As Barroux was walking through Paris, he found a diary in a heap of trash. It was the diary of a soldier serving during World War I. Barroux retrieved the diary and illustrated the soldier’s story. Much of the account is about boredom, waiting, digging, death and noise. Occasionally the soldier remembers something about home and family. But mostly he wonders where they will find shelter, where the war is, when he will get mail; it is a very realistic if depressing look at the Great War. Barroux’s illustrations are as stark as the diary entries. No one knows who wrote the diary or what happened to him. Those interested in WWI, history, or graphic novels should find this interesting.
Tag Archives: nonfiction
The Manhattan Project
This reference begins with the Allies’ fears that Germany would be the first to create the atomic bomb and then proceeds through the steps taken to make sure the Allies beat them to it. From the selection of the scientists and the military commander in charge of the project to the selection of the facilities where the work would take place, Wukovits provides clear information, interesting sidebars, and photos to give students insight into this devastating event in history. The majority of the book details the planning and construction of the bomb; information on Hiroshima and Nagasaki is included although more detail is readily available elsewhere. While the book does touch on the opposing views on whether atomic bombs should be used, it is not explored in depth here. This resource does a good job illustrating the planning and execution of the creation of the bomb.
Essential Lives: Malala Yousafzai
This biography begins with the assassination attempt on Malala on her way home from school in 2012. The next few chapters provide background information: on Pakistan, Islam, the Taliban, and Malala’s childhood. The author does a good job illustrating how committed Malala and her father were to her education despite the obstacles they faced. The dangers they faced and the living conditions they endured when they had to flee their province are mentioned; however, the book seems to be targeting a young audience. It describes the living conditions in refugee camps as “less than ideal,” which I am sure is grossly understated. I do think kids will be interested in how Malala got started as an activist, with her diaries, blogs and documentaries. There is no mention of her Nobel Prize; the book was published in 2013. However, many students might already be aware of her award. The book ends with a timeline of events, important facts, a glossary and a list of resources for those wanting more information. This is a good overview, but there is not a lot of in-depth information or analysis of Malala’s life, beliefs or actions.
Walter Dean Myers
Washington Post reporter Jim Naughton called Walter Dean Myers a “one man movement.” Myers told stories about the lives of African American youth at a time when literature for youth was “monochromatic,” written by white authors about white characters. This book tells Myers’ story, from his troubled childhood and lack of success in school, to his time in the military to his career as a writer. Fans of his writing will see the roots of many of his characters in his childhood. His struggle to achieve and his perseverance in becoming a writer is inspirational. There is also a chapter on his efforts to reach children, especially troubled youth, through his writing. Myers is such a popular writer that this biography is bound to circulate well, especially after his recent death. The book is appealing, with many sidebars and photographs, and ends with a timeline of important events and a list of resources for further information.
At Issue: Fracking
This volume provides a range of opinions on issues related to fracking: the environmental risks, possible contamination, pollution, chemicals used and more. The sources range from government agencies to news reports to industry reports. The articles are short and accessible; the reading level is appropriate for high school students. The resource contains a list of organizations to contact for more information and a bibliography. This book is a useful addition to a secondary school library for research and could be used to support more nonfiction reading in the classroom as teachers align curriculum to ELA Common Core Standards.
Current Controversies: Violence in the Media
In this volume of the series, violence in music lyrics and videos, exposure to violence in television and movies, violent video games and society’s reaction to violence in the media are considered. Opposing views on each of these issues are presented. The topics are timely and likely to appeal to teens. I think many teens will enjoy the article that questions whether PacMan will lead to the demise of a generation. (If they know what PacMan is.) Each chapter begins with an overview or a preface and several includes a list of references. The book ends with organizations to contact and a bibliography. With Common Core Standards necessitating the need for more nonfiction reading in the classroom, a book like this with timely, interesting articles is a good addition to a secondary school library.
Hidden Like Anne Frank
This book tells the stories of 14 Jews who went into hiding in the Netherlands during World War II to survive. The stories are stark; a few have moments of happiness but most are stories of desperation, fear and longing. Some of the survivors lived in more than 25 different locations before the Netherlands was liberated. Some spent their time hiding in confinement in small spaces; others were able for at least a while to move around in a home and have contact with other people. Some stayed with family or friends; others lived with perfect strangers.
Prins was inspired to write the book because his mother was forced to go into hiding in the Netherlands when she was only six years old. The experiences of the survivors vary greatly; however, many describe themselves as broken after the war. So many looked forward to liberation, only to discover that it was not significantly better: they had no homes to return to, no possessions, no businesses, and frequently, no sense of family after living apart for so long. They could not connect again with parents who sent them into hiding and had to hide apart from their children. Many felt closer to their “foster” families than their own.
Although I was compelled by the stories to finish the book, I am not sure who the audience will be. The voices in this book are stilted; whether that is a factor of translation, the unease of telling of their stories or that the survivors told their stories in the voices of the children in them who lived it, it felt off. I do think students who are fascinated by the Holocaust, especially if they have just finished The Diary of Anne Frank, will want to read this book.
The Arab-Israeli Six-Day War
Recently a group named Hamas, located in the Gaza Strip, and the nation of Israel engaged in prolonged exchanges of rocket attacks and air strikes. A series of “ceasefires” did nothing to assuage the violence. This military tit-for-tat response has its roots in the results of what historians refer to as the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War and which is the topic of a new book (by the same name) in the “Perspectives on Modern World History” series.
The 1967 Six Day pitted Israel against Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. In that short conflict Israel defeated all three and took land from each. The land taken from Jordan, the West Bank (of the Jordan River) and East Jerusalem were inhabited by Palestinians, a Moslem ethnic group. Israel won the war, but has been unable to win the peace, mainly because of their inability to figure out what to do with the Palestinians. This Israeli victory on the battlefield has spawned numerous negotiations, an occasional agreement, and Palestinian anger which nurtured terrorism.
“The Arab-Israeli Six-Day War” is a collection of essays examining in detail the causes, miscalculations, and results of that short-lived conflict. The book begins with a short chronology of events leading to war, the war, and its results. The intent of the essays is to provide different perspectives on the major questions which still dominate the debate. For instance, was Israel’ pre-emptive attack on it neighbors justified? Abba Eban, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. at the time, builds a case for war. Another essay contends that Israel, militarily, had nothing to fear. “The Postwar Occupation Provided Many Benefits to Palestinians as Well as Israeli” is countered a short piece written by a Palestinian, “Israel’s Postwar Occupations Imposed Harsh Conditions on Palestinians.”
A couple of essays touch on the subject of how to unravel this complicated issue, but one comes to understand how national myths and bravado, domestic politics, and the international political scene make reasonable men seek solace in armed confrontations.
This volume provides an excellent introduction for someone new to the subject, relying on historical facts wrapped in competing perspectives.
(Submitted by the Washington State Civics Educator of the Year, Ed Bergh)
50 Successful University of California Application Essays
This reference focuses on how to write the scholarship application essay that will get you into one of the branches of the University of California. Not quite as easily accessible as other guides by the Tanabes, this is very definitely aimed at a different audience. The book begins with a chapter called “25 Essay Mistakes that Guarantee Failure,” followed by a question and answer chapter that has UC admissions officers responding to questions. The next 15 or so chapters include essays about different topics, such as literature, family, challenges, and more. Each essay is followed by an analysis which offers an excellent critique and pointers on what to do and not do. The last two chapters are full of advice on topics and writing from University of California students. Traditionally, there have not been many students in my building applying to UC schools, but the lessons in this guide should apply to any four year university.
Sports Injuries
This book is divided into three sections: essays about sports injuries, the controversies surrounding them and personal stories about these injuries. In the first section there is an essay about brain injuries and concussions. Included in this essay is discussion about the suicide of Chicago Bears defensive back Dave Duerson, who, in his forties began to suffer from headaches, blurred vision, memory loss and other symptoms so severe that he committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest so that, according to his note, his brain could be preserved for research. The second section includes essays about whether or not the NFL should be held responsible for players’ concussions and why there is such an increase in the number of sports injuries suffered by children and how they might be prevented. The last section has two essays from those who have experience with these injuries. With sidebars, charts and photographs, the book is visually appealing. The book also includes a glossary, a chronology, a list of organizations to contact, and sources for further information. This volume could prove useful for Sports Medicine classes or as a source for debate information as well as providing useful information for anyone interested in the topic.