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THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE (Orca, 2009)
"Monique Polak has written a powerful novel that blends the emotional insecurities of young teenage boys with their need to be strong: socially, physically and emotionally. Noah's internal monologue rings true; what he learns is a lesson young readers -- male and female -- can follow and believe in.... Polak delivers her tale with a simplicity and realism that bring the readers into the northern world. Polak incorporates the customs and language of the Inuit seemlessly into her narrative, facilitating readers' comfort and acceptance of her story, and helping us to feel that the world she depicts not only could be, but is, essentially true" -- Resource Links "A truly enjoyable novel.... This well crafted story brings together a number of topical and very Canadian issues, such as climate change and its effect on the north and its communities, as well as the many embarrassments from past treatment of the Inuit and First Nation's peoples.... [Noah's] first person voice resonates with authenticity" -- Canadian Materials "Add this to survival/adventure collections" -- School Library Journal "A great deal of information about daily life and Inuit culture is packed into the recounting of a few days in the community" -- Kirkus "the commotion (storms, polar bears, and tragedy at camp) keeps our attention" -- Booklist "a dramatic, engaging novel that doubles as an excellent teaching tool, fostering awareness of Northern issues and Inuit culture"-- Montreal Gazette "a page turner. Along the way Noah learns a lot about Qallunat offenses against the Inuit and about noticing and listening, true survival skills in this part of the world" -- Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media "a quieter, finding-your-inner-strength-and compassion story" -- NRRLS (Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System) Youth Services Book Review "Noah's greatest adventure is discovering that the middle of nowhere can be the beginning of something new" -- The Alan Review Noah "learns to acknowledge the depth of the suffering of the Inuit (in past and present), to respect the Inuit experience, and also to appreciate the value of their perspective, the wonder of their resilience, and the magnificence of the wilderness they love. Monique Polak's The Middle of Everywhere is a well-crafted, revealing look at Inuit culture. As Noah deals with his culture shock, learns from his mistakes and adjusts his misconceptions, readers get the privilege of following him on his realistic journey. This is a memorable book -- a very worthwhile and important read for youth who are open to learning about the lived experiences of others with much to teach" -- Canadian Children's Book News
Comments (5)
 
Christy Snowball
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I'd Like To Read Your Book That You Wrote... I'm Like Really really wanting to read it... But I Dont know where i could find it... Wonder If Mark Has it... .x3 Christy... |
Monique
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Hi Christy! Thanks for posting a comment -- I think that is the first comment I got from George River since my visit. Yes, Mark has a copy of the book. Ask if you can borrow it. Sapina will also come home with another copy. And your school should be receiving 20 copies of the book, but that might not be until after Christmas. Say hi to everyone from me. I'm in PUV, but I do miss your town. Hug from Monique |
Jesse Parks
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The Book was great at first but had a fast ending. i really enjoy these kind of adventure books. My advice i would of wrote a little more about the culture. and maybe have noah experiance more with the dogsledding if mentioned but very brief. for a city boy he seems to know a lot about the way the Men of the Nortth Live. Just my adivce ! : ) |
Shayna
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I absolutely loved the book!!! I am going to do my summer assignment on it. I love how you wrote about his crush on Geraldine and then didn't take their relationship that far. You are now one of my favorite authors!!!  |
Monique Polak
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Hi Shayna, What a great comment! It's especially nice for me to get comments from readers during the summer -- that's when I get a little lonely for my students. Thanks so much for writing and for saying I'm now one of your favourite authors!! (Are you American? I notice you don't use the 'u' in favourite the way we Canadians do!!) best from Monique |
