Book Review: CATS by Seymour Simon

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Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 24, 2013.
http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|7174085|6291210&mc=USA

Simon, Seymour. (2004). Cats. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN 9780060289409

            Cats is a beautiful, full-color, photo essay book authored by world renowned Seymour Simon.  As noted in Kirkus Reviews, “Simon has a well-established format, matching striking photographs to lucid text” (Books in Print 2004). Cats is part of the Smithsonian Collins Series. The Smithsonian Institution’s mission includes providing quality scientific education. Simon’s Cats is a simple, but informative way for young children to find an interest in the behavior and life of the domestic cat. Cats does not contain source notes or extensive bibliographic references.

            Designed to develop the interest of young children, the book contains full-page photographs that coincide effectively with the accompanied text. As indicated by Sylvia Vardell, Simon’s name is “nearly synonymous with the photo essay format” (Vardell 2008, 249). An excellent resource for a Story Time with young children, Cats will stimulate a desire to learn more about the true world of animals. Although not overly complex, Simon does provide data regarding the behavior and development of the domestic cat.

            Simon provides facts, but also includes a personal touch to the concept of owning a cat. Furthermore, the book is dedicated to two of his own pet cats. Although not the recipient of a particular award, Cats is written and illustrated in Simon’s classic style, which has won many awards and accolades throughout his history as an author. As material for approximately preschool to third grade, the book encourages further reading for older children into the complex world of the domestic cat. Simon even includes a page regarding the ancient history of the domestic cat. Children can use Cats in their first attempts at research on a scientific level.

References:

Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 24, 2013.

http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|7174085|6291210&mc=USA

Simon, Seymour. (2004). Cats. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN 9780060289409

 Vardell, Sylvia M. (2008). Children's Literature in Action: A Librarian's Guide. Westport: Libraries Unlimited.  

Book Review: HITLER YOUTH: GROWING UP IN HITLER'S SHADOW by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

 

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Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 25, 2013. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|28299239|10686097&mc=USA#

 

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow. New York: Scholastic Inc. ISBN 9780439353793

          Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is the gripping biographical collection of experiences by German youth raised under the Third Reich. Photographs accompany the text describing the process of indoctrination of both male and female children into the youth ranks of the Nazi Party from 1933 to 1945. Among numerous award nominations, it is also the winner of School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2005), American Library Association Notable Books for Children (2006), and the Carolyn W. Field Award (Pennsylvania Library Association) (2006). It is a detailed example of social history provided in an informational format for readers.

            The close of the reading includes photograph notes of authentication, quote sources organized by chapter, a complete bibliography, acknowledgements, and an index. The content of the book is strong subject matter, and often the photos are disturbing. They do indeed complement the text, and are appropriately placed. Bartoletti appears to have made an attempt at a neutral approach in order to avoid stereotyping the German children as naturally wicked. The book provides facts and information regarding what took place, without placing blame or innocence upon the German children.

          The subject appears appropriate for older children, perhaps secondary level. Young children cannot comprehend issues that adults can scarcely process. It is recommended that this book be read thoroughly prior to sharing with children, in order to evaluate how and when it will be used. Some elements can be used when discussing topics of history and war with children at the appropriate level. The documentable dialogue is referenced in the quote sources, divided by chapter, at the close of the reading.

          Bartoletti includes an author’s note at the close of the reading. She indicates her desire to make sense of the devastation. Specifically, “…Hitler Youth weren’t born Nazis; they become Nazis” (Bartoletti 2005, 162). In his School Library Journal review, Andrew Medlar of Chicago Public Library states that, “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” (Books in Print 2005).

References:

Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 25, 2013. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|28299239|10686097&mc=USA#

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell. 2005. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Book Review: LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Russell Freedman

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Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 25, 2013. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|28299239|10686097&mc=USA#

Freedman, Russell. (2010). Lafayette and the American Revolution. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9781461844242

The biography of Lafayette and the American Revolution, written by Russell Freedman is an illustrated, masterfully researched biography of Gilbert de Motier, marquis de Lafayette. Nominated for a Beehive Children's Informational Book Award in 2013, it tells of the French citizen of royal blood, Lafayette, who leaves his motherland to defend the American colonists in their revolution against the British. As a writer, Freedman is recognized as a “master of well-documented biographies for young people” (Vardell, 2008). Written with the utmost detail, the book ends with a time line, source notes, a selected bibliography, picture credits, and an index. Each quotation from a source is meticulously cited at the close of the reading in the source notes section. Illustrations include paintings, etchings and engravings, each with detail notes regarding artist and related information.

            Each chapter is laid out in chronological sequence of events. The table of contents includes each chapter heading. A highly detailed index is available for easy reference. The design of Lafayette and the American Revolution includes paintings that are a perfectly selected to accompany the text. Many of rich in colors and detail lead the reader to truly experience the essence of the text. The vocabulary used in this book is appropriate to the topic. It contains historical data in a readable fashion that captures interest and stimulates curiosity. The reader wants to know what happens next. The method of including quotations creates an atmosphere of real people in real circumstances. Although it is historical data, it is not simply a culmination of many facts. There is a more personal approach to the writing. Freedman is clearly dedicated to imparting a true picture of the man Lafayette became as a result of his journeys.

            Although an excellent resource, "...There are shortcomings which include a lack of consistency between footnote references," as stated by Ann W. Moore in her School Library Journal review (Books in Print  2010). Lafayette and the American Revolution can be effectively used as a reference with youth learning about American history and the foundations of freedom from British rule.

References:

Books in Print (via TWU Databases). Accessed October 25, 2013.

http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125/DetailedView.aspx?hreciid=|29640311|38837809&mc=USA

Freedman, Russell. (2010). Lafayette and the American Revolution. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9781461844242

 

Vardell, Sylvia M. (2008). Children's Literature in Action: A Librarian's Guide. Westport: Libraries Unlimited.