Montgomery, S. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced
Autism and Changed the World. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN: 978-
0-547-44315-7
Plot Summary
This book is a biography about the life of Temple Grandin. Temple was diagnosed at an early age with Autism. In those days people were not familiar with the disorder and were not sure what to do with her. Her own father wanted her put in a mental institution. Temple’s mom however was a warm and loving woman who refused to give up on her daughter. Her mother gave her opportunities to grow and learn and become a wonderful woman. Temple became interested in animals and the humane treatment of animals in slaughterhouses and ranches. She uses this interest to revolutionize the livestock industry and fight for the humane treatment of animals raised for food.
Analysis
This book includes several photographs of Temple’s designs and of her growing up in the north east. Each chapter is on a different color of paper, alternating between blue, green, and yellow. Also included in the back of the book is Temple’s advice for kids on the spectrum. "It isn't easy to describe how the mind of someone with autism works, but Montgomery's biography effectively breaks the disorder down for a younger audience while introducing the extraordinary life of activist Temple Grandin."--Booklist. Also in the back of the book are resources about Autism including: books, websites, and articles. This book does a great job of explaining some of the behaviors of autistic children that lead to empathy and understanding. Montgomery also explains how being autistic has given Temple an advantage to understanding animals. He also explains that autism is a lifelong condition and one that Temple would not change about herself.
Reviews
"A well written, admiring and thought-provoking portrait."--Kirkus
"Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals."--Horn Book
"Lively, well-worded narrative...For librarians who struggle to find well-written biographies of women, this is a must-buy."--School Library Journal, starred review
Other books by Sy Montgomery include: The Good Pig:The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood, How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals, and The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty.
Ogle, R. (2019). Free Lunch. Norton Young Readers. ISBN: 978-1-324-00360-1
Plot Summary
This story is about a boy named Rex who is just starting middle school and lives in poverty. Rex’s mom signs him up for the free lunch program and he is embarrassed which adds to the fact that he is wearing second hand clothing and attending school with wealthy classmates.. Rex’s mom and her boyfriend are out of work and abusive so Rex is often left to care for his younger brother. Then they are evicted from their apartment and must live in government subsidized apartments right across the street from the school. Rex faces many obstacles each day all while being hungry.
Analysis
This true story of one child’s upbringing is a heart wrenching read. Rex gives readers insight into the silent epidemic of hunger that many of our children face. "With candor and vivid detail, Ogle’s debut captures the experience of chronic poverty in the United States...Ogle’s emotional honesty pays off in the form of complex characterization and a bold, compassionate thesis." ― Publishers Weekly (starred review). This story also discusses abuse by a parent or in this case a parent and her boyfriend which leaves Rex with anger issues of his own. Rex is constantly fighting the inner dialogue within himself that wants to lash out like his mother even when he knows it is not right. Rex covers up the abuse by claiming to be clumsy and is often forgiving his mother because he thinks that he is the one to blame. This book gives an honest review of growing up in poverty in America and is a must read for everyone.
Reviews
"Outstanding, gracious writing and a clear eye for the penetrating truth. A mighty portrait of poverty amid cruelty and optimism."
― Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Heart-wrenching, timely, and beautifully written, this is a powerful and urgent work."
― School Library Journal (starred review)
"Ogle’s engrossing narrative is rich in lived experience."
― Booklist
Winner of the 2020 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award
Other books by Rex Ogle include: Punching Bag and The Supernatural Society.
Soontornvat, C. (2020). All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys
Soccer Team. Candlewick Press. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0945-7
Plot Summary
In June of 2018 twelve boys and their coach head into a cave after soccer practice for a fun hiking trip. After several hours hiking through the cave they realize that it is getting late and they must head back. While on the journey back they quickly realize that the cave has started to flood and their way out is blocked. Soon the boy's families begin to wonder where they are. Other members of the team that did not go on the cave hike told authorities where the boys had planned to go. Once they are convinced that the team is in the cave experts from around the world and locals alike show up to help in the rescue mission. This incredible story shows what can happen when people work together for a common goal, to save the lives of thirteen boys.
Analysis
This incredible story is told by Christina Soontornvat who is Thai American and happened to be in Thailand when the boys went missing visiting family. The author includes not only the story of the boys themselves, but facts about scuba diving, Buddhist religion, meditation, and Thailand’s stateless people. Also scattered throughout are photographs of events and landmarks as well as maps of the cave and locations of the boys. “Soontornvat selects details and measures her pacing with the practiced hand of a master storyteller, and while everything is supported by meticulous research, the prose never suffers from information density; rather, every aside—whether on hypothermia, ketamine, or Navy SEAL training—adds tension through understanding. Readers who already know the outcome will nonetheless be enthralled by this singular tale that captures the importance of STEM education, the beauty of Thailand, and the best of humanity—collaboration, innovation, sacrifice, family, and love. —Booklist (starred review). The author also goes into depth about the local people who also played a large role in the rescue but often tend to be overlooked by traditional media. Soontornvat gives a full picture of the events and all of the details that went into the rescue mission. “In lucid prose written in third-person-present tense for a heightened sense of immediacy, Soontornvat gives readers a journalistic account of the difficulty and complexity of the rescue effort. Using interviews and other primary sources, she keeps a tight focus on the unfolding story, with its inherent edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-your-throat drama, adroitly juggling a parade of characters, clearly laying out the technical and engineering challenges, and judiciously parsing out expository information in the occasional sidebar.” —The Horn Book (starred review). Also included is an author’s note that explains why the author chose to write the book as well as details about her meeting with the Wild Boars soccer team. This incredible story is a must read and a perfect addition for any library.
Reviews
An in-depth account of a harrowing real-life mission that succeeds against all odds...Masterful storytelling fleshes out the complex human emotions behind key decisions, illuminates diplomatic and political negotiations, and underscores an unwavering faith—in maintaining hope and in harnessing powers of the mind. Thoughtfully researched, expertly crafted.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Soontornvat masterfully chronicles this amazing undertaking, in which incredible ad hoc feats of engineering became commonplace. Her narration and the testimonies of the numerous figures she interviewed are suspenseful and deeply felt. Interspersed with All Thirteen’s gripping account are fascinating, accessible analyses – supplemented by photos, diagrams, maps and more – of the cultural, technological, scientific and spiritual considerations that affected the rescue effort, from Buddhism to climate change to political protocol...All Thirteen is an inspiring testament to those 18 fateful days of communal empathy, determination and hope. In Soontornvat’s talented hands, it’s at once a nail-biter and a revelation: “This rescue was impossible, and they did it anyway.”
—BookPage (starred review)
Winner of the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Young People's Literature
A 2021 Newbery Honor Book
A 2021 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
A 2021 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Finalist
A 2021 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
Other books by Christina Soontornvat include: The Last Mapmaker, A Wish in the Dark, and The Changelings.
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