HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW by Susan
Campbell Bartoletti
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Bartoletti, S. 2005. HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
This book focuses on the stories of
children and teenagers who from 1933-1945 followed Hitler and the Nazi party. Hitler’s
focus on the youth during these twelve years is evident in Bartoletti’s work, though
she has sprinkled the pages of this text with the voices of both Hitler Youth
members and the handful that resisted.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Bartoletti
has crafted an award winning piece that is sure to excite any history buff. She
has taken a spin on the typical holocaust centered piece and focused on the
youth growing up in Hitler’s shadow. Through her documentation, Bartoletti has constructed
a work that accurately captures the facts from this time period in an unbiased nature.
She tells the story from both sides, avoiding bias. Her extensive sources are sited
clearly, and her reputation as an award winner enables the reader to trust in her
ability to accurately provide information.
Bartoletti
has clearly laid out for her reader the organization of her book in the table
of contents. She has included both a catchy title for each chapter and a more
detailed description of that chapter. She has also provided, on this page, the
location of her sited sources for easy navigation. This logical layout helps
the reader to decide where they would like to begin their education on this
topic. Each chapter follows a clear sequence, and all images are clearly
explained and sited. The reference aids used help the reader to better
understand the layout and material presented.
The design
of this book appeals to those who already have a basic understanding of and
interest in the topic. The subject is clear from the design of the cover, but
may not work to entice an unfamiliar patron. Inside the book, black and white
photos correlate appropriately to the text. The use of photos enhances the
readers understanding of the information, and works to help draw in someone
browsing through the pages. The captions associated with the photos help
provide a small nugget of information that might capture the attention of a
browser.
Overall,
the author has created a work of literature that is interesting, informative,
and easy to enjoy. Her presentation of the material melds together the different
voices of youth trapped in Hitler’s shadow. Bartoletti’s passion for creating nonfiction
historical accounts shines through her words, luring the reader into this unimaginable
world.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
·
Newbery
Honor Book
·
The
Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
·
School
Library Journal declares “Bartoletti lets many of the subjects' words,
emotions, and deeds speak for themselves, bringing them together clearly to
tell this story unlike anyone else has.”
·
The Horn Book states that "The power of the
account...matched by the many period...photographs, well-married to the text by
strong captions and placement…"
·
Kirkus Reviews says "Case studies…root the
work..., and clear prose, thorough documentation and an attractive format…make
this nonfiction writing at its best."
·
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books reveals
that "This solid offering deserves wide readership by today's young
people, and it is certain to promote extensive discussion."
·
Booklist raves that "The handsome book
design, with stirring black-and-white historical photos on every double-page
spread, will bring in readers...spark discussion..."
5. CONNECTIONS
·
Gather
other books written by Susan
Campbell Bartoletti
for an author study
o Bartoletti, S. BLACK POTATOES: THE STORY OF THE
GREAT IRISH FAMINE. ISBN- 0618548831
o Bartoletti, S. THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE K.K.K.:
THE BIRTH OF AN AMERICAN TERRORIST GROUP. ISBN- 061844033X
o Bartoletti, S. GROWING UP IN COAL COUNTRY. ISBN-
0395979145
·
Read THE
BOY WHO DARED by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. This story is based on one event
found in Bartoletti’s book HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER’S SHADOW.
o Bartoletti, S. The Boy Who Dared- 0439680131
·
Have children free write explaining whether they would have joined
the Hitler Youth or resisted and why.
ACTUAL SIZE by Steve Jenkins
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Jenkins, S. 2004. ACTUAL
SIZE. New York,
NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.ISBN: 978-0-547-25554-5
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
In this book, Steve Jenkins illustrates both large and small animals at their actual size. He visually helps the reader to understand the magnitude of varying animal sizes while including interesting facts that help to further enhance one’s understanding of the beautifully crafted images.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Jenkins
has created a stunning nonfiction piece that is sure to excite animal enthusiasts
of all ages and stages. As usual, Jenkins has infused his own unique style with
outrageously interesting facts to create an outstanding work of literature. The
artistic design is sure to spark the curiosity of the reader from the get go,
inviting them to read on. Upon first glance, the reader will find themselves
wanting more. The text and illustrations complement each other, and more in depth,
higher level information can be found in the back of the book.
The
author has organized this piece in a way that is extremely easy to comprehend.
Geared towards the youngest of readers, Jenkins has created cut-paper collages
that visually represent the facts found in this book. This short read can be
enjoyed in a variety of ways. Even the youngest reader will be impressed by the
authenticity of the illustrations.
Though
he does not provide the reader with cited sources, Jenkins’ reputation in his
field allows the reader to trust his ability and desire to provide truthful facts.
Jenkins’ creations typically focus on subjects from the animal kingdom, which
further encourages the reader to believe in the accuracy of his work.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
·
School
Library Journal suggests it is "A thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a
must-have for any collection."
·
Booklist
says "Jenkins' artwork is gorgeous (a gatefold of a frog in midleap is
particularly memorable)... An unusual, unusually effective tool for connecting
children to nature's astonishing variety."
·
The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books raves that "Jenkins'
imaginative paper collages work their usual magic in transcending their medium
to capture the spirit and detail of their subjects. The real triumph here,
however, is the compositions...the book makes brilliantly creative use of its
tight focus, resulting in startling closeups."
5. CONNECTIONS
·
Gather
other books written and/or illustrated by Steve Jenkins for a non-fiction author study
o Jenkins, S. BIGGEST,
STRONGEST, FASTEST. ISBN- 0395861365
o Jenkins, S. HOTTEST,
COLDEST, HIGHEST, DEEPEST. ISBN- 061849488X
o Jenkins, S. BONES:
SKELETONS AND HOW THEY WORK. ISBN- 0545046513
·
Use the images in the book for a non-standard/standard
unit of measuring lesson/activity.
·
Allow the students to create their own cut-paper collage modeled
after the work of Jenkins. The students most complete research on their chosen
animals and create the collage in the actual size of their animal… just like
Jenkins!
THE LINCOLNS: A
SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ABRAHAM AND MARY by Candace Fleming
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Fleming, C. 2008. THE LINCOLNS: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ABRAHAM AND MARY. New York, NY: Random House, Inc.
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Fleming has created a
combined biography of President Lincoln and his wife Mary, documenting their lives
from birth to death. The book includes photographs, letters, engravings, and cartoons
along with text giving it a scrapbook appearance that tells the story of the Lincolns.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Fleming has composed a work of literature sure to interest
American history enthusiasts. The accuracy of her work is not to be challenged,
for she has given credit where credit is due. There is no doubt that extensive
research went into the creation of this work, and all of it is sited at the back
of this piece. Her reputation as a biographical writer provides her readers
with the assurance that her work is truthful and free of error. The unbiased
way in which she has presented her work too provides readers faith in her accurate
research.
The
information is organized and presented to the reader in a logical manner.
Fleming details the lives of Abraham and Mary from their beginnings to their
ends. This logical procession provides the reader an easy sequence to follow. Her
plan is laid out in the table of contents and easy to navigate. She includes an
abundance of reference aids for reader access both throughout the work, and
located in the index at the back of the book.
The black and white photos accompanied by ornate design frills invites readers interested in the lives of 16th president Abraham Lincoln and first lady Mary to continue reading. Fleming even uses a typeface designed to resemble typesetting from the 1800’s. This authentic detail along with accurate accounts is sure to appeal those with an active interest in history. The artful way in which she presents the material helps to communicate the information of this topic more effectively. This stylistic twist on the typical historical account demonstrates Fleming’s passion for this topic. Her design draws the reader in and encourages them to read on.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
·
New York Times Book Review raves "This
dual biography is hard to put down, even if you know the story."
·
Kirkus Reviews boasts that "The
scrapbook technique . . . remains fresh and lively, a great way to provide a
huge amount of information in a format that invites both browsing and in-depth
study."
·
Booklist raves "Fleming offers another
standout biographical title, this time twining accounts of two lives—Abraham
and Mary Todd Lincoln—into one fascinating whole."
·
School Library Journal reveals that "It's
hard to imagine a more engaging or well-told biography of the Lincolns."
·
Horn Book Magazine states "Fleming
is able to compare and contrast the president with his first lady, giving us
not only greater insight into each of them but also a fuller picture of the
world in which they lived."
5. CONNECTIONS
·
Gather
other biographies written by Candace Fleming for an author study
o
Fleming,
C. AMELIA LOST:
THE LIFE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF AMELIA EARHART. ISBN- 0375841989
o
Fleming,
C. BEN FRANKLIN’S
ALMANAC: BEING A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE GOOD GENTLEMAN’S LIFE. ISBN- 0689835493
o
Fleming,
C. OUR ELEANOR:
A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ELEANOR ROOSEVELT’S REMARKABLE LIFE. ISBN- 0689865449
·
Allow
the children to create a scrapbook page based on a historical figure/character
from a classroom reading.
·
Provide
the children the opportunity to either create a newspaper article or write a
letter to either Abraham or Mary.
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