Marjane Satrapi tells the story of her life during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through her eyes, we see how the revolution and war affects her lif...moreMarjane Satrapi tells the story of her life during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through her eyes, we see how the revolution and war affects her life and those around her. The subtitle of the book speaks to the universal nature of her topic, the idea that all children are affected in some way by their circumstances and must find their way, a way that is true to their own developing beliefs and ideals. She takes the reader through the devastation and loss brought on by war, and creates a sense of place that seems both real and in some ways too horrible to believe. And yet the truth is unsparing, and we trust her perspective, even though she is a child. She is driven to confront change and injustice, but in her world, this is truly life-threatening. The interplay between text and the images creates a stark tension that pulls the reader along, into her story and the inevitability of change. (less)
Pedro is a nine-year-old boy living in a country that is run by a dictatorship. We never learn what country this is, but it is a Hispanic culture. In...morePedro is a nine-year-old boy living in a country that is run by a dictatorship. We never learn what country this is, but it is a Hispanic culture. In this story, Pedro is just like any child, in that he likes to play with his friends and he spends time with his family in the evening. But something is wrong: his friend’s father is arrested for voicing his opinion about the government. His parents seem worried about radio news reports. And now a general from the army is in his own classroom, demanding that the children write a composition about what their families do at home in the evening. Will Pedro understand the threat that lurks behind the general’s eyes? Or will he reveal that his parents are against the dictatorship? The story reminds us that children understand the world better than we give them credit for, and they can, in their way, help make choices for change.
The text and dialogue is straightforward, written with a crisp, accessible tone. The text beyond the dialogue conveys the story with the honest voice of a young person. The emotion and gravity of the story is underplayed so that the events can unfold with increasing tension. Yet there is an honesty to it, moments that show how actions convey meaning when we don't have the words. The art reads almost like snapshots, slices from a day here and there, where people keep their true feelings hidden. The art in this way reflects the tension in the text, and the tension that is felt day to day under a dictatorship.
Originally published in Spanish in Venezuela, 2000.(less)
This book addresses topics such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug abuse, and child abandonment. Characters are compelling but tend to be rather fl...moreThis book addresses topics such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, drug abuse, and child abandonment. Characters are compelling but tend to be rather flat: either bad or good, evil or angelic. The main character, Gerald, possesses an amazing ability to maintain a "normal" exterior life while enduring a home life of abuse. Luckily he has the support of his friend's father, who provides a safe haven for him and his sister, Angel, when possible. The book is plot-driven and the ending is dramatic and tidy. Everyone gets their just reward, and all is forgiven. It would have served the story well if loose ends left the reader with more turmoil and more questions about justice and fairness, pain and personal growth. But Sharon Draper's compassion for her characters compels her to see them happy in the end. And perhaps this helps young adult readers grope through the darkness of these topics with a little more confidence, with a little bit of light for the next journey.
This book could be used in small groups or for independent readers. But ideally students would have an opportunity to discuss the topics, and the characters' choices, with a peer who has read the book. (less)
This book focuses on high school students who are facing incredible challenges in school and family life. The series is gripping and plot-driven, but...moreThis book focuses on high school students who are facing incredible challenges in school and family life. The series is gripping and plot-driven, but flashes of adult-like dialogue and expressions risk undermining this powerful story. This page-turner would be an excellent vehicle for helping students share their own pressures and challenges. Sharon Draper uses class assignments and letters from the characters to help the reader understand the characters' thoughts and feelings. Teachers could easily integrate this kind of writing into the unit to help her own students share their reactions to the book, as well as important challenges in their own lives.
One important aspect of the book is the profile of Andy Jackson, the main character. While he seems independent and able to cope with tragedy, he needs someone to intervene and take him by the hand. It's a confusing journey for all of the characters, and for all of us too, as we try to figure out the balance between cultural "norms and expectations" and what we really need in order to cope. Important questions during adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood are questions related to independence: What does it mean to be an adult? Is it ok to need other people? Can you ask for help and still be defined as mature? This book helps readers explore questions like these, and compare ways that characters act in response to them.
I think this book would be effective for a small group of students, or a pair of students. Independent reading would be fine too, although I think students would benefit most if they have an opportunity to discuss the book with a peer who has also read it. (less)
Wilma Rudolph was born in 1940, in Clarksville, Tennessee. She was the youngest of 19 brothers and sisters. When Wilma was five years old, she contrac...moreWilma Rudolph was born in 1940, in Clarksville, Tennessee. She was the youngest of 19 brothers and sisters. When Wilma was five years old, she contracted polio. Her left leg became paralyzed, and she was told that she would never walk again. But Wilma did not give up. Over many years, she learned to walk again, then run again, play basketball, and then compete in the Olympics. Wilma wore a brace for a while, until she was 12. With the help of family, her church, and her friends, she overcame taunting from classmates and incredible physical odds to become the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics. Later in life, Wilma became a teacher and inspirational speaker. She died in 1994.
The art style is not particularly engaging, but the text is very well written. It conveys Wilma Rudolph’s challenges without being maudlin or preachy. (less)
While this is historical fiction, this book reaches beyond place and time as it captures the confusion and uncertainty faced by children whose family...moreWhile this is historical fiction, this book reaches beyond place and time as it captures the confusion and uncertainty faced by children whose family moves to a new place. Told from the perspective of a girl named Zoe, this story tells about a family's move to Nebraska in the 1800s. The challenge in this story is not extreme weather or land that is not arable. Instead the challenge, so beautifully portrayed, is the internal turmoil of the characters. In addition to adjusting to a new location, Zoe must navigate the feelings of her mother and father. Her mother is having a difficult time adjusting to the move, and brewing below the surface is the implication that Zoe's mother is struggling with depression. There is no easy or obvious solution to the challenges they face, only the recognition that they must support one another, and that adjusting to change takes time.
This book depicts the strong relationships between a grandmother, mother, and daughter. The family has survived a fire that destroyed most of their be...moreThis book depicts the strong relationships between a grandmother, mother, and daughter. The family has survived a fire that destroyed most of their belongings, and the mother works hard to create a safe, warm home for her daughter. The story focuses on a family goal: to purchase a comfortable chair for the mother. Williams avoids overly sentimental story devices, and instead it's through the characters' actions that we see the depth of their love for one another. (less)
This story tells about Annie, a young Navaho girl who is having trouble accepting the idea that her elderly grandmother will soon die. Annie's grandmo...moreThis story tells about Annie, a young Navaho girl who is having trouble accepting the idea that her elderly grandmother will soon die. Annie's grandmother seems to know that when her rug has been completely woven, she will pass away. Annie tries to change this outcome by trying to prevent the rug from being finished. Finally Annie comes to understand that death is a natural part of life, and she finally accepts what is to come. Through love, patience, and understanding, Annie's family helps her work through the stages of mourning. The Navajo culture is portrayed with authenticity and respect, and its traditions are deftly enmeshed throughout the story. The art is spare in style and use of color, and it reflects the setting and the tenor of the writing. The art might feel raw and cold at first, because there's nothing frivolous or silly about it. But integrated with the text, it creates a powerful sense of context, it anchors the truth of the story, and imprints on one's mind the beauty of the culture it's depicting. (less)
Westley Wallace Law grew up in Savannah, Georgia, which was segregated at the time. His grandmother told him that he should work hard to “be somebody,...moreWestley Wallace Law grew up in Savannah, Georgia, which was segregated at the time. His grandmother told him that he should work hard to “be somebody,”and this inspired him to work for equality and justice. He helped establish voter schools, he joined the NAACP and trained protesters in nonviolent civil disobedience. In 1961, he led the famous Great Savannah Boycott. This boycott led to a fine distinction in Savannah’s history: it was the first city in the South to end legalized racial discrimination. For many years, W.W. Law served as a mail carrier, a profession that allowed him to maintain close contact with people in his community. He was an unsung hero of the civil rights movement, one that should be included in the study of community action, the drive for equality, and the power of nonviolent resistance and change.
The format of the book is almost like an expanded timeline, and this helps readers anchor the chronology of the events. The art is like folk art, art "of the people for the people" that draws readers in. The colors are not too jolly, which is good, but instead they are warm and layered. (less)
Nasreen's parents have disappeared, and she has stopped speaking.
This book tells the story of one girl, her grandmother, and the power of education i...moreNasreen's parents have disappeared, and she has stopped speaking.
This book tells the story of one girl, her grandmother, and the power of education in Afghanistan. It portrays a quiet perseverance, a show of unity between granddaughter and grandmother, a holding out of hope when all signs point to giving up and giving in. Slowly Nasreen goes from passive to active, but I think it's the grandmother who is the true hero here. She persists, insists that Nasreen push herself onward. The end of the book is eerily unresolved, in a traditional sense, in that we see no tearful reunion with Nasreen's parents. Instead we are left with the feeling that we have a responsibility to carry on, to search for the truth, even when remaining passive and silent is the easier path.
While younger children will enjoy this book, its grim undertones combined with a focused work ethic would serve upper elementary, and maybe even middle school students, quite well. History, geography, memoir, writing projects-this book would be a nice compliment for a variety of units.(less)
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