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Book details

The Crazy Man

The Crazy Man

Published in
2005
4.16
on Goodreads (766)

Description

It is 1965, and 12-year-old Emaline, living on a wheat farm, must deal with a family that is falling apart. When her dog, Prince, chases a hare into the path of the tractor, she chases after him, and her father accidentally runs over her leg, leaving her with a long convalescence and a permanent disability. Even worse, from Emalines point of view, is that in his grief and guilt, her father shoots Prince and leaves Emaline and her mother on their own.Despite the neighbors disapproval, Emalines mother hires Angus, a patient from the local mental hospital, to work their fields. Angus is a red-haired giant whom the local children tease and call "the gorilla." Though the small towns prejudice creates a cloud of suspicion around Angus that nearly results in tragedy, he just may hold the key to Emaline's coming to grips with her injury and the loss of her father.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
176 pages

Why to read

  • Award-Winning Literature: 'The Crazy Man' won the Governor General's Award for Children's Literature, indicating its high quality and the recognition it has received for its literary merit.
  • Important Themes: The book tackles significant themes such as mental health, acceptance, and the power of kindness, which are relevant and can lead to meaningful discussions and personal reflection.
  • Unique Narrative Style: Pamela Porter's use of free verse poetry to tell the story creates a unique reading experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking, offering a different perspective on storytelling.
  • Character Development: The novel provides a deep and compassionate look into the characters' lives, particularly the protagonist, Emaline, allowing readers to connect with and learn from their experiences and growth.