MISTER AND ME

MISTER AND ME

Module 6

SLIS 5420/Module 6/July 12-17

Book for this module

MISTER AND ME by Kimberly Willis Holt

Bibliographic

Holt,. (1998). MISTER AND ME. New York, New York: Penguin Putnam

Summary
MISTER AND ME is a story about a little girl who is very close to her mother and can only recall very little about her father who passed when she was young. Well, Jolene has resentment towards a gentlemen named Leroy who is trying to date her mom and she destroys an item and calls him MISTER trying to get her point across, but that does not work. Eventually Jolene's mom and Leroy get married and with time this young lady comes to like Mr. Leroy and welcomes him into the family.

My Impression
This book is great for any child experiencing a mom or dad who is dating; whether it maybe after losing a parent to death or divorce. This book may actually help a child develop a relationship with this individual and things may work out if the child is willing to open up, and get to know them.

Reviews
School Library Journal
Grade 4-6 In this touching short novel set in 1940's logging Community, Jolene Jasmine Johnson is perfectly content with her close little family made up of just herself, mommy and Grandpa. Then along comes Mister Leroy Redfield, a logger who spoils everything by distracting her mother and wheedling his way into the family with his charm. Although she has no memory of her father, the girl clings to the idea of him, providing her with one more reason to resent the new comer's intrusion despite her efforts to make Mister disappear. Jolene misdeeds only seem to strengthen his resolve to win her approval and become a permanent fixture in her life. Separate seating areas in the movie theater and her mother's part-time work serving for white women make it clear that the story takes place in a racially segregated town, but these references are not fully explained. The focus of the story is Jolene's emotional growth and her eventual acceptance of this man whose love and patience allow her to expand her notion of family.

Use in Library Setting
This book can be used to discuss sharing and the feelings that are experienced when they have to share a love one. This could be mom, dad, a sibling or a friend with a friend. Alot of times students will say I'm not your friend anymore to entice someone to be their friend. We can role play or create a skit about sharing. Students will come up with ideas to share and act this out.