One+Handed+Catch

One Handed Catch Auch, M. J. (2006). //One handed catch//. SmallTown : Henry Holt and Company

In the book //One handed Catch// it focuses around the main character Norman Schmidt. He came across his disability while working at his parent’s grocery store. He was attempting to unclog the meat grinder and lost his hand in the process. In this quick instant his life was changed before he could even react. The novel spends times showing the reader should you give up once your life changes or how to pursue a happy lifestyle. The author takes time to give insight on how Norman adapts to his new disability fighting a mental and emotional battle. Quickly you see his determination to not let this set back ruin his life. However, his parents are not nearly as motivated in his life by not having as high expectations and treating him differently. His dreams stay strong trying to become the best baseball he can be. The story is very motivating and expresses to the reader to never take advantage of anything in life. You never know what life has in store for you around the corner. This story does a great job in expressing how to do without outside of the main characters struggles. It ties how the US citizens how to deal with the hurting economy during the war. The book strives to clearly get the theme of determination and perseverance. This story and theme applies to young adolescents by expressing how they will run in to hard times in life. Some worse than others but you can always look at is as a glass half full and strive to break free from it. The people who learn to take adversity and take it as a positive challenge are the type of people who thrive the most in life.

__Implementing into other classes__

English- After reading the book have the students write a paper on the main themes in the book. Their choices could range from determination, perseverance, and struggle. Let the students be creative if they feel they countered a different them let them express why and how they came to this point.

History- After reading the book have students study the years right before, during, and after WWII. Have them find how times changed in these three different stages of the war.

Science- After reading the book have students research which muscles would have been effected if you lost your hand. Also, have the students simulate going through a day with only one hand.