A Certain October

For Ages: 14 and up

reading group guide
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Three-time Coretta Scott King Award–winner Angela Johnson writes a wrenching, honest book about surviving the unimaginable and finding a way to go on.

Scotty compares herself to tofu: no flavor unless you add something. And it’s true that Scotty’s friends, Misha and Falcone, and her brother, Keone, make life delicious. But when a terrible accident occurs, Scotty feels responsible for the loss of someone she hardly knew, and the world goes wrong. She cannot tell what is a dream and what is real. Her friends are having a hard time getting through to her and her family is preoccupied with their own trauma. But the prospect of a boy, a dance, and the possibility that everything can fall back into place soon help Scotty realize that she is capable of adding her own flavor to life.
With artfully spare prose, acclaimed and award-winning author Angela Johnson explores the ramifications of unexpected death in this compelling coming-of-age story.

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Book details:

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers |
176 pages |
ISBN 9780689865053 |
August 2012 |
Grades 9 and up

$19.99 List Price

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Praise

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“*[A Certain October] provides raw and honest insight into all of the emotions the teen is experiencing…This fast-paced, well-crafted novel is capable of engaging even the most reluctant readers.”

– SLJ, starred review

“*This slim book looks like it will be a quick read, but it turns out to be much more demanding--and rewarding--due to the story’s complex structure and the author’s gift for showing, not telling. ”

– The Horn Book, starred review

“*A wonderfully crafted and deeply satisfying novel, full of detail that provides texture and meaning.”

– Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“*A story of dazzling immediacy…Realistic dialogue and a cast of vibrant characters give lively texture to Johnson's nonlinear narrative. Through minimal exposition and Scotty's singular voice, Johnson gracefully explores... ”

– Publishers Weekly, starred review

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Read an Excerpt

IN THE FUTURE, WHEN I IMAGINE I MIGHT BE famous or infamous for something I’ve done, I suppose people will ask what it was that brought me to that place. Well, if I’m infamous I will say—no eyewitnesses and a good lawyer. If I’m famous I will say, I guess I just wanted it bad enough. One of these scenarios will probably be true, but more than likely neither will happen.

Most likely I’ll live my life like most people on the planet. Highs, lows, buy some shit, read some books, love some people, try not to eff the world up, and be kind to animals so they won’t eat me, as I’ve chosen to try...

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Hardcover 9780689865053

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Author Photo (jpg): Angela Johnson
Photograph by Roz Pinkard

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Book Reviews

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Reading Group Guide

A Reading Group Guide to A Certain October By Angela Johnson About the Book What would you do if your life drastically changed in an instant? Scotty is a regular teenager, looking forward to the upcoming homecoming dance. Besides the challenges she faces with her developmentally disabled little brother and the antics of her vivacious group of friends, she leads a pretty normal life. Scotty has a very loving family that supports her, despite the fact that they may be a little chaotic at times. Then, an accidental run-in on a train with a boy from school changes her life forever. With the help of her friends and family, Scotty tries to return to her everyday life after the unexpected death of someone she was just starting to get to know. Can Scotty forgive herself, and persevere through recent traumatic events? Discussion Questions Please use examples from the text to support your answers. 1. Identify the main characters in the story—Scotty, Misha, and Falcone. How are their personalities similar? How are their personalities different? *(R.CCR.1) 2. In Chapter 3, Scotty uses a simile to compare her life to tofu. What does Scotty mean by this simile, and why do you think she chooses tofu? (R.CCR.4) 3. The author leaves the matter of what happened to Scotty’s mother uncertain. What do you think happene see more