Leaving Plagues, Going to the Dust Bowl

For the first two weeks of reading this term I focused on plagues. That was so depressing; I thought it was time to go the Dust Bowl. I really need to select an upbeat topic in the future. However, in the meantime, let's travel back to the 1930's and see life though the dust and the heat.

Image from Amazon

Born and Bred in the Great Depression by Jonah Winter and Kimberly Bulcken Root

This children's book is told by a man who is repeating the stories of his father's life in the Great Depression. I found the distance from the actual event off-putting at first, but with the second reading I was prepared to settle down in to a family memory passed from parent to child to grandchild. I felt more comfortable with that mindset. I enjoyed the beautiful soft pictures more than the story.  Many books about the great Depression and the Dust Bowl feature stark black and white photos; Born and Bred in the Great Depression offers a softer presentation of life in the 1930's.  I would recommend this book for elementary classes introducing the idea of family stories or simply needing a reference to the time period. I often use picture books in my high school classes, but this one is destined to remain at the elementary level. (More information on children and the Great Depression.) 

Image from Goodreads

Those Whose Names are Unknown

Sanora Babb

I don't remember where I first heard of this book. I know it was two summers ago, and possibly a show on TV. What attracted me to the conversation was the comment that had this book been published first, Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath would never have been successful. I ordered the book, reread Steinbeck, and then never got around to reading Babb's novel.  I distinctly remember the review stating that Names was so better than Grapes of Wrath. I haven't finished Names, but I have to disagree with the "better" description. The characterization is much weaker and the plot line struggles. However, one review states that Babb treats her characters without the condensation of Steinbeck to the Joads. That I will agree with. Babb puts great effort into making her characters' fight to maintain dignity admirable. These are people who have very few resources, but accept that this is the life they have, and they fight to keep it.

Image from Amazon

Next week I will read Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. I am looking forward to this book as it is a novel in verse -- I love novels in verse. I admire how the writer is able to give such complete thoughts in so few words. 

I will also be looking for a couple of websites to support my class work on plagues and the Great Depression.