Angela JohnsonLooking for Red

Loved the book exactly what I expected!!

This is one of the books most frequently "lost" by my students. They love it and don't want to give it up.

One of my students died this year in a tragic accident. LOOKING for RED touched my heart. The powerful poignant words hovered over my grief, leading me to a path of healing. I followed Mike's path as she began mourning for her brother, Red, who disappeared in the ocean after he jumped in and swam to the island in a deal to win the car of one of his best friends, Mark.Death happens. People mourn, but those who leave us never travel alone. They carry our memories and our love. They are met by those who have gone before into that undiscover'd country.

I am glad I finallly brought this book home after looking at it so many times. I loved the human essence that this book held. It cemented the idea in me that everyone is searching and trying to cope, there is no set clear path and no one right way. I only set this book down to allow myself to cry. I would definantly reccomend this book to you if your not afraid of your own feelings.

Since I love Angela Johnson's work, I sat down with this in the library and read it straight through, pausing to wipe away tears. Though there isn't a happy ending or the usual structure, the beauty of word and setting as well as the bare honesty of what loss is made me smile. It reminded me of Virginia Hamilton's Sweet Whisper Brother Rush from back in the day. Kudos, Ms. Johnson.

This novel is a moving depiction of grief, and of the unbearable secrets we keep even from ourselves. I use LOOKING FOR RED in my course on writing fiction for children and teens at Mills College as an example of spare and lyrical writing.

I first became aware of this book three years ago as a first -year teacher. It was at this time that I went to the school's library to find a book to read with small groups. I found Looking for Red written by Angela Johnson. Overall, I found it to be a very realistic view of guilt and grief and how a young girl and her friends deal with it. I did notice however, that may of the students had a difficult time following the main character's thoughts and actions as they switch from present to past, yet we forged ahead and finished the book. I really liked Ms. Johnson's style of writing and would recommend her books for Middle School students to read.

I personally hate anything sad. I know things happen but reading about it is even more hard to deal with. This book is about Michaela called 'mike' for short, she narrates about how one day her brother disappears. The book is told in many variation, from current to past times. You have to really pay attention because if not you can miss what is going on. It was kind of hard to read but it really is about a young girl talking fondly of her older brother. I was confused at first about how he died but in the end it explains exactly what happened to him. I did not like that it did not explain why Mona his girlfriend left...meaning did she leave the neighborhood? I wish the author would have given a better conclusion. I personally like everything coming to an end when the book is finished. Altogether it was a very moving story.