It's+Kind+Of+A+Funny+Story

Jordan Lambert Edn 352 September 26th, 2012 **Adolescent Novel Review** It's Kind Of A Funny Story By Ned Vizzini Vizzini, N. (2006). //It's Kind Of A Funny Story//. New York City, NY: First Hyperion Paperbacks.

Summary: A teenage boy, Craig, is attending a Pre- Professional High School in New York. He studied for months to get into this High School and now that he is admitted and attending, he finds that it is not what he expected. Craig is no longer the smartest in his class and has become very depressed. In Middle School, Craig made friends who are also attending his High School. His clique is made up his best friend Aaron, Aaron's girlfriend Nia, and a few other boys his age. Craig and his friends are experimenting with illegal substances, alcohol, and sex. Although, he has friends and a loving family, Craig cannot get over his overwhelming depression and begins to think about killing himself. One night, the feeling of suicide became so strong, he admitted himself into a psychiatric facility. During his five day stay in Six North, Craig learns that his anxiety and fear of not being successful is unrealistic and he can control his future. This "shift" helps Craig build new relationships and helps change and guide his future and happiness.

Critique: //It's Kind of A Funny Story// is a fantastic book that addresses many issues that teenagers face today. The novel contains strong content and I would recommend it for students in upper Middle School to High School. The book is very well written and does a great job making the reader feel as if they know the characters. This helps students relate their life to Craig's and know that they are not the only person their age who feels this way. In today's society students are constantly surrounded by bullying, drugs, alcohol, and the pressure to be successful. Middle and High School are a tough time for all teenagers. They are experiencing the transition to independence, adulthood, and hormones. I would recommend that students read this book because it teaches the lesson that you control your own future and success is not the same for everyone.

Middle School Content Areas: - Reading/ Language Arts: Students can locate words they do not know and look the definition up in the dictionary. Students can create "brain maps" like Craig does in the book- they can also use this a way to organize the information and record their thoughts about what they have just read In the beginning of the book, Craig addresses commercials- Students can analzye commercials and relate different media sources to literature

- Mathematics Students could make a schedule of a typical day- While at 6 North Craig had a specific schedule filled with activities

- History Students could also research information about the Brooklyn Bridge and how it was built.

- Social Studies Students can design their own cities and streets, like Craig does.

- Health For older students they can do research about teen drug and alcohol abuse and how it affects those students. Students can learn about suicide and what they can do to help a friend in need Students can research various mental disorders and how they can affect them