage. A great choice for American history classes." Booklist
“A compelling and historically accurate story beautifully rendered.” School Library Journal
Connections
Research medical practices used in the late 1800’s for common ailments. Then, write a pamphlet (directed to the doctors themselves) on how to care for their patients. Ailments could include: broken bones, fevers, cuts and abrasions, sore throat, or childhood diseases like chicken pox, diphtheria, or scarlet fever (caused by strep throat).
Haller, John. THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN HOMEOPATHY: THE ACADEMIC YEARS, 1820-1935. ISBN: 0789026597
Farmers’ Almanac at: http://www.farmersalmanac.com/. Consult the “natural cures” section.
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