Pet (novel) facts for kids
.jpeg) |
|
| Author | Akwaeke Emezi |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Shyama Golden |
| Language | English |
| Genre | fantasy, young adult, speculative fiction |
| Publisher | Make Me a World, Penguin Random House |
|
Publication date
|
2019 |
| Pages | 208 |
| ISBN | 978-0-525-64707-2 |
Pet is an exciting fantasy novel from 2019. It's written by Akwaeke Emezi, a Nigerian author. This book is a type of young adult story, which means it's written for readers around your age. It also includes elements of speculative fiction, which explores "what if" ideas about the future or different worlds.
Contents
About the Book's Creation
When Akwaeke Emezi wrote Pet, they wanted to create a story they wished they could have read when they were younger. It was important to them to include a Black trans girl character. This character is fully supported by her family and community. She also goes on exciting adventures without being in serious danger.
The town in the novel, called Lucille, was inspired by places described in books by another famous author, Toni Morrison. The town's special saying, "We are each other’s harvest. We are each other’s business. We are each other’s magnitude and bond," is a quote from a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks.
What Happens in the Story
The main character is a teen girl named Jam. She lives in a town called Lucille in the United States. Lucille seems like a perfect place, a kind of utopia. Everyone in Lucille believes that "angels" defeated "monsters" a long time ago. Because of this, they think there are no more monsters left.
But one day, Jam accidentally falls onto a painting made by her mother. This painting is special because it has sharp objects built into it. When Jam's blood touches the painting, a creature named Pet appears! Pet tells Jam that it has come to find a monster that is still hiding in Lucille.
Main Characters
- Jam is the main character of the book. She is a 15-year-old Black trans girl. Jam sometimes chooses not to speak verbally, but she communicates in other ways. Her family and friends love and support her very much.
- Bitter is Jam's mother. She is an artist who creates unique paintings.
- Aloe is Jam's father.
- Redemption is Jam's close friend.
- Pet is the mysterious creature that comes out of Bitter's painting. Pet's mission is to find a hidden monster.
How the Story is Told
Jam communicates in many different ways throughout the novel. Sometimes she speaks, but she also uses sign language and even communicates through her thoughts. The book shows these different ways of talking in unique ways on the page.
Why This Book is Important
Jam's character is special because she is a Black trans girl who is loved and supported by her family and community. This positive portrayal is very important in young adult literature.
Awards and Recognition
Pet has received many honors!
- It was a finalist for the 2019 National Book Awards for Young People's Literature. This is a very important award for books.
- Time magazine included Pet on its list of the 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.
- The New York Times newspaper also named Pet one of the 25 best children's books of 2019.
