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Young Reading: History a dream in which to indulge
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Published: August 31, 2008
History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake. -- James Joyce, 1882-1941
Monica: When I was a kid, I found history boring if the textbooks were dry and the facts presented in an unappealing way. If I read a mesmerizing story of someone who had lived in a certain time or event, history came alive for me. Facts and figures meant something only when I had a point of interest or connection.
Hannah: Me, too, especially if the book about history is entertaining, action-packed or interesting. The books we've chosen this week make history exciting, even for students who don't usually see history that way.
Ancient History:
THE RAUCOUS ROYALS. Test Your Royal Wits: Crack Codes, Solve Mysteries, and Deduce Which Royal Rumors are True. By Carlyn Beccia. Ages 7-11. 62 pages. $17.
This book presents centuries-old royal stories and explains the fact and fiction behind them. In an entertaining, illustrated and interactive format, "ye olde" history entertains! Great for classroom libraries.
World History:
THE WINTER WAR. By William Durbin. Random House. Ages 10 and up. 231 pages. $15.99.
In 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Finland and started the Winter War. The well-trained Russian Army did not expect resistance from its small neighbor. The ferocity with which the Finnish responded shocked the Russians. Many died on both sides, more from frostbite than battle wounds.
Joseph Stalin learned from his mistakes and revamped his army. By the time Hitler took on the Soviets, Stalin's army was better prepared to fight because of the Finnish resistance. Imagine what a different world we would live in if Hitler had fought Stalin before invading Finland. This book is told from a young boy's perspective, made even more dramatic because he had been crippled by polio yet served Finland bravely on the front lines.
ANNE FRANK AND THE CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST. By Carol Ann Lee. Penguin. Ages 10 and up. 242 pages. $7.99.
Just when you think you truly know Anne Frank's diary, read this book for the story behind Anne's dynamic and legendary chronicle of her two years hiding from the Nazis. The comprehensive look at many children's plight during the Holocaust reminds readers of how difficult and crushing and horrific World War II was for children. Their suffering never ceases to produce tears.
T4. By Ann Clare LeZotte. Houghton Mifflin. Ages 10-14. 112 pages. $14.
Hard to stomach, T4 is the abbreviation for Hitler's plan to kill all mentally ill or disabled people. This includes 13-year-old Paula Becker, a deaf girl. Written by Ann Clare LeZotte, a poet who is deaf, this free verse historical-fiction account is as gripping and moving as any Holocaust story and would be a rich addition to any World War II study.
American History:
THE DEVIL ON TRIAL: Witches, Anarchists, Atheists, Communists, and Terrorists in America's Courtrooms. By Phillip Maruilies and Maxine Rosaler. Houghton Mifflin. Ages 12 and up. 218 pages. $22.
A comprehensive study of some of the most dramatic accusations and trials of our country's history, this book explores whether the popular culture of the times changes the definition of a fair trial.
If our security and belief system is threatened, should that alter the blindfold of justice? A thought-provoking book targeting young readers, this will stretch their knowledge and understanding of our constitutional rights.
BUILDING MANHATTAN. By Laura Villa. Viking. Ages 6-10. $16.99.
An oversize book depicting New York City's early start as a wilderness, this pictorial history shows how progress transformed land by a river into one of the world's most vibrant and important cities.
What Will Be History:
SUNRISE OVER FALLUJAH. By Walter Dean Myers. Scholastic. Ages 12 and up. 290 pages. $17.99.
In 1988, Walter Dean Myers wrote Fallen Angels, a best-selling novel about Vietnam. Once again Myers tackles a difficult topic, this time introducing us to Robin "Birdy" Perry, the nephew of Ritchie from Fallen Angels. Inspired by his uncle, Robin leaves Harlem to serve in Iraq with the Civilian Affairs unit. His missions cause soul-searching and lead Robin to grow up and redefine his concept of heroism.
100 DAYS AND 99 NIGHTS. By Alan Madison. Little, Brown. Ages 8-12. 138 pages. $14.99.
Esme counts down the 100 days and 99 nights her father is away serving in the military, using her alphabetically arranged stuffed-animal collection and the stories that accompany each toy to help her pass the time. Esme misses her father painfully and cannot wait until he returns to her, her mother and little brother.
■ Monica and Hannah Young can be reached at cyoung9@triad.rr.com. View book reviews at the Journal in Education site at www.jie.journalnow.com or by visiting www.myspace.com/youngreading.
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