About a Boy

• Genre: Fiction; adult contemporary realistic
• Originally Published: 1998
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 840L; college/adult
• Structure/Length: 36 chapters; approx. 278 pages; approx. 7 hours, 45 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Will, a single man looking for more meaning in his life, attends a gathering for single people, where he meets Fiona, a single mother, and her serious and lonely 12-year-old son Marcus. With Marcus at the center, the three help each other survive family tragedy, growing up, and finding joy.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Suicide, depression, child abuse/neglect

Nick Hornby, Author

• Bio: Born in 1957 in England; earned English degree from Jesus College in Cambridge; author of essays, novels, and screenplays; taught in secondary school; worked as a journalist; incorporates music into much of his writing and collaborates with band Marah
• Other Works: Fever Pitch (1992); High Fidelity (1995); Slam (2007)
• Awards: William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award and London Award (2003); film adaptation nominated for an Oscar; television show won multiple Emmys

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Caring and Indifference
• Boredom and Manufactured Pain
• Conformity and Masculinity

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

• Gain an understanding of authorial context and the cultural and geographical context of 1990s London by conducting research, having discussions, and exploring paired resources.