Susan Orlean: The American Man at age ten

The writer makes an impressive job recreating the world of this little boy. She is like a fly observing him. We discover his family, his neighborhood, his school, his friends, his games and we rediscover our own childhood through the piece. She does not only observe, she has empathy toward this boy and has this maternal tone that makes the reader sympathize with her. I had a good time reading this story because lots of memories were coming back to me (the fact of having to take care of a fish or a bird in the classroom for example). It was also interesting on a cultural aspect; I could see the similarities and differences with French children.