Branded

by Eric Walters

Overview

The principal announces that the school is implementing uniforms, and Ian finds himself caught in a conflict.

Julia, the student body president and Ian's friend, wants Ian to devise a plan to fight the decision, but the principal is determined to convince Ian the uniforms are a good idea. Ian doesn't see the problem with uniforms and wants nothing to do with the issue, but while doing research for a social-justice class, Ian learns that the manufacturer of the uniforms is on the top-ten list in the industry for human-rights violations. When he tells the principal their clothing is being made in sweatshops using child labor, all he gets is a reminder that the penalty for refusing to wear the uniforms is expulsion. Ian finds himself caught in a whole new conflict—one with himself.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554694488
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	03/01/2010
Series:	Orca Currents Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Read an Excerpt

"There are many causes for which I am prepared to die, but none for which I am prepared to kill," Mr. Roberts said. "Does anybody know who said that?"

Editorial Reviews

"A thought-provoking story with engaging characters and a well-paced plot. Many readers will enjoy Branded simply as a good read but this novel would also suit a literature circle or discussion group."

Resource Links

"A good addition to the hi/lo collection, this fast paced story raises social issues that relate to school and international social issues...Humor contributes to an enjoyable read and use as a possible book discussion with groups."

BookLinx

"Walters explores an interesting topic."

The Horn Book Guide

"A great lesson about standing up for what you believe."

Tacoma School District #10

"Walters uses Branded to raise awareness of a terrible social issue. Sweatshops are the subject of news broadcasts and articles, but until the products of these companies touch us directly, we tend to turn a blind eye. Teens will be interested in watching Ian as he struggles to make sense of opposing views on the subject and how adults often preach one thing and then practice another."

Teen Reads Too

"Fast-paced and packed with thought-provoking questions as well as humour…The use of social media in organizing events and expressing opinions, as well as their shortcomings, could provoke interesting discussions on etiquette and the Internet…An inspiring and empowering read for youth living in the information age. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Fast-paced and packed with thought-provoking questions as well as humour…The use of social media in organizing events and expressing opinions, as well as their shortcomings, could provoke interesting discussions on etiquette and the Internet…An inspiring and empowering read for youth living in the information age. Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Walters uses Branded to raise awareness of a terrible social issue. Sweatshops are the subject of news broadcasts and articles, but until the products of these companies touch us directly, we tend to turn a blind eye. Teens will be interested in watching Ian as he struggles to make sense of opposing views on the subject and how adults often preach one thing and then practice another."

TeensReadToo.com

Gr 5–9—When his high school announces that all students will be getting uniforms, Ian can't be bothered to protest. He doesn't care all that much. Then, in his social-justice class, taught by the principal, he learns that many of his favorite things are made on foreign soil by exploiting the poor people of those countries. When he finds out that the uniform he's being forced to wear is manufactured by a company that is considered one of the worst offenders, he decides to take a stand and tries to get the board to change its mind, even thought there are consequences. While the overall theme is a bit heavy-handed, the plot does moves quickly, making for a quick read. A good choice for libraries looking to add to their hi/lo collections.—Esther Keller, I.S. 278, Marine Park, NY

School Library Journal