Kool Ada

ISBN 10: 0785710701 ISBN 13: 9780785710707

Publisher: Bt Bound

Synopsis

When Ada, a tough, street-fighting transplant from coal mining country to the Chicago slums, gets the no-nonsense Ms. Walker as a teacher, she learns that there are other ways to stand up for yourself.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8-- Death, with a "cold, cold wind," has claimed each member of Ada Garland's family and frozen her voice within her. Now she has been uprooted from her home in the Kentucky mountains and transplanted in the alien environment of a drug-infested Chicago neighborhood to live with Grandaunt Lottie. Ada doesn't talk. She can barely read. What she does well, when labeled hillbilly dummy, is defend herself with her fists. At heart, though, Ada is a gentle child who respects her aunt and is comforted by her blend of restraint and freedom. She enjoys the friendship of elderly Mr. McCoy, the apartment super, who is an undemanding mentor. Most of all, she reveres Ms. Walker, beautiful and black, and teacher of the class for sixth grade "problem" girls into which Ada was quickly deposited. Ms. Walker works doggedly to affirm Ada's capabilities and, at length, can term "brilliant" the girl's ploy to avoid yet another fight with the school bully. Ada, with her eagerness to be helped, makes a fine contrast to Paterson's The Great Gilly Hopkins (HarperCollins, 1978), who is determined to fight those around her all the way. Introduce her to those many girls who are floundering in school for lack of a sense of belonging or ability. She is one of them. By telling her story from her own inner perspective, she becomes their advocate. Simple, but effective.
- Katherine Bruner, Brown Middle School Library, Harrison, TN
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

The death of her family and loss of her home have robbed 11- year-old Ada of speech and of any interest in the world outside the children's programs on her TV set. Sent north to live with her aunt in Chicago, Ada's unresponsiveness, as well as her hot temper and ready fists, quickly lands her in a ``special'' class. Fortunately, Ada is surrounded by helpful adults who patiently draw her out of her shell: Aunt Lottie; her building super and his wife; and especially Ms Walker, her capable new teacher. Ada tells her story simply and directly; she's a sharp observer and, despite uncertain reading and writing skills, is sensitive to language, collecting favorite words and rhymes in her head. As she comes to terms with her grief, she begins to speak again and is able to cope successfully with new challenges: her aunt's failing health; an older bully; and, most importantly, the despairing thought that she will always be a loser. Ada's triumphs may come too easily, but they are satisfying and reassuring nonetheless. (Fiction. 11-15) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bt Bound
• ISBN 10: 0785710701
• ISBN 13: 9780785710707
• Binding: Library Binding