Bread and Roses, Too-Historical Fiction

During the Industrial Revolution of the early 20^th century, business was booming and that meant laborers were in high demand.  Owners, in search of high profit, hired recently arrived immigrants at very low wages.  The novel, Bread and Roses, Too follows the story of Rosa, a young Italian girl, and Jake, a poor, abused boy and the textile mills strike in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  Life is very harsh and challenging.  Rosa’s father has died and her mother must make a life for herself and her three children.  Jake, fends for himself on most days and must deal with a drunk father who beats him and takes all his meager pay.  Life is a moment- by- moment struggle.  Unions in other cities offer to sponsor children during the long strike and keep them safe and cared for.  Rosa and Jake find themselves on a train to Barre, Vermont and a completely different life.  As they are cared for in Vermont, they have time to evaluate their lives and those around them.  It is a time of discovery and a larger vision of the world. 

Anytime you can put a personality onto a situation, it becomes more real and meaningful.  Teachers will appreciate this book for its engaging story and historical accuracy.  Katherine Patterson brings this very important part of history to life.  Her historical note at the end shows just how accurate this story is.  History teachers and English teachers both will find that this book sparks lively discussions of these historic events and their effects on the present day.   Readers will stay invested until the end.  

Newbery Award books by this author:
Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved

Divergent-Dystopian Science Fiction

Up to a significant point, your life is decided for you.  Then, you turn sixteen and you make the biggest decision of your life alone.  That is the world in which Beatrice (Tris) lives.  In this dystopian world (formerly Chicago) , society is divided into five factions.  Each one is governed by their defining qualities.  Tris and her brother Caleb are from Abnegation, and there is also Candor, Amity, Dauntless, and Erudite.  Each faction is easily distinguished by what they wear, and eat, and how they live.  As people turn 16, they are given a test that tells them their aptitude.  After that, there is a choosing ceremony.  For most, it is very easy.  For others, it is difficult since the test tells them that they could fit in two or more factions and they must pick.  Tris is one of these.  She is “divergent” and it is not a desirable state.  In fact, she is told to keep it secret.

What follows is an action packed story full of danger, intrigue and suspense.  What faction does Tris pick and how does this affect her whole life and that of her family?

YA readers will be pulled into this story and it will continue to hold their attention through its 487 pages.  I can see it being used in high school classrooms for lively discussions and to compare with other dystopian stories such as The Hunger Games.  The bonus materials at the back are excellent as they include an author interview, a discussion guide and the Faction Manifestos.  

This is the first in a trilogy.  The second is called Insurgent and the final installment called Allegiant will be published October 22,  2013.

The Trouble Begins At 8-Biography

We all know Mark Twain by his novels.  Who hasn’t heard of Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn or A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur’s Court, just to name a few?  Sid Fleischman helps us to understand the man through facts, humor, photos and a well-written narrative.  Readers who aren’t usually drawn to biographies will be surprised by this easy and entertaining read. 

The book’s preface, will leave readers chuckling and ready for the rest of the book.  They will discover little known stories of the man and how he created his career.  Discovering the meaning of the book’s title is a clue into his personality and drive.   Mr. Fleischman’s clever and artistic construction of the book assures that you will stick with it to see what’s coming next. 

Educationally, knowing more about the author is always an important element in fully understanding text.  While the publisher suggests the book for 9-12 year olds, it would not be fully appreciated by most in this age group and would better serve older readers.  English teachers will appreciate this book for what it can provide in this arena.  History teachers can refer to this book as it relates to The Civil War era and provides insight into what was going on in the West during the war.

Don't miss these also by Sid Fleischman:
Escape!  The Story of the Great Houdini
The AbracadabraKid: A Writer's Life (The author's autobiography)

The Hunger Games-Dystopian Science Fiction

Every year, the capitol of the nation of Panem, holds The Hunger Games in which 2 children from each of the twelve districts, ages 12-18, fight to the death on live t.v.   The games have two goals:  one is to amuse the citizens of the capitol and the other is to remind the districts of their subservience to the capitol due to their past failed rebellions.  Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen lives in District 12 with her mother and sister.  Her younger sister, Prim, is now 12 and eligible for her first “reaping”.  At that time, unbelievably, Prim’s name is picked as the girl representative for district 12.  Katniss cannot stand the thought of her sister being in this contest and knows she would not survive.  Katniss steps forward and takes her place.  The competition that follows is intense and surreal and pushes Katniss to the very edge of her humanity and sanity.  Her fellow district tribute is Peeta, the baker’s son.   She likes him and owes him a favor from the past but also knows that for her to win, he must die.  Since her mentor Haymitch, is a reluctant supporter and often drunk, she knows that she must use her hunting and tracking skills and her own wits to survive.

The intensity of this dystopian book makes it a fast read.  Readers will be anxious to delve into the second and then third books as fast as possible. The unforgettable character of Katniss is equally appealing to boys and girls due to her strength and desire to overcome and survive.  There is some romance in the story but it is not overdone and fits in well with the rest of the story’s action.  As Katniss works through the problems and situations in the games, readers can ponder her decisions and discuss if she made the right ones or if she could have done something differently.  I certainly hope that discussions happen at home or at school because The Hunger Games begs to be discussed on many levels.   However, I would recommend this book for teens and adults and not younger readers since there is a lot of violence and disturbing events.  

This is the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy.  The other two titles are Catching Fire and Mockingjay.  The author has also written the five books in the The Underland Chronicles.

No Promises In The Wind-Historical Fiction

It is 1932 and the effects of the Great Depression touch every life.  Extreme anxiety and stress cause fathers to resent too many mouths to feed and mothers to agree to children leaving home.  At 15, Josh finds himself in just this situation.  Along with his equally impoverished best friend and a tag along little brother, they jumped a Chicago freight train headed to points west. 

The journey is filled with peril, tragedy, and fear as well as determination and resilience.  As Josh finds moments of peace through his music, as well as a couple of kind-hearted strangers, he determines to find a way to live through his daily fear and stress. 

The author, Irene Hunt, effectively describes the hopelessness and despair that permeated society at that time through the character of Josh.  YA readers will find this an excellent companion book to a Depression era unit of study.   I think that YA readers will be shocked that Josh leaves home and is not really expected back.  He must care for himself and his little brother.  This is not an adventurous trip.  It is a journey to find a job and to eat and keep warm in the meantime.  Reflective readers will gain a deeper understanding and respect for the people of all ages who lived through this period in American history. 

Newbery Award and honor books by the author:
Across Five Aprils
Up A Road Slowly