Con-Nerd by Oliver Phommavahn
Puffin Books, 2011. ISBN: 9780143304869.
Con-Nerd is a clever and entertaining book describing the
dilemma of a Chinese student, Connor, and the academic pressures placed
upon him by his stereotypically Asian mother. Connor's mother has
expectations that he will study medicine and become a doctor. This
academic expectation on Connor increases as he prepares to sit the test
to gain entry into the 'selective' secondary school. Connor, on the
other hand, is more interested in pursuing his talent in art and
seeking the interest of the new Korean girl in his class rather than
focusing on his study. Meanwhile, Connor's abilities as a cartoonist
has made him increasingly popular around his school. This is set to
culminate in a community art competition held at the local hospital,
where his mother works as a nurse. The story continues as Connor
attempts to juggle the expectations of his mother and his new found
popular sporty friends.
Con-Nerd would be an excellent book to recommend to any student
aged 10-14 who is facing similar dilemmas in balancing the expectations
of his parents and their need to pursue alternate interests and
friendships. At some level, most teachers will recognise aspects of
Connor's character in some students.
Adam Fitzgerald