Looking for Alaska by John Green

Looking for Alaska

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton Books

Date of Publication: 2005

Format: Hardcover

Page Count: 221 Pages

Cost: $15.99

ISBN: 0-525-47506-0

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up

Awards and Honors:

2006 Michael L. Printz Award

Plot Summary: Miles Halter never had any true friends until he began attending boarding school at Culver Creek. Suddenly he finds himself surrounded by a group of people who accept and value him for the unique individual that he is. They introduce him to smoking, drinking, cursing, and playing pranks on the other students and staff at the school. Miles is completely smitten by Alaska Young, who is clever, gorgeous, and a deeply unhappy person. When Alaska dies in a senseless car accident, Miles is left behind to ponder the meaning of life and wonder whether he played a part in her death.

Evaluation: This book is a heart wrenching tale about death claiming a young person way before her time. When Alaska dies in a car accident, her friends are left wondering whether it was a stupid, alcohol induced mistake or an intentional attempt at suicide. Parents are likely to raise an eyebrow at the underage smoking and drinking, as well as an awkward sex scene between Miles and his girlfriend, but teens will recognize the truth and honesty in Green’s writing. Miles is a lovely and well developed character who gives voice to every teen’s thoughts and fears about death. This book would make an excellent conversation starter for teens discussing the far-reaching consequences of bad choices.

Annotation: Miles must find a way to come to terms with the tragic and questionable death of one of his first true friends and biggest crush, Alaska Young.

Links:
Looking for Alaska Reading Guide

Looking for Alaska Challenged at Depew High School

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Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Lessons From a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

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