Editor Armstrong (Theodore Roosevelt, p. 104, etc.) compiles a subtle and wrenching assortment of stories about war and its effects on children—particularly poignant in light of the events of September 11th. Familiar and lesser-known young adult authors cover the Civil War, WWI and WWII, the Cold War, and Vietnam, as well as conflicts in Central and South America and the Middle East. The stories are remarkable not only for their depth, but also for how much they avoid cliché and truly delve into the long-term consequences of war on children. One addresses the issue of the conscientious objectors to US involvement in Vietnam through the eyes of a young Quaker’s friends and family. Another tells of the librarian in a small town who is accused of being a Communist during the days of the Cold War and how this false statement affects her son. Yet another describes the slightly impaired son of a Vietnam veteran (readers assume he suffered from the effects of Agent Orange) and how his father’s grim experiences as a soldier shaped his childhood. Each features a line of factual information relating to the particular war running across the bottom of the pages. This tactic is helpful in placing the story in context, but the main narrative is usually so strong that it’s easy to overlook the line. Armstrong also includes a very personal introduction, detailing her reasons for compiling this collection. Authors provide biographical information and some background for their story at the back. This volume would be a valuable addition to a school library and would be especially useful in a social studies/history classroom, where it could be used several times as the different time periods are taught. It would also be a meaningful read-aloud for junior-high classes. An outstanding collection important at any time. (Short stories. 10-14)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-375-81112-5
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2001
An outstanding new edition of this popular modern classic (Newbery Award, 1961), with an introduction by Zena Sutherland and...
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1990
ISBN: 0-395-53680-4
Page Count: -
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2000
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Navigating this stunning novel requires thought and concentration, but it’s well worth the effort.
Returning to themes she explored so affectingly in Moon Over Manifest (2011), Newbery Medalist Vanderpool delivers another winning picaresque about memories, personal journeys, interconnectedness—and the power of stories.
Thirteen-year-old Jack enters boarding school in Maine after his mother’s death at the end of World War II. He quickly befriends Early Auden, a savant whose extraordinary facility with numbers allows him to “read” a story about “Pi” from the infinite series of digits that follow 3.14. Jack accompanies Early in one of the school crew team’s rowing boats on what Jack believes is his friend’s fruitless quest to find a great bear allegedly roaming the wilderness—and Early’s brother, a legendary figure reportedly killed in battle. En route, Early spins out Pi’s evolving saga, and the boys encounter memorable individuals and adventures that uncannily parallel those in the stories. Vanderpool ties all these details, characters, and Jack’s growing maturity and self-awareness together masterfully and poignantly, though humor and excitement leaven the weighty issues the author and Jack frequently pose. Some exploits may strain credulity; Jack’s self-awareness often seems beyond his years, and there are coincidences that may seem too convenient. It’s all of a piece with Vanderpool’s craftsmanship. Her tapestry is woven and finished off seamlessly. The ending is very moving, and there’s a lovely, last-page surprise that Jack doesn’t know but that readers will have been tipped off about.
Navigating this stunning novel requires thought and concentration, but it’s well worth the effort. (author’s note, with questions and answers, list of resources) (Historical fiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Jan. 8, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-385-74209-2
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: Oct. 30, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2012
BOOK REVIEW
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