Are you confused? are you a teen who has emotions that you can't quite explain? Maybe it hast to do with your sexuality, or your personality, or how you feel about loved ones in general. Well then "Grashopper Jungle" by Andrew Smith is the right book for you. Grasshopper Jungle tells the story of Austing Szerba, a young polish boy in Iowa, Wyoming who has his girlfriend Shann Collins, and his best friend Robby Brees, at his side the whole time, and he has a generally normal life. Until one night, he and Robby go sneaking around, and accidently unleash a virus that turns people into giant praying mantises. It's up to Austin and Robby to stop them from taking over the world, but Austin has a few mistakes that he's made with the people he cares for, and he needs to either fix them, or lose those he love the most. And if you're a teen who's made mistakes in relationships with friends and loved ones, then keep on reading and see just how it can help you.
"Grasshopper Jungle" shows teens how to deal with confusion on their sexuality. A lot of teens feel pressured to be against people who may be gay or bisexsual, when in fact, they should not. There are several characters in the story who are indeed, gay. One of the characters(Austin Szerba) happens to be confused about his sexuality after kissing his best friend, Robby Brees, who himself is gay. As the story continues on, he continues to be torn apart emotionally by his feelings for Robby and Shann(his girlfriend) and accidentally ends up hurting them. As time goes on, he continues to drive a wedge between himself and them as for as relationships goes. But in the end, decides to fix his mistakes and stop making selfish decisions. This causes him to once again, grow closer to Robby and Shann. This relates to teens because many teens may make the mistake of kissing someone else even though they may be in a relationship, which is what Austin did. Another thing that teens can undergo is confusing as to wether they like the opposite or same sex. Over the years, people who are interested in same-sex relationships, have been insulted and treated badly. And while things have gotten better, that type of bias still exists. And this causes teens to feel pressured to be ashamed of who they like. But this book can help teens with that. Numerous times throughout the story, there are characters who are gay, and at first feel ashamed of it. But learn that there's nothing wrong with it, and decide to pursue their sexuality and get in relationships with others with the same sexuality. After all, Gay people are people too. Why should they be treated badly, just because their love is found in somewhere and someone else?
Another important thing that this book can show teens, is how they can move on from their past mistakes, and continue to live life the way it is. For example, the main character Austin Szerba feels terrible about his past mistakes. And at first, does not know how he can fix them. But in the end, learns that he doesn't have to feel the way he does. He can move on from his mistakes, and do his best to make up for them. And to simply live life as is(as said before). This relates to teens because a lot of teens realize their mistakes, and constantly beat themselves up about it, leading them to feel as if they deserve to be hated and treated poorly by others. When in fact, in order for teens to be forgiven, they must first learn to forgive themselves and move on. And that is really important for teens to understand, so that if they ever make mistakes, they can get back up and continue on.
Another topic that this book discusses is the importance of caring for friends. Even though he is makes a lot of mistakes, Austin Szerba still cares for his friends. And therefore, does his best to care for his friends. This is important to teens because friends are essential to one's life. They are there for you when no one else is, and are always willing to help. And they except you for who you are. If you have problems, then you can talk to your friends about it. And this book shows that. Another example of this is the relationship Robby and Austin have. The two are extremely close friends who always know what the other is thinking. And, throughout the story, no matter what conflict, they always stick together and help one another. Teens need to know that just as friends are there for them, they need to be there fore there friends through thick and thin. Because if you can't, then your friendship, is guaranteed to fail. And this book shows that.
In conclusion, "Grasshopper Jungle" shows teens the importance of caring for friends, dealing with confusion of your emotions and sexuality, and so on. It's really important that kids to know how to deal with these things, so that if they ever encounter these problems. They can find their way out of it, both quickly, and efficiently. And in the end, have a happy ending.
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