FlumeAward – The Help Discussion page for //The Help// by Kathryn Stockett
I think the book has been read by all already. The movie created another surge for the book in the fall and again when the DVD came out. But I think the book’s time has come and gone. it’s a wonderful story, but it should have been on the list last year.
Kelly B. Keene High School, 2/9/12
A lovely book fo rolder teens with a young protagonist who awakens to the fact of racial inequity within her community and takes a chance to change things. Best for grades 11 & 12. – Amy I.
I loved this book, I agree with Amy this book will appeal to high school girls. Susan – Seabrook
This is VERY popular with staff/adults, but not as many teens have enjoyed this wonderful read. It will be coming out in August ont he big screen.
Kelly Budd
Keene High School
I have had a wonderful chance to listen to this beautiful book. Not only I recommend it to the list, but I hope it will win.
I think it will appeal more to girls. Yasmin- Portsmouth Public Library
No students have checked out The Help in the Dover High School library; only teachers and staff. Perhaps some have checked it out at the public library. Pretty good story, but not earth shattering.
Maybeth
This book has had wide appeal here. Students and teachers are reading it, and even readers who say they don’t like historical fiction are enjoying it. The audio version is very well done–one of my favorites of recent memory. This would make a good adult/YA crossover that doesn’t have the "scandal factor" of Picoult, Shreve, or others that have made the list. *UPDATE–I agree with Sharon. Now that the movie has come and gone, I think everyone who was going to read this book has done so. I wouldn’t recommend it for the 2013 list.*
Kathy Pearce, Oyster River HS
I think it will make a great crossover for YA/adult too! It’s got great protagonists and tells an interesting story. I think the problems Skeeter feels with her friends may resonate with teen girls who notice themselves differing from their own friends as they mature.
Sophie Smith
Nashua Public Library.
I loved this book, for myself. I wonder if teens will want to read it. I compare it to "The Secret Life of Bees" in this way– whenever I tried to get teens to read it they said, ‘Oh yeah, my mom liked that book’ and then they did not take it out. Just a thought–it is certainly a worthy and great book.
Kathy Watson, Kimball Library
I think that this is a fabulous read about strong young women, the power of words, and the coming of age. It should be on the list – despite the fact that it isn’t flying off shelves (or maybe that is a stronger reason for it to make the list – this book should be highlighted.) Yes, this will appeal more to girls. It will also appeal to more to historical fiction buffs. I certainly hope that this makes the list. March 2012 – I think that most of the students who want to read this book have read it. While I recommended it last year, I wouldn’t suggest that it be included in the list at this point in time.
Sharon Flesher-Duffy, Nashua High South
My high school book club girls have all read this and loved it. It’s a great historical fiction piece from the perspectives of both era and location. To top it off, it has a protagonist who follows through with her dream and chooses her career over her boyfriend….a great message for young women. This should be on the list. March 2012: As the other updates have noted, it’s probably too late for this one.
Heidi Grant @Nashua High North
I think we could find something better. I agree with Kelly Budd. Let’s introduce something good and popular that everyone hasn’t already heard off. They only people that haven’t read this are people that will never read this.
Gail Zachariah
Keene Public Library
This is one book that completely lived up to its hype. The portrayal of attitudes of the time felt honest and unbiased (except for my own opinions on the treatment of fellow humans), and I really appreciated the different voices of the three main characters. I highly recommend the audiobook, as the narrators are superb, and bring each character to life. I found it to be highly emotional, and wonder if this is the very reason that teens would love it. It’s also a period of history that is often missed in schools, as they move chronologically, and fall behind -maybe this is a good way to get teens thinking about where we were then, and how far we’ve come.
Kirsten Rundquist Corbett
Lane Memorial Library, Hampton