de la Peña, M. (2010). I will save you. New York, NY: Delacorte.
Summary: Kidd Elliott has run away from a group home after tragically and dramatically losing both his mother and his father. He hopes to start over working at a campsite in Cardiff, CA with Mr. Red, his boss who has experienced his own tragedy, as a mentor. He falls in love with Olivia who also has her own secret. What makes things difficult is his best friend Devon from the group home whose risky behavior tries to derail Kidd's fresh start.
Review: An intense look at PTSD, domestic abuse, friendship and family. De la Peña shows his depth as a writer with Kidd's character.
Diversity: An accurate representation of diverse beachside Southern California. Red dates women of color. Olivia has her own issues which make her different. Kidd is biracial.
Diversity: An accurate representation of diverse beachside Southern California. Red dates women of color. Olivia has her own issues which make her different. Kidd is biracial.
Suggestions for Teachers: Great for coming-of-age literature circle or a look at trauma.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: Lexile 770, ATOS Book Level 9.67-12.01, Flesh-Kincaid 8.32-12.12, 8.41-10.81 RMM
- Qualitative: This text is very complex. Lots of flashbacks with organization. The ending and discovering the secrets of the narrator will require a close-reader The language is largely contemporary and familiar. Overall, this novel may appear accessible but a sophisticated reader will understand Kidd's true identity at the end. Knowledge of trauma and personality disorders will help create meaning for readers.
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3
Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Subjects/Themes: family, acceptance, PTSD, trauma
Awards:
- ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young Adults and Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
- Finalist for the 2011 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award
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