War
TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.18, 2013, under Battle of the Books 2013-2014, Sam's Reviews, Science Fiction, Uncategorized, War
Who would like this book? Fans of time travel science fiction will love this book. I’d like to hear what fans of Dr. Who think of this book.
The goods on this book: Each chapter in this book starts with a specific year and place, most ranging from 1941 in Germany to 2001 in New York. Foster, the TimeRider charged with protecting the world from the consequences of time travel, begins the book by assembling a new team. He plucks Liam from the sinking Titanic, Maddy from a plane about to crash in 2010, and Sal from a burning building in India. These three, along with Bob, their Superman of a robot who is the support for operative Liam in the field, are thrust into heart-stopping danger as they try to foil the nefarious plans of the megalomaniac, Paul Kramer. The TimeRider team faces trouble at every side as they struggle to undo Kramer’s alternate course of history. Their struggle is a suspenseful adventure, a page-turner that manages to avoid confusion as the plot jumps from different times and places. A few details demand that the reader suspend disbelief, but overall the story holds together and is plausible within its own design. The experience of the characters brings up many “What if?” questions as well as giving windows into many critically important historical events, making this book valuable as a discussion-starter. It’s a great addition to the 2013-2014 Battle of the Books selections.
The details: 405 pp. 2011 Review by Samrarian
The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery by Steve Sheinkin
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jul.26, 2013, under Battle of the Books 2013-2014, Non-fiction, Sam's Reviews, War
Who would like this book? People, 6th grade and up, who like riveting nonfiction about the American Revolution and/or the story of the transformation of a war hero into a traitor.
The goods on this book: In a labor of love, Steve Sheinkin tells the compelling and deeply disturbing story of the most famous traitor of the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold. Defying the odds at birth by surviving a treacherous snowstorm, the young Arnold grew up as a daredevil and hyperactive show-off. When he came of age as the Americans went to war against the British, Arnold used his immense energy and fearlessness to become a brilliant though mercurial commander who saved the war effort for the colonies. His ego and lack of political skill undercut his military victories, though, and as he won battles for the war he acquired so many enemies that his military career was cut short. Newly married to a beautiful, conniving socialite, Arnold’s need for money escalated just as his means for acquiring it evaporated. What he does to solve his financial problems and how closely he comes to succeeding is a suspenseful story that I couldn’t put down. Sheinkin’s short chapters and the perspective of Arnold’s British contact heightens the drama. The book includes copious source notes, quotation sources, maps, and an effective index, making it a valuable text for research in addition to its value as a powerful story. It’s an awesome nonfiction selection for the Battle of the Books for 1013-2014.
The details: 337 pp. 2010 Review by Samrarian
Dateline: Troy by Paul Fleischman
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jun.23, 2013, under Historical Fiction, Sam's Reviews, War
Who would like this book? People ages 12 and up who are interested in the Trojan War and/or how events from ancient history relate to contemporary life.
The goods on this book: Paul Fleischman explains how he got his idea for this project: “My best teachers in school were those who could take a seemingly remote topic and show its connection to my own life.” He applies this principle in this book in an innovative way that will invite discussion and further research. On the left pages, he tells the story of the Trojan War (based on Homer’s The Illiad) in clear, moving prose. On the facing pages, collages from newspaper articles illustrate the events in the story with comparable events from modern times. Many of these recent events would not be known by students today, so it would be a great opportunity to research the events and discover the connection between them and Homer’s story. Students could also proceed to find other timely events that carry the same themes. This book is an excellent choice for a class looking for an engaging way to read the events of The Illiad.
The details: 2006 (1996), 80 pp. Review by Samrarian
The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jun.09, 2013, under Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, War
Review by Alexis P.
Who would like this book? Anyone would like this book.
The goods on this book: In 1939, Nazi Germany, Liesel Meminger steals a book from the snow on the way to her new foster parents and becomes a book thief. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know how to read. Taught by her foster father, she soon develops a love for stealing books and reading. When a Jew, Max Vandenburg, shows up at their doorstep several months later asking to hide in their basement, he and Liesel discover a shared love of storytelling, and become good friends. Narrated by Death and about a girl growing up in Nazi Germany, this book is sad and thought provoking. It is definitely one of my favorites.
The details: 552 pp. 2005 Review by Alexis P.
Soldier’s Heart by Gary Paulsen
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Jun.02, 2013, under Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, War
Review by Madison C.
Who would like this book? I think if you like learning about history and the Civil War, then you will love this book.
The goods on the book: This book is a very good book for a 3rd person view about the Civil War. It is set about 1861. The main character is Charley. Charley is 15 and signed up for the army to make money for his family. He begins to show signs of a disease that a lot of people get from war. It is called postraumatic stress disorderor or PTSD. This book gives really good details of the battles. Gary Paulsen is a really great author! more to come
The details: 106 pp. 1996 Review by Madison C.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.19, 2013, under Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, War
Review by Jazlinn T.
Who would like this book? Some who is interested in WWII stories. Also someone who likes kind of slow books. Almost all ages would like this book.
The goods on this book: The Boy in Striped Pajamas is a very sad story. It is about a boy with a perfect life, then all of a sudden his family is relocated to another area. Bruno and his family moved to a house called Out-With. Bruno’s sister Gretel was upset about the move. Months later, Bruno started to relax more into his new home. One day while exploring, he meets a kid that lives on the other side of a fence. Bruno was surprised and happy to find someone his own age. Bruno and the kid on the other side of the fence become close friends. Bruno and the kid in the striped pajamas Shmuel talk to each other almost every day. After a year ,Bruno’s mother decides to move back to Berlin without Father. Bruno and Shmuel wanted to hang out for the very last time and they did so. The story takes a tragic end on Bruno’s last day to be with Shmuel.
The details: 215 pp. 2006 Review by Jazlinn T.
Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on May.12, 2013, under Historical Fiction, Sam's Reviews, War
Who would like this book? Anyone who is curious about the story of a courageous survivor who lived through the horrific period in Cambodia (1975-1979) when the Khmer Rouge had their reign of terror.
The goods on this book: Arn Chorn-Pond is a happy, resourceful teenager in the 1970s in Cambodia when the Khmer Rouge comes to power. At first, he celebrates their “liberation” with everyone, but soon he learns that the Khmer Rouge will rule by killing anyone who disagrees with their tyrannical and insensible edicts. Forced to march to the countryside to work in the rice fields, Arn is separated from his family. He tells himself to “Never fall down” because anyone who falls, dies. Though the story is excruciating to read in many places, Arn’s story is inspiring. At every turn, he uses every opportunity to increase his chances of survival. As in her other books, Patricia McCormick presents very difficult subject matter in a forthright, effective manner.
The details: 216 pp. 2012 Review by Samrarian
The Book Thief by Markus Zusack
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Mar.03, 2013, under Grief, Historical Fiction, Student Reviews, War
Review by Ryan D.
Who would like this book? Boys and girls would like this book. It’s historical fiction for the ages of middle school and high school.
The goods on the book: This book takes place during WWII in Germany and is narrated by Death. An orphan whose brother just died gets introduced to her new foster parents. Throughout the story you see the girl Leisel grow up in life in Nazi Germany. She gets taught how to read and gets obsessed with books, even to the point of stealing. But all this changes when their family takes in an unwelcome Jew to hide in their basement. Will they last until the end of WWII or will they all get sent away by the ruthless Nazis?
The details: 552 pp. 2005 Review by Ryan D.
Endangered by Eliot Schrefer
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.24, 2013, under Adventure, Animal, Battle of the Books 2014-2015, Historical Fiction, Sam's Reviews, War
Who would like this book? Readers, grade 8 and up, who are looking for danger-filled historical fiction, endangered animals, Africa, and/or a riveting relationship between a girl and her pet bonobo.
The goods on the book: Sophie has just arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo from her home in Miami, where she lives with her dad. Her mom lives in the Congo and runs a sanctuary for bonobos, an endangered ape. Sophie is not happy about the visit until her heart goes out to an injured baby bonobo which she rescues (against her mother’s rules) and names Otto. Sophie and Otto become as close as a parent and child, and the descriptions of their relationship are amazing! Their life in the sanctuary, though, is cut short when rebels take over the country and start a reign of terror just after Sophie’s mom has left for the jungle. Sophie, with Otto, must make hard decisions and undertake a perilous journey. If you are looking for a riveting story of a girl and her pet in the midst of war, run and grab this book. It is a finalist for the 2012 National Book Award.
The details: 264 p. 2012 Review by Samrarian
Rangers Apprentice Book 6: The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Feb.19, 2013, under Adventure, Fantasy, Student Reviews, War
Review by Malachi
Who would like this book: Male teens from ages 13-15. It’s an adventure,fantasy, and action genre.
The goods on the book: Continuing Will’s adventures, Will is battling the evil Lord Keren’s army. With the help of the proclaimed sorcerer Malcolm and the Skandians, Will heads of to Macindaw fief to save Alyss. This story contains many surprises and is worth reading. The Siege of Macindaw is one of my favorite books.
The details: 293 pp. 2009 Review by Malachi
