Textbook Assignment #4

Eleazar Resendez

LSSL 5360

October 30, 2014

                                                                                Textbook Assignment #4

Bartoletti, S. (2005). Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler's shadow. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction.

When talking about Nazi Germany, most people discuss the party’s ideology, and its effects in Europe. The atrocities left by the Hitler-led group are also described, as well as their eventual demise. In her book, Hitler Youth: Growing up in Hitler’s Shadow, Susan Bartoletti takes a different approach when discussing that era in German history as she focuses on the “Hitlerjugend” or the Hitler Youth. Through extensive researc  Thanks to the writings these individuals left behind, Bertoletti is able to show the reader what the youth of Germany and its neighboring countries went through during the years before, during and after World War II. Young adolescent readers will be taken aback by what children their age went through as Hitler built his callous army of desensitized teens.  The death and destruction non-Jewish German children participated in as well as the suffering many Jewish sympathizers went through, is all documented and cited in this gripping work of non-fiction.

h, the author managed to compile the writings and photographs of some of the most influential members of the children’s division in the Nazis regime.

Curtis, C. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963. New York: Delacorte Press.

Kenny Watson thought his life was complicated. He was expected to survive the cold frigid weather of Michigan, and the constant bullying of his brother, Byron. Little did Kenny know, his life was about to get a lot more complicated when his family decides to take a summer trip to Birmingham, Alabama. Set around the civil rights era (1963) in the segregated southern city of Birmingham, this story focuses on a boy’s need to brave the perilous environment he finds himself in. Kenny is not oblivious to the race issues going on in the south, but it is only until he witnesses it firsthand that he realizes how sad the problem is.  Also, his brother discovers that he can channel his rage for a good cause.  It is because of his brother that Kenny is able to overcome his fears, and begin his new life as an assertive young adult.

Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship: The story of Negro League baseball. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children.

In his book, We are the Ship, Kadir Nelson presents the side of baseball history most people aren’t even aware exists.  Since its emergence in the 1920’s until its fall after World War II, Negro League baseball has undoubtedly left a great legacy in baseball sport’s history even if most casual fans don’t know it. Set from the turn of the century, on through the roaring twenties, and later the depression and war eras, We are the Ship takes its reader through the rural and segregated South and on to the big cities of Chicago and New York.  Written as a firsthand account, the author’s style is so realistic that at times the reader might question if Kadir Nelson was actually riding along with Negro Baseball great’s such Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige during those time periods. Baseball fans in particular will delight in knowing all stats and stories are well documented and carefully cited at the end, and the book‘s foreword is written by one of the baseball legend discussed in the book, Hank Aaron.

 

Schlitz, L., & Byrd, R. (2007). Good masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a medieval village. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press.

In her book, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a medieval village, Amy Schlitz paints a picture of just how tough life was in England during the middle ages. Written to be performed as a play, Schlitz presents twenty two character monologues from different walks of life, and brings them all together by showing how their lives are intertwined. Though every character has his or her own conflicts that require resolution, all seem to be impeded by the lack of knowledge that seems to abound modern day readers.

The style of writing she applies allows readers to submerge themselves in the time period adequately.  Though some of the vocabulary might seem difficult, the author makes sure to define all challenging terms within the same page. This allows for easy understanding of the material while still keeping with the vocabulary of the era. For customs, events, and beliefs that require more information to be provided, Schlitz utilizes the breaks in between the monologues to add a concise yet detailed summary of this information as well.

Textbook Assignment #3

Eleazar Resendez

October 5, 2014

LSSL 5370

Textbook Assignment #3

Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Morrow.

In her book, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Beverly Cleary presents a story of boy in a town that exemplifies what a character and setting should resemble in the contemporary realistic fiction genre. The main character, Leigh, shows all the levels of emotion that every person can recall having at some point in their adolescence. He laughs and cries and at times even the reader can feel the character’s plight.

 The setting couldn’t be more befitting. A large portion of readers can relate to growing up in a sleepy, no-name town, while those who don’t can still have a clear picture of it due to the vivid details in Cleary’s descriptions. For the city dwellers, Cleary offers a glimpse into an outsider’s perspective of the ‘big city.’

Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

In her book, Out of my mind, Sharon Draper presents the story of a young girl trying to make the best out of her life while coping with cerebral palsy.  The characters as well as the theme of this book, is what puts it in the contemporary realistic fiction genre.

 Draper does an exceptional job of presenting the characters as real people. The reader can easily relate to having the different types of teachers the main character describes. The theme is also very relatable to readers of all levels. Though, we are all unique, there is always a sense of commonality among classmates growing up.

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press.

In her book, Rules, Cynthia Lord presents the story of a girl trying her best to enjoy her summer while caring for her autistic younger brother. The plot and style of this book is what allows it to fit right into the contemporary realistic fiction genre.  

The plot is very realistic and even relatable for most readers. Like many adolescents her age, Catherine at times finds it difficult to balance her life between family and friends.  The style of this book is particularly interesting because it does not contain chapter numbers, and there are integral parts of the book that seem to be “penciled” in as well.

Pastis, S. (2013). Timmy Failure: Mistakes were made. London: Walker.

In his book, Timmy Failure: Mistakes were Made, Stephan Pastis presents the story of a boy, and his wild imagination. The Gender and culture, as well as the style of the book make it a unique example of the contemporary realistic fiction genre.

The Gender and culture aspect of the book is evident in that the main character’s nemesis is female, and Timmy’s sidekick happens to be male. This correlates with the character’s age as well. The style is unique in that the book makes it a point to lighten the mood with the illustration it uses. Pastis also makes the book his own by using font that resembles the writings of a child of Timmy’s age.

Paterson, K., & Diamond, D. (1977). Bridge to Terabithia. New York, NY: Crowell.

In her book, Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Patterson presents the story of a conflicted boy struggling to find his place among his family and peers. The plot and setting are characteristic of the contemporary realistic fiction genre. 

The plot plays out as a typical true life story should. It has its twists, and it shows how the main character overcomes the loss of his friend in the end and thus resolving the conflicts within himself. The setting is also very realistic. Small town folk can definitely relate to letting ones imagination flourish when viewing the large expanse of wilderness around these rural areas. In readers in the inner city can agree with the pressures of fitting in among classmates, and living up to parent expectations.

Urban, L. (2007). A crooked kind of perfect. Orlando: Harcourt.

In her book, A crooked kind of perfect, Linda Urban gives us a glimpse into the life of a young girl who want to become a famous pianist. The theme holds true to the book’s genre in the sense that Zoe, the main character, is a typical 10 year old girl dealing with age appropriate issues such as being popular in school.

Gender and culture are also within the contemporary realistic fiction’s genre and this can be seen in the development of the supporting characters. The mother works a typical a 9 to 5 office job, and her father is a stay-at-home dad. It is important to note, this trend is becoming more and more accepted in American culture.