- Citation: Shusterman, N. (2010). Bruiser. New York: HarperTeen.Interest level: grades 9-12
- Reading level/grade level equivalent: 5.4
- Lexile: 820L
- DRA: 70
- Genre: Realistic Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Year published: 2010
- Number of pages: 336
- Awards: Audie Award Nominee for Multi-Voiced Performance (2012), Milwaukee County Teen Book Award Nominee (2011), Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee (2013), Peggy Miller Award (2011)
My Review:
Tennyson is a cocky, arrogant, and immature 16-year-old who lives for lacrosse and his twin sister Bronte. So when Tennyson hears that his sister is going on a date with a delinquent, low life at school named Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, he makes it clearly known that he won't be tolerating Bronte's habit of "taking in strays". Tennyson goes so far as to follow Brewster home, convinced that he will see him up to no good. What Tennyson finds instead is that Brewster is basically kept under lock and key by his alcoholic uncle Hoyt and is fiercely protective of his little brother Cody. Once the twins start to form an unlikely bond with Brewster, mysterious acts start to occur. Tennyson always has some form of scrape or injury from his lacrosse games and they have been disappearing much quicker than they usually heal. The twins start to realize that Brewster has an unusual ability that will end up almost costing him his life at the expense of others' happiness.
While Neal Shusterman seems to be a god in the YA world, I had never heard of him before reading this book. I don't know if this book follows his usual writing style, but I found the short chapters (only 2-3 pages long) to be very choppy and hard to follow. And while I did appreciate that the chapters rotated through the views of Tennyson, Bronte, Brewster, and Cody, it was a little confusing at first to keep tracking of who was doing the talking. The "Cody" chapters were the most believable to me--I truly felt like I was listening to an 8-year-old tell his story. The "Brewster" chapters were written in verse, which made them the least enjoyable to me. I found myself skimming the Brewster chapters because the free verse style was so out of place with the rest of the book. While I understand that the poetry style was a link to Brewster's love of poetry, it didn't "flow" with the rest of the book.
The vocabulary that acts as the titles of each chapter show the quality and variety of the format. This book will make an excellent contribution to the curriculum because of its interest to the students. There is a great deal of potential user appeal--this would be a difficult book to keep in the library because it would constantly be checked out!
The idea that a person can have the power to take away the pain and suffering of others is a novel concept. And while this idea could have been expanded further (what if the government finds out??) I think that at 336 pages, the story was long enough to complete its mission.
While Neal Shusterman seems to be a god in the YA world, I had never heard of him before reading this book. I don't know if this book follows his usual writing style, but I found the short chapters (only 2-3 pages long) to be very choppy and hard to follow. And while I did appreciate that the chapters rotated through the views of Tennyson, Bronte, Brewster, and Cody, it was a little confusing at first to keep tracking of who was doing the talking. The "Cody" chapters were the most believable to me--I truly felt like I was listening to an 8-year-old tell his story. The "Brewster" chapters were written in verse, which made them the least enjoyable to me. I found myself skimming the Brewster chapters because the free verse style was so out of place with the rest of the book. While I understand that the poetry style was a link to Brewster's love of poetry, it didn't "flow" with the rest of the book.
The vocabulary that acts as the titles of each chapter show the quality and variety of the format. This book will make an excellent contribution to the curriculum because of its interest to the students. There is a great deal of potential user appeal--this would be a difficult book to keep in the library because it would constantly be checked out!
The idea that a person can have the power to take away the pain and suffering of others is a novel concept. And while this idea could have been expanded further (what if the government finds out??) I think that at 336 pages, the story was long enough to complete its mission.
Professional Review:
SHUSTERMAN, Neal. Bruiser. 328p. HarperTeen. 2010. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-113408-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 8 Up --Tennyson, 16, is a hulking loner who seems to possess the power to heal both physical and psychic hurts. When his twin sister, Brontë, befriends their shy and withdrawn classmate Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, he is concerned that her relationship with this boy from the wrong side of the tracks will prove somehow dangerous. After he spies Bruiser changing in the locker room and notices that his back is covered in scars and welts, he becomes even more certain that the teen and his family are bad news. In spite of her brother's warnings, Brontë continues her relationship with Bruiser, drawing him closer to her family--and Tennyson--in the process. The twins begin to notice Bruiser's unusual talent: not only can he assume the physical pain and wounds of those he cares about, but he can also absorb their anger, hurt, and grief. Told from the three characters' alternating perspectives, with Brewster's rendered in poetic form, Shusterman's novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser's "gift" against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Brontë enjoy.
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By Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston (School Library Journal. Aug2010, Vol. 56 Issue 8, p112-112. 1/5p.)
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Teaching Ideas
Teaching Ideas
"Angry" Poetry Comparison. Bronte is surprised to find Brewster in the library, searching through the poetry section. Brewster is looking for some works by poet Allen Ginsberg, which Bronte describes as "angry poetry". Brewster recites a poem entirely from memory--"Howl"--which Bronte describes as "a regular fury-fest". Find two more examples of "angry poetry", by Ginsberg or other poets, and compare and contrast the poems. Paraphrase and summarize the main idea of each of the three poems. Present your findings to the class. ("Howl" can be read here.)
SOL correlation: English 6.2 The
student will present, listen critically, and express opinions in oral
presentations.
Ban on Bullying. Bullying is a common theme throughout the book-- Brewster is bullied by the students at school that called him "Bruiser" and vote him the "Most Likely to Receive the Death Penalty". Uncle Hoyt is both physically and verbally abusive to Cody. As a class, watch a PSA announcement on bullying that features aspects of the book "Bruiser"--seen here. Have students record the statistics that they see in the presentation. Then play a spoken word video of Lamont Carey reciting his poem "They'll Never Break Me" about childhood bullying. The video can be found here. Have students write down key words/terms and personal reactions to the poem. As a culmination activity, assist students in creating an infographic (created at piktochart.com) that includes both statistical information about bullying (incidence rate, etc.) and personal components to draw in the reader (key quotes, descriptions, etc.). All information in the infographic should be correctly and completely cited. The infographic will be printed out and used as a poster in the school's anti-bullying campaign.
Ban on Bullying. Bullying is a common theme throughout the book-- Brewster is bullied by the students at school that called him "Bruiser" and vote him the "Most Likely to Receive the Death Penalty". Uncle Hoyt is both physically and verbally abusive to Cody. As a class, watch a PSA announcement on bullying that features aspects of the book "Bruiser"--seen here. Have students record the statistics that they see in the presentation. Then play a spoken word video of Lamont Carey reciting his poem "They'll Never Break Me" about childhood bullying. The video can be found here. Have students write down key words/terms and personal reactions to the poem. As a culmination activity, assist students in creating an infographic (created at piktochart.com) that includes both statistical information about bullying (incidence rate, etc.) and personal components to draw in the reader (key quotes, descriptions, etc.). All information in the infographic should be correctly and completely cited. The infographic will be printed out and used as a poster in the school's anti-bullying campaign.
SOL correlation: 7.9 English: The
student will apply knowledge of appropriate reference materials to produce a
research product (a-e)
Vocabulary Word Cluster. Each of the chapters is titled with a vocabulary term that receives focus in that chapter. For example, Chapter 23 is titled "transference", which means the act of transferring something. In this chapter, Bronte is upset at Brewster for running away from her family dinner the night before. She confronts him at the lockers in school and has a physical argument with him (she slaps him across the face). While yelling at him, she realizes she has blood on her hand and thinks she has reopened the cut on her palm from the night before. She tries to wipe it away and realizes that there is no wound anymore--the blood is coming from Brewster. Bronte starts to figure out Brewster's secret about taking pain and hurt away from the people he loves--a "transference" of pain/injury from her to him.
Assist students in choosing vocabulary words from the chapter titles that they aren't already familiar with. The students will be completing a vocabulary word cluster (worksheet found here and see below). For each of the 12 words they have chosen, they should fill in all information (3 vocabulary terms per worksheet side), and the sentence should pertain to the book. The illustration should show how the word was used in the storyline of "Bruiser".
SOL correlation: English 7.4 The student will read to determine
the meanings and pronunciations of unfamiliar words and phrases within
authentic texts. (a-f)
Persuasive Presentation. Bronte loves to spend her time volunteering in the school library. While working as the library aide, Bronte encounters Brewster in the poetry section and offers to help him select a book. Bronte describes her job as helping students who don't know which books they would like to read. Assist students in creating short animated videos (Powtoon and Animoto are two options) that can be used to encourage students to visit the school library. Highlight the features of the library, including special programs, events, or clubs. Include information that would help a student find a specific book (Dewey decimal lesson? library floor plan? card catalog directions?) and use voice over and music to add an auditory component to your persuasive presentation.
SOL correlation: 7.3 English: The student will understand the elements of media literacy (b-d)
Guidance Counselor Interview. Invite the school guidance counselors to visit the classroom and be interviewed by the students. The students can choose to ask about one of several different topics presented in the book: child abuse, bullying, alcoholism, first romances, sibling relationships, etc. Before the interview, assist students in creating a list of relevant and concise questions to ask the guidance counselor. Students should take precise notes during their interview session. Once completed, the student should compile their questions and answers into an article that could be published in the school newspaper.
SOL correlation: 8.1 English: The student will use interviewing techniques to gain information.(a-d)
SOL correlation: 8.1 English: The student will use interviewing techniques to gain information.(a-d)
Alcohol Abuse Letter. Brewster's uncle, Hoyt, was an abusive alcoholic. When he was in the middle of one of his binges, Uncle Hoyt would smash family possessions and terrorize Brewster's little brother, Cody. Alcohol abuse contributed to the stroke that ultimately killed Uncle Hoyt. Assist students in writing a letter to Uncle Hoyt in the perspective of either Brewster or Cody to be read at his funeral. The letter should describe to Uncle Hoyt how his alcoholism affected them personally (be specific!) and the impact it had on their family dynamic and situation. Students may use research to assist in their knowledge of alcohol and its effects (cite all sources).
SOL correlation(s): 7.1 Health: The student will use knowledge of health concepts to make decisions related to personal safety and wellness; 7.2 The student will describe and exhibit the behaviors associated with a physically active and healthy lifestyles.
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SOL correlation(s): 7.1 Health: The student will use knowledge of health concepts to make decisions related to personal safety and wellness; 7.2 The student will describe and exhibit the behaviors associated with a physically active and healthy lifestyles.
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Further Explorations
Teen Reads book review:
http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/bruiser
-This review could be used as a comparison to students' reviews once they finished the book
-This review could be used as a comparison to students' reviews once they finished the book
Interview with Neal Shusterman:
http://howtofurnisharoom.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/feature-interview-with-neal-shusterman.html
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
Acceptance speech for Boston Globe-Horn Book Award:
http://archive.hbook.com/magazine/articles/2006/jan06_schusterman.asp
APL Teen Library Book Trailer (video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r3nVUuJcfA
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
"Meet the Author" video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3fe1WgwR8E
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
Neal Shusterman's blog:
https://nstoryman.wordpress.com/
-Could be used as an anticipatory activity by the teacher before starting the novel
"Howl" by Allen Ginsberg
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/179381
"They'll Never Break Me" (spoken word by Lamont Carey)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV5I9QS9UhM
-This spoken word video is used in the bullying lesson
Brewster's chapters are spoken in free verse--here are some resources:
-This spoken word video is used in the bullying lesson
Brewster's chapters are spoken in free verse--here are some resources:
Tips for writing free verse poetry
Infographic creation website used for class activity:
http://www.piktochart.com
Video creation websites used for class activity:
http://www.powtoon.com
http://www.animoto.com
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Partner Titles
This book gives a first-hand account of child abuse suffered by the author. Students could use this book as inspiration to write an account of child abuse as written from Cody's point of view. This book makes a contribution to the wide range of viewpoints on a controversial and emotional issue (child abuse).
Volponi, P., & Volponi, P. (2010). Rikers High. New York: Viking.
In the Riker's prison, inmates ages 16-18 attend a high school in the prison. Marcus was falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to 15 years at Riker's prison. Brewster is also falsely accused of various crimes, such as Ozzie spreading the rumor that Brewster murdered his uncle. The books can be used as comparison on the fallout of being accused of a crime that the person did not commit. It contributes to the curriculum and to the interests of students.
McKellar, L. (2013). Finding Home. Escape Publishing.
In this book, Amy's mom has died and her busy father has sent her to stay with her aunt. Amy's coping mechanism is to hang out with a partying crowd and drink her pain away. The one thing she enjoys in life is her music class, and with failing grades and chaotic behavior, she may lose everything she loves. In "Bruiser", Uncle Hoyt's alcoholism almost costs Brewster his life when Hoyt tries to give Brewster his stroke. This book can be used to accompany the information on alcoholism and its impacts on families. This book has a high degree of potential user appeal.
Warman, J. (2009). Breathless. New York: Walker.
In this book, Katie is immediately accepted by the "in crowd" at her new boarding school. She seems to have everything a girl could want: grades, friends, and a promising swimming career. When Katie escapes into the pool she doesn't have to think about how her family is falling apart, including her schizophrenic brother. Like Bronte in "Bruiser", Katie uses swimming to escape from her problems. It contributes to the curriculum and to the interests of students.
In both "Twilight" and "Bruiser", a romantic connection is made between a mortal human and a paranormal love. In "Twilight", Edward is a vampire. In "Bruiser", Brewster can take away the pain and suffering of people he loves. In both books, the romantic duos feel instantly and uncontrollably drawn to each other. Compare how the paranormal aspect of the romantic pairings could be difficult for each couple to manage in their everyday lives. This book has a high degree of potential user appeal.
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References
Anderson, C. (2012). Life of the Party. Smashwords.
Arcos, C. (2012). Out of reach. New York: Simon Pulse.
Burroughs, A. (2003). Dry. New York: St. Martin's Press.
- Books on Alcoholism
Arcos, C. (2012). Out of reach. New York: Simon Pulse.
Burroughs, A. (2003). Dry. New York: St. Martin's Press.
- Books on Child Abuse
Pelzer, D. (1995). A child called "it": One child's courage to survive. Deerfield Beach, Fla.: Health Communications.
Hayden, T. (2002). Beautiful child. New York: HarperCollins.
Dunphy, S. (2008). The boy in the cupboard. Dublin: Penguin Ireland.
Garner, R., & Maguire, T. (2008). Nobody came: The appalling true story of brothers cruelly abused in a Jersey care home. London: HarperElement.
- Books by Neal Shusterman
Shusterman, N. (2010). Bruiser. New York: HarperTeen.
Shusterman, N. (2004). The Schwa was here. New York: Dutton Children's Books.
Shusterman, N. (2007). Unwind. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Shusterman, N. (1999). Downsiders. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Shusterman, N. (2009). Everwild. New York: Simon & Schuster BFYR.
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