School Library Journal publishes the Best Adult Books 4 Teens, and has a staff of twenty that review books published for adults that have appeal for teenagers. Check out a few titles, and you can have your own private book club for two with the adult or teenager in your life.
The Great War, now known as World War I, took place from 1914-1918. At the time, it was the largest war the world had seen (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition). In honor of the poster exhibit that will be on display in the Lower Level of the Library during November and December 2011, we have a select bibliography of fiction and nonfiction resources.
Bausum, Ann. Unraveling freedom: the battle for democracy on the home front during World War I. Looks at how U.S. presidents from Wilson to George W. Bush have suspended or revoked guaranteed freedoms in the country during times of war, and includes first-person stories and illustrations.
Bosco, Peter I. World War I. Discusses the circumstances that led to the United States becoming involved in World War I, profiles key figures, and describes major battles.
Freedman, Russell. The war to end all wars: World War I. Complemented by archival photographs, an accessible introduction to the “Great War” explains its relevance as a conflict that involved many nations and casualties while introducing modern weaponry and military strategies that have shaped all subsequent wars. By the Newbery Award-winning author of Lincoln: A Photobiography.
Frost, Helen. Crossing stones. In their own voices, four teenagers, Muriel, Frank, Emma, and Ollie, tell of their experiences during the first World War, as the boys enlist and are sent overseas, Emma finishes school, and Muriel fights for peace and women’s suffrage.
Hemingway, Ernest. A farewell to arms. An American’s love for an English nurse during the First World War ends in tragedy.
Miller, Sarah Elizabeth. The lost crown. Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia tell how their privileged lives as the daughters of the tsar in early twentieth-century Russia are transformed by the Great War and revolution.
Morpurgo, Michael. Private Peaceful. When Thomas Peaceful’s older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, even though he is only fourteen years old.
Murphy, Jim. Truce: the day the soldiers stopped fighting. Narrative illustrated with archival photos explains how World War I soldiers defied their commanding officers and stopped fighting to declare a miraculous “Christmas truce” and celebrate with their enemies.
Readings on All Quiet on the Western Front. Essays discuss the construction, meaning, themes, and emotional impact of Remarque’s novel as well as the reason war books are popular and the impact of fame on the author.
Remarque, Erich Maria. All quiet on the western front. The horrors of war as told through the eyes of a young German soldier in World War I.
Sedgwick, Marcus. The foreshadowing. Alexandra poses as a nurse to go to France to locate her brother and to try and save him from the fate she has foreseen for him.
Spillebeen, Geert. Kipling’s choice. In 1915, mortally wounded in Loos, France, eighteen year old John Kipling, son of writer Rudyard Kipling, remembers his boyhood and the events leading to what is to be his first and last World War I battle.
Planning to watch any of the fairy-tale inspired tv shows or movies that are coming out? Want to get into the fairy-tale mood? Here are some great titles for teens:
Ash – Malinda Lo. She must choose, between the handsome fairy cursed to love her, and the King’s Huntress whom she loves.
Goose Chase – Patrice Kindl. Rather than marry a cruel king or a seemingly dim-witted prince, an enchanted goose girl endures imprisonment, capture by several ogresses, and other dangers, before learning exactly who she is.
The Grimm Legacy – Polly Shulman. The objects are real, and you can check them out from the New-York Circulating Material Repository!
The Healer’s Apprentice – Melanie Dickerson. Rose falls in love with Lord Hamlin, who is not only engaged, but is looking for the sorcerer who cursed his future bride. Can we say love triangle?
Impossible – Nancy Werlin. In order to stop the madness cursing the women of her family for centuries, Lucy must perform three impossible tasks before her daughter is born in order to appease the Elfin King.
A Kiss in Time – Alex Flinn. Her kingdom has been asleep for centuries. What’s an old-fashioned girl gonna do in a modern world? And why did *no one* think to show her what a spindle looked like before it was too late, anyway?
Sisters Red – Jackson Pierce. Scarlett and Rosie are not thrilled with the Big Bad Wolf, who had the gall to kill their grandmother. This is the story of how they take revenge.
Last night’s author event drew a great crowd! Stephanie Cowell read from her novel Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet, and treated our audience of historical fiction fans to rarely seen images of young Monet, his model and lifelong love, Camille, their Impressionist circle of friends, as well as many of our favorite Monet paintings.
Last night’s author event drew a great crowd! Stephanie Cowell read from her novel Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet, and treated our audience of historical fiction fans to rarely seen images of young Monet, his model and lifelong love, Camille, their Impressionist circle of friends, as well as many of our favorite Monet paintings. Stephanie, a former professional opera singer, even sang for us one of the French folk songs which appear throughout the book. A great discussion followed her presentation.
Our conversation on Stephanie Cowell’s work will continue next week when our Evening Book Discussion Group meets to talk about one of her earlier novels, Marrying Mozart. Join us!
