https://www.imagineforest.com/media/s/stories/pdf/k15v6/teaching-students-in-the-digital-age.pdf?t=1722384236
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Book Review: Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary
Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbough
Bibliography:
Brockenbrough, M. (2019). Alexander Hamilton, revolutionary. Square Fish/Feiwel And Friends.
Plot Summary:
This book is a biography about Alexander Hamilton. You follow his life story through struggle, scandal and renowned.
Critical Analysis:
This book is advertised as a read for fans of the Musical, Hamilton. This Musical is widely popular. This book would also be very appealing to a young adult due to its readability. At times the author writes in a detailed story telling manor and at other times she lists succinct facts about Hamilton. The reader is drawn in more to this book by the display of real photos, maps, artifacts, etc.
Awards:
"A highly enjoyable, well-researched biography of Alexander Hamilton that both applauds his significant accomplishments and highlights his flaws." —School Library Journal
"Brockenbrough’s ambitious and impressively researched project gives equal weight to Alexander Hamilton’s personal and professional lives and to the history of the founding and early years of the United States." —Publishers Weekly
Connections:
Compare this book to another informational book on Hamilton.
Compare this book to a fiction book about the topic.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: Not Your Princess
Not Your Princess, Voices of Native American Women Edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Beth Leatherdale
Bibliography:
Mary Beth Leatherdale, & Charleyboy, L. (2017). #NotYourPrincess : voices of Native American women. Annick Press Ltd.
Plot Summary:
This book is a collection of stories told by Native American women.
Critical Analysis:
This book is a great example of how informational books can take different forms. This is a collection of interviews, stories and poems. Young people can relate to the women who tell of their accounts. In doing so, readers can reflect on the social impact of the experiences of these women. This book is suited for later middle school and high school students.
Awards:
American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book (2018)
Norma Fleck Award (2018)
Young Adult Library Services Association Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist (2018)
Amelia Bloomer Book List Top Ten.
Kirkus Best Book of 2017 in the Teen category
Connections:
Can be read alongside and compared to Dreaming in Indian from the same editors.
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: King George: What was his problem?
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution by Steve Sheinkin
Bibliography:
Sheinkin, S., & Robinson, T. (2015). King george, what was his problem?: The whole hilarious story of the american revolution. Square Fish : Roaring Brook Press.
Plot Summary:
This informational book on the history of the Revolutionary War is fresh and funny. You go through topics like How to Start a Revolution, Showdown at Saratoga and Will We Ever Win This War? The author presents real information on this war through a comical lens of storytelling.
Critical Analysis:
This book is incredibly appealing to a young adult/student audience because it is challenging a thought or concept which comes innately to this demographic. This book is teaching the history of the American Revolution through comical stories that appeal to a student's silly side. The author is masterful with adding little details, like specific fonts, page organization and visual references that appeal to the younger reader, keeping them engaged and interested.
Awards:
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Connections:
Compare this book to another informational book on: Revolutionary War, King George
Compare this book to a fiction book about the topic
Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Nearpod Lesson for the Library
https://app.nearpod.com/?pin=B4A8B84FC5CA1FC7820D81E2138E797F-1&&utm_source=link
Book Review: Sunshine
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Bibliography -
Mckinley, R. (2010). Sunshine. Berkley Books.
Plot Summary -
You follow the character Sunshine as she becomes captured by vampires. She makes a surprising friend and you follow her and Constantine as they navigate the challenge of escaping.
Critical Analysis -
This book is a modern take on vampire fairy tale. It is a refreshing fantasy read because it is not like anything I've ever read. It includes aspects of high fantasy but also supernatural fantasy elements. It is an enchanting read and takes you to a different world with a specific setting and vocabulary. There are themes in this book that are typical of fantasy and endear the reader to the characters like introspection, inner strength and bravery. The author writes in a stream of consciousness type of style that is appealing to some and not to others.
Awards/Accolades -
Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature
NPR's Top 100 Science Fiction Fantasy Books
“A gripping, funny, page-turning, pretty much perfect work of magical literature." - Neil Gaiman
Connections -
This book is a great example to to compare other fairy tales to.
You could use this book to study and model character development.
Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson
Book Review: The Gilded Wolves
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chockshi
Bibliography -
Chokshi, R. (2019). The Gilded Wolves. Wednesday Books.
Plot Summary -
This heist tale is the first in a three book series. You follow an unlikely group of 6 characters as they track down a highly sought-after artifact. Follow this group as they go on a treasure hunt and all of the drama that goes along with it.
Critical Analysis -
This is an interesting showcase of fantasy that includes aspects of historical fantasy and supernatural fantasy. Chockshi does an amazing job of endearing you to this diverse group of characters and it is thrilling to the watch the story unfold. The author does a great job of creating tense, suspenseful moments, funny, relieving moments and also sweet, endearing moments.
Awards/Accolades -
NYT Bestseller
Indie Next Pick for the Winter 2018-2019 Kids List
"An opulent heist adventure that will leave readers voracious for more." - Kirkus Reviews
“Part political misadventure, part puzzle and thoroughly charming, with a band of rapscallions and a string of surprises.” ―New York Times bestselling author Holly Black
“A masterpiece of imagination.” ―New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber
Connections -
As I read this book, I noticed connection and similarities to other books like the Six of Crows. You could read these book in a series to discuss and compare.
Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson
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