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1. Bibliographic Information:
Efaw, A. (2000). Battle dress. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publisher.
291 pages
ISBN: 0-06-027943-5
2. Plot Summary:
Andi Davis has been accepted West Point. Anxious to get away from her home life, Andi is excited to start her Cadet Basic Training, better know as the “Beast” at West Point. Although Andi does not fully understand what she has gotten herself into she is determined to graduate from her basic training. Once she arrives, however, she begins to doubt her own abilities. Andi is placed in H Company’s 3rd Squad along with seven other cadets. Only one other person in her squad is a female: Andi’s roommate, Gabrielle “Gab” Bryen. Andi feels that the rest of her squad treats her differently than Gab, that the rest of the squad has greater expectations for Andi. On the other hand, this seems to go against the female stereotypes that some of her squad members feel personally. Andi is angry about these stereotypes, but she works hard to show her other squad members that she does not agree with the actions of some of the other female cadets at basic training. However, when Andi is tested in real-life scenarios can she maintain her cool, and prove once and for all her worth to herself and her squad?
3. Critical Evaluation
This story is a straightforward tale of the Cadet Basic Training at West Point. Taking place in 1993, the author steers clear of any political opinions regarding the military itself, and instead focuses on the individual coming of age story of Andi Davis, and the people who affect her life along the way. The novel is an interesting look at the military hierarchy, showing not only the chain of command, but also the culture and social status of students and new cadets at West Point. In that respect the book succeeds as a measure of the level of commitment and dedication that Andi had to achieve in order to believe in her and complete her training. However, the novel is formulaic, and does not push the reader to critique or analyze the motivations of the protagonist. The storyline becomes predictable, especially with how gender stereotypes permeate through a male dominated academy. Even the characters are stereotypes, including the books depiction of female cadets, male cadets, and male officers. The book is not bad, just formulaic.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Andi Davis is accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Getting in was not easy, staying there is even harder.
5. Information about the Author
Amy Efaw graduated from West Point in 1989. She currently serves as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Battle Dress is her first book.
6. Genre
Historical Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
This book could be used as an outside reading book for an English class.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you agree with Andi’s assessment of her role as a female cadet in the scenarios?
-Would you join the military for the chance to go to one of America’s most prestigious schools?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this book would most appeal to girl’s age 15 and 16.
10. Challenge Issues
I don’t think that this book would be challenged, however just in case here is some information about ALA’s Challenge procedures:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/
Efaw, A. (2000). Battle dress. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publisher.
291 pages
ISBN: 0-06-027943-5
2. Plot Summary:
Andi Davis has been accepted West Point. Anxious to get away from her home life, Andi is excited to start her Cadet Basic Training, better know as the “Beast” at West Point. Although Andi does not fully understand what she has gotten herself into she is determined to graduate from her basic training. Once she arrives, however, she begins to doubt her own abilities. Andi is placed in H Company’s 3rd Squad along with seven other cadets. Only one other person in her squad is a female: Andi’s roommate, Gabrielle “Gab” Bryen. Andi feels that the rest of her squad treats her differently than Gab, that the rest of the squad has greater expectations for Andi. On the other hand, this seems to go against the female stereotypes that some of her squad members feel personally. Andi is angry about these stereotypes, but she works hard to show her other squad members that she does not agree with the actions of some of the other female cadets at basic training. However, when Andi is tested in real-life scenarios can she maintain her cool, and prove once and for all her worth to herself and her squad?
3. Critical Evaluation
This story is a straightforward tale of the Cadet Basic Training at West Point. Taking place in 1993, the author steers clear of any political opinions regarding the military itself, and instead focuses on the individual coming of age story of Andi Davis, and the people who affect her life along the way. The novel is an interesting look at the military hierarchy, showing not only the chain of command, but also the culture and social status of students and new cadets at West Point. In that respect the book succeeds as a measure of the level of commitment and dedication that Andi had to achieve in order to believe in her and complete her training. However, the novel is formulaic, and does not push the reader to critique or analyze the motivations of the protagonist. The storyline becomes predictable, especially with how gender stereotypes permeate through a male dominated academy. Even the characters are stereotypes, including the books depiction of female cadets, male cadets, and male officers. The book is not bad, just formulaic.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Andi Davis is accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Getting in was not easy, staying there is even harder.
5. Information about the Author
Amy Efaw graduated from West Point in 1989. She currently serves as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Battle Dress is her first book.
6. Genre
Historical Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
This book could be used as an outside reading book for an English class.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-Do you agree with Andi’s assessment of her role as a female cadet in the scenarios?
-Would you join the military for the chance to go to one of America’s most prestigious schools?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
I think that this book would most appeal to girl’s age 15 and 16.
10. Challenge Issues
I don’t think that this book would be challenged, however just in case here is some information about ALA’s Challenge procedures:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm/
11. Why Was It Selected:
I’ve always been interested to see just what goes on in basic training. I think part of it is that piece of me that wonders if I would be able to complete it without breaking physically or emotionally.
12. Citations:
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Efaw, A. (2000). Battle dress. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publisher.
Picture from:
Amazon. (2010). Battle dress (hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.ca/Battle-Dress-Amy-Efaw/dp/0060279435
Picture from:
Amazon. (2010). Battle dress (hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.ca/Battle-Dress-Amy-Efaw/dp/0060279435
13. Awards
No awards known.
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