Module 7 Book 2 - Realistic Fiction (Young Adult) / High School - Peeled

Peeled

written by Joan Bauer



Bibliography

Bauer, J. (2008). Peeled. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.
ISBN-13: 978-0-399-23475-0

Brief Summary

In actuality, Hildy is a high school student. But in her mindset, she is a newspaper journalist, much like her father was before he died. Hildy is a reporter for the school newspaper, The Core. Living in an agricultural community in northern New York, most everything in town is named with apple-related terminology. After all, apples are the town’s livelihood. Unfortunately, someone or some group is utilizing scare tactics in an attempt to take over some farming property for monetary gain. Believe it or not, the scare tactics include a haunted house! Hildy and The Core staff put all their time/talent in an effort to expose the facts behind the ghostly events. They are even forced to go underground after the school administration closes down the newspaper. Hence, The Peel is born.

My Impressions

This novel was a very easy read; it flowed quite well. I admired the spunk of the main character Hildy. It is a good example of a story in which hard work, collaborative effort, loyalty, talent, and determination expose the “bad apple.”

Reviews

“Although there are several puzzling incidents at the story's center (Is there a plot against Banesville's citizens? If so, who's involved?), readers will be most drawn by Hildy's growing excitement, relayed in her own strong, witty voice, as she learns from a cantankerous, demanding mentor what it takes to be a journalist. Hildy's romance with a fellow student feels underdeveloped, and the object of her affection is a bit too good to be true. But Bauer's gleeful wordplay, her sure sense of setting, the details of newspaper life, and the many colorful side characters make this a pleasurable read that may encourage teens to consider deeper questions about family farms, urban sprawl, and the many who profit from public fear."

-- Booklist (April 15, 2008)
Engberg, Gillian Copyright 2008 Booklist

“Bauer's (Hope Was Here) fans will appreciate this diverting novel's shout-out to the author's debut, Squashed, from which she also harvests a few themes…With sharp pacing and an intriguing premise, Bauer renders a fully realized portrait of a small town dependent on an ever-fragile agricultural economy and threatened by modern encroachment. As always, she stocks her work with strong, sage women, the elements for a budding romance and plenty of funny moments. But it's Hildy readers will remember longest, a smart girl who realistically blends the spunkiness, brains and good humor that is Bauer's stock-in-trade. Ages 12-up.”

-- Publisher’s Weekly (April 28, 2008)
Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information

“Peeled is vintage Bauer, a warm and funny story full of likable, offbeat characters led by a strongly voiced, independently minded female protagonist on her way to genuine, well-earned maturity. Bauer seasons Hildy's story with the high school homecoming dance, a budding romance, strong friend and family ties, and a host of quirky characters, then serves it up in quick-paced prose juicy with apple metaphors. A-peeling all around!...Gr 6-9”

-- School Library Journal (April 1, 2008)
Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village
KS Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information

Suggestions for Library Use

In addition to the focus on journalism, poltergeists, and team effort in saving the town, Bauer provides the reader humorous insight into the daily life of teenagers in a small town setting. I agree with Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal that this title is appropriate for grades 6/7 and up. I think high school students would appreciate the storyline as well.