Module 1: Classics and Awards
1. BIBLIOGRAHY
Bray, Libba. 2009. GOING BOVINE. New York, NY. Delacorte Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0385733976
2. SUMMARY
Cameron is just your average teen guy. He's lazy, aimless, a slacker and the highlight of his day is smoking pot in the school restroom. But then the unexpected happens: he contracts the human form of mad cow disease, which is fatal in every single case. The only chance that Cameron has to save his life is to undertake a mission to save the world. His sidekicks include a punk-rock pink-haired, spray painted winged angel, a hypochondriac video game playing dwarf with an overprotective mother, and a Nordic god in the form of a talking lawn gnome. Setting out on the ultimate road trip to Find Dr. X and the Mad Cow cure, the trio encounters cults, possible serial killers, a New Orleans jazz singer, a parallel universe, crazy game show hosts and a lawless snow globe franchise.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author, Libba Bray, takes the reader on a twisted ride as she develops the story of Cameron and his battle with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy known as the human form of Mad Cow Disease. Up until contracting the incurable virus, Cameron lived a quiet reclusive life. Usually overlooked and a bit on the “loser” side of high school, he suddenly finds himself thrust into the spotlight once word of his illness spreads. Bray portrays the protagonist as someone you wish to hang out with due to his quick wit and edgy personality. The reader never wants to leave his side as you begin to care about Cameron and the battle he is facing as his condition worsens.
While reading I often wondered if the events were truly taking place or if it was all happening inside Cameron’s head while lying in the hospital as the disease slowly takes over. The “hallucinations” (or not) take the reader through a wild ride of emotions as one deals with how fragile life can really be.
Young readers will identify with the pop culture icons scattered throughout the novel. Disney World, vexing music, reality TV, energy drinks and the antics of an MTV style shows will keep the readers of this generation interested, and gives them an author they feel like identifies with their generation. Along with Bray’s depiction of various teen cliques (jocks, outcasts, popular and stoners), teens will definitely stay with this book for the entire wild time it provides.
4. Award/Reviews
2009 Children's Book Sense Pick
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of the Year 2009
Booklist Books for Youth Editors' Choice in 2009
Michael L. Printz Award Winner 2010
School Library Journal "Bray blends in a hearty dose of satire on the road trip as Cameron leaves his Texas deathbed—or does he? —To battle evil forces with a legendary jazz horn player, to escape the evil clutches of a happiness cult, to experiment with cloistered scientists trying to solve the mysteries of the universe, and to save a yard gnome embodying a Viking god from the clutches of the materialistic, fame-obsessed MTV-culture clones who shun individual thought. It's a trip worth taking, though meandering and message-driven at times. Some teens may check out before Cameron makes it to his final destination, but many will enjoy asking themselves the questions both deep and shallow that pop up along the way. —Suzanne Gordon, Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA
Booklist, starred review "An unforgettable, nearly indefinable fantasy adventure."
5. CONNECTIONS
Learn more about Mad Cow Disease at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/mad_cow_disease.html
Read Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Referenced many times in Going Bovine, readers may enjoy learning the connections between the two books.
Check out the author's website for additional (and fun) information about the book.
http://www.libbabray.com/
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