Module 4 - Jacob Have I Loved

Patterson, K. (1980). Jacob have I loved. HarperCollins: New York.

Summary

Jacob Have I Love takes the reader through the life of Sarah Louise (Wheeze), an island girl through World War II. Wheeze struggles with the attention her twin sister has always received since birth and the life that the island brings to her. As Wheeze grows up the reader is with her through the emotional struggles with her sister and aging grandmother until Wheeze is a grown woman and ready to venture into the world to follow her own dreams.

My Impression

I absolutely loved this book! Girls can relate to the struggles of a young girl and see how she grows beyond it into a young woman. Young girls can see that they are not alone in their thoughts. The book as a "dated-ness" about it - some of the language used are of a different time period. I question if this would cause some younger readers to lose interest in reading the book.

Review

Schon, I. (2010, May 15). [Review of the book Jacob Have I Loved]. Booklist, 106 (18).

Patersonís 1981 Newbery Award winner about strong sibling rivalry between twin sisters is brought poignantly to life in this fluid Spanish rendition. Although Louise, the memorable heroine, has always believed that beautiful Caroline was the favored daughter, she finally realizes her own courage and leaves her beloved island in the Chesapeake Bay for a mountain community, where she succeeds as a midwife.

Suggestion of Library Use

This book would be a good to pull a dialogue or section from to read to a group in order peek interest for students. I would use this book and others like it to create these "blurbs" to read to students.