America, by E.R. Frank, is a well-written and provocative piece about a young boy who struggles with the inner demons in his head. His life, from start to finish, indicates tragedy after tragedy that enables the readers to not only sympathize with him but also cheer him on as he fights the good fight. His entire life is a metaphor for the struggles that many people have faced in this country, and he also encompasses this country as he looks like he could be any race or ethnicity and gets a lot of attention because of that. People are always walking up to him and asking him where he's from.
When reading this book, young adults are able to view from the eyes of a young boy the problems with the foster care system. They are also able to view the problems with racism, questioning sexuality, depression, and violence. America's voice is frank as he tries to move on from his past and into his future. The multiple metaphors found in this book enable readers with copious topics to discuss and decipher.
In addition, while the book provides a great deal of sadness that leaves the reader's Kleenex box in good company, it also provides hope.
In terms of qualification for the Mock Printz award, this book fulfills the following criteria:
First, the voice of a young teenage boy, who has been dealt a poor hand through luck and the carelessness and desperation of the foster care system, resonates through the book. There is never an instance when the reader suspects that they hear the voice of the author rather than the character.
Second, America struggles with a sense of self and trying to determine whether or not he is truly evil or has acted on his impulses to protect himself from further abuse. He is constantly wondering about the file containing his information and history that his therapist keeps. And it is not until he learns to accept himself that he can stop worrying about the file.
Thirdly, America's sense of distrust of all things adult, with the exception of the only mother-like figure in his life, is prevalent. And even with his foster mother he worries and feels a sense of mistrust towards her when she does not visit him. He does not believe that adults are liable to help him as much as they want to judge him for his confusion.
Fourth, diversity is a common theme in this book. Diversity is seen in race and ethnicity, social backgrounds, career paths, and economic. Yet, it is not limited at that, the rich and diverse personalities of the characters is evident. America's character alone goes through numerous personality changes based on the events that take place in his life, but the theme that never changes in his life is the love he has for his foster mother.
The growth in America's life and the changes he overcomes through the milestones in his life are symbolic of the struggles that this nation had to overcome and had experienced considering that is is relatively new by comparison. Likewise, America's young age is irrelevent to the experiences as he opens his eyes to the many faces of mankind from pure evil to pure good.
Overall, I say that this book is a masterpiece and absolutely deserves the Printz Award.
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