Few books hit me in the gut and make me weep, but ROOM by Emma Donoghue did just that. Told from the point of view of just just turned 5-year old Jack, this story of abuse, survival, and enduring love packs a punch that leaves you gasping.
Soon after I read ROOM, I heard the real life story of Jaycee Dugard and hurried to the book store to buy the book that shares her story, A Stolen Life. Oh, my! Terrifying, horrifying, and. . . hopeful.
I have students, mostly my reluctant readers, who devour the book A Child Called ‘It‘. These kids often enjoy (or at least have a love/hate relationship) with these other titles, too.
What is it within us that makes us want to learn of others’ suffering so?
Three Teachers Talk 