Back to Books

October 28th, 2007

So here I am- getting back to what for me is still the best- books. I just finished reading John Wilson’s Where Soldiers Lie. Not normally a fan of war stories myself, I have come to appreciate this excellent Canadian author. This book looks at the Indian mutiny in the mid 1800’s. In no way does this glorify war, but is a compelling look at the issues and horrors involved through the eyes of sixteen year old Jack. Allow your mind to be enveloped with the smells, sounds and sights of this old civilization and put it out for your boys to read. Last year I read Four Steps to Death by this same author and was stunned at his ability to provide 3 separate viewpoints on the Battle of Stalingrad. This book has made its way from hand to hand in one of my schools. Historical fiction- what an amazing way to bring our past to life! I know he has written a number of other books as well. I think these would compare well to Arthur Slade’s Meggido’s Shadow, a riveting tale of desert warfare and one of Saskatchewan’s Snow Willow nominees for this year. I also think of Charlie Wilcox by Sharon McKay. I believe these are the books our students need to read- to maybe take away any of the glory of war and bring home the grim realities.

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2 Responses to “Back to Books”

  1.   Diane Barsi on October 28, 2007 10:39 pm

    Thanks for that title suggestion! It’s one I’ll try to get. I just got Four Steps to Death into my library but haven’t read it yet. I very much enjoy historical fiction and really feel stories about WWI and WWII help educate students who may have no personal ties to war history and make Remembrance Day a more meaningful experience. Megiddo’s Shadow and Charlie Wilcox are great reads as is No Man’s Land by Kevin Major and B For Buster by Iain Lawrence. I really liked Lord of the Nutcracker Men also by Lawrence.

  2.   Chris on October 29, 2007 10:47 pm

    Hi Diane and Jane,
    Thanks for the poke in the ribs about these great books on the theme of war. I made a Remembrance Day display in my library today and tomorrow I am going to go in and add these books to the display.

    Thanks again,
    Chris

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    I Love Kids’ Books
    I have the privilege of being a teacher-librarian in 2 elementary schools. That means I have the best of all worlds; I teach and work with children from Kindergarten through grade 8; my job encompasses the management of the libraries as well as developing the collections. And my homework? Reading and more reading! What more could a life-long bookworm ask for? The point of this blog is mainly for my own use- to make myself some notes about some of the many books I read- to prompt my failing memory, to use as the basis for book-talks or newsletter inserts and to provide information for others that may be interested. These will not be formal or lengthy- but just some of my thoughts.
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