The Storyteller's Daughter

The Storyteller's Daughter

Jean Thesman

ISBN: 0-395-80978-9

Houghton Mifflin Company 2007

Plot Summary: It is 1933, and during the Great Depression. Quinn is fifteen years old. Her father is Beau John to their town and everyone loves his stories. He is charismatic and knows everyone. He lost his job and now must work at the docks. As a result, he is rarely home, and she misses him, but so does the rest of the family.

One night, Quinn hears he father arguing with a stranger and she is worried. She wonders if her father is in trouble. Then, Donna tells her she must drop out of school because her parents need her to help them make it financially. Quinn feels Donna is abandoning her and wishes for a free moment with her father to confront him with what she heard and to ask his advice regarding Donna.

Quinn worries her father might be part of a smuggling ring after she sees him talking to a man named Mike who is known for his ties to gangsters.

Critical Analysis: Quinn is fifteen in 1933 during the Depression. She is at an age where friends are an important safety net when life is hard at home, and she learns that Donna must drop out. When the book shows Donna forcibly choose to leave school in order to sustain the family, we see sacrifice, and responsibility at a young age. In addition we see an example of how drastically economic times can effect a family, Donna is the child, but she cannot afford school. As we face harsh economic times, it is easy to see how this could happen to a family, and how at times good people make poor decisions to help themselves survive.

Annotation: It is 1933, and fifteen year old Quinn is frustrated when her dad stays gone all the time, and is unsure what to say to him after she hears an argument and suspects he is doing something illegal. She also must deal with her friend, Donna leaving school.

Author Information: Jean Thesman lives in Bothell, Washington, she wrote 40 books in 25 years, and has received ALA Notable Book Honor. She is also married.

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Curriculum Ties: History/ English Literature

Booktalking ideas:
1.)Donna tells Quinn she must drop out of school. Our economy is struggling right now and many people are out of work, what would you feel/ think if a friend came to you and said they had to quit school to help support the family?
2.)How do you think you would confront your father if you thought he was doing something illegal?

Reading Level/ Age Interest: 14 and up 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues.

Selection: I chose this book as it is relevant now even though it takes place in 1933. Our economy is rough and many people are sacrificing luxuries. I feel that this book explores important issues and provides a story where people will listen and try to sympathize with children enduring economic crisis as well.