This Side Of Paradise by Steven L. Layne

Genre: Fanciful Fiction
Theme: Family, Betrayal, Crime, Humor
Grade Level: 6-8
Curricular Connections: Science (Cloning), Literature (Cliff Hanger, Comic Relief, Read Aloud)

Jack Barrett thinks he lives in a pretty normal family that has just developed its share of problems over the years like every other family. Jack, who is very responsible and amicable, lives with his perfectionist father, mother who has taken up drinking lately, humorous and authority- questioning younger brother, and loving grandmother who acts half her age. Chip Barrett, Jack’s father, announces to the family that he is moving them from their home to the village of Paradise which was created by his corporate boss, Mr. Eden, for employees to live. None of the family is happy about this, but when Mr. Barrett shows signs of aggression, especially to Jack’s younger brother Troy, they all decide to consent and peacefully make the move. Jack’s mother is sent ahead to prepare the house, but when the rest of the family arrives Mom is not there, and Mr. Barrett makes a flimsy excuse for her absence that no one actually believes. The village of paradise appears to be absolutely perfect including the houses, scenery and the people, other than the fact they don’t seem to have a lot of personality. Eventually Jack finds out that the village is filled not with people, but with androids and clones, and although it is too late for his mother, he must save his brother and grandmother from hid psychotic father who is actually two personalities, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Eden.

Related Works: Mergers

Classroom Suggestions:

1. Describe and gives examples of cliff hangers and comic relief as found in literature. As students read have them record examples of both. They can record chapter numbers that contained cliff hangers, quotes, and why it left them in suspense. For comic relief, they could make a T – chart, put Gram on one side and Troy on the other. Students can then place quotes that each said, and explain how it supplied comic relief.

2. Have students research cloning. Assign them to write or debate their opinion on the topic.

3. Students can make character comparisons by using Venn Diagrams to compare and contrast certain characters. Comparisons could be made with characters such as Jack and Troy, Mr. Barrett and Mr. Eden, Gram and one of their own grandmothers.

4. Assign students to design a crossword puzzle or word find containing items that were found in Gram’s make-up bag. They can then exchange puzzles with a classmate and complete.