Long Story Short

Title: Long Story Short

Author: Siobhan Parkinson

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Publication Date: June, 2011

Genre/Format: Realistic Fiction/Novel

Summary: Jonathan (Jono) and Julie's mother might as well be nonexistent. She sleeps through the day, goes out to drink at night and then comes home to pass out. Jono is in charge of Julie since he is 8 years her senior.  It isn't too bad, except when their mom forgets to get their government check for food or if she spends it all on booze.  But then their mother goes one step too far- she hits Julie.  Jono cannot take the thought of being separated from Julie because of their mother, so the two of them run away to make it together. 

What I Think: This is one of those books that when you are done you have to go just sit somewhere and breath.  It is too real.  By the end you are so attached to the characters that leaving them feels like part of you is being put away with the book.  It is so emotionally draining.  It is a story of finding hope when there is none.  When all choices are poor choices, but you still have to make one. 

Siobhan Parkinson is the Children's Literature Laureate of Ireland and she has received this honor for a reason- the writing of this book is phenomenal. The authenticity of her voice resonates throughout the book. Jono is sarcastic, funny, dramatic... real.  

I think that this book has just enough drama and realism in it to hook a reader.  Often I find that some really well written books just do not have the kid appeal that you'd hope.  This book is different because most students can connect with (or find interesting/horrifying) what is going on with Jono and Julie.  However, I could foresee a problem with some of the Irish slang in the book.  Although the book is universal, Jono is Irish and as any 16 year old boy would, he uses slang just not American slang.  I could see how a struggling reader would find this a difficulty.  

Read Together: Grades 7+

Read Alone: Grades 8+

Read With: Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen, Child Called It by Dave Pelzer, The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer

Snatch of Text: 

'"Nah, I don't commit sins," she said, standing up and stepping out of the confession box. 

"Pride is sin," I said. 

"I'm not proud," she said, quite sure of herself. "It was fluffy in there," she added, blowing her nose. "And it smelled like the inside of a cutlery drawer. The kind in a sideboard, where you keep the best silver."' (p. 62) 

 "Great, I thought. Bleedin' marvelous. It all depends on me. I'm like the fella in the story that's holding up the earth. He's thrown forward onto his knees, and he's got the world on his back.  Poor eejit.  Hercules. No, Atlas." (p. 145)

Mentor Text for: Voice, Plot Development, First person narrative

Topics Covered:  Alcoholism, Siblings, Family, Homelessness, Foster home