Paperboy

Bibliography

Vawter, Vince. Paperboy. New York: Delacorte Press, 2013.  ISBN 978-0307931511

Plot Summary

Little Man, an eleven year old boy residing in Memphis, described his life while having a speech impediment and used a typewriter to communicate.  Little Man is a boy with few words as he is aware of his stuttering which impacted his communication with everyone around him. One summer, Little Mans’ friend Arthur, who is also known as Rat, shared he needed someone to take over his newspaper route. Though Little Man accepted the job offer, he knew throwing the paper would be the easiest part of his job. The most difficult part of his job would be collecting money every Friday as this would require him to communicate with the neighbors while collecting. To his surprise, Little Man meets many different neighbors including the retired merchant marine, TV boy, and junkman. Little Mans caretaker, Mam, reminds him to be vigilant of junkman as he could be danger. Does Little Man overcome his challenge with stuttering and feeling afraid of speaking?

Critical Analysis
The setting takes place in 1959 in Memphis, Tennessee amid racial tension. Vawter includes his personal experiences of struggling with a speech impediment, and creating a relatable neighborhood that is believable in the eyes of the reader. Vawter depicts his struggle with stuttering in the text as he shares he does not add any commas due to the fact his life already has many pauses. He believes he didn’t need commas to create an extra pause besides the one that occurs uncontrollably from his speech. This reflects his true inner dialogue and his battle stuttering and how his words are portrayed to those around him.

To provide authenticity, Vawter includes author’s notes that include his struggles with speech and the progress of modern speech therapy in 1959. Along with that, he includes an image of himself at the age of eight sitting in front of a typewriter. Vawter shares credible organizations and resources that can provide the reader with more information on stuttering. Along with that, Vawter adds meaningful pieces of information throughout the text to enhance the realistic neighborhood. This included explaining the cost of the newspaper being ninety-five cents, and having paperboys deliver them to you using bikes. Victor includes different references such as the The Howdy Doody Show, and naming baseball players such as Bob Feller.  

The character development of Little Man creates a relatable experience for young readers. Little Man displays his struggles as well as his journey in creating an identity while learning about those around him and his neighborhood, including the battles they all face. Little man is exposed to racism, abuse, and alcohol addiction.  Little Man is able to overcome his battle with stuttering and realizes that the content of what you say is more important that how it is said. Young readers are able to create a connection in facing a challenge and find the courage overcome their challenges. Overall, Vawter creates a story line that includes authenticity, while providing character development that will tug at the hearts of young readers.

Review Excerpts and Awards

A 2014 Newbery Honor  Award Winner

An ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

From the Horn Book:  With heartbreaking detail, he describes his difficulties, how he uses the “Gentle Air” method of blowing out a few breaths before certain consonants, or shouts certain words, or tosses an object in the air before uttering a sound.

From Kirkus Reviews: Carefully crafted language, authenticity of setting and quirky characters that ring fully true all combine to make this a worthwhile read. Although Little Man’s stutter holds up dialogue, that annoyance also powerfully reflects its stultifying impact on his life.

Connections

Other books by Vince Vawter

Copyboy

Other books on the 2014 Newbery Honor books

Doll Bones by Holly Black

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

One Came Home by Amy Timberlake

Connections in the Classroom:

This story can be used as a read aloud in the classroom. Along with that, students can participate in a readers theater of the story.

Students can research and learn about different resources offered to those with speech impediments. Students can create informational texts and share organizations that help those like Victor.

Students can participate in a writing prompt describing a time where they built courage just like Victor. This will allow readers to make a connection to their personal lives.