Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist is about 10-year-old Isaiah, whose family struggles to regroup after the father dies suddenly. His dad was a writer who left behind a notebook that Isaiah reads for comfort. In his father's stories, Isaiah is cast as a hero. Overwhelmed by grief, Isaiah's mother loses her job and develops an alcohol dependency, and the family is evicted from their apartment. Isaiah tries to hide the fact that he's unhoused from his friends and teachers. In the hopes of providing his family with a new home, he undertakes various entrepreneurial projects, such as selling contraband candy and renditions of his poems. The book's subject matter may be upsetting to some readers. But it deftly captures a 10-year-old's perspective on issues that many young people deal with in their lives.
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What's the Story?
When ISAIAH DUNN IS MY HERO begins, 10-year-old Isaiah's father, a writer, has died, and Isaiah, his mother, and his 4-year-old sister have moved out of their apartment and into a rundown motel Isaiah dubs the "Smoky Inn." Isaiah hides his new living situation from his friends and teachers. In the hopes of getting money to get a new apartment, Isaiah joins his friend Sneaky in selling candy at school. He also enters one of his late father's stories in a contest. Isaiah's table mate in school taunts him into behavior that gets him in trouble. And his mom is drinking: She shows up drunk in public places and drives while intoxicated, and Isaiah finds empty bottles all over their hotel room.
Is It Any Good?
This is a poignant, beautiful story of a family facing crisis with the help of a supportive community. Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero is Kelly J. Baptist's debut novel, based on a character she created for an award-winning short story. Baptist is very skillful in presenting topics the way a 10-year-old would perceive them. Specifically, Isaiah's mother falls into complicated grief and develops a drinking problem. And Isaiah's responses as he cares for his younger sister, discovers empty liquor bottles, and fields collections calls accurately reflect the confusion a child that age would experience in that situation. The way the boy connects to his late father through their common love of writing is both inventive and believable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of losing a loved one in Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero. Have you ever lost a beloved person or pet? What helped -- and what didn't?
Kids: Who are the people in your life that you can turn to for help?
Do you have a special talent? What is it, and what are some different ways you can use it?
Do you consider Isaiah a role model? What character strengths does he demonstrate?
Book Details
- Author: Kelly J. Baptist
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: August 18, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 208
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Awards: Caldecott Medal and Honors, Common Sense Media Award
- Last updated: August 2, 2021
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