Bumface
Written by
Morris Gleitzman, Bumface is about a
young boy named Angus who is placed in a difficult situation at this point in
his life. He is the victim of harassment at school, and is neglected at home by
his single parent mother, who also neglects his other siblings so she can
pursue single men and her acting career. Angus takes on the responsibility of
caring for his younger brother as well as his 18 month old sister, but realises
that taking on this extra responsibility is hindering his rehearsals for his
school play. Angus decides at this point that something must be done,
especially when he suspects that his mother could be expecting another child.
This book from
Gleitzman reflects an interesting cultural attitude and idea. It opens the
young reader’s eyes to an issue that a lot of children are faced with in modern
day society where children are neglected by their parents. This book projects
to the reader an attitude that is not the norm, regarding Angus and the level
of responsibility that he has at his age. This attitude the book conveys across
to the reader enlightens the younger reader, and allows for the ‘potential to enrich
their lives and scopes of experience.’
Gleitzman uses
short sentences throughout the novel, and employs the use of adverbs to invoke
emotion out of the reader like for example ‘frantically’ and ‘delightedly.’
This language used is powerful and transforming, and inspires the reader’s
imagination, thinking and thought processes. Gleitzman’s other trademark characteristic
in his work is the use of his witty remarks and humour which also brings an
element of interest to the reader, and makes the book more appealing and
enjoyable to a younger audience.
This book can be
used with upper primary/middle years school as a tool possible for a SOSE class
as a tuning in exercise when covering the topic of the diverse range of societies
and social implications placed upon individuals and families.
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