I Never Knew Your Name (Controversial)

I Never Knew Your Name by Sherry Garland is a book that shows a younger boy who watched an older teenager over a period of time. The older boy was always in the shadows by himself and watched the other children go off to dances and such. Many times the younger boy has the urge to approach the older boy to hang out but never follows through. In the end of the book, the older boy kills himself and then he is noticed by everyone. This book was very sad to read but very true especially in todays world. Children are often left out of groups of peers and become depressed. As adults, we hope that we are able to help before the depression becomes too much and someone loses a life. I thought it was interesting how the little boy's older sister said "He wasn't that bad, I don't know why he did it" yet she never once made an effort to include him. So often we think that someone else will make that extra effort but too often no one does. Although this book is very realistic I do not think that 4th graders should be reading it. I would use this book more for older middle school or junior high because it seems like that is when everyone starts to get clicky.