Please post on your choice reading in this category. Remember, you are reading like a media specialist, so it is not about your personal likes and dislikes. Include in your post:
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
a. Audience for whom the book is written
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.)
c. Particular strengths of the book
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s format: Your verdict, supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
This looks like an excellent read! If it makes,"makes the entire revolution easy to comprehend," as you say, then this must be very well written! I find Russian history complicated myself. Sometimes when we look at history through a child's or family's perspective, we find we can relate. Thanks for mentioning Carolyn Meyer's books for younger readers who may be interested in the same subject.
ReplyDeleteMy Choice Book was “Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans”
ReplyDeleteA) As a media specialist, I believe the author wrote this book for middle and high school students, to share recent historic events with those who may be too young to remember this disaster.
B) As a media specialist, I think this book would appeal to middle and high school students, but also older elementary students and adults who are interested in the genre of graphic novels and/or seeking information on the topic of Hurricane Katrina. I would recommend this book to any students who enjoy graphic novels or nonfiction. I would also recommend it to any social studies teachers who are teaching about recent United States’ history, or science teachers who are teaching about extreme weather.
C) Similar to “The Other Side of the Wall” this book makes historic events easy to understand, intriguing, and emotionally moving. The graphic novel format with statistics printed over the pictures creates a scene similar to what adults would have seen on the television while this disaster was happening. The author wants this tragic event to be real to the audience as it was real to the people of New Orleans and other Americans at that time. By having pictures, the author was able to portray emotions in a way the written word cannot convey.
D) Similar to my comments on “The Other Side of the Wall” and “Brown Girl Dreaming”, this book simplifies a very complicated and tragic part of history. While the pictures make the tragedy real for the readers, it does not provide more than the basic statistics about the event. This book is nonfiction because of the many quotes from survivors and facts about the event, but it is more novel-like than textbook in its presentation.
E) This book provides information to a recent event in the United States’ history in a dramatic format. As a media specialist, I could use this book to collaborate with social studies teachers to explore how government agencies respond to disasters. I could also use this book to collaborate with science teachers when there are discussions of extreme weather.
F) VERDICT: The graphic novel style makes the information more accessible to students by showing the devastation, not just stating statics. However, this book does not provide in-depth information like other nonfiction resources would. Purchase this book if you want to add to your graphic novel section, not your nonfiction section.
I would think that a graphic novel on this topic would be very moving. Have you heard of this one for elementary? https://www.amazon.com/Over-Wetlands-Hurricane-Bayou-Story/dp/044981016X
DeleteIt talks about animals who have been impacted.
I read "Sachiko- A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story" by Caren Stelson.
ReplyDeleteA. “Sachiko- A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story” was written for students in grades 5-12.
B. This would appeal to readers 6th grade and up that are interested in WWII; specifically the destruction that was caused by the dropping of the atomic bombs in Japan.
C. The book is a biography of Sachiko Yasui, a Japanese woman that survived the Nagasaki atom bomb during WWII. Sachiko was 6 years old when the bomb dropped ½ mile from her home in Nagasaki. She was covered in soot and barely able to breath when pulled out of the rubble. Her youngest brother, Toshi was impaled and killed immediately. She describes in horrifying details the burning, ash, and destruction that instantly turned her city to a pile of rubble. What’s left of Sachiko’s family flees to the country only to find their nightmare has only begun. Three family members die quickly from radiation poisoning, and others later suffer from liver cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia. Sachiko’s story follows her into adulthood when she learns to find meaning and comfort in the words of Ghandi, Helen Keller, and Martin Luther King Jr. Sachiko comes to a realization later in her life that her tale must be told to future generations to help them understand the importance of peace. The story pauses at times to give historic information about WWII. These mini history lessons are great for young readers as the information is given in digestible pieces.
D. Younger readers may become distressed when reading this as it contains graphic details that are also essential. Also, knowledge of the major events of WWII would be helpful in understanding some of the parts of this book as the historical section of the book move very quickly.
E. The book was written by Caren Stelson who lives in Minneapolis. The author met Sachiko in Minneapolis and traveled 5 times to Japan to interview her. The book contains many photographs, maps, and historical notes.
F. Verdict: An essential book to any middle and high school collection. This is an excellent resource in helping students to understand the horrors and destruction caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during WWII.
I always like books that have a MN connection! I still remember my teacher being moved to tears while reading Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes to us. History needs to be told!
DeleteSoul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton (read by audiobook)
ReplyDeleteA. Audience: Intended for ages 10+.
B. This book would appeal very much to female readers, especially those interested in sports, or have a strong faith, or love to be outdoors, or love inspirational stories.
C. Strengths: this book is an autobiography written by a homeschooled surfing girl turned pro. She gets attacked by a shark when she was thirteen. Her book is about her family’s past, her love of being outdoors and surfing, and how she handled losing her arm in her life threatening event. The book references her faith based life a lot which might “turn off” some readers, but she also references her continual optimism in how she lives her life.
D. Weaknesses: some readers might be turned away by the strong religious tone, but I did appreciate how she tied this to her optimistic nature. She did mention her dad being concerned about AIDs risk when she needed a blood transfusion which seemed naive to me.
E. Special Considerations: contains some “graphic” scenes, even though told for a younger audience, some might find it difficult to hear.
F. Verdict: An extremely positive story of a girl faced with extreme adversity when she loses her arm but not her faith or courage to continue to do what she loves: surf!
I was SHOCKED in the theaters when the shark came up and took off Bethany's arm. We have two copies of this book in our media center. When the movie came out, it was popular; now it just sits on the shelf.
DeleteI'm reading this right now!
ReplyDeleteMy choice book was The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose.
ReplyDeleteC. This story is about Danish teenagers who were frustrated that their country quickly agreed to the German occupation. They admired how the Norwegian’s stood up to and fought the German occupation so they formed the secret Churchill Club. For six months they destroyed German vehicles, stole German guns and ammunition, and set fire to places that helped the Third Reich. The author interviewed one of the group's leaders, Knud Pedersen, and wrote his account of his experiences in the group. Pedersen shared how the club recruited members, stole weapons, and carried out attacks from their bicycles. He also talks about his experience in jail and what it was like after his jail time. Their actions made them national heroes, angered some, and fueled Danish resistance. This book is very detailed and makes the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens to the young men. History buffs will appreciate the sidebars, detailed maps, and period photos that supplement the text.
D. While this book is interesting, the reader may have trouble knowing when Pedersen’s quotations end and the author’s segues begin.
E. This book could be used in history classes to provide information about resistance during WW II. School activist groups could use this to look at the effective and ineffective choices this activist group made.
F. This book belongs in middle school and high school libraries because it is inspiring and appealing to a ride range of readers.
This sounds like a good read for anyone interested in WWII. It seems like you can never have too much material.
DeleteWow! You have certainly done your homework! I only remember the Disney version... :0 This sounds very interesting though. It sounds like they did a nice job, and I love when history books include pictures. The reason I love historical fiction is that you learn something with the "story." Soemtimes I loose interest in straight up history. But this sounds very intriguing. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
ReplyDelete“The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club” by Phillip Hoose
ReplyDeleteA) This book was written for readers 12-18-years old.
B) This book would appeal to readers age 12 and up; especially those interested in reading about World War II from a unique viewpoint.
C) Through the reading of this book, I learned a lot about Denmark during World War II. The book was honest and it felt like Knud Pederson was personally telling me about his experiences and showing me pictures from his life. It is obvious through the writing of the book, the author, Phillip Hoose, and Knud Pedersen grew very close. When I have heard or read about World War II in the past, it was about the involvement of the United States; about Germany, Austria or Poland; or about concentration camps. I’ve never seen a book about Denmark during this time.
D) Since it is mostly from the perspective of Knud Pedersen, it is one-sided. It would have been good to have more input from the other members of the Churchill Club; however, only one other member was still alive during the writing of the book.
E) The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club was awarded the “Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal”. Other awards it has received are the “Boston Globe” and “Horn Book Nonfiction Honor”. The book includes an Epilogue that tells what happened to the Churchill Club members after the war. It also includes a notes section that gives more detail into where the author found information. There are many photographs included that add to the reading of the book.
F) VERDICT: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club is the very compelling story of young Danish boys who sparked the rebellion of Denmark against the Germans during World War II. The book is the story of the Churchill Club, specifically their leader, Knud Pedersen. I recommend this book as a unique source of World War II history to any middle school or high school collection.
It's sometimes hard to find WWII books that are developmentally appropriate. I think this would be a good choice.
DeleteMy Choice book for Informational text or non-fiction was The Boy That Harnessed the Wind (YR edition), by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
ReplyDeleteA-The intended audience for the book is ages 10 plus.
B-I believe that the book appeals to the audience that was intended by the author.
C-The main strength of the book is it’s telling of an inspiring autobiography of a boy named William Kamkwamba. He was a poor son of Malawi farmer in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His family and village were devastated during the famine of 2000-2001. Without education past elementary school but with the help of donated library in the village, he built a windmill to power his home with the hope to someday build a windmill to be able to irrigate his village farm fields. The story itself is hopeful, powerful and inspiring. The setting of Malawi that the author builds is another strength of the story. Describing the village and area was told in such a way that the reader would be very interested in learning more about the area.
D-A weakness of the book is that the story is told in two parts. The first half of the book focuses on the early life and motivation for William Kamkwamba. the history of his family, his country Malawi and the famine of 2000. The second half of the book focuses on the science and engineering of the windmill. This isn’t a problem per se however if a reader was more interested in the story, the second half of the book would drag and if a reader was hoping for a more science or engineering type book they may be put off by the backstory heavy beginning.
E- A special consideration is that there is also a Netflix movie based on the novel. I read the YR edition of the novel and when I watched the movie, there were differences between the stories and I am unsure if the movie is more in sync with the adult version of the novel. Also, William Kamkwamba has recorderd two TED talks that would be great for a reader to watch after reading the book. Through the lens of a Library Media Specialist, as I was reading the book, I couldn’t help but imagine this book being read in a Middle School book club were the extension could also be a STEM based engineering and service project along with watching the movie. (https://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind#t-339826)
F-VERDICT-The Boy That Harnessed the Wind belongs on every middle school library media center non-fiction or autobiography shelves. It lends itself as a draw to engineering clubs or social justice clubs. This book will invite learning more about windmills, Africa, famine and growth mindset-as a LMS, be ready!
What a neat way to talk about alternative energy sources!
DeleteHey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
ReplyDeletea. Grade level 7 – 9 is the recommended age on Amazon. Common Sense Media says ages 13+.
b. I think that it would appeal to older middle school and high school students.
c. This graphic novel memoir has many strengths. Despite the heavy and sometimes bleak content, there is always some hope. His grandparents take him in after his heroin-addicted mother gets sent to jail. Despite the alcohol and sometimes brash language of his grandmother, it is obvious that his grandparents love and care for him well. The overall feel of the book is uplifting and shows the power of embracing and encouraging a child’s talents even if it is hard for you to understand or value. His grandpa, despite being a very successful businessman, constantly encourages him to explore and continue his art. The style of the pictures are a washed out almost black/blue and white with different shades of orange as the only color throughout in a watercolor style. In the afterward he explains his color palette is symbolically linked to a pocket square of his grandfathers so it gives the drawings more explanation. His use of real letters and drawings adds so much to the power of the story.
d. Weakness – Some things in the drawings go unanswered and it leaves the reader curious. There is a scene when he is a toddler with his mother and two guys and some blood and we find out later she is in jail for drugs but no reference to that scene. Also, he frequently mentions nightmares of monsters and there is not an explanation if that was connected directly to some trauma, etc. From the frequent mention (more than 4 times) it felt like something that would “lead somewhere” in a fiction novel.
e. National Book Award Finalist 2018 for Young People’s Literature. Finalist for YALSA’s Excellence in Nonfiction Award.It should be noted that there is heavy reference to drug use, addiction, swearing, smoking and alcoholism. This book may resonate strongly with kids affected by family substance abuse, but could also hold some triggers. It does make it clear that it is possible to love your child but still fall prey to the evil of addiction.
f. VERDICT: A raw, honest graphic memoir that flows effortlessly from moments of fear and pain to humor and joy and all the layers of emotion in between. Hope and love are sprinkled throughout the book along with disappointment and sorrow and it all makes the reader feel like they are accompanying Jarrett on his journey of self-discovery. It is a must-have, unique memoir style for a high school library and 7th - 8th grade middle school library.
This book sounds serious and hopeful. It is carried by Scholastic, so it may appear on book fairs. Here are a few words from the author: https://youtu.be/lUlcRsbAGDw
DeleteBook Title: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Peterson and the
ReplyDeleteChurchill Club
Author: Phillip Hoose
a. Audience for whom the book is written: 12-18 years old
b. Audience to whom it will appeal: junior high and senior high level
c. Strengths: Denmark does not resist Nazi occupation at the beginning of World War II. Instead they allow it and the German soldiers move in. Danish teenagers, including Knud Pedersen, 15, are ashamed that their country did not fight back like neighboring Norway. They decide they will fight back. And begins the resistance in Denmark. This nonfiction book reads like a thriller. It is hard to put down. The epilogue tells what happened to many of the people in the book after the war. The notes section at the end of the book gives more information about important components within the book.
d. Weaknesses: Can be difficult to read about what happens during wartime.
e. Special Considerations: The Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book, Boston Globe-Horn Nonfiction Honor Winner, Booklist Editor’s Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year and Best Teen Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, New York Public Library Notable, Washing Post Best Children’s Book of 2015
f. VERDICT: This nonfiction book should be in every high school for students who enjoy reading nonfiction, war stories, stories with strong characters, and World War II novels.
Sounds intense and historically accurate! Here is the book trailer: https://youtu.be/DjkJfhUOfAg
DeleteIn the Information, Literary Nonfiction, Biography category, I chose to listen to the audiobook version of The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia written by Candace Fleming, and read by Kimberly Farr. The book is targeted at students in the middle school range and is appropriate for children ages 12 and up. It might appeal to some mature students as young as 10 and it is complex and interesting enough to be a good choice for readers up through adulthood as well. The book will fascinate those with an interest in wartime history or the lifestyles of royalty, and has potential to draw in students who otherwise find history dry and difficult.
ReplyDeleteThe Family Romanov takes a time period in history with complex social and political context and presents it like a story, establishing setting, “characters” and events with details supported by a rich collection of primary documents. Fleming helps bring the historical figures of the Romanov family to life by taking selections from their own writings and the writings of those who interacted with them so that the reader comes to understand a nuanced portrait of each person’s flaws and strengths. Meanwhile, the plight of the average Russian citizen is described using firsthand accounts from several individuals who lived through it themselves at the time. This approach makes the history accessible and exciting, and it is very well done. That said, the pacing can be challenging, and at times the back-and-forth between the story of the Romanovs and the country at large feels awkward. The reader/listener becomes very invested in the story of the Romanovs and then hearing from an ever-changing group of Russian citizenry could be tedious since there is no incentive to get invested in any of their individual stories.
In general, I found this book very valuable in learning about the Russian Revolution and the fall of its last royal family. This was a subject I had very little knowledge of before listening to the book, and I now feel like I have a strong working knowledge of the time period. There is great potential to use this book to teach students about this period in history as well as broader concepts like different political systems and social structures and the benefits and pitfalls of each. As I mentioned earlier, there is also potential to use this book to help students who struggle with textbook learning and enjoy stories to learn about history in a more engaging way. I don’t know what the physical book is like since I only borrowed the audiobook, but I thought the audio was well done. There were different Russian-accented narrators reading excerpts of primary documents throughout which helped make those sections stand out and feel immersive. Kimberly Farr was an effective and engaging reader for the bulk of its narration. VERDICT: An engaging, educational read that will teach students about Russia at the turn of the 20th century in a riveting way. The curricular opportunities and wide potential appeal for students make this a must-have for middle school libraries.
How did you like listening to a book instead of reading it? I would be curious if you got hold of a printed copy how you think the two would compare.
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