Casey Modiri
Book Talk
Dr. Warner
English 112B
Looking for Alaska
By: John Green
http://www.johngreenbooks.com/
●
Green went to Kenyon College in Ohio where he majored in English and Religious
Studies.
● In 2006, Green won the Printz Award for ​Looking For Alaska
​● Looking for Alaska was Green’s first novel published
​
Looking For Alaska Summary:
Miles Halter seeks a new life after leaving his parent’s house in Florida to a boarding school in
Birmingham, Alabama. His new roommate Colonel nicknames him Pudge as well as introduce
him to his group of friends, Takumi and Alaska. The group is led by Alaska who is known for her
beauty, smoking cigarettes, drinking and disdain for ‘weekend warriors’ ( a term for rich kids at
their boarding school). Pudge quickly becomes attracted to the experienced and flirtatious
Alaska. As the group bonds over study sessions, a Thanksgiving dinner at a trailer park and
elaborate pranks, Pudge’s feelings for Alaska intensify until a horrific event shocks the group of
friends. The group struggle to finish out the school year while attempting to find meaning in the
unexpected tragedy. Via the acceptance of the tragedy, Pudge defines his own philosophy on
life and death, discovering a completely different version of himself.
Key
​ Passages in ​Looking for Alaska:
1. Alaska and Pudge conversation
So we lay in the tall grass between the soccer field and the woods, passing the bottle back and
forth tilting up to the sip the wince-inducing wine.[.......] I opened my mouth again but this time
not to speak, and she reached up and put a finger to my lips and said, “Shh. Shh. Don't ruin it”
(81-82).
This quote shows Alaska’s views on suffering, a feeling she experiences frequently.
2. Alaska retelling worst day ever
“The day after my mom took me to the zoo where liked the monkeys and I liked the bears, it was
a Friday.[........] “ We are all going” (119-120).
This passage reveals Alaska’s past and how the death of her mom has affected her more than
she may be willing to admit. It shows how difficult it is for her to talk about it and how she had to
be intoxicated to do so.
3. Night before tragedy
“We didn't have sex. We never got naked [.....] I doubled back, wading through the creek to save
time, slipped in through the back window of Room 43, and slept like babies” (131-133).
This scene highlights a major theme of guilt in the novel. Alaska is consumed by guilt to the
point of no return and after her death, Pudge and Colonel struggle to overcome feeling guilty
about her death too.
Looking for Alaska in the classroom:
Pudge leaves his family and comfort zone to begin a new chapter in his life. Write a SSW about
a time you had to overcome adversity in an unfamiliar place. What did time you learn from the
experience? How has Pudge changed for the better even though he suffered a devastating
loss?
​ In groups, compare Alaska in ​Looking for Alaska with Melinda in S
​ peak. In what ways are their
struggles similar and/or different? Why is it vital for young teens to express what they are
feeling?
From Alaska’s point of view, write a short poem describing her emotions after her mom died.
Respond to that poem with poem in your own voice addressing why Alaska shouldn't feel guilty.
What age level is​ Looking for Alaska most appropriate for?
This book is appropriate for ages between 13-18 but probably more suited for teens in high
school with more life experience. They may find the novel more relatable more but there is no
reason to avoid teaching this novel even though drinking, smoking, profanity and sex are a main
part of the plot.
Why should teens read​ ​Looking for Alaska?
Because traumatic childhood experiences can linger into teen years and cause depression (as
seen in Alaska).
Because teens begin to search for meaning in life and often struggle to attach themselves with a
belief system much like Pudge.
Because this book gives an honest portrayal of what life as a teen can entail. Green doesn’t shy
away from any subjects that can be labeled ‘taboo’.
Analysis of Text Complexity in ​Looking for Alaska
-
Lexile measure: ​931
(7th & 8th grade level​)
-
New Dale-Chall score :​6.9
​ (7th & 8th grade level)
The diction in the novel is not challenging or intimidating for students in middle school. An issue
people have with this book is the subject matter. Some parents find Green’s novel repulsive and
have lobbied for the book to be banned and in some instances, the book has been banned.
These people look past the reality that some teens live very adult lives. It should not be banned.
If parents are worried about the content in ​Looking for Alaska, it could be a perfect transition into
a lesson on sexual education or substance abuse.
Exeter Qualities Modeled in Novel:
2. Exciting plots that include secrecy, surprise and tension brought about through narrative
hooks and a fast pace
3. Characters who reflect experiences of teen readers, something that is not found in much of
the literary canon, especially when it come to strong female protagonists.
7. Themes that allow the possibility of emotional and intellectual growth through engagement
with personal issues.