Nonfiction

The following reviews were made as part of an assignment for the Literature for Children course through Sam Houston State University.

Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s Shadow 

Bartoletti, S. C. (2019). Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic.

ISBN: 9781338309843 

 

Hitlerjugend or Hitler Youth were the boys who were groomed to be good German soldiers. Likewise, the League of German Girls (BDM) groomed girls to be good German wives and mothers supporting the work of the men. The stories range from those who joined voluntarily, sometimes despite the disapproval of their parents, to those who were required to join but found their way out despite the risk. Some even joined or led resistance movements actively opposing the Third Reich. The story begins in 1932, tells the stories leading up to World War II, covers war time experiences, explains the collapse of Nazi Germany and the end of the war, explains de-Nazification, and closes with the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. Included are many photographs of the young people named specifically, as well as German propaganda shots, Allied photos, and family photos. There is a Hitler Youth Timeline, Author’s Note, information about the photographs, source notes for the quotes, and a bibliography which includes a notation of the sources that are especially interesting for young people. 
 

The narrative of this book draws in the reader with the intent of understanding the boys and girls who proudly participated as Hitler Youth and those who opposed Adolf Hitler and his Nazi regime. There was no apparent attempt to persuade the reader to condemn those who bought into the Nazi brainwashing nor was there praise for those who opposed the Nazis. It helps to understand how Hitler was able to accomplish such horrible things with widespread support from his citizens while also explaining why more people did not speak out against the government.  
 From Kirkus Reviews: “Case studies of actual participants root the work in specifics, and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format with well-chosen archival

photographs make this nonfiction writing at its best. Essential for WWII collections as well as teaching units on conformity, peer pressure and resistance. Superb.” Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/susan-campbell-bartoletti/hitler-youth/.  
 

This book would be valuable in any Social Studies class and could be used to explore points of view. 

 

You may also like: Surviving Hitler: A Boy in the Nazi Death Camps by Andrea Warren or We Will Not Be Silent: The White Rose Student Resistance Movement That Defied Adolf Hitler by Russell Freedman. 

 

Bomb: The Race to Build and Steal the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon 

Sheinkin, S., & Colvin, J. (2012). Bomb: the race to build and steal the world's most dangerous weapon. New York: Roaring Brook Press. 

ISBN: 978-1596434875 

A thrilling tale for anyone interested in science or history, as the name implies, tells the story of the scientists who built the atomic bomb and the spies who stole information on how it was being done. During World War II American, British, German, and Soviet scientists rush to build the atomic bomb before anyone else can. The Americans and the British work together to sabotage the German efforts while communist sympathizers pass information to the Soviets. Interwoven are the roles of people displaced by the Nazis who work with the Allies to defeat Hitler and free their homeland.  

An interesting narrative that brings science down to a level that anyone can understand and conveys the importance of being the first to succeed in building this new weapon. This book connected the dots that were, up until now, providing me with enough of an understanding of the United States rise to power during and after WWII. This would serve as a great intro to a study of the Cold War.  
From Common Sense Media: “a detailed, suspenseful account of developing the first atom bombs, and the consequences of inventing and dropping The Bomb that effectively ended World War II and led to the Cold War/arms race between the United States and Russia.”

Retrieved from: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/bomb-the-race-to-build-and-steal-the-worlds-most-dangerous-weapon.  
In older grade levels this book could be used to connect science and social studies. MacMillan has a great resource with suggestions for using this book in a variety of subjects that can be found at: https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/teachers-guides/9781596434875TG.pdf.

 

You may also like: Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac or Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor’s Story by Caren Stelson.  

 

The Boy’s War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War 

Murphy, Jim, 1947-. (1990). The boys' war: Confederate and Union soldiers talk about the Civil War. New York: Clarion Books. 

ISBN: 0-89919-893-7 

 

This is the story of the American Civil War as told by the boys who fought on both sides. It begins by telling the story of the first shots of the Civil War fired at Fort Sumter, South Carolina and looks at the war from different angles starting with the motivation for joining the fight and covering topics such as battle experiences, prisoner of war camps, and medical care. It also addresses changes made after the Civil War to prevent such young boys from being allowed to serve in any capacity. The stories contained are from those who were not old enough to enlist but did so by parental permission, deceit, or to serve in a non-combat role. One boy ran away from home and enlisted in 1861 at age 11 as a drummer boy. In one battle, after his drum was shattered by enemy fire, he picked up musket and “fought bravely for the rest of the war, becoming a sergeant in the fall of 1863.”  
 

This book is well written and keeps the reader engaged, bringing a heavy topic down to a level that is sure to resonate well with young readers. History is a topic that students often dislike because they feel it to be irrelevant. This story makes it relevant. It also presents the story without glorifying one side and vilifying the other. It is told in a neutral tone presenting the facts and sharing the experiences of the youngest soldiers of America’s bloodiest war, often in their own words. If anything, I would have liked to have seen a map or a timeline that represented the stories shared. In modern times we can all learn from the realization the soldiers came to as described on page 64. “The enemy it turned out, was human after all, and could be kind and generous as well.” 

From Publishers Weekly: “He skillfully interweaves excerpts from the diaries and letters

of countless young men who, either seeking escape from the drudgery of farm work or embracing fantasies of glory, participated in America's most brutal and bloody war. … The extensive use of contemporary archival photos reinforces the power of the understated text.” Retrieved from https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-89919-893-4.  

In a high school class this book could be used in conjunction with a book such as Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow to contrast the experiences and mindsets of the young soldiers. 

 

You may also like: Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson or Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy.

 

Drawing from Memory 

Say, A. (2011). Drawing from memory. New York: Scholastic Press. 

ISBN: 978-0545176866 

 

This memoir tells the story of Allen Say and his quest to fulfill his dream of becoming a cartoonist perfectly told in a graphic novel style. Say includes a map of Japan so that the reader can locate the various cities and villages that he moves to or visits. The story demonstrates the importance, but also the risk, of pursuing one’s dreams, especially in a setting where it is not fully understood or accepted. 

 

The author tells his story in a manner that is both exciting and relatable. He demonstrates the wisdom to identify what he can do to achieve his dream and the courage to chase after what he wants. Say completes the story through images, mostly his own drawings including early sketches and photographs. 

 

From Kirkus reviews: “Shinpei’s original comics are reproduced here, harmonizing with Say’s own art from that time and the graphic-novel–style panels, drawings and paintings created for this book. Aesthetically superb; this will fascinate comics readers and budding artists while creating new Say fans.” Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/allen-say/drawing-memory/  

 

In art this book could provide a study of the various mediums found within. It could also be used in a social studies class, specifically as a cultural study. 

Also by Allen Say: Grandfather’s Journey or Tree of Cranes. 

Poetry

The following reviews were made as part of an assignment for the Literature for Children course through Sam Houston State University.

The Llama Who Had No Pajama

Hoberman, M. A., & Fraser, B. (1998). The llama who had no pajama: 100 favorite poems. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Co.

ISBN 978-1-415-66838-2

A collection of short poems on a variety of topics from family to weather, to animals and insects. The longest is the title poem that covers facing pages and in which the llama has outgrown his pajama. Unable to correct the situation despite multiple attempts he goes to bed convinced he will not be able to sleep at all. After sleeping soundly, he awakens to the realization that llamas do not need pajamas! Some poems are connected by clever illustrations while others fall into a theme such as a collection of poems about animals with accompanying illustrations that feel like a trip to the zoo.

I enjoyed this book, although I read it in one sitting it would be better enjoyed a little at a time. The poems could be used to teach lessons, address issues, or explore make-believe. One of my favorite poems was called “Comparisons” which addresses the issue that we are all different and our differences are not necessarily negative. The illustrations add to the poetry without distracting, well except in the case of “Cockroach” – I could have done without that one! Some are realistic and others whimsical according to the topic, done in gouache and watercolor. 

From GoodReads user Holly Price: “Want to get kids excited about and fall in love with poetry? Add Golden Award Winner, Mary Ann Hoberman's 100 poem collection, The Llama Who Had No Pajama to your reading library. Lots of fun with rhyme and rhythm with these high energy poems.” Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/401900 

The poems in this collection could be used in a variety of lessons. Whether in a study of animals, opposites, counting, or superlatives there is likely to be a poem in this collection to accompany it. TeachingBooks.net has a selection of activities to accompany this collection, one of which is a multileveled lesson so that you can choose the correct level for each of your students.

Also by Mary Ann Hoberman: Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart or Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers: A Collection of Family Poems 

 

This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness

Sidman, J., & Zagarenski, P. (2007). This is just to say: Poems of apology and forgiveness. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.     

ISBN 978-0-618-61680-0

Inspired by an apology poem Joyce Sidman wrote to her mother with the help of a 4th grade class, this collection of poems contains apology poems in a variety of formats from students in a class and an accompanying response poem. The poems run from lighthearted to deeply emotional. In some cases, the responses are written by someone other than the one apologized to and in others it has been edited.

Although the reader is led to believe that the apology poems are the work of 4th graders and the responses are by those wronged, it doesn’t quite ring true. In reading the dust jacket about the author she states “One day I sat down to write, and a group of students stepped forth from my imagination…” I think upon a second reading I would enjoy it even more to not be constantly analyzing the validity of this being written and illustrated by 4th grade students. The whimsical illustrations are mixed media collage and computer graphics. This would have been a smoother read if the apologies and responses were on opposing pages so that they could be read together. Overall, I enjoyed this collection.

From Kirkus reviews: ”Packed with the intensity of everyday pain and sorrow, kids and adults exchange the words that convey grief, delight, love and acceptance of themselves and others.” Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/joyce-sidman/this-is-just-to-say/ 

This book would be a great resource to use when talking about feelings and of course apologies and forgiveness. Poems such as “Fashion Sense” could be used to remind that we all have feelings and sometimes we do not need to say everything we think. This blog details a full lesson using the poem “This is Just to Say” that would be great in a language arts or ESL classroom: https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/blogs/editorrachael/ceri-jones-just-say. 

Also by Joyce Sidman: Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry or Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night.

 

Rutherford B., Who Was He?: Poems About Our Presidents

Singer, M., & Hendrix, J. (2013). Rutherford B., who was he?: Poems about our presidents.

ISBN 978-142317100-3

This collection contains poems about each president through Obama. In a variety of formats and including some quotes from the men themselves this book presents a quick history lesson from 1789 - 2013 (the year of publication). 

This book would be a great addition to any history or government classroom or lesson. Although some of the information contained requires context to understand the reader will find at the back of the book short biographies of each president which simply explain their presidencies and provide the needed context in most cases. The full color illustrations provide more context in political cartoon style for additional analysis by older students.

Publisher’s Weekly “But she doesn’t shy from potentially touchy issues…, and she infuses the familiar with new meaning, as in her verse for Teddy Roosevelt: “He took on greedy corporations/ and foreign powers with this trick:/ A president should speak quite softly/ but always carry a very large stick.” Hendrix’s (A Boy Called Dickens) mixed-media, editorial-style portraits are handsome, often incorporating bold typographical quotes from the presidents. He imaginatively links one leader to another … so readers see history not as a series of isolated moments, but as a continuous trajectory.” Retrieved from: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4231-7100-3 

With 39 total poems this could be used for poetry Fridays during the school year or relevant poems could be used as a stand-alone lesson during relevant history units. Additional activities available at: https://texasbluebonnetaward2016.wordpress.com/rutherford-b-who-was-he/. 

Also by Joyce Sidman: Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reverso Poems or A Stick is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play

The Firefly Letters

Engle, M. (2017). The firefly letters: A suffragette's journey to Cuba.

ISBN 978-1-537-90318-7

In this verse novel, author Margarita Engle tells the true stories of a nineteenth century Swedish feminist - Frederika, the daughter of a Cuban nobleman – Elena, and a slave girl - Cecilia. Each struggle to understand the others, not only in language but in life experiences. Frederika and Cecilia visit remote areas of the island while Elena stays inside working on items for her hope chest. After observing from her window, Elena sneaks out of the house to join them. When it is almost time for Frederika to leave, Elena demonstrates how much she has grown by offering a priceless gift to Cecilia. Three women, three cultures, three ideas of what freedom is show us that even in our differences we are similar.

The story of these women kept me intrigued, the verse was easy to read and effortlessly alternated between speakers to give the various points of view. Engle certainly has a way with words, bringing to light the adventures of the women in 1850s Cuba. This book is sure to intrigue readers with an interest in history and bring to life a time long past. When Elena’s plan is about to be revealed I found the most stirring lines of the book “My mind soars/and whirls/in a dance/of wild fear/and graceful hope.” 

Kirkus Reviews “And like the firefly light, Engle’s poetry is a gossamer thread of subtle beauty weaving together three memorable characters who together find hope and courage. Another fine volume by a master of the novel in verse.” Retrieved from: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/margarita-engle/the-firefly-letters/ 

This book would serve as a great accompaniment to a unit that covers slavery. Although the setting is Cuba it is not a far stretch to understand that there were many similarities in the United States. Additional activities and reference websites can be found at this blog: http://readingcaneducateeducators.blogspot.com/2011/09/firefly-letters-by-margarita-engle.html 

Also by Margarita Engle: The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom or The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano