BIBLIOGRAPHY
Teller, Janne. 2010. Nothing (Martin Aitken, Trans.). New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1-4169-8579-2
PLOT SUMMARY
Nothing is the story of a group of Danish seventh graders' search for meaning in their lives. When classmate Pierre Anthon declares that nothing matters and life is meaningless, Agnes and her friends begin to wonder if he is right. Day after day, Pierre sits atop a tree branch and aggressively shouts his message for all to hear. Agnes and her friends decide something must be done to convince him he is wrong and to convince themselves that they do have purpose and meaning and will one day amount to "something." Throwing stones at him does not work, so they must come up with a more drastic plan.
The classmates decide they will create a heap of meaning, where each will contribute something that has great significance in their lives. Surely this will convince Anthon that he is wrong. Initially, the pile is made up of innocent items such as a beloved fishing rod and a favorite pair of sandals. However, as the pile starts to grow, the demands of each child become more twisted and both physically and emotionally scarring. How far will they go to prove to Anthon and themselves that life is meaningful? One thing is for certain; these seventh graders will never be the same again.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Teller has created a thought-provoking and shocking young adult story of what really matters in life and how quickly a simple idea can spiral out of control. At the beginning of the book, Agnes and her classmates are typical seventh graders who have just begun another ordinary school year. Their fear that Pierre Anthon may indeed be right about the meaningless of life prompts them to take action, thereby igniting a chain of events that will turn even the most innocent of children into violent and vengeful human beings.
Teller's simplistic and matter of fact writing adds to the brilliance of this novel. Told through the perspective of Agnes, the narrator, the reader is given an account of the events in a very unemotional and detached way. This makes the sacrifices of the children appear that much more shocking.
While middle grade students may not initially understand the existential crisis these students are going through, they will certainly relate to the feelings of anger over giving up something they value. The heap of meaning will draw the readers in as they imagine what they could potentially be asked to sacrifice. Fans of William Golding's Lord of the Flies will enjoy this shocking portrayal of the extremes of human nature.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
2011 Michael L. Printz Honor Book
2011 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Award Book
From BOOKLIST - "Indelible, elusive, and timeless, this uncompromising novel has all the marks of a classic...Teller offers just enough character detail to make the suffering and cruelty palpable. The terse purposefulness of her prose may put off some readers, but that singularity is also what will endure the test of time. Already a multiple award winner overseas, this is an unforgettable treatise on the fleeting and mutable nature of meaning."
From KIRKUS REVIEWS - "Quietly and without fanfare, the students’ adventure develops into one that rivals Lord of the Flies for horror. The matter-of-fact, ruthlessly logical amorality of these teens is chilling. Gorgeously lyrical, as abetted by Aitken’s translation, and dreadfully bleak."
From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - "A provocative and challenging parable about human instability."
CONNECTIONS
If your students enjoyed this book, have them read Lord of the Flies. Discuss similarities between the two books.
- Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. ISBN 978-0399501487
Share the following book trailer for Nothing with your students. NOTHING Book Trailer Teach your students how to use iMovie. Have them use this application to create their own book trailers for Nothing, including music, narration, images, and/or video clips.
Have your students anonymously write about what they might be asked to contribute to the "heap of meaning." Share the writing with the class. Have a discussion about the value people place on certain objects and ideals, and how it could change a person to give something like that up.
The theme of violence is prevalent in Nothing. Discuss this with your students. What do they think is the most violent act committed in the book and why? Would the children have been as capable of the violence they committed had they not been encouraged by the group?
For students who are interested in learning more about Janne Teller, visit this website. Simon and Schuster - About Janne Teller
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