Website Review: Rethinking Guernica

RETHINKING GUERNICA is a web project exploring Pablo Picasso’s famous painting.

This website examines the artistic and symbolic values in Picasso’s painting produced for the Paris World’s Fair in 1937. The project includes a chronology exploring key events related to history and the painting. In addition, an itineraries section features stories, agents, primary source documents, and valuable background information. Finally, the gigapixel area of the website address the material nature of the painting.

Librarians will find this web-based project to be an excellent example of how artwork can be connected to contemporary and historical contexts. Use it to jumpstart in-depth inquiries into specific pieces of artwork. Ask students to create their own exhibition including a chronology, primary source documents, and an up-close examination of the artwork.

Visit the website at http://guernica.museoreinasofia.es/en.

Website Review: The Garden of Earthly Delights

THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS is an online interactive adventure allowing users to explore the stories behind the artwork of Jheronimus Bosch.

This audio and video experience provides two options. First, users can freely explore the stories hidden behind the painting by clicking on areas of the image. Second, students can take an audiovisual tour of the painting. Keep in mind that this website contains artistic nudity.

Librarians will find this interactive project to be a fun way to learn about how stories connect to artwork. Ask students to explore the website, then use a tool like PowerPoint to create their own clickable stories about a painting of their choice.

To visit the website, go to https://tuinderlusten-jheronimusbosch.ntr.nl/en.

Book Review: Salt to the Sea

SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys tells the story of refugees on a dangerous journey at the end of World War II in Europe.

Joana, Emilia, and Florian along with thousands of others make their way along dirt roads and the back country in hopes of finding a place on a ship to freedom. Told through alternative voices, readers learn the backstory of each character and how they came together in these desperate times. In addition to the three refugees, readers also gain insights into the life of a German soldier named Alfred. Along the way, the author skillfully integrates important war topics including the loss of great artwork, rape by soldiers, and prejudice.

This well-researched young adult work of historical fiction weaves in true events including the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff carrying ten thousand wounded soldiers and refugees. The back matter includes author notes connecting the real events to the narrative along with sources, maps, and other information.

Librarians will find this book to be an excellent addition to their World War II historical fiction collections. The alternating viewpoints and variety of well-developed characters will be of particular interest to teen readers. The constant threats and ever-changing landscapes help the plot move quickly.

To learn more about the author, go to http://rutasepetys.com/.

Published by Philomel, an imprint of Penguin on February 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Shadowshaper

SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel José Older is an engaging urban fantasy following a Latina teen who discovers a world of magic, spirituality, and ancient secrets in her Brooklyn neighborhood.

Walking corpses, spooky spirits, and a crying mural introduce Sierra to a world of magic and shadowshapers. Friends and family members are reluctant to talk about this supernatural world, so Sierra must use her head, heart, and passion for art to survive and unlock the mysteries surrounding this strange spirit world.

Older’s conversational approach immerses readers in the urban setting and invites readers to visualize the artwork, the city, and the supernatural aspects of the story.

Librarians will find a broad, young adult audience for this book. While the story isn’t categorized as a romance, readers will be drawn to the relationship between Sierra and her friend Robbie. Those who enjoy contemporary realistic fiction are likely to enjoy the book even with its fantasy elements. Young anthropologists will like the aspects of the story that connect community, ancestry, and family. Finally, the magical and supernatural aspects are sure to be popular with fans of fantasy.

For librarians seeking books with diversity, this would be an excellent choice.

To learn about the author, go to http://ghoststar.net/.

Published by Levine, an imprint of Scholastic on June 30, 2015.