World War I for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. $. Kent Rasmussen. 2014. Chicago Review Press. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
World War I, or "The Great War," is a complex subject or topic. It can be difficult for adults to understand at times. I thought Rasmussen did an admirable job in simplifying it for middle grade readers in his World War I for Kids. He breaks the war down into twelve chapters:
- The Road to War
- Stalemate on the Western Front
- Trench Warfare
- Other Fronts
- The Weapons of War
- The War at Sea
- The War in the Air
- Animals Go to War
- Enter the United States
- The Home Fronts
- Ending the Fighting
- Beyond the Armistice
Each chapter has at least one activity associated with it. For example, the first chapter, "The Road to War," the activity is making a military recruiting poster. The activities vary, which, in my opinion, is a very good thing. Other activities include: writing a poem about the war, pressing flowers to send home from the war, reading a world war I era adventure novel, making parachutes and gas masks, training a dog to carry a message, cooking "Maconochie Stew." There are twenty-one activities in all.
I found the book to be informative, very well-researched. The layout was nice as well, plenty of photographs and maps. It is always important for nonfiction to be as appealing as possible. As I was reading it, a few Horrible Histories sketches came to mind, which was good fun.
© 2014 Becky Laney of
Becky's Book Reviews
Today I reviewed an incredible book for Good Reads with Ronna called, Women of the Frontier. Wow, it sure was eye-opening. After reading about how our forefathers lived and traveled via covered wagon, I felt guilty about the complaining I do about most everything. The hardships women endured during that era are astounding. Despite their challenges, many persevered against all odds. I highly recommend you read this book and buy it for your children (ages 12 and up).
Sorry if I tricked you.
This is not a post about breaking picture-book-writing rules. (Although I will DEFINITELY get on that idea lickety-split!)
This post’s about the book BREAK THESE RULES!
Due from Chicago Review Press in September, yours truly plus 34 kidlit authors YOU’VE ACTUALLY HEARD OF (unlike me), take on typical life rules adults love to preach (like “Grow Up and Be Serious!”) and offer our experience of why it’s probably a BETTER idea to BREAK those rules.
The subtitle says it all: “35 YA Authors on Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself”—and so do the yellow canvas sneakers clashing with the argyle socks.
Behold the brand-spanking-new cover!
My husband asked why my name wasn’t on the cover. Isn’t he adorable? (Seriously, I just wanna pinch his cheeks like a plump polyester-pant-suit-wearing Auntie.) Um, there’s no way anyone’s gonna pick up this book because it says “Tara Lazar”. But look—it says Matthew Quick and “The Silver Linings Playbook”. HOLY OSCAR-WORTHY GUACAMOLE, PEOPLE!
So be on the lookout for this extraordinary compilation come September because all proceeds benefit The Children’s Defense Fund. And it’s sure to be a POWERFUL read for adolescents and teens (and the occasional pusillanimous adult).
Your husband’s right. There must be a mistake. I wonder if they could pencil it in next to Gary Schmidt, whose writings I adore.
Oooh, you get a cheek pinch too!
When I showed my husband the cover and told him my name wasn’t on it, he said: “Yes, it it” and point to “And Many Others.” Our men are such optimists!
It should read “And Many Amazing Others”! LOL
Can’t wait. Congratulations on being part of what sounds like an amazing book.
Ooh, that sounds awesome! I’ll definitely be watching for it! Thanks, Tara. (And I would totally pick up any book that has your name on the cover!)
Sorry your name isn’t on the cover, but aren’t those your feet in flip-flops?
Seriously though, congratulations in a big way. One out of 35 ain’t bad.
You’ve got good taste! LOL
Ha ha, that’s a great idea. I’ll just say those are MY FEET! (Maybe I’ll claim to be all 6 of them. I’ve got range.)
Congratulations, Tara!! Sounds like a terrific book. And I’m right there rooting for your name on the cover, too.