This week's focus was on "Nutritious books" - books that are non-fiction or historical in nature, and can be used for instruction in the classroom. There's somehow a world of exciting and instructional books out there - but here are just four.
Where I found it: I read an excerpt of the book on NPR.org and then found the book at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree.
Why I chose it: Many students visit Washington, D.C., as part of a school group at some point during their high school career. In addition to providing a wealth of information on John Wilkes Booth and the conspiracy to murder President Lincoln, this book could set the stage for a tour of Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House.
Where I found it: I found Dreamland (the version for adults) in an article titled “The 7 Best Books for Understanding the Opioid Addiction Crisis” in NY Mag, and then I picked it up at Thayer Public Library in Braintree.
Why I chose it: The opiate epidemic is one of the most serious dangers in modern-day society. Any well-written and researched book that increases the awareness of this issue should be promoted. This book is the young adult adaptation of Dreamland, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction and was selected for several Best Book of the Year list
Swanson, James L. (2009.) Chasing Lincoln’s Killer. New York City, New York: Scholastic Press.
Plot Summary: This story, which is built upon primary resources, details the desperate 12-day hunt for Abraham Lincoln’s killer, John Wilkes Booth. Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is a YA adaption of Swanson’s bestselling book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.Where I found it: I read an excerpt of the book on NPR.org and then found the book at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree.
Why I chose it: Many students visit Washington, D.C., as part of a school group at some point during their high school career. In addition to providing a wealth of information on John Wilkes Booth and the conspiracy to murder President Lincoln, this book could set the stage for a tour of Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House.
Quinones, Sam. (2019.) Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic. New York City, New York: Bloomsbury.
Plot Summary: Author Sam Quinones dives deep into opiate epidemic, examining its root causes and how people with few risk factors can end up ensnared in addiction. He examines the crisis through the lens of Dreamland, which used to be a bustling and successful sports complex in the city of Portsmouth, Ohio.Where I found it: I found Dreamland (the version for adults) in an article titled “The 7 Best Books for Understanding the Opioid Addiction Crisis” in NY Mag, and then I picked it up at Thayer Public Library in Braintree.
Why I chose it: The opiate epidemic is one of the most serious dangers in modern-day society. Any well-written and researched book that increases the awareness of this issue should be promoted. This book is the young adult adaptation of Dreamland, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for General Nonfiction and was selected for several Best Book of the Year list
Hassan Ahmed, Badeeah. (2019.) A Cave in the Clouds: A Young Woman’s Escape from ISIS. Berkeley, California: Annick Press.
Plot Summary: Excerpted from the book jacket: “Badeeah Hassan Ahmed was 18 when ISIS invaded her village in Iraq.... Torn from her family, she was forced into a brutal human trafficking network and eventually sold to a high-ranking American-born ISIS general…. Her profound sense of faith and brave resilience ultimately led to her escape.”
Where I found it: I found this book in the new arrivals section of the Thayer Public Library in Braintree.
Why I chose it: The threat of ISIS is nearly impossible to comprehend for students who were born in and living in America. This honest and open memoir, described as a “grim but worthy read” in Kirkus, will open the doors and minds of these students. In the foreword, the Nafiya Naso, founder of the Canadian Yazidi Association, says, “By telling her story and bringing the experience of Yazidi women to light, Badeeah is actively participating in this long-sought-after process of sharing and healing - revealing what has been in her heart since the first moment her village was attacked.”
Where I found it: I found this book on Epic Read’s “29 Must-Read YA Graphic Novels to Gather Up for Your Collection”
Why I chose it: As a child, I used to enjoy picking up anthologies and reading a short entry before bed. I love the idea of young girls (and boys) learning about strong women as they drift off to sleep. In addition, the art is beautiful and the book includes Common Core connections.
Why I chose it: The threat of ISIS is nearly impossible to comprehend for students who were born in and living in America. This honest and open memoir, described as a “grim but worthy read” in Kirkus, will open the doors and minds of these students. In the foreword, the Nafiya Naso, founder of the Canadian Yazidi Association, says, “By telling her story and bringing the experience of Yazidi women to light, Badeeah is actively participating in this long-sought-after process of sharing and healing - revealing what has been in her heart since the first moment her village was attacked.”
Bagieu, Pénélope (2018.) Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World. New York City, New York City: First Second.
Plot Summary: This graphic novel features 29 rebel women from throughout history who “rocked the world.” The entries, which are 3-6 pages each, include famous athletes, artists, spies, little known heroes, and more.Where I found it: I found this book on Epic Read’s “29 Must-Read YA Graphic Novels to Gather Up for Your Collection”
Why I chose it: As a child, I used to enjoy picking up anthologies and reading a short entry before bed. I love the idea of young girls (and boys) learning about strong women as they drift off to sleep. In addition, the art is beautiful and the book includes Common Core connections.
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