Underground to Canada

 

Underground to Canada

By: Barbara Smucker

Age: Grade 5-7

Rating: 6.5/10

This is a great book when introducing slavery to children. This book looks at the life of a girl who is a slave and how she attempts to escape. The story goes into the secret route that was taken from the US to Canada, and talks about how the slaves were treated while working. This is a great novel to introduce to students who are into history, but more specifically discussing how slaves were treated, creating an empathetic view for the reader. I would suggest reading this book, not only for the history, but also for the insights of a young girl who is a slave. And yes, the book ends with a happy ending! (it is a kids book after all).

If you enjoyed this post, disagree with it or have a book to suggest, feel free to write a comment!

Magician: Apprentice

 

Magician: Apprentice

Raymond E. Feist

Age: Grade 9+

Rating: 9/10

This is one of the first books of my favorite series. So those who are like "Who would teacher this book?" I would say, "Anyone who wants to get their students/kids entangled in one of the best fantasy series ever.". This book is a great introduction to the 20+ book series of Raymond Feist. I have enjoyed all his books and looked forward to each release. The story is about two boys who are friend in a small medieval like town. They each have different aspirations in life. All of a sudden their life is turned upside down when they are thrusted into a war without any training. All of a sudden both boys must learn the trades offered to them or die. This book is amazing and do not want to give it away. If you were a Harry Potter fan, I suggest you read this book. It is like Harry Potter for adults. Great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I hope you enjoyed this review (in this case a recommendation too). Please leave a nice comment if you have anything to say!

Thanks!

Starship Troopers

 

Starship Troopers

Robert A. Heinlein

Age: Grade 11-12

Rating 8/10

So someone suggested that I read Starship Troopers. Jokes on you sucka, I already have. Many of you have probably seen the movie. It is funny, action packed and one guy has a robot hand (WIN!). But the book is very different. The book looks more at the political and social acceptance of the military, showing a society that has the working class as a second class citizen, where the military is supreme. The movie does touch on a lot of the themes, but mostly it does a great job of using satire to copy the book. The book is a very right, pro-government, pro-military. The movie takes those ideas and makes them almost comical. This is a great book for anyone trying to brush up on their political knowledge, as it shows many examples of a mostly fascist state, but also a fun read. The movie is also awesome, making a nice reward when you finally put the book down.

Hope you enjoyed this review. If you have any questions, comments or books I should read, feel free to write them in the comment section! Thanks!

Feathers

 

Feathers

by:Jacqueline Woodson

Age: Grade 6-7

Rating 4.5/10

This book is a cheap one. One that you find in those scholastic book catalogs for 2 dollars. It is not great in any way, but does do a lot of nice things for the students. First of all, this book discusses the lives of a segregated community and how it impacts the kids when someone who is not the same racial colour enters in the society. This story touches on students in grade 6 who are being challenged with their beliefs in racial differences and religion indoctrinations.  The book follows a girl who is introduced to a new boy in the class. He is different because he is white. All the students are shocked and do not respect him as much. As the story goes on, the students find out that the boy has a black father. They are all confused and they realize that the boy is not really that different. The identity and beliefs of the characters are challenged and occasionally changed, making this book great for a class that has a lot of issues with racism, bullying and discrimination. Read it for the kids, not for enjoyment.

If you liked this review, or didnt, comment! Tell me what books I should read next!

 

Animal Farm

By: George Orwell

Ages: Grade 7+

Rating: 8.5/10

This is a great, short book that discusses the allegorical tale to the Russian Revolution. The story takes on the role of the major Russian leaders through different animals, specifically pigs. These pigs become to "brains" of the farm, as they take over the property and remove the human farmer. With all the animals involved in the revolution, they begin to blindly follow a certain pig. After a while, and much plotting, the pigs revolt against each other and a new leader is made. This new leader is well guarded and is dedicated to using tactics to convince the animals to do things. Over time, the farm animals become concerned and that's when this story really starts to get extra juicy. This story is great for younger kids, as they can pick it up and enjoy the story. Older kids, specifically those interested in history can read this text and see the resemblance between true history and the plot. This is an excellent book for all ages. Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this post (or didn't), have already read it or have some reading suggestions, feel free to comment! I always appreciate feedback!

Watchmen

 

Watchmen

Alan Moore

Age: Grade 11-12

Rating: 9/10

This is once again a graphic novel, but before I begin, I want to point out that there is mature content in it and some graphic (get it!) nudity. It is also a movie, which is great to show in a class after you are done reading it. I was lucky enough to read this for a course in University and enjoyed it more, as I got all the ins and outs of the text. This story text place during the cold war. The US was lucky enough, through an accident, to have a man named Mr. Manhattan join them. Mr. Manhattan is able to control matter and time, so he is basically invincible. While he is a "super hero", other regular people with gifts or technology become heroes as well, until they are banned. As time goes on, the heroes begin to get killed. A mystery to all and the heroes try to discover who is trying to kill them. As the story goes on, there is love, action and revenge in all senses. This is a great book with a lot of easter eggs (Rawshawk's chapter is symetrical). I highly encourage you to read it, it is a great way to talk about history and the "What if"moments.

Thanks for your time. If you have any comments, suggestions or book recommendations, write in the comments!

Persepolis

 

Persepoli: Part I & II

by: Marjane Satrapi

Age: grade 7+

Rating: 7/10

This is another graphic novel and it is a two part novel as well. The story takes place in Iran, where a girl is in the middle of the revolution in the 70s. The story is very informative for people who know nothing about Iran or the revolution, showing how the segregation of society happened and how the orthodoxy impacted the lives of everyone. Marjane, the main character and author of the text, is a young girl with rebellious parents. She tries to find her own individuality, but is constantly stopped by people who are enforcing the orthodox society. She eventually leaves Iran to study in Europe and make a life for herself. Eventually she must return home for dire circumstances. I will not ruin the ending, but it is a great book and perfect for kids/students who are in the process of learning about Iran and the Muslim world.

If you enjoyed this review (or disliked it), have a book that I should read, write a comment! I love hearing what you have to say!