Outline of PowerPoint for Thirteen Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why

Book Talk

If someone told you that you were one of the reasons that they committed suicide – would you want to find out why?

In this novel the narrator, 16 year-old Clay Jensen, is given that opportunity two weeks after Hannah Baker kills herself.

"Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list"

What Makes This Book Different?

What Attracts Teens?

1. Dual perspectives
• Both male & female
2. Reflects reality
• Real High School situations
• Friendships
• Romance
• Teachers/School
3. Incorporates language that teenagers use and are accustomed to
4. Provides a hopeful conclusion
5. Quick but insightful read; teenagers can open this book and not be discouraged by longevity or difficult language

Excerpt from Text

“How many times did I stand right here, thinking I would never have a chance with Hannah Baker? I had no idea how she felt about me. No idea who she really was. Instead, I believed what other people said about her. And I was afraid what they might say about me if they knew I liked her…And then, when she died, the chances disappeared forever”.

=Regret, shame, and guilt.

But a lesson learned.

What are Teens Saying About this Book? What are Other Authors Saying?

• Both Sherman Alexie and Ellen Hopkins have called this book one that they “could not put down”; a story that became both haunting and inspiring
• Teens are consistently proclaiming, on the internet through blogs and the book’s website, that this book has made them want to help people and “think about what [they] say”
• This book has won over sixteen awards including “Best Book for Young Adults” given by the American Library Association and “Best of the Best books” from the Chicago Public Library
• Thank You!

So, Who is the Author? Why did Jay Asher Write This?

• His niece attempted suicide when she was the same age as Hannah
• He used cassette tapes to intentionally date his work that way it would appear retro
• He knew he wanted to use dual perspectives but did not know how to incorporate Clay; he did not choose Clay until almost halfway through the novel. He wanted a more innocent character to be the trusted narrator
• He chose Hanna’s thirteen reasons based on his own experiences and those lived vicariously through others
• 13 Reasons Why was his first book

Email Jamie if you have any questions/want the PPT! Jroger68@mscd.edu