Historical Fiction

If I were at any time in the horrible position of choosing one genre to read for the rest of my life, I would have to pick realistic fiction. I enjoy learning about history through stories, not facts. One particular time period I personally enjoy reading about is the era of the monarchy in England. Of course those novels are not appropriate for a 4th grade class room, so I try to read other books to share with my students. The War that Saved My Life by Kinberly Brubarker Bradley (actually a book I was forced, I mean encouraged, to read by my professor) was really interesting and I am planning to incorporate it into my lesson plans for next year. Another book I recently read is Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. Both books about a war, with very different characters, yet a well written story full of many clues about that particular time period.

The War that Saved My Life

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Why I chose this book?

I finished reading the book a few weeks ago and it is still fresh in my mind. I enjoyed the plot and learned a thing or two about the World War 2. 

Summary

The story is being narrated by the main character. A young girl with a disability and the need to be loved. After Aida, the main character, leaves he home with her brother they ended up going through quite the unimaginable journey. No, it is not a physical journey that I am referring to, but one more complicated; a journey of their knowledge and emotions. With their new guardian, Aida and her brother learned to protect each other, love and care for one another; they also learned manners and even how to read; but the most important, sacrifice. 

Pink and Say

by Patricia Polacco

Why I chose this book? 

I chose this book because of the author. Patricia Polacco is one of my favorite author/illustrators. Polacco was one of the authors my students research as part of our author study, and I acquired so many new books. One of the new books was Pink and Say. I had not read this book, and got excited to read it. Unfortunately I had not had the time to read it. As soon as it arrived my students were using it for their project and something always came up. Now I have read it, I wish I had sooner. 

Summary

The story is being told by a narrator. Later, we find that the narrator is in fact the author and is actually sharing a personal story that's been in her family for generations. The story is about two young men fighting in the civil war here in the US. Both of the men were fighting for the Union Army and bonded in a most terrible way. Both were sick, one injured, and each a different race. Your definition and view of a hero will definitely be challenged. 

Images

The images follow Patricia Polacco's style from all of her other books. The color scheme is also the same, opaque and warm. The usage of line is present. If you are familiar with Polacco's art, then you would notice even some familiar faces. One thing I love about the illustrations in this book, in particular, is the combination of pictures and photographs. At the end of the book, where the characters are at home, one can find picture frames around the house setting. The interesting part is that the images inside of the picture frames are actual photographs, which I can assume comes from her actual home. 

No, I did not learn dates, names of generals, nor did I learn important battles or either war. What I did learn is the way society viewed each other and treated one another regarding each time period. I learn a few vocabulary words of the time period along with some of their customs and traditions. I was reminded of the power that love and compassion hold. I think that's all I can ask from a book.