Looking For Alaska by John Green

1. Bibliography
Green, John. 2005. LOOKING FOR ALASKA. New York: Dutton Books. ISBN 0525475060

2. Plot Summary
Miles Halter, a sixteen-year-old boy, leaves his home in Florida to attend Culver Creek boarding school, just like his father. Once arriving there he meets his roommate Chip, who they call Colonel, and a beautiful girl named Alabama Young, called Alaska. Leaving his boring life behind, he finds a world that is not even close to being the same as his old life. Taking the name “Pudge” and being known for his memorization of famous last words, Miles will learn about a whole different life from his new friends Alaska and the Colonel. In the end nothing will ever be the same as before.

3. Critical Analysis
This award winning book will have reader’s turning the pages quickly. Miles Halter, a sixteen year old boy, will venture to Culver Creek to finish his high school days. Leaving Florida with a boring life of no friends, he will enter a new world of adventures, starting with his new name “Pudge.” With his arrival to school, Miles will meet the Colonel, the math wizard, and a smart, sexy girl named Alaska who will change his life forever. This group who is known for there pranks will live a life full of sex, smoking, and drinking as well as survive the requirements of school. Young adults will enjoy this book as it discusses these real life events, and allows for easy connections with the characters. As the book progresses Pudge’s love for Alaska will grow that will have readers shocked with Green’s conclusion to this adventurous book. This is a great read for mature young adults who will take pleasure in this group of friends that survive the triumphs of life and the catastrophic event that will change all their lives forever.

4. Review Excerpts
Michael L. Printz
ALA Best Book for Young Adults
ALA Quick Pick
A Los Angeles Times 2005 Book Prize Finalist
A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age
2005 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
2005 Booklist Editor’s Choice

5. Connections
*Other Books by John Green
AN ABUNDANCE OF KATERINES. 0525476881
ENCOUNTERS WITH BIGFOOT. 0888393407
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