Saturday, September 24, 2011

Leaders and Legacies Series

The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker
and 
The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald
Leaders and Legacies Series 

Roderick Benns.
Whitby, ON: Fireside Publishing House, 2009.
245 pp., pbk., $12.95.
ISBN 978-0-9812433-0-6.
Subject Headings:
Diefenbaker, John G., 1895-1979-Childhood and youth-Juvenile fiction.
Prairie Provinces-History-1905-1945-Juvenile fiction.
Prime ministers-Canada-Juvenile fiction.
Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891-Childhood and youth-Juvenile fiction.


Recommended
*Canadian Author 


Roderick Benns' Leaders and Legacies Series stood out to me largely due to the inclusion of Saskatchewan, Canadian, First Nations, and Metis content. As a Saskatchewan based teacher-librarian I am always looking for new and interesting books to include in my collection that contain Saskatchewan, First Nations, and Metis content. 


In the Leaders and Legacies Series Benns is able to blend Canadian history through the fictionalized mysteries and adventures of John Diefenbaker and John A.Macdonald. Through the characters and events in this series he is able to promote diverse perspectives, and does this in in such a way that will intrigue students across the grade levels, and will evoke questions and curiosity. 


I found it very helpful that Roderick included a note to the reader, in each of his books, that outlined the truth and authenticity of the story, as well as a reference list of resources that helped him craft his story. Either one of these books would make a great read aloud and would provide background information and perspectives when teaching First Nations and Metis content across the subject areas.


Watch the book trailers below and read the reviews from CM magazine to learn more about the Leaders and Legacies Series. 


The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker





The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald








Reviews and Resources


CM Review of The Mystery of the Moonlight Murder: An Early Adventure of John Diefenbaker


CM Review  of The Legends of Lake on the Mountain: An Early Adventure of John A.Macdonald


Ideas for the classroom: Included on Roderick Benn's website


Saskatchewan Curriculum Connections
  • English Language Arts: Social, cultural, and historical context.
  • Social Studies: Power and Authority and Dynamic Relationships

Monday, September 5, 2011

All the Rage

The popularity of dystopian, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction does not seem to be abating. Books, movies, and T.V shows with dark themes are all the rage these days for teens and even adults. What is the difference between each of these genres and why are they so appealing to our young adults?
http://goo.gl/ZTQJn

In simple terms dystopian fiction is the creation of a nightmare world often in a repressive and controlled state, apocalyptic fiction deals with the end of civilization because of a catastrophe such as a pandemic or nuclear warfare, and post apocalyptic fiction is set in a world or civilization after a disaster where society has had to reform itself. 

Due to the explosion of these genres it is difficult to know what books to include in your school library collection, what to recommend to students, and how to incorporate them into the curriculum. To begin with, here are a few books and resources that I would suggest checking out.

Trash by Andy Mulligan (2010) Grades 6-8

Epitaph Road by David Patneaude (2010)  Grades 7-10

What Happened To Serenity by PJ Sarah Collins (2011) Canadian Author. Grades 5-8
Life As We Knew It Trilogy (2010/2011) Grades 7-10




Delirium by Lauren Oliver (2011) Grades 9-12


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Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card. Grades 7-11

Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher. Grades 7-11

Internet Resources

Teacher, Study and Discussion Guides for Life As We Knew It, The Dead And The Gone, and This World We Live In.

School Library Journal: Focus on Dystopia: Turn on the Dark

YALSA has an excellent post on their blog of Dystopian vs Post-apocalyptic teen books along with a few recommendations.

Comprehensive List of YA dystopian books

Saskatchewan Curriculum Connections
  • English Language Arts: Imaginative and literary context, and environmental and technological context
  • Social Studies: Dynamic Relationships, Power and Authority