Codes for Reviews

First Initial (Overall Rating):
E = Exceptional
VG = Very Good
G = Good
F = Fair
NR = Not Recommended

Second Initital (Reading Level):
A = Average Reading Level
E = Easy
M = Mature

“The views expressed are of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of their respective institutions.”

For more information about YAR, please email Dora Ho at dorah2005@gmail.com


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

JACK LONDON AND THE KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH


MIDDLE SCHOOL NONFICTION

G/A  Lourie, Peter.  Jack London And The Klondike Gold Rush.  Henry Holt, 2017.  9780805097573.  18.99.  With an appetite for adventure and a financial need to find gold, London developed characters for stories while building his own personal character.  He exhibited love for the outdoors and enough perseverance to withstand the weather's fierce elements.  Shaded sections throughout the text capture London's  (and other's) actual writings about their Klondike experiences.  London's biographical and literary lives are attractively laid out over a four page time line. Terms -- true to the Klondike era -- are well defined in the glossary.  Should appeal to any young reader who'd enjoy outdoor excitement. E.M. Roublow (ret.)

IN THE SHADOW OF LIBERTY

ADULT/YA  NONFICTION

V/A  Davis, Kenneth C.  In The Shadow Of Liberty.  Henry Holt, 2016.  286p.  9781627793117.  17.99.  As early America sought independence and self-sufficiency, four presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Jackson) struggled with issues surrounding slavery.  Five enslaved people -- owned by these presidents -- were also challenged as they weighed loyalty vs the unknowns of freedom.  This book's focus is definitely about our country's history more than these individuals' biographies.  Its time line, detailed source notes, plus clear b/w pictures and drawings make it a valuable supplement to classroom texts.   E.M. Roublow (ret.)