Process: I didn't really go through a "process" to find this book, but instead it was recommended in our Adolescent Literature class. Since first hearing about the story, I knew that I wanted to read it, so when I saw that "Realistic Fiction" was listed as a required genre, I knew that this was the book I was going to read.
Rationale: This book is listed on the ALAN website, but aside from that, it's entire context would appeal to any YA reader. The point of view is of a sixteen year old boy which allows young adult readers, more specifically male readers, the ability to connect more with Nick's character in the book. Aside from the abuse, this book is also about finding yourself, which is what the majority of the adolescent population is striving to do.
In terms of teaching this in the classroom, although I thought that this book was a terrific read, I don't think I would read it as a class because of the violence and amount of foul language contained in the text. I think that it may be too much for some individuals taste, and I feel like some parents would find the violence and foul language excessive and unnecessary. I would definitely recommend it to any of my older YA readers though, and I wouldn't hesitate to add it to my classroom library.
