I Am Malala |
"It’s a searing and personal portrait of a young woman who dared to make a difference." |
School Library Journal
"Yousafzai effectively summarizes her story and her advocacy for girls’ education, peace, and human rights. Above all, she stresses that she doesn’t want to be known as the girl shot by the Taliban but rather as a young person who actively fought for education. A strong addition to social studies, history, and biography collection." - Sujei Lugo |
My Thoughts
While reading I Am Malala, I couldn't help but think...
- What an inspiring young lady?
- What an amazing role model for young girls everywhere?
"Living under wraps seemed so unfair - and uncomfortable. From an early age, I told my parents that no matter what other girls did, I would never cover my face like that. My face was my identity. My mother, who is quite devout and traditional, was shocked. Our relatives thought I was bold. (Some said rude). But my father said I could do as I wished. "Malala will live as free as a bird," he told everyone" (25). |
Another passage struck me hard. Malala writes...
"[When] it was time for the kite-flying contest - where boys would skillfully try to cut their competitors' kite strings, It was an exciting game, full of unpredictable escapes and plunges. It was beautiful, and also a bit melancholy for me to see the pretty kites sputter to the ground. I could see a future that would be cut down just like those kites - simply because I was a girl" (25 - 26). |
Malala's story truly gives one, myself included, some much needed perspective. Living in the United States of America and the land of opportunity and freedom...so often we tend to take things, such as the right and access to education, for granted. I cannot imagine growing up in a country or region with the constant threat of terrorism. Malala's courage and bravery is astounding.
Additional Resources & Read-A-Likes
There have been many nonfiction works for youth published on Malala's story, some of which include:
There are also many additional resources for young readers, parents, and fellow librarians interested in learning more about Malala.
- Biography features a short biography on Malala Yousafzai on their website.
- The Nobel Prize website also features a profile on Malala, which includes a video of her Nobel Lecture.
- Also, there is a documentary film titled He Named Me Malala (2015) that may prove to be a valuable resource in the classroom. Here is the official trailer for the documentary.
Works Cited
- "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World." Publishers Weekly (2014): 80. Library & Information Science Source. Web.
- Lugo, Sujei. "I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World." School Library Journal 61.1 (2015): 134-135. Library & Information Science Source. Web.
- Yousafzai, Malala, and Patricia McCormick. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood up for Education and Changed the World. New York: Little Brown &, 2014. eIndiana Digital Consortium. eBook.
4 Comments
Rad American Women A-Z
Rebels, Trailblazers, & Visionaries
Who Shaped Our History... and Our Future!
Written by Kate Schatz & Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl
Summary
In this A-Z style nonfiction book, readers learn about the lives of many inspiring women, including civil rights activists, athletes, and musicians. Along with illustrations, each letter of the alphabet features a one page mini biography of a different woman. The following list includes just a few examples of some of these inspiring women.
- A is for Angela Davis
- B is for Billie Jean King
- C is for Carol Burnett
- G is for the Grimke Sisters
- S is for Sonia Sotomayor
- T is for Temple Grandin
What makes Rad American Women A-Z so appealing?
This book is written in a short, easy to read format that may be perfect for reluctant or struggling readers. It may also be a great recommendation for those just looking for a quick read.
This book also serves as a great starting point for readers. For example, let's say that the mini biography on Patti Smith sparks the interest of a young teenage girl. This girl loves music and hopes to one day be a professional singer-songwriter. Reading Rad American Women A-Z then leads this reader to explore additional biographies on Patti Smith and other musicians
At the end of the book, the author includes different reader tools, including:
This book also serves as a great starting point for readers. For example, let's say that the mini biography on Patti Smith sparks the interest of a young teenage girl. This girl loves music and hopes to one day be a professional singer-songwriter. Reading Rad American Women A-Z then leads this reader to explore additional biographies on Patti Smith and other musicians
At the end of the book, the author includes different reader tools, including:
- 26 Things that You Can do to be Rad!
- Resource Guide
- Books about Rad Women
- Further Reading
- Websites and Organizations
Professional Reviews
Rad American Women A-Z has received many positive reviews from professional publications and authors alike. For example, Lemony Snicket, the author of the extremely popular Series of Unfortunate Events, stated that:
This is not a book. This is a guest list for a party of my heroes. Thank you for inviting us.
My Thoughts
Personally, I really enjoyed Miriam Klein Stahl's illustrations, which are reminiscent of artists like Andy Warhol and pop art. A review published within School Library Journal stated that:
Colorful and hip portraitures create a visual sensation that immediately draws in readers.
The following image is a prime example of the style of these illustrations and vivid colors found within Rad American Women A-Z.
In terms of content, I appreciated the author's positive and inspiring message for girls.
- You can make a difference in the world!
- You can achieve whatever you set your sights on!
- You can inspire others!
Additional Resources & Read-A-Likes
There is an entire website dedicated to this publication that may be of interest to readers, educators, and librarians alike. Also, there is an upcoming publication by the same author. Rad Women Worldwide expands its scope from just the United States of American to the entire world. Readers may also enjoy the following nonfiction titles about women who have made difference in the world.
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Works Cited
- Owens, Patricia Ann. "Rad American Women A-Z Review." School Library Journal 61.2 (2015): 128-129. Library & Information Science Source. Web.
- Schatz, Kate, and Miriam Klein Stahl. Rad American Women A-Z. San Francisco: City Lights, 2015. eIndiana Digital Consortium. eBook.
- Tracey, Julia Park. "Kate Schatz Grabs Headlines with Feminist Childrens' Book." Oakland Magazine. N.d. Web.
Ivan: The Remarkable True
Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla
Written by Katherine Applegate & Illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Katherine Applegate, a popular children's author, was moved by a story she read in the news about a gorilla confined to a cage in a shopping mall. Moved by Ivan's story, Applegate went on to write two children's books. One is a purely nonfictional account of Ivan's story, while the other is a fictional account from the perspective of Ivan, the gorilla, himself.
Within Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, Katherine Applegate tells the story of Ivan, the gorilla using illustrations and brief text (Cox, 70).
Within Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, Katherine Applegate tells the story of Ivan, the gorilla using illustrations and brief text (Cox, 70).
Book Trailer
Ivan was born in central Africa to a family of silver-back gorillas.
He was wild and free.
However, this would not always be the case.
After being captured and shipped to the United States, Ivan lived for 27 years in a cage at the B&I Circus Store.
Until he was moved to Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo.
He was wild and free.
However, this would not always be the case.
After being captured and shipped to the United States, Ivan lived for 27 years in a cage at the B&I Circus Store.
Until he was moved to Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo.
In Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, Applegate teamed up with illustrator G. Brian Karas. From start to finish, his illustrations consist of soft, pastel colors that add to the overall tone of the story. According to Gepson,
Karas feelingly depicts Ivan's gentle and loving personality conveying how this gentle gorilla won the hearts of thousands of people—and readers.
Following the illustrated story, Applegate includes additional information about Ivan at the end of the book that may be of interest to young readers. Along with real photographs of Ivan, Applegate also includes one of his own paintings.
Why should this book be a part of a library's collection?
With its awards and buzz, Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla would be a welcomed addition to any library's collection of children's nonfiction books.
Also, this book has received awards and has made its way onto different book lists since its publication, including:
Who would be interested in this book? With its narrative and illustrations, children with a growing interest in gorillas and animals may enjoy this true account of Ivan's story. Also, fans of the author and her books may also be interested in this book.
Also, this book has received awards and has made its way onto different book lists since its publication, including:
- Amazon.com Best Books of the Year 2014, Nonfiction Children’s Books
- 2015 Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book
Who would be interested in this book? With its narrative and illustrations, children with a growing interest in gorillas and animals may enjoy this true account of Ivan's story. Also, fans of the author and her books may also be interested in this book.
The One & Only Ivan
I first learned about Ivan's story when I read The One and Only Ivan for the Materials for Youth course at the beginning of the summer.
Within this Newbery Medal winner, Applegate crafts a compelling narrative that allows readers of all ages to truly step into the perspective of Ivan.As the story focuses on Ivan, it is only fitting that Applegate wrote the entire book from Ivan’s point of view. Both the fiction and nonfiction versions of Ivan's story emphasize an extremely important message. According to Miller, Applegate "encourages readers of all ages to consider animal rights and humanity’s role in caring for wild creatures. Like the best animal characters, Ivan teaches us how to be better people” (49). |
For readers who enjoyed Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla, I highly recommend The One and Only Ivan as well.
Additional Resources & Read-A-Likes
There are additional resources to go along with the book on the author's website, including a discussion guide for educators, a book trailer (featured above), and a video of Applegate reading the book.
There are many interesting nonfiction books about gorillas currently available for young readers, including the following books. Mountain Gorillas features beautiful photography of gorillas by Gene Eckhart, while Amazing Gorillas! presents young readers with easy to read facts. Within Untamed, young readers learn about Jane Goodall, a scientist who became famous for studying and interacting with other species, including gorillas.
There are many interesting nonfiction books about gorillas currently available for young readers, including the following books. Mountain Gorillas features beautiful photography of gorillas by Gene Eckhart, while Amazing Gorillas! presents young readers with easy to read facts. Within Untamed, young readers learn about Jane Goodall, a scientist who became famous for studying and interacting with other species, including gorillas.
Mountain Gorillas: Biology, Conservation, & Coexistence | Amazing Gorillas! |
Works Cited
- Applegate, Katherine, and G. Brian Karas. Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla. New York: Clarion, 2014. Print.
- Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. New York: Harper, 2012. Print.
- Cox, Marge. "Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla." Library Media Connection 33.4 (2015): 70. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.
- Gepson, Lolly. "Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla." Booklist 110.19/20 (2014): 73. Library & Information Science Source. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.
- Miller, Donalyn, et al. "Beautifully Alive in Story and Language: 2013 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts." Journal of Children's Literature 39.2 (2013): 38-49. ProQuest. Web.
Dawn Stump
My name is Dawn, and I am a graduate student at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis in pursuit of a master's degree in library science. To learn more about me, click HERE.
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