a.
Audience for whom the book is written
b.
Audience to whom it will appeal (might
differ from a.)
c.
Particular strengths of the book
d.
Particular weaknesses of the book
e.
Any special considerations (artwork,
curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f.
And, in the School Library Journal’s format:
Your verdict, supported
with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
Shetterly, M. L. (2016). Hidden figures: Young reader’s edition. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ReplyDeleteGr 5-9: This nonfiction young readers’ edition tells the story of flight research from the 40’s to the 60’s and the ‘computers’ that made it possible. These women ‘computers’ not only worked to break the speed of sound, but also to launch a human into space. Margot Lee Shetterly tells of the women needed to conduct the mathematical calculations to engineer faster, stronger, and safer planes and space crafts. She writes about African-American ‘computers’, and their fight for equal rights.
Shetterly’s writing style, which jumbles up chronological order and jumps from character to character, may turn off some readers. Also, it feels as if much needed information about the women is missing. Having to adapt the book into a young reader’s edition may have something to do with this. While the book is being marketed as a true story of African-American women and their lives, the author focuses heavily on the science behind flying. This may feel a bit misleading to the intended reader.
Verdict: Shetterly leaves the intended audience wanting more information about the women, their mathematical abilities, and their struggles in a racist society. Also, readers who enjoy reading about the science of air travel may miss out on the book completely due to its targeted marketing.
Winterdance by Gary Paulsen
ReplyDeleteLiterary Nonfiction
Ages 14+
Winterdance is Gary Paulsen’s personal story of his experiences training for, and then competing in, the Iditarod Sled Dog Race annually hosted in Alaska. It offers a different glimpse into his uniquely captivating writing style as he shares his love of the outdoors, survival, challenges, and dogs.
Paulsen shares the highs, lows, and dangerous experiences he encountered during his seventeen day trek across the frozen Alaskan wilderness. Through his writing, he clearly shares his passion and the transformation he undergoes as he survives one precarious situation after another. After reading Winterdance, you will have now wonder how he has been able to write the descriptive adventures of Brian Robeson in the Hatchet series.
Verdict - Another must include book by Gary Paulsen. While Winterdance is a compelling ...it is written for a more mature audience (grades 9-12). Another Gary Paulsen book, Woodsong, is the same story, but geared towards a younger audience for those that are looking to include it in their collection.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTHE SECRET HISTORY OF WONDER WOMAN by Jill Lepore
ReplyDeleteAudience for whom the book is written-Upper high school through adult, especially those that have an interest in the comic universe or DC (Detective Comics) fans.
Audience to whom it will appeal-All of the above, including those with a particular interest in women’s rights, feminism, history and illustration.
Particular strengths of the book-The book is written with candor and an honest account of Marston, the interweaving of his personal life and the development of Wonder Woman’s character. There are illustrations in the book showing the evolution of both the comic strip and the character.
Particular weaknesses of the book-The book is lengthy and due to content, sets itself up for potential challenges in a school setting.
Any special considerations: In June, 2017, the new Wonder Woman movie is set to come out in theatres.
Your verdict: As a media specialist in a rural school district, I think it would be hard to overlook this book based on several selection criteria. It fills a niche that is not met by the current collection. It is relevant in terms of subject matter and there is an audience that would enjoy it. Although there is potential for it to be challenged, I think I would still have it in the collection.