Body+of+Christopher+Creed

//The Body of Christopher Creed// by Carol Plum-Ucci

This young adult novel addresses the issue of how we treat each other and the impact of the community at large on each individual. The novel follows a popular high school football player whose life is turned upside down when the geeky bullied kid goes missing. As Torey searches for what has happened to Chris Creed, he reexamines how people (both in high school and out of high school, kids and adults)treat each other.

Chris Creed is not only bullied but represents many disenfranchised groups. In addition, the novel addresses stereotyping, especially socio-economic stereotyping.

Some of the activities I have used as we explore this novel are writing about situations at DHS that are similar to those in novel. Choice charts where we evaluate the decisions that the characters make, their options, excuses, and alternatives. We make Facebook pages for all the characters (on large paper) and then discuss their public and personal images.

This book also engenders wonderful discussions about how we treat each other and our responsiblities to the community at large and individuals specifically. There is also significant symbolism that allows us to talk about religion, creeds, and the values that guide our lives.