Synergy: Xenophobia

Xenophobia is prejudice against people from countries other than their own. From dislike to persecution, immigrants often deal with fear and hatred. These people may be identified as strange or foreign and become the target of racism and political persecution.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for young adults, then learn more at the website:

DOOMED: SACCO, VANZETTI & THE END OF THE AMERICAN DREAM by John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro tells the story of Italian immigrants wrongly executed for murder. Divided into three parts, the authors begins with America (1908-1920), continues with the Trial (1921), and concludes with the Posttrial (1921-1927). During the 1920’s, prejudice against immigrants was common throughout America. This fast-paced nonfiction narrative reflects issues of xenophobia still in the headlines today. Photographs and other primary sources are woven into the narrative and a useful list of sources is provided. ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

SACCO AND VANZETTI COMMEMORATION SOCIETY is a website designed to preserve the memory of Sacco and Vanzetti along with their struggles.

To explore the website, go to http://www.saccoandvanzetti.org/.

SACCO & VANZETTI: MURDERS OR SCAPEGOATS? is a video from The 1920s Channel that provides an overview of the story.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/5aBLYrZE3xM.

SACCO & VANZETTI is a Part 1 of a documentary that includes interviews with researchers and historians about the lives of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/wkKsfOklrbA.

Synergy: Cold War Era

The Cold War Era is the time period from about 1947 to 1991 representing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union along with their respective allies. Although there was no large-scale war between these superpowers, many regional conflicts were backed by each side. The struggle for dominance was reflected in acts of espionage, rivalries, and propaganda.

Read the recently published work of intermediate nonfiction, then learn more at the website.

FALLOUT: SPIES, SUPERBOMBS, AND THE ULTIMATE COLD WAR SHOWDOWN by Steve Sheinkin is a riveting nonfiction narrative exploring the clash of the world’s super powers in the decades after World War II. A follow-up to his book BOMB, the story is told in three parts and concludes with an epilogue. By kicking off with the story of a young paperboy who stumbles on a spy, the author skillfully draws readers into true stories of intrigue set within the larger context of the Cold War era. The fast-paced narrative jumps around, so readers will need to pay attention. Encourage readers to extend the experience through exploring key issues and perspectives beyond the text. The book’s use of primary sources and end notes added credibility to these amazing stories.

COLD WAR HISTORY is a Wilson Center Digital Archive sharing archival documents focusing on the Cold War era. These digitized primary source documents include previously secret archives from former communist countries. The website includes an interactive timeline along with collections, biographies and essays.

To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/3BUp0Qj.

ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

Book: Belle's Journey

BELLE’S JOURNEY: AN OSPREY TAKES FLIGHT by Rob Bierregaard tells the true story of an Osprey’s first migration experience.

When scientist Dr. B places a tracking device on an osprey he names Belle, he’s able to follow her migration to South America and back. Reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s creative nonfiction, the story explores what Belle may have experienced on her long journey. Dr. B’s connection with two young naturalists will appeal to young readers. While the illustrations meet the basic needs of the book, the photographs at the end of the book really bring Belle to life.

Librarians will find an audience for this book among animal lovers and the growing number of nonfiction narrative fans. Share this title on creative nonfiction lists otherwise it might easily get lost among the informational bird books. Encourage science teachers to offer this title as an optional assignment.

Published by Charlesbridge on May 15, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Votes for Women

VOTES FOR WOMEN by Winifred Conkling tells the true story of the suffrage movement in America.

This well-researched, fast-paced nonfiction narrative explores the women that fought for their right to vote. This engaging story explores the successes and failures along with well-known and lesser-known events. The Preface begins with the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, but the rest of the book transports readers back in time exploring the key people and events that lead to that final vote. The book concludes with key primary source documents, a timeline, bibliography, notes, and an index.

Librarians will find this comprehensive account to be a welcome addition to the nonfiction collection for middle and high school students. The author’s use of primary sources throughout the book make it an excellent choice for evidence-based inquiries. The author’s engaging, conversational style will draw readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction for leisure reading.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman on January 17, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.