LSSL 5360 Module 5- Book Review #2 WILL SPARROW'S ROAD by Karen Cushman

Module 5- Book Review #2 Will Sparrow’s Road by Karen Cushman

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cushman, K. (2012). Will Sparrow's road. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 978-0-547-73962-5

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Will Sparrow’s Road is a story of an abandoned, orphaned runaway set in Elizabethean England. Will Sparrow is always running- running from his dad, from the innkeeper, from anything and every one. He’s a liar and a thief, he’s broke and barefoot. Along his runaway journey, he meets many delinquent characters- a blind juggler, a cheating dentist, a smart pig and her owner, just to name a few. All the while, the Elizabethean fairs give us a colorful backdrop of food, entertainment, and odd characters. Will takes us on a journey has he discovers the importance of looking past the physical presence of others.  This bold, cheeky male protagonist in an intriguing setting makes for a classic coming-of-age tale.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The character development was excellent in this book- Cushman provided excellent imagery through vivid descriptions of their personalities, struggles, and physical appearances. This is especially true in the development of Will Sparrow himself. He’s been through his share of struggles and pains- his mother abandoning him, his father sells him for beer. It becomes clear that Will cares about no one but himself, he’s been hardened by his life experiences and with each hardship comes a renewed attitude to trust no one., “I care for no one but myself and nothing but my belly!” Cushman repeats this sentiment many times during this piece of historical fiction.

Cushman uses a lot of language that resembles the time period, which provides a lot of dynamic in the dialogue. As Will finds a misfit family in a crew of Freak Show entertainers, we get a lot of this dialogue.  We see a special relationship grow between Will and a hairy-faced girl, Grace. It’s apparent that at first, Will sees himself as better than the “oddities” around him, but in the end, he finds a family with this troop of misfits.

Will Sparrow changes and grows, but in the end, we see many of the same delinquent qualities he had in the beginning. He makes a journey, both literally and internally, but in the end he is still an unlikeable hero, hardened by the hardships of his life. He does, however, learn to trust and open up to people like Grace, despite her appearance and outcast from society.  It was a slow read and not one I particularly loved, but it may interest young readers who enjoy this genre.

4.  REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Fascinating, sometimes seemingly preposterous, details are solidly corroborated in the informative author's note that reflects Cushman's extensive research." -School Library Journal

"Offering action, humor, and heart in equal doses, Cushman's story is, at its core, about creating and claiming a family of one's own." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

5. CONNECTIONS

*historical fiction, recommended for ages 8-12

*also by Karen Cushman, The Midwife’s Apprentice- Newbery Medalist