Author:M.T Anderson
ISBN:978-0763636791
Publication Information: Candlewick
Plot Summary: Octavian and his mother Cassiopeia are two black slaves that are being raised and educated as an elaborate experiment by the Novanglian College of Lucidity in Boston during the eve of the revolutionary war. After Cassiopeia spurns on of the college's benefactors, their lives begin to change. Richard Sharpe, who despises that Octavian and his mother are treated as people rather than property, comes to keep a close watch over the "experiment", taking Octavian away from his studies and turning him into a valet. As rumblings about the impending revolution grows louder, Octavian and his mother are taken to a pox party in the country. Unfortunately, Cassiopeia ends up dying from her pox immunization, and Octavian eventually escapes his household to join the Colonial army. Will Octavian's owners find him, or will he be able to flee, and eventually, become free?
Critical Evaluation: M.T. Anderson constantly creates compelling characters, and Octavian is no exception. A heavy hitting, delightful historical novel with an interesting point of view that should engross both teens and their American history teachers. It is heartbreaking to watch Octavian continually try to please his household, and equally sad when he realizes that he is just an experiment in the college, not a valued peer or person, at least to most of the members of the college. Sharpe is both realistic (or at least, what one would expect from a White slave owning male in the 1700's) and despicable, and his power of all encompassing within the college. Sharpe provides a perfect foil for the prodigal child Octavian. Highly recommended to students interested in slavery and the revolutionary war.
Reader's Annotation: Octavian is a slave, experiment, personal valet, soldier, and miraculous violin player. But he a prodigy, but he does not have his freedom. This is his story.
Author Information: M.T. Anderson was born and spent most of his childhood in Massachusetts. He also spent several years in Italy, and spent a year studying abroad at a boarding school in England. He received an undergraduate degree at Cambridge University and a MFA in writing at Syracuse University. As an author, Anderson has published a wide spectrum of books, from picture books for small children to novels for adults. He has published several YA titles, his most recent effort, the two part series about Octavian Nothing, has garnered lavish praise, and the first book in the series won the National Book Award. In his spare time, Anderson loves to ski and travel.
Curricular Ties: American History
Genre:Historical Fiction
Book talking ideas:
- Was Octavian's mother foolish to not accept the Lord's offer to be his mistress? Why or why not?
- Do you think pox parties are a smart idea? Why or why not?
- Discuss Octavian's relationship with Dr. Trefusis. How was it different than his relationships with other members of the college?
Challenge issues: n/a
Interest Age:Grades 8 and up
Why I selected this piece: I loved Thirsty and had heard great things about Octavian Nothing, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to read the book.
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