Joseph

Moses, S. (2008). Joseph. United States: Margaret K. McElderry Books. 174 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1-

     4169-1752-6

     While this book is a shorter, easier read the story does not hide the fact that Joseph's Mom is a drug addict. The story is told through Joseph's eyes, a fifteen year old boy who likes to play tennis and work hard in school. He used to live in a ghetto with his Mom because his Dad was deployed to Iraq. The Dad hopes to one day get custody of Joseph, so he can have a family again without the Mom's drug addiction. Joseph cares for his Mom deeply despite her drug addiction. Joseph would hide his Mom's bad decisions, even if they effected him personally. His Mom is accused of burning down the shelter that they lived in, which means that Joseph now lives with his Aunt and Uncle. Joseph gets a new life, with a school and friends that care about him. This story covers topics from bullying, family, and growing up. The stories intense subject manner would require a lesson on bullying before going about reading the book. The stories subject matters (divorce, drugs, parents not caring) may have occurred to some student's in your class. The story would be a great addition to a classroom library or used for a lesson on bullying, or growing up.