Heart and Soul (by Kadir Nelson)

Title:  Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Author:  Kadir Nelson

Illustrator:  Kadir Nelson

Ages:  7 and up

Summary from the Publisher

The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it's about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It's a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs.

Kadir Nelson, one of this generation's most accomplished, award-winning artists, has created an epic yet intimate introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement. Written in the voice of an "everywoman," an unnamed narrator whose forebears came to this country on slave ships and who lived to cast her vote for the first African American president, heart and soul touches on some of the great transformative events and small victories of that history. This inspiring book demonstrates that in gaining their freedom and equal rights, African Americans helped our country achieve its promise of liberty and justice — the true heart and soul of our nation.

Evaluation

My introduction to Heart and Soul was listening to the audio book.  This experience added to the authentic voice of the narrative.  Her intonations and cadence made me feel I was listening to a grand storyteller.  The narrator begins by telling the story of her ancestors, but the last nearly 100 years is seen through her first hand experience. 

The text effortlessly weaves between the personal voice of narrator and historical fact.  It is highly engaging to read or to listen to.  Nelson uses poetic language to heighten this non-fiction text.  For instance, he personifies the Jim Crow laws. Rather than coming across as some abstract, archaic part of history, the reader feels the enormous weight and influence of them.  Though I knew I was getting a history lesson, the language, point of view, and imagery reads like a well-written literary story. 

I, also, checked the book out from the library when I learned there are illustrations.  I am so glad I did!  Even though the book is broken into chapters based on chronological historical eras, it is also a picture book.  Each page of text is accompanied by a full-page picture.  Periodically, there are sweeping 2-page illustrations.  Kadir Nelson’s portraits of African Americans at various times in history are BETTER than actual photographs.  His colors are rich, and his paintings cover the emotion and tone of the narrative so aptly.  I just want to keep looking through the book over and over.  I could not help re-reading many sections as I was browsing through the illustrations.  (This book is one that I could re-read multiple times.)

When I first began listening to the audio, the perspective shook me a bit.  While I do expose myself and work to understand different cultural and historical perspectives, I never read the history of American through the eyes of a narrator like the one Nelson creates. It jostles the idealistic sentiments of the founding of America a bit in the beginning. The narrative makes the statement that the founding fathers could have extended freedom to everyone, which I feel simplifies the issue. Sure, it would have been nice—for women too.  However, I also realize that society was not there yet. I am thankful they laid the foundation of ideas that has progressively allowed every American to be free.  Nelson highlights the obstacles--physical, mental, and social--that people on all sides (but especially for African Americans) had to overcome. Overall, it was enlightening to see our history from this diverse perspective. 

For African American students, Heart and Soul instills a pride in their cultural and historic contributions. The specific accomplishments of many people are noted.  Some I was familiar with while many others were new to me.  There are many opportunities for projects and research to learn more. 


I highly recommend Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans (click to see a video introduction).  It is a book that children, middle graders, teens, and adults can all appreciate and enjoy. 

Ideas for Extension Activities and Lesson Plans 

Teachers and parents can use this book to supplement and to extend history lessons.  A timeline, bibliography, and index are included in the book for easy reference. Here are some sites that provide more resources.  

• Discussion Questions, Activities, and Author Interview from Harper Collins
• Lesson Plan ideas from Six Trait Gurus
• Links and Ideas for Various Grades at The Classroom Bookshelf
• Topic List for Further Study

Visit Susanna Hill's blog for Perfect Picturebook Friday.

Nonfiction Monday: Voices of World War I (Ann Heinrichs)

Summary of Voices of World War I: Stories from the Trenches (by Ann Heinrichs):

This non-fiction selection is broken into seven chapters.  The first chapter gives a basic overview of the war—how it began, who fought in it, and what were some of the effects.  People representing both sides of the war are highlighted in the middle chapters, each with a unique perspective.  Richenbacker was an American ace pilot who was shot down during battle.   Fortunately, he survived the ordeal.  He continued serving as a fighter pilot and went on to shot down 26 German planes.   Botchkareva was a Russian peasant woman who fought alongside men in the army.  Later, she went on to organize and to train an all-female battalion who fought bravely in the trenches.  Kamara was an African warrior who fought on behalf of the French.  Many of his countrymen, also, battled in the trenches with him.  The European warfare was very different than he was used to.  Empey was an American soldier who fought in the British army.   He shares his experience with the deadly gases—tear, mustard, phosgene, and chlorine—that were used to kill many of his comrades and enemies.  Spiegel was a German u-boat commander.  In the cramped and uncomfortable quarters of these vessels, he served as a commander.  He painfully recalls torpedoing a boat full of horses.  The final chapter describes the end of the war.   Heinrichs emphasizes the similarities between the two sides in the bravery they displayed and the hardships they endured.   The book concludes with additional resources for biographical information on each of the people whose stories are highlighted as well as sources for additional information on World War I. 

Evaluation: 

Author Ann Heinrichs emphasizes the personal and human side of the war.  By examining it from multiple perspectives, she suspends any judgment about fault or moral superiority of those who fought.  There are photographs of each person and additional information about the general experiences of those who fought in similar circumstances.  The sweeping context of the war is revealed in the many places the battle occurred—air, sea, and land .  People from different countries and backgrounds reflect the diversity of individuals. The book is relatively concise which makes it easy to read in one sitting or it can be broken up into smaller ones focusing on 1-2 chapters.  The biographical information is fascinating.  I finished wanting to know more about each of the people.  Also, I would have liked to see a bit more background information about the war, but that can be found easily elsewhere.  There are three additional books in this series covering the American Revolution, American Civil War, and World War II.  Voices of World War I: Stories from the Trenches is a nice accompaniment to a study of the Great War.   I recommend it for ages 9 and up for either independent reading or educational instruction. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• Unit Study:  a great resource for a study of history, WWI, or war
• Research:  learn more about the specific people showcased in this selection or about warfare during WWI
• Writing:  after further research, write a journal entry through the perspective of one of the real people who fought it or as a fictional solider
• Geography:  locate each of the countries on the map; identify their capitals and a few significant details about the culture or terrain
• Journaling:  write about which story you enjoyed most and why
• Literature:  read a historical fiction title such as All Quiet on the Western Front or selections suggested HERE and HERE

 This week, head over to Ms. Yingling Reads for Non-Fiction Monday.

Nightmare Plagues Series

Nightmare Plagues is a compelling series from Bearport Publishing. I was instantly intrigued with the titles—especially since these are not topics that I have come across much in children’s literature. There are six books in the series—Bubonic Plague: The Black Death!, The Flu of 1918: Millions Dead Worldwide!, Malaria: Super Killer!, Smallpox: Is it Over?, Tuberculosis: The White Plague!, and Typhoid Fever: Dirty Food, Dirty Water! Written on a fourth grade reading level, the series is geared for grades 4-9.
   
I found it a challenge to narrow it down to two titles to preview since they all are so fascinating! The two titles I reviewed, thanks to Bearport’s generosity, are Bubonic Plague: The Black Death! and The Flu of 1918: Millions Dead Worldwide!
 
Bubonic Plague: The Black Death! (by Stephen Person)

Beginning with a mundane act—removing a dead rat from a basement—an entire neighborhood ended up being quarantined due to a plague outbreak! This happened in 1924 in Los Angeles, California! People do not usually associate the Black Death with modern times, but as author Stephen Person reveals—it is still alive and deadly. This account is used to introduce the Plague pandemics of the past. Person explains how it developed, how it was transferred from person to person, what the living conditions were, how it was treated, and much more! The history of this deadly disease comes full circle with another incident—even more timely—that occurred in 2007. A park ranger caught the disease from a dead animal he had handled, and he died in mere days. Fortunately, there was no mass outbreak in this case. Bubonic Plague: The Black Death! explains the historic and scientific aspects of this bacterial infection in a straight-forward manner that children can understand. Building on the written anecdotes, the photographs, artwork, and other graphics help show the relevant and human aspects of this lethal disease. Overall, this book is an informative and engaging read.
   
The Flu of 1918: Millions Dead Worldwide! (by Jessica Rudolph)

In the fall of 1918, five year old Donald Jacobi arrived home from school feeling ill. His parents quickly suspected it was Influenza. As the virus ran its course, it seemed unlikely that the young boy was going to live through it. Amazingly, he did recover. Many others in 1918 were not so fortunate though. This strain of the virus likely began at an army camp in Kansas but quickly spread throughout the country and eventually the world as soldiers were sent to Europe to fight in World War I. Author Jessica Rudolph uses this background information to shed light on symptoms, conditions, prevention methods, and worldwide consequences of this critical outbreak. She also brings this disease into the modern world where vaccines and treatments help minimize and even prevent the flu pandemics experienced in the past—though we are not completely immune from them. Like the previous book, there are many photographs and visuals to help round out this topic. Rudolph does a great job making his historical event gripping and timely.
 
I highlight recommend both these titles for pleasure or to compliment a unit in science or history. To find out more about this series and many others for children of all ages, go to Bearport Publishing.
   
This post is part of the Nonfiction Monday round up, hosted by 100 Scope Notes and Hip Homeschool Hop.

Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Summary of Moon over Manifest: 

From Barnes and Noble website

Abilene Tucker feels abandoned. Her father has put her on a train, sending her off to live with an old friend for the summer while he works a railroad job. Armed only with a few possessions and her list of universals, Abilene jumps off the train in Manifest, Kansas, aiming to learn about the boy her father once was. Having heard stories about Manifest, Abilene is disappointed to find that it’s just a dried-up, worn-out old town. But her disappointment quickly turns to excitement when she discovers a hidden cigar box full of mementos, including some old letters that mention a spy known as the Rattler. These mysterious letters send Abilene and her new friends, Lettie and Ruthanne, on an honest-to-goodness spy hunt, even though they are warned to “Leave Well Enough Alone.” Abilene throws all caution aside when she heads down the mysterious Path to Perdition to pay a debt to the reclusive Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. It seems that Manifest’s history is full of colorful and shadowy characters—and long-held secrets. The more Abilene hears, the more determined she is to learn just what role her father played in that history. And as Manifest’s secrets are laid bare one by one, Abilene begins to weave her own story into the fabric of the town.  

Evaluation:

Moon over Manifest is the winner of the 2011 Newbery Medal.   I have read many Newbery winning novels.  Nearly all of them are outstanding.  This book is no exception.  Moon over Manifest is a fascinating blend of fact and fiction.   Many of story elements are based on newspaper articles, family anecdotes, and historical happenings.  The complex and well-written story is engaging.  The narrative moves fluidly between the present (1936) and the past (1917).  The story of the town in 1917 in many ways mirrors life in 1936 which creates an added intricacy.  Author Clare Vanderpool helps to connect the two time periods using a box of mementos, letters, newspaper clippings, and storytelling, all generating allure and mystery.  Vanderpool has created some remarkable, multi-dimensional characters.  They take on a deeper significance as they are seen through both the past and the present.   As the reader, I became invested in the lives of many of the characters, such as Abilene, Jinx, Ned, and Miss Sadie.  

The main protagonist is 12 years old, but the story is as much about the teens and adults in the town.   Based on the complex non-linear plot line and story content, I recommend this book for ages 12 and up. 

Teaching Opportunities:

·         Writing—Find an interesting newspaper article (past or present); write a short story using the details as a spring board—add your own details and dialogue

·         Plot—Define linear vs. non-linear; discuss how the author uses a non-linear plot to create mystery, depth, and complexity

·         Characterization—Compare Abilene to Jinx and Miss Sadie to Ned or Parallel Abilene’s search with Miss Sadie’s

·         History—Research events mentioned in the novel, such as Bone Dry Bill of 1917, orphan trains, Spanish influenza, World War I, the Depression, and immigrants

·         Geography—Examine the geographical features of Kansas

·         Literature—Read short stories or poems written/set during 1917 and/or 1936; look for connections to the events in the story

·         Social Studies—Research mining and mining conditions