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1. Bibliographic Information
Anderson, M. (2006). The astonishing life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the nation, Volume 1: The pox party. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.
351 pages
ISBN: 0-7636-2402-0
2. Plot Summary
Octavian Nothing is a young boy living in the Americas in the 1700s. Along with his mother, he lives with the men of the Novanglian College of Lucidity. These men, who go by numbers rather than names, provide Octavian with a classical education, reinforcing scientific theory, music, and classic Greek literature. Although treated like royalty, Octavian is also submitted to strict tests which study his eating habits, weighing his feces, and recording his answers to specific questions. Thus, Octavian’s childhood is far from normal, and the stress of observation and study has greatly affected his ability to connect with people, especially that of his mother who thrives on the noble attention of the college. This college however is based upon the patronage of wealthy benefactors, and when Octavian’s mother spurns the attention of Lord Cheldthorpe, the college’s experiments take on a more sinister meaning. Can Octavian come to terms with his role in the Novanglian College of Lucidity, and thus his own identity?
3. Critical Evaluation
Anderson’s gift of writing becomes amazingly apparent with his skill in making the reader feel that The Pox Party is in fact a historical narrative written during the eve of the Revolutionary War. Anderson’s word choice, plot lines, and overall writing style has been clearly researched and cleverly written. It is interesting to read about the dynamic between Octavian and the rest of his “family,” especially his mother. His distant relationships, and yet brutal observations allow the reader to understand the social climate of the time, without forcing Anderson to explicitly state certain facts. Furthermore, Anderson deftly paints a picture of American Revolutionary History not often taught in history classes. His emphasis on a slave’s unique life in the colonies allows comparisons to be drawn from the idealistic view that many people have of the time period. In Octavian Nothing, Anderson has pushed the boundaries of Teen Historical Fiction, surpassing the genre’s standards not only based upon content, but also literary merit.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Octavian Nothing is a young black boy living in the American colonies just prior to the Revolutionary War. Little does he know that his different, yet privileged upbringing serves a sinister purpose.
5. Information about the Author
M.T. Anderson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has written numerous books for all ages including Feed, Thirsty, Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware, and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. The sequel to The Pox Party, subtitled The Kingdom on the Waves was published in 2008.
6. Genre
Historical Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
I think that this novel could be included in History and English instruction. The novel is a great example of superior writing for young adults, as well as a great introduction to well-written historical fiction. The contents of the novel are based upon true events in history, and in the Author’s Note, Anderson writes about his own research for this novel.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does this book relate to other ideas of ethnocentrism (i.e. Social Darwinism)?
-Teenagers today often have trouble defining their individuality, how do Octavian’s experiences affect his ability to come to terms with himself? How does his name reinforce these ideas?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the writing style, themes, and overall quality of this book, I would consider this book to be appropriate for older teens aged 16 and up.
10. Challenge Issues
This book takes a different approach at American Revolutionary history, as well as beliefs about the superiority of certain races. This novel does talk about slavery, both in terms of sale and the treatment of African Americans and Native Africans during this time period; there are examples of beatings. However, I think that when placed in context with the story this book can serve as a good teaching example, rather than controversial. Nevertheless, if someone did wish to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s guidelines and challenge form found at
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Anderson, M. (2006). The astonishing life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the nation, Volume 1: The pox party. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.
351 pages
ISBN: 0-7636-2402-0
2. Plot Summary
Octavian Nothing is a young boy living in the Americas in the 1700s. Along with his mother, he lives with the men of the Novanglian College of Lucidity. These men, who go by numbers rather than names, provide Octavian with a classical education, reinforcing scientific theory, music, and classic Greek literature. Although treated like royalty, Octavian is also submitted to strict tests which study his eating habits, weighing his feces, and recording his answers to specific questions. Thus, Octavian’s childhood is far from normal, and the stress of observation and study has greatly affected his ability to connect with people, especially that of his mother who thrives on the noble attention of the college. This college however is based upon the patronage of wealthy benefactors, and when Octavian’s mother spurns the attention of Lord Cheldthorpe, the college’s experiments take on a more sinister meaning. Can Octavian come to terms with his role in the Novanglian College of Lucidity, and thus his own identity?
3. Critical Evaluation
Anderson’s gift of writing becomes amazingly apparent with his skill in making the reader feel that The Pox Party is in fact a historical narrative written during the eve of the Revolutionary War. Anderson’s word choice, plot lines, and overall writing style has been clearly researched and cleverly written. It is interesting to read about the dynamic between Octavian and the rest of his “family,” especially his mother. His distant relationships, and yet brutal observations allow the reader to understand the social climate of the time, without forcing Anderson to explicitly state certain facts. Furthermore, Anderson deftly paints a picture of American Revolutionary History not often taught in history classes. His emphasis on a slave’s unique life in the colonies allows comparisons to be drawn from the idealistic view that many people have of the time period. In Octavian Nothing, Anderson has pushed the boundaries of Teen Historical Fiction, surpassing the genre’s standards not only based upon content, but also literary merit.
4. Reader’s Annotation
Octavian Nothing is a young black boy living in the American colonies just prior to the Revolutionary War. Little does he know that his different, yet privileged upbringing serves a sinister purpose.
5. Information about the Author
M.T. Anderson lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has written numerous books for all ages including Feed, Thirsty, Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware, and Me, All Alone, at the End of the World. The sequel to The Pox Party, subtitled The Kingdom on the Waves was published in 2008.
6. Genre
Historical Fiction
7. Curriculum Ties
I think that this novel could be included in History and English instruction. The novel is a great example of superior writing for young adults, as well as a great introduction to well-written historical fiction. The contents of the novel are based upon true events in history, and in the Author’s Note, Anderson writes about his own research for this novel.
8. Booktalking Ideas
-How does this book relate to other ideas of ethnocentrism (i.e. Social Darwinism)?
-Teenagers today often have trouble defining their individuality, how do Octavian’s experiences affect his ability to come to terms with himself? How does his name reinforce these ideas?
9. Reading Level/Interest Age
Due to the writing style, themes, and overall quality of this book, I would consider this book to be appropriate for older teens aged 16 and up.
10. Challenge Issues
This book takes a different approach at American Revolutionary history, as well as beliefs about the superiority of certain races. This novel does talk about slavery, both in terms of sale and the treatment of African Americans and Native Africans during this time period; there are examples of beatings. However, I think that when placed in context with the story this book can serve as a good teaching example, rather than controversial. Nevertheless, if someone did wish to challenge this book I would refer them to the ALA’s guidelines and challenge form found at
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
11. Why was it selected?
I heard good reviews about the book.
12. Citations
Anderson, M.T. (2010). Him: His life. Retrieved from http://mt-anderson.com/
Challenges to library materials. (2010). In American Library Association. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/index.cfm
Picture Retrieved from
Amazon.com. (2010). The astonishing life of octavian nothing, traitor to the nation, vol. 1: The pox party (Hardcover). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Astonishing-Octavian-Nothing-Traitor-Nation/dp/0763624020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272339632&sr=1-1
13. Awards
National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2006)
British Fantasy Award (2007)
Book Sense Book of the Year Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2007)
Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Fiction and Poetry (2007)
Horn Book Fanfare Best Book (2006)
BCCB Blue Ribbon Book (2006)
Printz Honor (2007)
