 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Stitches: A Memoir
- By David Small
- Genre: Autobiography
Common Sense Media says
Powerful look at abusive childhood for mature readers only.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book was originally published as a memoir for adults, but it is a 2009 National Book Award Finalist in the Young Adult category. Like most graphic novels that explore childhood, they are a challenge to categorize by both awards committees and publishers. Technically it can be called a coming-of-age story, but Small did not write it for a young or even teen audience. As an adult book it has been accurately called disturbing and cathartic. The horror of a boy being subjected to repeated radiation treatments by his father, losing his vocal cord and ability to speak to cancer at the age of 14, and being lied to about all of it by his parents is nightmarish enough, but the scenes of David finding his mother in bed with another woman, and later his grandmother trying to kill his grandfather in a fire and dancing naked outside the burning house mark it further as a book for very mature readers.
What's the story?
David Small grows up sickly and is treated by his radiologist father with radiation while emotionally starved by his repressed and unhappy mother. A growth on his neck is diagnosed as benign at age 11, but his parents delay surgery for three years, stating expense as an excuse. Surgery at 14 reveals cancer that is kept secret from him; David loses his thyroid, vocal cord, and his voice. Anger at his parents increases when he finds his mother in bed with another woman and he begins to act out. His grandmother goes insane and tries to burn up his grandfather, his father admits his guilt in David's cancer, and the bad times just keep coming. Kicked out of boarding school, he finds his first supportive adult in his therapist, and a glimmer of hope that he can find a better life.
Is it any good?
The term adult graphic novel is not an oxymoron; it is an art form with a loyal and serious following of adult readers. STITCHES is elegant both visually and textually, with many heartbreakingly memorable moments, and Small deserves recognition for his use of the graphic novel format to create this powerful memoir. Hopefully it will receive the recognition it's due in the world of adult literature.
Teen readers who are ready for the subject matter may frequently find themselves balled up in anger -- just like the many depictions of the author in his childhood as he endures one injustice after another. Child abuse is hard to watch from any vantage point and thankfully Small finds his way out of the cycle and ends the book on a hopeful note.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about who they think the audience for this book is. This was published for adults, but it is a 2009 National Book Award Finalist in the Young Adult category. Do you think it will resonate better with teens or grownups -- or both?
What images in the story were the most startling? How would this book have been different if it would have been a straight narrative rather than a graphic novel?
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AGE
A Disturbing But Powerful Memoir for Ages 12+
I'm confused as to why this book should be kept out of the hands of kids younger than 18! Indeed, it is disturbing material, but I feel it is handled in a sensitive and accessible (graphic) format. A child experiencing any kind of abuse might find this book to be an extremely hopeful and redemptive reading experience. For kids fortunate enough to come from healthy households, this book can open up productive conversations with parents about mental health, family dynamics, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
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AGE
For mature young adults not recommended for younger audiences
Personally I thought this was an excellent graphic novel. I read this one because it was nominated for a National Book award in the Young Peoples category. Though entered in this category, I would not recommend this title for anyone under the age of 16. Emotional abuse, sex, a little swearing, and some images of smoking are found throughout.
I would recommend this title for older mature teens as this book would lend itself well for discussion, a great book to read along with your older teen.
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AGE
I read the advanced reader's copy of this book, actually given to me and autographed by Small himself at a national library conference. He cautioned me not to have any children read it; so I read it at night when the kids were in bed. A very frank look at a really disturbing childhood. That Small was able to overcome everything he experienced/witnessed as a child could be inspirational but only to those older than 17.
It does send a very good message about getting professional help and how mental health professionals saved his life. However, once I read it, I felt uncomfortable keeping it in the house. I was worried that if my [tween] kids found the graphic novel on a shelf, they may pick it up thinking it was something they could read.
Did it deserve a National Book Award-yes, for young peoples, no.
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AGE
good
Its very educational to learn about challenges. David explains about his painful childhood.
Grand mother abusing him. unloving mother. Dad who smokes and gives him treatments like radiation what causes cancer.
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| Author: | David Small |
| Illustrator: | David Small |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Autobiography |
| Publisher: | W. W. Norton & Co. |
| Publication date: | September 1, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 329 |
| Hardcover price: | $24.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 17 - 17 |
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