Bibliography
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. 2018. FINDING LANGSTON. New York, New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823445828
Plot Summary
Langston is a young boy that moves with his father from Alabama to Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood after his mother’s death. This historical novel set in 1946, follows Langston as he struggles with loneliness, grief, and school. Langston discovers the Chicago Public Library and the poetry of Langston Hughes while seeking refuge from a bully. Through Langston Hughes’ poetry collections, Langston begins to manage the loss of his mother, reconnect with his father, and navigate his own challenges in his new city.
Critical Analysis
This Coretta Scott King Author Honor recipient and Scott O’Dell award winner for historical fiction, Finding Langston, is a powerful story that not only provides historical insights but also articulates universal themes of loss and self-discovery. The author, Lesa Cline-Ransome, authentically depicts post-war Chicago, highlighting the challenges of the African American communities at that time. Langston’s initial struggle with the loss of his mother and adjusting to a new city is poignantly portrayed. Cline-Ransome builds an evolving relationship between Langston and his father that adds depth to the narrative. The author uses vivid imagery and poetic language, quoting and mirroring Langston Hughes’ style, to evoke a strong sense of setting.
The novel subtly addresses issues of racism and segregation, providing an authentic connection to the African American experience during the 1940’s. It also warmly highlights the importance of community and support in overcoming challenges. Langston’s discovery of Hughes’ work in the library not only helps him cope with his pain but also sparks a fascination with reading poetry, empowering him to communicate his feelings. The author’s note adds historical information about the Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library and the impactful role the library played in building the African American traditions in Chicago.
Review Excerpts
Booklist starred (April 15, 2018 (Vol. 114, No. 16)) “Cline-Ransome, lauded for her picture books, including Booklist’s 2017 Top of the List title Before She Was Harriet, proves herself an adept novelist, one with keen insight into the human condition. Every character, child and adult, is layered, a feat made more remarkable by the fact that the writing is spare. Emotions and relationships are teased out through quiet details and glimmers of understanding, but the impact on the reader could not be more powerful. A memorable debut novel.”
Kirkus Reviews starred (May 1, 2018) “Cline-Ransome creates a poignant, bittersweet story of a young black boy who comes to accept his new home while gaining newfound knowledge of the African-American literary tradition. Langston’s heartfelt, present-tense narration, which assumes a black default, gathers readers so close they’ll be sad to see his story conclude. A fascinating work of historical fiction that showcases a well-developed, likable protagonist and presents Cline-Ransome at her best.”
Connections
Discuss other works by the author, Lesa Cline-Ransome. https://www.lesaclineransome.com/
Discuss and analyze elements of a historical fiction novel – setting (historical importance), characters, plot.
Discuss the relationship between Langston and his father and how they handle their grief.
Discuss the idea of finding solace through reading, and the role a library can play in connecting to patrons.
Explore the reasons why African Americans migrated from the South to Northern towns like Chicago.
Connect to Social Studies curriculum – Events in American History during WWII, perspectives from diverse authors and characters.
Bibliography
Frost, Helen. 2020. ALL HE KNEW. New York: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN 0374312990
Plot Summary
This Scott O’Dell Award winning historical fiction novel, All He Knew, is set during the beginning of WWII and centered around a young deaf boy named Henry. Henry is sent to a residential institution after losing his hearing at age 4 and being misdiagnosed as “unteachable”. Henry’s harsh and neglected care at the Riverview Home for the Feebleminded is transformed when a conscientious objector named Victor is placed at the facility. With the combined efforts of Victor and Henry’s family, Henry is eventually released from the institution and reunited with his family.
Critical Analysis
Helen Frost poignantly employs poems written in free verse and sonnets in All He Knew which adds a lyrical quality to the narrative. The poetic language captures Henry’s own impactful thoughts and traumatic experiences. Frost’s realistic portrayal of the residential institution’s harsh environment and systemic issues within it adds to the historical authenticity and emotional brevity of this topic.
In the author’s note, Helen Frost shares that Henry’s story is based on the information and poems from her sister-in-law's own struggle with a brother in a residential mental facility. The novel sheds light on the historical mistreatment of individuals with disabilities or those who were misunderstood due to conditions like hearing impairments. As a conscientious objector working in the facility, Victor’s character introduces themes of pacifism and moral duty. His compassionate and perceptive nature provided a beacon of hope and humanity for Henry. All He Knew serves as an important educational tool, raising awareness about historical and ongoing issues in the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Henry’s story encourages middle school readers to question and challenge outdated practices and to advocate for more humane and compassionate approaches.
Review Excerpts
Booklist (July 2020 (Vol. 116, No. 21)) “Inspired by her mother-in-law’s poems based on family memories and included in an appended section, this moving story unfolds in a novel written in third person, creating interwoven narratives in free verse and sonnets expressing Henry’s, Molly’s, and Victor’s points of view. Frost brings Henry’s experiences sharply into focus through her spare, evocative storytelling.”
Horn Book Magazine (November/December 2020) “This is a quick read, full of historical richness and glimpses of the cruelty and abuse so common in the institutions of the era. Frost's interpretation is softened by the hopeful conclusion of Henry's return home and his introduction to American Sign Language.”
Connections
Explore other works by the author, Helen Frost https://www.helenfrost.net/
Explore the form and structure of verse novel.
Discuss elements of historical fiction.
Explore topics and themes of physical disabilities and special needs, overcoming adversity, pacifism, and moral duty.
Explore conscientious objectors in WWII and the role they played in the war effort.
Connect historical events of WWII to Social Studies curriculum, perspectives from diverse authors and characters.
Bibliography
Giff, Patricia Riley. 2019. A SLIP OF A GIRL. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 171378548X
Plot Summary
A Slip of a Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff is a historical novel set in the early 20th century Ireland during the Land War. Told through free verse poems, Anna Mallon is a determined and resourceful young girl that takes on the responsibility of saving the family farm after the loss of her mother and the pressures of the land blight. As the family’s financial struggles worsen, Anna finds herself in an altercation and flees with her sister to find refuge with her aunt. Through Anna’s resilience and the collective efforts of the community, they continue to resist and fight for their land and fair treatment.
Critical Analysis
Patricia Riley Giff’s A Slip of a Girl combines historical context with a first-person narrative of Anna Mallon’s journey. The verse poems allow middle grade readers to connect deeply with Anna’s emotions and experiences. The fragmented structure mirrors the chaotic period of the Land War. Giff uses Anna’s perspective to highlight the emotional and physical toll of the land struggle on her and her family.
A Slip of a Girl provides readers with an understanding of the Irish Land War and the political landscape of early 20th century Ireland. Archival photos, glossary, and author’s note lend to Giff’s authenticity.
The unabridged audiobook, released by Dreamscape Media and narrated by Alana Kerr, provides a unique experience and new dimension to the free verse structure of this story. The oral delivery allows the rhythmic and lyrical qualities to shine. Given the Irish setting, the use of authentic accents and correct pronunciations of names and places greatly enhance the reading experience. While Alana Kerr’s performance is key to bringing the novel to life, the audiobook is only an audio file, and missing the archival photographs is a restriction to this format.
Review Excerpts
Booklist starred (August 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 22)) “Written in free verse, the story moves quickly, but the clarity of the writing and the images created leave strong impressions of the characters and settings. The subtly shifting emotional tenor of the narrative ranges from pensive to sorrowful and from desperate to hopeful. At intervals, archival photos offer windows into the time and place. A vivid, involving historical novel.”
School Library Journal Xpress (August 16, 2019) “Giff draws on personal family history to tell Anna's painful and courageous story. Written in verse, this is a great introduction to Irish history and the genre of historical fiction. Primary source photographs and a glossary lend to the novel's authenticity. VERDICT This is a great selection for young fans of historical fiction who may not be ready for something weightier.”
Connections
Explore other works by the author, Patricia Riley Giff. https://www.librarything.com/author/giffpatriciareilly
Explore the form and structure of verse novel.
Discuss elements of historical fiction.
Discuss themes of homelessness, poverty, and determination.
Connect historical events of Ireland to Social Studies curriculum, perspectives from diverse authors and characters.
Bibliography
Hiranandani, Veera. 2018. THE NIGHT DIARY. New York, New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 1725425874
Plot Summary
This Newbery Honor Book, The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani, is set during the Partition of India in 1947 and is told through diary entries written by twelve-year-old Nisha. Nisha records her experiences and thoughts in letters to her mother. Nisha, her twin brother, and her family live in the town of Mirpur Khas and are of mixed Hindu and Muslim heritage. As tensions escalate between the Hindus and Muslims, Nisha’s family must flee and face immense challenges to cross the new border into India. Nisha’s diary entries reveal her inner struggles and perspective on the trauma and displacement caused by the Partition.
Critical Analysis
Veera Hiranandani’s writing captures the fear, confusion, and hope that Nisha experiences on her turbulent journey as refugees. Telling the story through diary entries allows middle grade readers to empathize with the emotional and psychological trauma of her journey. Hiranandani vividly describes the textures, smells, and atmosphere or Nisha’s home, leaving the reader feeling enveloped in the senses of India. The diary format also gives the reader a personal and authentic feel, making the historical events more relatable. Nisha’s diary entries reflect her struggle to find her voice and understand her mixed Hindu-Muslim heritage, keeping the reader engaged in an active story of trials and triumph.
Between the map of Nisha’s journey across the new border that separates Pakistan and India, a glossary of terms, the detailed author’s note of Hiranandani’s father’s experiences, and Nisha questioning activists Gandhi and Nehru, Hiranandani portrays India’s independence from Britain in 1947 through a personal and intimate perspective.
Review Excerpts
Horn Book Magazine (July/August, 2018) “Hiranandani has flawlessly rendered a world-altering historical event through the eyes of a sensitive and perceptive child, providing enough detail for readers who may not be familiar with the events while keeping focus on her protagonist’s sadness over her mother’s death, her struggle with shyness, and her frustration with adults’ baffling motives and behavior. Hiranandani doesn’t shy away from depicting some truly frightening episodes along Nisha’s arduous journey (for example, when she is threatened at knifepoint), but she does so in a voice that is faithfully pitched to an upper-intermediate and middle-school audience. The detailed author’s note and glossary will entice young readers already captivated by Hiranandani’s pitch-perfect tone to more deeply explore this complicated and bloody period of history.”
School Library Journal (January 1, 2018) “She evenly and powerfully communicates the themes of family, faith, humanity, and loss. In the back matter, Hiranandani includes information about how her Indian father's experiences influenced this story and provides a glossary of Indian terms. VERDICT This rich, compelling story, which speaks to the turbulence surrounding India's independence and to the plight of refugees, should be in all libraries serving middle grade readers.”
Connections
Explore other works by the author, Veera Hiranandani https://www.veerahiranandani.com/
Discuss elements of historical fiction.
Connect to other stories about refugees throughout history and the present.
Explore Hindu and Muslim religion and heritage.
Discuss themes of overcoming adversity and trauma, grief and loss, family relationships, and identity.
Connect historical events of India and Britain to Social Studies curriculum, perspectives from diverse authors and characters.
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