Family

Jacob Have I Loved

Joy Basdeo

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Joy Basdeo, also known as "Mrs B" is an educator, formerEnglish teacher, an avid reader and storyteller, mother of fourgrown children and grandmother of Zoë. Her weekly columnis intended to assist parents and children select books whichentertain and build character.

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Here is a heart-warming story of a teenagegirl growing up poor on an island where life is harsh, and thereseems neither time or opportunity to speak of love. Louise isthe elder (by a few minutes) of twins, but her sister Carolinedemands the lions share of her parents affection, and interest,since she is a wonderful singer, who should be given every opportunityto leave the small island to attend voice school.

Always angry, and sorry for herself, Louiseturns to the water where she learns to tong for oysters, and catchcrabs from which the family ekes their living. The days she spendsas a waterman, alongside her taciturn father are the happiestones this independent teenager has ever experienced.

Time after time, Louise experiences loss,her hopes for schooling, her friends, even the ugly boy who shebefriended, everything seems to fall naturally to Caroline. LikeJacob and Esau, in her mind Caroline is the beloved twin, andshe the hated one.

Finally Louise must face the harsh factthat Caroline has gone after what she wants with a passion, somethingthat Louise, reveling in her martyrdom, has failed to do. In claimingher dreams, she finally becomes the person she has always wantedto be, being needed and loved gives her the confidence to understandthat she is a worthwhile person in her own right, and not justCaroline's sister.

This is a novel for my readers who are 12+.Sensitively written by Katherine Paterson, and published by HarperCollins, Jacob Have I Loved is a winner of the John Newberry Medalfor distinguished American literature.

Until next week, anda new story Happy Reading!

Mrs B

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed inthis column are those of the writers, and are not binding on anyindividual or organization. They are intended solely as guidance,parents should always use their own discretion in selecting readingmaterial for their children).