CHALLENGE TO ALL READERS : answers would be deeply appreciated?

Question

Hi you guys... i need to find a book in which the main character goes through a drastic change. it could be either physically or mentally, but i would prefer mentally
(outlook on life, perspective, interaction towards other - ex: kinder, and etc ) Please make sure that the book you request is interesting and read-able for a 7th-8th grader

Thanks for all your help!

I have recieved all types of answers, but i would just like to clarify one type of thing : the change should be in the MAIN charcter -- and if you guys can, can you maybe tell my a lil bout the change in the book you are recommending

Answer 1

Tangerine by Edward Bloor.

The protagonist is a legally blind boy with a mystery/suppressed memory in his past. He has an evil older brother, and parents who don't "see" what is right in front of them.

It's fantastic.

Answer 2

The book I'm going to recommend is very very different from all the other answers but I'd recommend Pride and Prejudice. In this book the view of Elizabeth Bennett (the heroine) towards Mr Darcy changes completely. It's not much of a mental change really but this book is fantastic and everyone should read it. The author, obviously, is Jane Austen; it's a true masterpiece.

Answer 3

'Wicked: The life and times of the Wicked Witch of the West' is a good one, the appropriateness is debatable. I think it's okay, but others disagree.

Edit (per additional information) - This story is essentially a giant examination of the question: 'What is Evil?' It follows Elphaba (main character and Wicked Witch of the West of Oz) through her life. As she goes she changes from a social outcaste (green skin) to having friends, to abandoning them in search of the greater good.



'Small Gods' by Terry Pratchet is another, if you don't mind a theological debate. An excellent, if slightly deep, comedy.

Edit - About a young man who is a low rung initiate in the Church of Om (a parody of Christianity.) He, somewhat unwillingly at times, helps his god (who has been stuck as a turtle for a while. Long story) to get his power and divinity back. The young man learns to be stronger, more of a man, etc. But the real change is in the God (who was kind of a jerk) who learns some humility from the man, plus is browbeaten into agreeing to do better at his job. Including agreeing to a variant of the Magna Carta.

.
'A Christmas Carol' is a classic for exactly that.

Edit - Explaining this would likely be redundant


'God's Debris' by Scott Adams (yes, Dilbert cartoonist) is another theological one. The twist is that the main character is effectively the reader.

Edit - Basically, the main character gets a more open mind about the world around him. Most of the book is one long, though interesting, conversation between him and an old man


'Silverwing' and it's sequels are about bats, but are highly recommended and have one several awards. (I highly recommend this one. Very good and geared towards young teens.)

Edit - About a young bat who was the runt of his litter. Deemed to weak even to survive, he tries to prove himself. This has the unfortunate end result of their home being burned down.

The story can be described as his journey into learning that brute strength (which he admited to begin, and hated himself for not having) can't hold a candle to intelligence, wit and courage. Through the book he bests several challenges that should have been impossible, and would have been to those who relied purely on strength.


That's all I can think of. Hope one of them works for you.

Answer 4

I recommend "The Book Of The Dun Cow" by Walter Wangerin Jr....it is a fantasy, very deep, involving farm animals, and the main character is a rooster who most definitely undergoes drastic mental change. Good luck!

Answer 5

Hi, a good book for you would be Double Identity by Margret Peterson Haddix. Also Milkweed is a wonderful book. It's about the changes and life of a boy who lived during the Holocaust. It's by Jerry Spinelli. Good luck and keep reading!

Answer 6

The Metamorphasis by Franz Kafka
The Awakening by Kate Chopin (if you teach an advanced 7th-8th grade class)
Just Ella- Margaret Peterson Haddix (a retelling of Cinderella that portrays Prince Charming's monarchy and its rigorous social structure in a less favorable light; Cinderella changes throughout the book, becoming increasingly more and more disgusted with the life she had wanted, eventually running away)
Lord of the Flies- William Golding (usually taught in 9th grade, but I think 7th-8th grade kids could definitely handle it)

Answer 7

The Hobbit by Tolkien! Bilbo, a narrow-minded and trepidatious homebody, leaves the Shire to engage in an adventure with great reluctance - in fact, at times it seems to him as if he has been kidnapped. When he returns, he remembers his adventures among strange places and people fondly and is much more self-confident.

It also happens to be my favorite book. Look at the link below for a short review and some more detail.

I hope this helps.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 8

Invitation to the Game by Monica Hughes
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman [My class LOVED it!]
Escape from Memory by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

Answer 9

Born on the Fourth of July by Ron Kovic

Answer 10

I am a seventh grader and I'd suggest Harry Potter because Harry grows easily each book, It's a good series. Trust me!