Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books.
ISBN: 0-618-13335-6
Summary
When My Name was Keoko, is a parallel story told through the viewpoints of a sister and a brother. They relate their difficult lives during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
Critical Analysis
Award-winning author Linda Sue Park, writes an eloquent historical fiction story about a Korean family's life in Korea from 1940-1945. Park's descriptive words help set the scene of the setting, whether taking place in the family's home or out in public.
Also, Park does an excellent job at making the plot believable and the theme universal. Readers can connect with the two narrators. For example, at the start of the story, Sun-Hee and Tae-yul find out the Japanese are forcing them to rename themselves with Japanese names. Tau-yul states, "A different name? I can't imagine it. I look at Sun-Hee and I can tell she's thinking the same thing" (5). The parallel stories of the siblings helps readers connect to the theme. Sun-hee and Tae-yul react differently to situations, displaying the different emotions, feelings, and actions we may all feel.
Park's writing style is indicative of the time period, mixing in a few Korean words to help the story flow. Additionally, Park does an amazing job at weaving true historical events into the story, making the story authentic and accurate. For example, kamikaze pilots, leaflets dropped from an airplane, rose of Sharon trees uprooted and burned, and the changing of Korean names are all part of Korean history during this time period (193-4). Linda Sue Park validates the historical events through Author's Notes and a Bibliography at the end of the book.
A poignant story set in a time period that is not well-known, When My Name was Keoko, is an outstanding story for fifth graders to adults.
Review Excerpts
Publishers' Weekly announces, "A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea . . . . Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. . . . [T]elling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it" (2002).
Barbara Scotto with School Library Journal reports, "What is outstanding is the insight Park gives into the complex minds of these young people. Each of them reacts to the events in different ways-Sun-hee takes refuge in writing while Tae-yul throws his energies into physical work. Yet in both cases they develop subtle plans to resist the enemy. Like the Rose of Sharon tree, symbol of Korea, which the family pots and hides in their shed until their country is free, Sun-hee and Tae-yul endure and grow. This beautifully crafted and moving novel joins a small but growing body of literature, such as Haemi Balgassi's Peacebound Trains (Clarion, 1996) and Sook Nyul Choi's The Year of Impossible Goodbyes (Houghton, 1991), that expands readers' understanding of this period" (2002).
Connections
Other stories by Linda Sue Park set in Korea:
Archer's Quest
A Single Shard
The Firekeeper's Son
The Kite Fighters
Seesaw Girl
Showing posts with label Historical Fiction/Biography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical Fiction/Biography. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Worth by A. LaFaye
Bibliography
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-85730-6
Summary
Eleven year old, Nate helps father with all the farm work, but after an accident, Nate is no longer able to help. Nate's father brings home John Worth, an orphan, to take Nate's placed with the farm chores. Nate feels even worse about himself once John arrives, creating a wedge between the two boys. As time passes, Nate and John make a connection.
Critical Analysis
The Scott O'Dell Award winning book, Worth by A. LaFaye is a superb story of a boy's pioneer life and the difficult times his family endures. Nate, the main character, mangles his leg in an accident on the farm at the age of 12. Father feels responsible, Nate's heart is broken when he realizes his leg will prevent him from working the farm along with his father, and mother is bitter from the past. In an effort to get help with the work on the farm, father adopts an orphan boy, John Worth.
LaFaye's excellent use of words helps readers make connections to the characters while also develop the style of pioneer life. For example, when Nate thinks what it would be like losing his family like John Worth he was "crushed up inside" (31). Another example can be found when Nate and John "talked death all the way to the house" (99). A third example is found when John is "praying up a storm" when Widow Kerensky points a shotgun at the boys (135).
The story takes place on the plains of Nebraska, where Nate and his father work the land, and mother earns extra money by "tinkering." LaFaye has developed the setting accurately, bringing in the particulars of the time period: orphan train, a soddie school, fighting between ranchers and farmers, fence cutting, lynchings, and horse-drawn wagons.
Additionally, LaFaye designs the plot perfectly for a historical fiction of this time period. She also does an excellent job a maintaining a well balanced historical details.
Worth by A. LaFaye depicts pioneer life perfectly. It is a story that is interesting and heart-felt and could be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly reports, "LaFaye paints a realistic picture of the hardships for average families at the time the Orphan Train rode the rails. . . . The author weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book (2004).
Joel Shoemaker with School Library Journal states, "The author convincingly conveys the boys' gradual realization of the value of one another's friendship. Other themes include the importance of reading and education, meeting challenges head on, relying on and playing a responsible role in your community, and recovering from loss. A special strength of the book is the characterization of Nathaniel's mom, whose fierce anger is emotionally balanced by her dedication to her family's well-being. Although she works as a tinker, she lets her husband take credit in deference to the mores of the time. A satisfying piece of historical fiction (2004).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
Other stories by A. LaFaye:
The Year of the Sawdust Man
Strawberry Hill
Dad, In Spirit
The Strength of Saints
Other stories about frontier life:
Maude March on the Run!, or, Trouble is Her Middle Name by Audrey Couloumbis
The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Audrey Couloumbis
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Little House on the Prairie and other pioneer stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder
LaFaye, A. 2004. Worth. New York: Simon & Schuster.
ISBN: 0-689-85730-6
Summary
Eleven year old, Nate helps father with all the farm work, but after an accident, Nate is no longer able to help. Nate's father brings home John Worth, an orphan, to take Nate's placed with the farm chores. Nate feels even worse about himself once John arrives, creating a wedge between the two boys. As time passes, Nate and John make a connection.
Critical Analysis
The Scott O'Dell Award winning book, Worth by A. LaFaye is a superb story of a boy's pioneer life and the difficult times his family endures. Nate, the main character, mangles his leg in an accident on the farm at the age of 12. Father feels responsible, Nate's heart is broken when he realizes his leg will prevent him from working the farm along with his father, and mother is bitter from the past. In an effort to get help with the work on the farm, father adopts an orphan boy, John Worth.
LaFaye's excellent use of words helps readers make connections to the characters while also develop the style of pioneer life. For example, when Nate thinks what it would be like losing his family like John Worth he was "crushed up inside" (31). Another example can be found when Nate and John "talked death all the way to the house" (99). A third example is found when John is "praying up a storm" when Widow Kerensky points a shotgun at the boys (135).
The story takes place on the plains of Nebraska, where Nate and his father work the land, and mother earns extra money by "tinkering." LaFaye has developed the setting accurately, bringing in the particulars of the time period: orphan train, a soddie school, fighting between ranchers and farmers, fence cutting, lynchings, and horse-drawn wagons.
Additionally, LaFaye designs the plot perfectly for a historical fiction of this time period. She also does an excellent job a maintaining a well balanced historical details.
Worth by A. LaFaye depicts pioneer life perfectly. It is a story that is interesting and heart-felt and could be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Review Excerpts
Publisher's Weekly reports, "LaFaye paints a realistic picture of the hardships for average families at the time the Orphan Train rode the rails. . . . The author weaves in a subtle message about the power of story, as Nate builds a bond with John by reading him Greek myths out of a borrowed book (2004).
Joel Shoemaker with School Library Journal states, "The author convincingly conveys the boys' gradual realization of the value of one another's friendship. Other themes include the importance of reading and education, meeting challenges head on, relying on and playing a responsible role in your community, and recovering from loss. A special strength of the book is the characterization of Nathaniel's mom, whose fierce anger is emotionally balanced by her dedication to her family's well-being. Although she works as a tinker, she lets her husband take credit in deference to the mores of the time. A satisfying piece of historical fiction (2004).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.titlewave.com/
Connections
Other stories by A. LaFaye:
The Year of the Sawdust Man
Strawberry Hill
Dad, In Spirit
The Strength of Saints
Other stories about frontier life:
Maude March on the Run!, or, Trouble is Her Middle Name by Audrey Couloumbis
The Misadventures of Maude March, or, Trouble Rides a Fast Horse by Audrey Couloumbis
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Bringing Ezra Back by Cynthia C. DeFelice
Little House on the Prairie and other pioneer stories by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Cleopatra by Diana Stanley
Bibliography
Stanley, Diane. 1994. Cleopatra. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
Illustrator: Peter Vennema
ISBN: 0-688-10413-4
Summary
This biography details the reign of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, from the age of 18 and concludes upon her death at the age of 39.
Critical Analysis
Outstanding author and illustrator, Diane Stanley, has written a remarkable biography about Cleopatra, an interesting person from an ancient time period.
Stanley provides a note on ancient sources before the story opens to support the authenticity and accuracy of the facts about Cleopatra. She explains that all writings about Cleopatra were written by her enemies, and the major episodes of her life were recorded by Plutarch. The written works of Plutarch have to be regarded carefully because he lived 100 years after Cleopatra and much of his writings were substantiated by her opponents (Note on Ancient Sources). Also, Stanley reports on her personal website that she travels to areas to do research on her subjects. She traveled to Egypt for research about Cleopatra (www.dianastanley.com).
The preface provided at the beginning of the book provides background information to make the story coherent. The story follows the chronological life of Cleopatra, starting at the age of eighteen and ending upon her death at the age of 39. The epilogue at the end of the book provides a nice closure to the history of the time period. Additionally, the pronunciation guide is a nice addition to make the reading more gratifying.
Stanley is teamed with an amazing illustrator to make the perfect design for this story. Gouache, a specific paint technique, is used to make the illustrations support the interesting text and are a nice complement to the story. The illustrations of the clothing, transportation, gatherings, and settings are authentic to the time period. Also, the maps are helpful resources for the reader.
Stanley's passion for history and accuracy of information keeps the story interesting and easy to read. This is an outstanding, enjoyable biography that should be part of any library's children's collection. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley is deserving of inclusion on numerous book lists, including the ALA Notable Books.
Review Excerpts
Carolyn Noah with School Library Journal reports, "In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative" (1994).
Publisher Weekly Review states, "The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema . . . . Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures" (1994).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.fortworthgov.org/library/
Connections
Other biographies/historical fiction about Cleopatra:
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Cleopatra by Susan Reid
Cleopatra by Rose Blue
Cleopatra: Egypt's Last Pharaoh by Don Nardo
Queen Cleopatra by Thomas Streissguth
Stanley, Diane. 1994. Cleopatra. New York: Morrow Junior Books.
Illustrator: Peter Vennema
ISBN: 0-688-10413-4
Summary
This biography details the reign of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, from the age of 18 and concludes upon her death at the age of 39.
Critical Analysis
Outstanding author and illustrator, Diane Stanley, has written a remarkable biography about Cleopatra, an interesting person from an ancient time period.
Stanley provides a note on ancient sources before the story opens to support the authenticity and accuracy of the facts about Cleopatra. She explains that all writings about Cleopatra were written by her enemies, and the major episodes of her life were recorded by Plutarch. The written works of Plutarch have to be regarded carefully because he lived 100 years after Cleopatra and much of his writings were substantiated by her opponents (Note on Ancient Sources). Also, Stanley reports on her personal website that she travels to areas to do research on her subjects. She traveled to Egypt for research about Cleopatra (www.dianastanley.com).
The preface provided at the beginning of the book provides background information to make the story coherent. The story follows the chronological life of Cleopatra, starting at the age of eighteen and ending upon her death at the age of 39. The epilogue at the end of the book provides a nice closure to the history of the time period. Additionally, the pronunciation guide is a nice addition to make the reading more gratifying.
Stanley is teamed with an amazing illustrator to make the perfect design for this story. Gouache, a specific paint technique, is used to make the illustrations support the interesting text and are a nice complement to the story. The illustrations of the clothing, transportation, gatherings, and settings are authentic to the time period. Also, the maps are helpful resources for the reader.
Stanley's passion for history and accuracy of information keeps the story interesting and easy to read. This is an outstanding, enjoyable biography that should be part of any library's children's collection. Cleopatra by Diane Stanley is deserving of inclusion on numerous book lists, including the ALA Notable Books.
Review Excerpts
Carolyn Noah with School Library Journal reports, "In this lively, well-crafted biography, Stanley and Vennema brush the cobwebs from the popularly held portrait of Cleopatra to reveal a vital, warm, and politically adroit ruler. Lucid writing combines with carefully selected anecdotes, often attributed to the Greek historian Plutarch, to create an engaging narrative" (1994).
Publisher Weekly Review states, "The dazzling Egyptian queen proves a fertile subject for Stanley and Vennema . . . . Here they make a seemingly effortless leap into ancient times, masterfully relating Cleopatra's life story through words and pictures" (1994).
Review excerpts accessed from http://www.fortworthgov.org/library/
Connections
Other biographies/historical fiction about Cleopatra:
The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Cleopatra by Susan Reid
Cleopatra by Rose Blue
Cleopatra: Egypt's Last Pharaoh by Don Nardo
Queen Cleopatra by Thomas Streissguth
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