The House on Mango Street (1984)

Check out my review at:
http://www.shannonsbookbag.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-house-on-mango-street-cisner...
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This book is a very strong book to read because of how the plot unfolds. I believe that the original message is strong in which language is a tool when you have it, but it can also be a big barrier when you do not. It stresses the importance of the English language as a young Hispanic woman growing up in Chicago. I do think the book is very graphic so I do believe that it may be appropriate for maybe young teens. It could be a great book to have in a text set. ( )

Following a recent and highly esteemed method of reading books recommended for relevant projects long after they are done, this was suggested by Dr. Singer for the short vignette format, which at one point was relevant to my senior project for undergrad.
Cisneros’ work is something between a girl’s journal and a young woman’s scrapbook. Her descriptions come straight from her narrator’s throat; they are visceral and thoughtful and almost verbal in their honesty.
The shape of her story is a contemporary character-driven arc, and its hold on the reader is more that of affection for the narrator than any kind of suspense or tension. I prefer more plot-driven work, and this book had the misfortune to lurk in my reading list directly in the shadow of Herrera’s Signs Preceding the End of the World, which was similar in the vividness of its narrator and the beat of its prose. All the same, The House on Mango Street was a sickly sweet read, like trespassing into someone else’s memories, and ended with a correspondingly beautiful and satisfying vignette. ( )

The House of Mango Street is a book that teaches you about how you always belong even if you don't feel like you do. Including topics are coming of age and sexuality, this is a book that always students to explore, learn and feel comforted for subjects they may face confusion, lack of understanding or worry about. Sometimes, these are topics or feeling or thoughts they may not fully comprehend themselves and allowing them to know that they are not alone and that there is nothing wrong with feelings or thinking how they do is a great way to let students naturally mature and grow as strong individuals themselves. ( )

The House on Mango Street is a brilliant book told is a series of short stories that allow the reader to connect to the story of a young girl growing up in Chicago. The main character Esperanza details her struggles of feeling beautiful, loving her self, and loving her culture. I think this is a great book to have in your classroom library for all students because they all can relate to feeling these things. When I read this book I connected with Esperanza because I had a vision of how life was supposed to be, and I wanted to reflect on how I think about my self. I think this book is a really good way to create thought provoking discussions for all students. ( )