Book Review: No Name

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Tingle, T. (2014). No name. 7th Generation.

ISBN: 978-1939053060

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Inspired by the traditional Choctaw story “No Name,” this modern adaptation features a present-day Choctaw teenager surviving tough family times―his mother left home and he is living with a mean-spirited, abusive father. The one place the teen can find peace is on the neighborhood basketball court. But after a violent confrontation with his father, the teen runs away, only to return home to find an unexpected hiding spot in his own backyard. His hiding spot becomes his home for weeks until the help and encouragement from a basketball coach, a Cherokee buddy and a quiet new next-door girlfriend help him face his father.

 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although this was a quick read, it was not my favorite. This book touched on topics such as having an abusive father who suffers from alcoholism, poverty, and basketball. Throughout the story, we see some strong relationships built, especially with Bobby and his coach, who helps him and asks him to join the basketball team, which actually gives him peace. One thing I liked about this book was the presence of different themes throughout the story, especially redemption. This book is relatable, especially among teens who also use sports as their safety nets. I don’t think it was a bad book, but I expected more.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in Kirkus Review: "In a simply but lyrically told tale, a Choctaw boy builds himself a hole in the ground to hide from his alcoholic father...Bobby’s mixed emotions toward his own flawed father, and his father’s toward him, are conveyed in straightforward yet revealing lines of dialogue and first-person narration...Expressive and many-layered."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Students will create a character trait map for Bobby. They will use examples from the novel to support their character traits.    

*Have students create a plot diagram for the story. They should include, the exposition, rising actions, climax, falling action, and resolution for the novel.    

*Other books in this series

Tingle, T. (2017). No more no name. 7th Generation. ISBN: 978-1939053176

Tingle, T. (2018). A name earned. 7th Generation. ISBN: 978-1939053183

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