SHIPBREAKER

SHIPBREAKER

• Is a science-fiction novel, set in the near future
• Partially social-critical; warns of human nature
• Also tells the story of Nailer Lopez
• Works in shipyards for Lawson & Carlson
• Works to salvage valuable materials

MAIN CHARACTERS

• Nailer Lopez: protagonist and main character
• Pima and Sadna; close friends of Nailer
• Tool: neutral character: helps Nailer
• Nita Chaudbury: survivor resuces by Nailer
• Richard Lopez: main antagonist; Nailer's father

CONFLICT

• Nita's father owns a transport company
• Nathaniel Pyce turned against her father
• Former wanted to engage in illegal petrol trade
• Nita fled from Pyce and was caught in a hurricaine
• Nailer and Pima later found Nita, the only one alive

THE CHASE

• Nailer, Tool and Nita jump a train to Orleans II
• Pyce and Lopez are pursuing them
• They hope to find friendly ships in the harbor
• By the time one is found, Nita is captured
• Tool decides to stay behind; Nailer leaves with Candless

FINAL STAND

• Candless pursues for several days
• Realize it is a trap after th Pole Star is sighted
• With Nailer's help, Candless creates a trap
• It succeeds and they board the ship
• Nailer runs into his father for a final time

Themes: Destiny
p: 248 "Listen to me boy. Scientists created me from the genes of dogs and tigers and men and hyenas, but people always believe that I am only their dog." Tool's eyes flickered to the captain and his sharp teeth gleamed in a brief smile. "When the fighting comes, don't deny your slaughter nature. You are no more a Richard Lopez than I am an obedient hound. Blood is not destiny, no matter what others may believe."

Rhetorical Question: Human Nature
Page 199: "They used to drill out there, too, in the Gulf. Cut up the islands. It's why the city killers are so bad. There used to be barrier islands, but they cut them up for their gas drilling."

Foreshadowing:
Page 182 (shows impending danger): "It is nothing." Tool smiled and his sharp teeth showed again. "Killing in one place or killing in another; it makes no difference."

Intended Audience

• Young adults from about 12-18 years old
• Has widespread success despite this
• Finalist for 2010 National Book Award For Young People
• Was awarded the Michael L. Printz Award
• Acclaimed by New York Times and others

Lasting Impression

• A possible relity in the future is hinted at
• Despite the changes, both good and evil remain
• Shows how decisions can permanently change the future
• Allows the reader to examine his or her character
• Shows that ultimately mankind is good

The End
"I know in my heart that man is good, what is right will always triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life."
-President Ronald Reagan