Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I'm drawing a blank,...
so hopefully, maybe any of you can help. I'm trying to think of uplifting books in history, but I keep coming up with solemn, or sad ending ones. Diary of Anne Frank, Sadako, and our very own Under the Blood Red Sun. I was just wondering, in order for a history-related children's book to be touching and meaningful, does the ending have to be a certain tone?
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When drawing a blank, what medium do you use- pencil, charcoal, crayons.... ok, bad joke.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a shelf full of historical fiction and now it has just been too many years since I gave up all my beloved books.
One place you could go of course would be to google it. Another is check with some home-school groups. I KNOW they use a lot of these type of books as it has become a genre unto itself. There has to be book lists out there, so keep looking and when I can come up for air, will give you some assistance. Jessica had mentioned in another post that this book is about the level of reading for a lot of high schoolers too. Therefore, I will be composing a list of books as well. After this class, I think I would like to do a literature circle in my classes using more than just one book!
I really didn't think about it before but you're right! There really aren't any books, or at least, not any popular ones, that reflect history with happy happy joy joy (Ren & Stimpy reference) plots or endings. To answer the last part of your post, I don't think that the tone of a story dictates its ability to be touching or meaningful. I think adolescents will appreciate reading realistic and authentic stories. They appreciate being treated like little adults and I think that's why fairytales don't work for them anymore. =)
ReplyDeleteI found one! Hey Linda, it took me awhile with google but I think I may have a winner to introduce to the students. It's called "pocket stones" by Barbara Ann Gamboa Lewis.
ReplyDeleteTo PJ, I agree with the realistic and authentic vibe so students can relate.
This book may be something we can work into the class. It hits close to home since we have a strong Filipino community here on Guam.
This is a true story of childhood in the Philippines during World War II, told by a child of an interracial marriage. Despite family responsibilities "Pooh" has freedom to roam, with adventures both humorous and serious, as she struggles with right and wrong, joy and sadness, obedience and rebellion.
The blurb above was taken from the amazon website.
ReplyDeleteShirley,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, the tone is vital in any story. Nevertheless, I'm glad that you found your story. Good luck!
Best regards,
Dr. Rivera
YES... so glad I could give a suggestion that was helpful. There was a series of books but I am at a loss to remember the name now. Maybe it will come back. We'll talk more later, but we now have a trunk full of ideas, yes?? What fun we'll have in our classrooms!
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