VVMBookBlog

Fire from the Rock

(Originally posted by Ms. Moeller)

Fire from the Rock is a historical fiction novel that weaves a fantastic story and supplies information about the fight to desegregate American schools. This is the story of the Little Rock Nine. The main character, Sylvia Patterson, is a typical high school student concerned with friends, boys, and music. She is also a strong willed girl who needs to make difficult choices. Although this book is fiction, the incidents are based on reality. Sylvia is chosen to be one of the few black students to go to the all white Central High School. Her choice is not an easy one as many white people in the community are against desegregation.

It’s 1847 and Kathleen “Kit” Byrne’s family is living a day-to-day struggle to survive Ireland’s Great Hunger of 1845-1859.  Written by an Irish emigrant, this story shows the members of Kit’s family and their neighbors as strong people willing to do just about anything to survive the potato famine.  Kit especially risks her life and her freedom to help her family.

I’ve read several other young adult books written about this period in Ireland’s history, and know that it was a horrible time resulting in many people leaving Ireland to come to the United States.  This book, however, had lots of action and suspense up until the end of the book.  Another good example of great historical fiction!

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury

Shift is a good name for this novel for three reasons: 1) It involves two teenagers who bike across the United States. 2) It shifts from bike trip (present) to college (future). 3) One of the characters could be considered “Shifty.” When Chris and Win graduate from college they decide to take bike (pedal) across the United States. Along this bike trip, Win leaves Chris. Chris continues on his own and returns in time for his first day of college. Suddenly the FBI is talking to Chris about Win’s location. Win has not been in contact with anyone, and his family is worried. Shift is a mystery in the sense that the reader must read and figure out what happened to Win and how Chris is involved. It is also a story of friendship, family, and most importantly adventure. The book also follows the teenagers bike adventure across the United States.

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

This is an intelligent, funny, thought-provoking book for intelligent female adolescents. Frankie Landau-Banks, a tenth grader, has blossomed over the summer. She has gone from a geeky looking girl to a gorgeous teen and has gained the attention of Matthew, a popular senior. As the school year progresses, Frankie becomes more engaged with Matthew and his friends while keeping her best friend Trish. They all go to a high school boarding school which has its traditions. Without looking for trouble, Frankie has uncovered a secret boys group which Matt is involved. Trying to prove herself worthy of him and his group, Frankie pulls some incredible pranks.

This is an enjoyable read with wonderful vocabulary. Use context clues, but keep a dictionary handy. Read to learn more about relationships, friendships, and thoughtful pranks.

Sometimes when I read some of our historical fiction books, it’s hard to believe the things that are happening to people right in my own time and world.  I hear or read stories in the news but that doesn’t bring our attention to peoples’ lives like hearing from the people themselves.

This book begins when Ling is 9 years old and it’s based on actual experiences from the author’s own life.  Chairman Mao Zedong, leader of China, launched the Cultural Revolution in the 1960’s as a way to gain power by eliminating differences in classes of people, especially the wealthier classes–called the bourgeoisie–who were the doctors, lawyers, professors and others.  Since Ling’s parents were both medical doctors, her family was under suspicion, especially because they had been in contact with doctors from the United States.

When party leader Comrade Li takes over a room in their home as his own apartment, things become very uncomfortable for Ling’s family and their friends.  Their homes are ransacked, valuables are taken, and some doctors disappear from the hospital.  And it’s all done in obediance to their leader, Chairman Mao.  These incidents are frightening for everyone but especially for Ling who had grown up very protected and privileged.  Within a couple years they are forced to live with limited food, fuel and freedom.

The action in the book took place in the years 1972-76 but I can’t help but make comparisons with what happened with the Nazis in Germany in the early 1940’s.  And, unfortunately, similar things are most likely happening in our world right now.  Why can’t we figure these things out?