Theories of Relativity

Theories of Relativity

• Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
• Originally Published: 2003
• Reading Level/Interest: Grades 10-12
• Structure/Length: 28 chapters; approx. 231 pages
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Sixteen-year-old Dylan Wallace is kicked out of his home by his unstable mother and forced into homelessness, losing contact with his two younger brothers. With nothing but his backpack, Dylan navigates the dangers of the streets and forms theories: Every fourth person will throw him spare change, no one does anything without a price, and someday he will find his place in the world.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Parental abuse, neglect, and abandonment; food insecurity; sexual abuse; drug use; sex work

Barbara Haworth-Attard, Author

• Bio: Born in 1953; Canadian children’s writer living in London, Ontario; lives with her husband, two cats, and several outdoor animals, including a possum; has two sons and three grandchildren; enjoys walks, frozen yogurt, and playing golf
• Other Works: The Three Wishbells (1995); Buried Treasure (1998); Irish Chain (2002); Forget-Me-Not (2005); Haunted (2009)
• Awards: Governor General’s Award nominee (2003); Snow Willow Award (2004); White Pine Award nominee (2004); Stellar Book Award (2006); Rhode Island Teen Book Award Nominee (2008)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Consequences of Life on the Streets
• Using Theories to Maintain a Sense of Control
• Choosing to Accept Help

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the causes of youth homelessness through exploring and analyzing the characters in Theories of Relativity.
• Connect the themes of The Consequences of Life on the Streets and Choosing to Accept Help to external resources in order to gain a multifaceted perspective of these themes and how they apply to Theories of Relativity.
• Demonstrate how material goods can represent one’s identity and make connections to the symbolism of Dylan’s backpack.
• Explore the application of theories and connect this to the theme of Using Theories to Maintain a Sense of Control.