Unfinished Dreams [Hardcover]

Jane Breskin Zalben (Author)

Book Description

Rebelling against the members of his community who scorn his teacher, Mr. Carr, an AIDS patient, Jason almost abandons his goal of becoming a concert violinist but decides to continue after Mr. Carr tells him just how important dreams truly are.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7?During his sixth-grade year, Jason concentrates on his violin studies; on his best friend, Caleb; on two other classmates who constantly harass him; and on the ill-health and eventual death from AIDS of his beloved principal, Mr. Carr. These elements intermingle as the students learn about Mr. Carr's illness and homosexuality, and as they compete musically and on the playground. The author's concept is good, but the book has a number of flaws. The characters are all identifiable as either "good" or "bad" and almost never stray from that category in word, deed, or talent. Several issues, including homosexuality and the destruction of personal property, are raised, but never fully discussed or followed realistically through to their conclusions. The passages dealing with Jason's violin studies and performances may prove to be too complex for non-musical readers.?Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-9. Mr. Carr is a principal any student would love, joking on the intercom, coming to school once a year in his pajamas, and lending support to all. An aspiring violinist, sixth-grader Jason has received great encouragement from Mr. Carr, so when the principal falls ill and students make cracks about his being a "fairy," Jason feels both puzzled and distressed. As Jason's everyday life unfolds (violin lessons, a family celebration, Hebrew school), he gradually learns more about AIDS and about tolerance. Jason is a likable character, but his first-person narrative articulates every little feeling and thought Zalben wants to convey, and Mr. Carr is far too good to be true. The book's strength lies in Zalben's refreshingly ordinary depiction of Jewish family life and in her portrayal of a young musician's love of his craft. Although heavy-handed in places, this clearly reflects the author's desire to promote understanding about an important topic. Susan Dove Lempke

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (May 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689800339
• ISBN-13: 978-0689800337
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,861,144 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unfinished Dreams is a book on a life issue,AIDS., January 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Unfinished Dreams (Hardcover)

This Book, Unfinished Dreams tells the story of a boy named Jason in sixth grade. Mr. Carr, his principal has the AIDS virus. Other people in the school turn against Mr. Carr, while Jason sticks by his side. Mr. Carr was the greatest principal. He had pajama days and let Jason keep his expensive violin under his desk. Mr.Carr was the one who inspired Jason to follow his dream to play the violin at Julliard. It makes you think about how other's can treat someone in that way. It helps you think about reality, and how you treat others. The book is in a way, a sad story because Jason's life is turned upside down with taunts and torments from his peers. The way that the author tells the story, it makes you wonder about your own life, and how you treat others. Unfinished Dreams is a life lesson in kindness and understanding. I would rate this book a nine because it was very informative and had a really great story line.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sad but Great, October 30, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Unfinished Dreams (Hardcover)

This powerful and emotional book was greatly enjoyed by me, but I have one warning. Don't read this book in classroom under your desk, or in another public place. My eyes kept filling up with tears, and I had to pretend I had allergies. Even thinking about certain parts now makes me cry. The story was powerful and well-written, and touched a chord quite a few times with me. It's definatly not a wasted read, even though you will shed quite a few tears.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, November 15, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Unfinished Dreams (Hardcover)

I really liked this book, because I'm like Jason; I want to play my violin at Juilliard. This book inspired me to work really hard, especially the part where his teacher tells him to practice 4 hours, because then I thought that if he could practice that much, so could I.