Saturday, February 18, 2012

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi


Title: Ship breaker by: Paolo Bacigalupi 
Publisher: Little, Brown, p2010, c2010
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-05621-2
ISBN-10: 0-316-05621-9
Interest Level: YA

Book Summary:
Bacigalupi’ s violent futuristic world follows fifteen-year-old, Nailrer, who works the “light crew” where he does the grueling job of crawling through rusty abandoned ship’s ducts salvaging metals for his crew.  His “wirery” build allows him to slip along the dark passages of the ship, but he knows that if he grows larger he will be replaced. Young Nailer’s bleak world is one of patriarchal abuse and harsh living conditions and he needs a way out.  Thinking his luck is turned when he finds a rich shipwreck that could change his fortunes forever, he also finds stranded and beautiful Nita.  Nailer finds himself in a difficult situation, should he side with his derelict father and kill the girl  to scavenge her ship, or protect this girl he barley knows?   Choosing the latter he soon realizes that the true meaning of family and “crew” are only those you can trust, and those people are few and far between. 

My Thoughts:
The vivid imagery portrayed through contrasting characters and affluent word usage can be almost overwhelming.  Where other stories of its kind might lean towards a boring side with descriptions of the new “world’s” settings,  Bacigalupi intertwines landscaping, character development, and expressive details with non-stop action.  I found myself having to go back and reread certain parts thinking,  “that did not just happen!”   Bacigalupi leaves the reader asking difficult questions like:  is loyalty the most important part of any relationship? When we are faced with dangerous situations is it best to play it safe or take a risk?  Is any action acceptable in life-or-death situations?   I would recommend this book to any library that wants to make reading about facing difficult decisions no matter what world or time you live in! This is a must for any bookworm who is looking for a challenging read that is well worth the effort! 

Library Toolbox of Tips and Tricks:
Book talks: Book Trailers
Have students create trailers to promote this book in your library!  It is an excellent way to promote the library, technology, and electronic creativity.
Example: 

Information Scavengers: Get to know some Michigan history!
There are estimated between 4to 5 thousand shipwrecks in the Great Lakes of Michigan! Have students “crew up” to scavenge one! Who can make quota and find out the most information about their ship! Each group member should have a roll on the crew and fight to be the first and best scavengers! 


References:
Image: Ship Breaker [cover image]. Retrieved from:
      http://www.titlewave.com/cover?FLR=0149EB6&
     SID=2dcbeefa5ae31261c2c9e6cc10abccd8&
     type=coverhttp://www.titlewave.com/cover?FLR=0149EB6&
     SID=2dcbeefa5ae31261c2c9e6cc10abccd8&type=cover

No comments:

Post a Comment