Dig

Gottfried and Marla Hemmings could have continued being simple Pennsylvania potato farmers, but they became extremely wealthy by developing subdivisions—also deciding not to share their wealth with their children or grandchildren. Told from the authentic and reflective perspectives of their five troubled grandchildren, “Dig” tells the stories of their pain and heartbreak, also digging into complex issues such as gender identity, racism, abuse, mental health, and sexuality. Suitable for mature students, the novel is appropriate for a Grade 12 language arts class as part of a broader exploration of some of these themes. The novel’s male and female teenage characters may allow for readers to relate to them, and its multiple and divergent storylines offer opportunities for classroom discussions about perspective.