Going, K. (2006). Saint Iggy. Orlando, FL: Harcourt. ISBN: 9780152057954.
Plot Summary:
Iggy's life is pretty frustrating. He's about to be expelled from school for something he didn't do and nobody at the high school really even likes Iggy. They think he's addicted to drugs because he doesn't do well in class and is constantly in an agitated state. His mother, who was pregnant with Iggy while addicted to drugs, has left the family and his father cares more about his drug habit than he does about anyone or anything else. Upon taking the advice of his school Principal, Iggy sets out to make something of himself and do something that will make people change their minds about him. Iggy ends up achieving this by helping his only friend, Mo, get out of a drug deal gone wrong and helping Mo gain a second chance to reconnect with his estranged family.
Critical Evaluation: This book is a thoughtful, colorful book, though its heartbreakingly sad and full of frustration. It’s interesting how many YA books portray a character who gets involved in something terrible and then must somehow work themselves out of it. In this case, Iggy is a well-meaning kid who is trapped by terrible things that surround him, but things that have come about by someone else’s bad decision. Iggy is alone and confused and is continually disappointed when other’s let him down. It’s a harsh story that teens would definitely respond to, but it isn’t easy to digest this story and it isn’t a very uplifting and optimistic tale. It requires patience on the part of the reader. Those who can handle it, would be well rewarded.
Reader’s Annotation:
When Iggy Corso gets expelled from high school, there's no one for him to tell. His mother has left and his father is stoned on the couch. Leaving his home behind, Iggy is on his own. It's not easy when you're sixteen and have no skills, but Iggy has the wisdom that will let him see what no one else will.
Information About the Author:
K. L. Going was born in 1973 to a engineer father and librarian mother. Since graduating from college, she has worked as an adult literacy tutor, a ticket agent for an airline, a front desk clerk at a resort hotel, as an assistant to two agents at a Manhattan Literary agency, and a manager of an independent bookstore. Currently, she is a married mom who is writing from home full time in New York.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Homelessness and Foster Living, Substance Abuse
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Curriculum Ties: English class, Health class, Social Studies class, Book clubs
Booktalking Ideas:
• Iggys world: Is his trapped or does he have choices?
• His perspective: Is it accurate or is his reality skewed? Which would be better to see?
• Why is he being expelled? Is his side of the story the truth?
• How can he save Mo and how does this change his own life?
• Drug abuse and how it has torn apart his family
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 16 - 21
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Depictions of violence
• References to sex
• Depictions of heavy drug use
• Adult Language
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to recognitions received by this book from reputable organizations:
http://digitalbooks.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/18322B01-5762-4E0C-8DDD-6DDD37C2D1CA/10/340/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=%7B58E31084-7127-44CD-9FCF-BE7A288C5759%7D
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.librarything.com/work/1153708/reviews/
Why This Book Was Included: I read reviews awhile ago about this book and it sounded interesting. I didn’t expect it to be so sad and moving, but it was worthy read. I would recommend this to teens who are looking for a soul-searching story instead of just an easy, light and fun book.
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