Book Talk 2

Themes: War, Conflict

We often see or hear talk of war by adults in faraway times and places. Sometimes we don't realize how close we really are to it in our own country, and in our present time on earth today. See and hear the voices of kids like you who experience war today in these books by Deborah Ellis.

Book 1: Off to War by Deborah Ellis
               Nonfiction, Canadian
               Junior, Intermediate

What do you think it's like having a parent in the military?
Deborah Ellis interviews children of different ages from families in which at least one parent is involved in the military, either from Canada or United States. Read about their experiences, worries, and challenges in this collection of stories and interviews.

Book 2: Children of War by Deborah Ellis
              Nonfiction, Canadian
              Junior, Intermediate

Can you imagine what your life would be like if your home was suddenly destroyed by an explosion? What would you do if your whole community fell apart? What if schools, stores, roads, libraries, hospitals, and churches had no access, or became very limited.  How would you cope? Where would you go? Find out how Iraqi children survived in Deborah Ellis' book, Children of War.  You will learn about the experiences of many Iraqi children of today told in their own words of what they experienced under these conditions.

To view an online interview with Deborah Ellis link to:  www.papertigers.org/interviews

  

Book Talk 1

Themes: Survival, Native People History
Surviving off the raw land means being able to get around without getting lost, knowing the dangers of the wild life, recognizing gifts of nature, finding food and shelter, and healing wounds and illnesses using its resources.  Did the European explorers, fur traders, and settlers know what they were really getting into when they came to North America? Does Bear, in the television show "Man vs. Wild" learn from the wisdom of the natives? Judge for yourself in The Sign of the Beaver and  Wisdom and Gifts.

Book 1: The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

              Fiction, Newbery Honour
              Junior, Intermediate

Twelve-year-old Matt is left to fend for himself in the wilderness of the north-eastern woodlands of North America with just a small cabin and a few supplies.  Will he survive the unexpected dangers of wild life, the mishaps, the diminishing food supply, the approaching winter, or even find his way around?
Matt knows he's not alone though. He's heard stories of conflicts between the settlers and the natives. Are they really dangerous? Should he fear them as well?  How will he protect himself?
Then Matt meets Attean, a native Indian boy who belongs to the Beaver tribe not too far from his cabin.  Attean's way of life has a great impact on Matt's survival and existence with nature. Tracking, hunting, fishing, navigating, and making clothes and tools are just a few skills Matt learns.
Would he ever have his old way of life back? Would he ever see his family again? Should he join the Beaver tribe forever? If you were Matt, would you?

Go to authorstream.com and search for The Sign of the Beaver for a summary and more information on this book.

Book 2: Wisdom and Gifts by Bobbie Kalman
              Non-fiction, Native North American Series
              Junior, Intermediate

Learn about the gifts given to us by the Native Peoples of North America in foods that we eat today, games we play, clothing that we wear, medicines we use, names of places and things we say, government systems, ecology and conservation ideas, and of course, stories and art we enjoy.
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***If you liked these books, check out the following for similar reads: The Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter, I Am Raven by David Bouchard, and Life in a Longhouse by Bobbie Kalman.