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Students - Reading -
Reading
Over the years we have developed a list of reading suggestions. These books will complement your studies on prejudice,
the holocaust, and world history. We shall be adding to it from time to
time.
Hiding to Survive by Maxine Rosenberg
Twelve stories about young Jewish people and their families who survived
WWII. None went to concentration camps. All used their wit and wisdom to
survive. Each chapter begins with a photo of the child and ends with a
photo of the person as an adult and what they are doing today. ($8.95)
Snow in August by Pete Hammill
A story of an 11 year old catholic boy and a very old Rabbi in the
Brooklyn of the late 1940's. Hammill evokes the culture of the time
perfectly and introduces a bit of fantasy at the end. A well-written
story of the relationships between different cultures and different ages
in less tolerant times. (MM $7.50)
To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
A Pulitzer Prize unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy
southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it.
Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving novel about prejudice.
($6.99)
The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
A story set in old China. The 1940 winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it
gives a graphic view of the China that was - when the last emperor
reigned and the vast political and social upheavals of the 20th century
were but distant rumblings for the ordinary people like the honest
farmer Wang Lung and his wife Olan. ($6.99)
Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth
A great story of a couple who planned to have 12 children and did.
Professionally, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbreth were efficiency experts. Written
by their oldest son, the book reflects life in the United States in the
1920's. ($5.50)
Belles on Their Toes by Frank Gilbreth
A sequel to the original, it continues the Gilbreth story, telling what
happened to them as adults. ($4.99)
The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
A story about ranch life in California centering on a boy and his pony
($6.95)
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
How unexpected wealth not only does not solve life's problems. It
creates new ones. ($6.95)
Travels with Charlie by John Steinbeck
Set in September, 1960, the author and his poodle journey across America
observing the obsessions that preoccupied the Americans of that era.
($10.95)
My Early Life by Winston Churchill
Most of us have forgotten that Winston Churchill was a Nobel Laureate in
Literature. Although he was the preeminent Prime Minister of
England throughout WWII, he did not make his living as a politician. He
made it as a writer and a very readable one. His narrative style rates
an A.
This autobiography covers the first 30 years of his life. 1874-1904.
His formative years. Several things make it interesting. First, and
foremost, he was not a good student in the academic sense. In fact, he
flunked Latin 3 times. However, he learned in other non-traditional
ways. For example, he had a fabulous toy soldier collection with which
he played endlessly, recreating historic battles.
When he finished his formal education, he went on to become a
reporter and had some astounding adventures. All in all - an excellent
read and an excellent background for understanding the history of the
time. ($15.00)
Mysteries
In addition, I also recommend mysteries. Nothing keeps the mind
working while reading like a good mystery. For those parents who are
concerned about violence and sex, there are several excellent mystery
writers who weave a great tale without resorting to either sex or
violence. For starters, I recommend Agatha Christie, and Lilian
Braun (of Cat who... fame). For adventure, Michael
Crichton has written several: Congo, Sphere, Great Train Robbery,
Terminal Man, Andromeda Strain.
That's all for now. Please don't hesitate to e-mail requests or
inquiries about other books.
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