Informational Texts

        Bomb

Steve Sheinkin

Wow. This books was captivating from the prologue. I have never read any book about the race to make (and steal) the atomic bomb. Obviously, I have read a great deal about the use of the Atom Bomb in World War II in history classes. I have also read a lot of articles and studies about whether or not Truman made the right decision about using the bombs in Japan. I still haven't completely made up mind about whether or not I feel as though the bomb was necessary, but that's a different story. 

Bomb follows the story of the historical characters on their individual journeys through the intense years in which the bomb was being created. Each character is thoroughly developed, like those typically found in fiction. I had to keep reminding myself that this was actually a true story, which made it even more intriguing. I felt like a detective, as I was following the story of Oppenheimer and Gold. 

Sheinkin's inclusion of an extensive source list shows how thorough he was in his research before writing this book. It's amazing how much time and effort went into this book, and it certainly shows in the complex story line and detailed characters. There are so many different aspects to the story of the atomic bomb, and I never really realized it before reading this book. In all honesty, I believe this book taught me more about the nuclear race than any other educational text. 

My favorite part of the book is actually the epilogue. Sheinkin summarizes the story, and sort of provides an extension with further explanation of Gold's confession. Sheinkin ends the book with a warning. He says, "The big question is: Will any of these bombs ever be used?", talking about Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran. He gives the details about the current situation in the realm of atomic bombs. Living in a world with bombs that can destroy cities is kind of terrifying. The uncertainty that surrounds nuclear weapons is scary, but also intriguing. The story of the atomic bomb hold a binary.  It is an amazing story of genius effort and determined teamwork. "But it's also the story of how humans created a weapon capable of wiping our species of the planet" (Sheinkin, 2012, p. 236).

I would most definitely use this book in my future classroom. 

Sheinkin, S. (2012). Bomb. New York: Roaring Book Press.

       Minty

Though a lot of this story is fiction, it actually encompasses a great deal of factual information about Harriet Tubman. The story follows a young African American girl, Minty. She struggles with her strained relationship with her owner, Mrs. Brodas. Mrs. Brodas does not think Minty is a well behaved slave-child. Rather, she believes Minty acts out to spite her... In frustration, Mrs. Brodas takes Minty's beloved doll, Esther. She hurls the doll into a fire and tells Minty that such an action will teach her a lesson. Minty runs away to tell her mother, who gives her advice on Minty's new job- a field slave. Minty says she wants to run away. Her mother tells her she shouldn't run away. Minty listens, and she works hard in the field for several months. She meets a woman named Amanda, who knows Minty's dreams to escape. Amanda tells her escaping- or even trying to escape- is not worth it. Despite this warning, Minty tries to flee a few days later. She is caught, and Mrs. Brodas tells Sanders to whip her. This part of the story made me really upset. Minty was only eight when this happened. It reminded me of the harsh realities of slavery. Minty still wants to run away, even after the whipping. Her father teaches her how to use nature to aid her in her escape, even though he advises her to not run away. He still wanted her to know about the stars and trees. By the end of the story, Minty still has not escaped. The author writes a note to the reader at the end of the book. He tells the reader that Minty grew up to be the wonder of Harriet Tubman. 

       

Schroeder, A., & Pinkney, J. (1996). Minty: A story of young harriet tubman. New York: Dial Books  for Young Readers.

      Free at Last

This book encompasses use of poetry and song to convey the sentiments of those in need of emancipation. though some of the book utilizes poetry, most of it is informational text. The book's detailed accounts allow for an introduction to many prominent figures in the times of slavery. these figures include Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, and Jackie Robinson... just to name a few. Each character brings a new perspective to and reason for emancipation  The story is written chronologically, and it includes factual information about the African American population's journey to absolute freedom. This book would be great to include in a social studies class at any age level.



Rappaport, D. (2003). Free at last!, stories and songs of emancipation. Candlewick.