Beloved

Bibliographic Info: Morrison, T. (2004, Reprint). Beloved. New York City, New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

Annotation: An extremely gripping and emotional story of an African-American slave, Margaret, who escaped slavery only to be hunted down again. Margaret chooses to do the unimaginable to try to save her children from the life of slavery. The story continues as her daughter, Beloved, returns to haunt the place where unspeakable things happened to her.

Genre: Postmodern Literature

Grade Level: 11-12th grade (depending on maturity)

Readers who will like this book: Those who understand the horrors of slavery and have the maturity level and understanding to fully comprehend this book.

Personal response: Beloved is a remarkably written piece of literature that stirs the heart and soul in intense ways. I wouldn't say it is an "easy" read, but it is easy to get wrapped up and carried away in the characters. It is a true representation of the lives some women must have faced and that alone gives this book so much power. I would rate the writing as a 4.

A question you would ask before reading/assigning: Are you aware of the suffering slaves were faced with?

Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Literature Map
b.) Literature maps provide a means for responding to the text while reading. They are usually made of four sections, each section labeled with a different category. Some examples would be; vocabulary, questions, imagery, reactions... Although these categories are generally designated by the teacher, students may be able to create their own if it is relevant to the book. After the readers maps are completed (by either reading a few select chapters per map or the book as a whole) they are shared with the class. This strategy allows students to become more actively involved with the reading and creates creative thinking and questioning.
c.) Since Beloved is a very intense book, the literature map can help children reflect on what they are reading and bring ideas, questions and thoughts together as a whole class or group. Students are challenged to critically think about the book at a deep level and are able to share reactions as well. This may help readers get through such an emotionally difficult book if they are able to express how they feel and ask for clarifications.