The Wall Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sís

Peter Sís – Author and illustrator. The wall: growing up behind the Iron Curtain. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-374-34701-7

Author website: http://www.petersis.com/noflash.html

Media: Multi-media, pencil, marker, crayon, colored pencil, pen and ink

Genre: biography, memoir, nonfiction, history, Juvenile literature, graphic novel, picture book

Annotation

Visual award-winning personal memoir of artist Peter Sís growing up on the oppressed Russian Communist totalitarian dictatorship side of the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War and his desire for freedom.

My thoughts

This is an award-winning book, Peter Sís brings the reader to his past in Communist controlled Prague during the Cold War. The information brought by the illustrations and prose brings this period vibrantly alive describing the struggles for freedom and expression under the harsh control of a totalitarian regime. For the beginning, Sís uses bright color and different symbols to show the contrast between his natural childhood desire to express his imagination against the repetitive and monotony of the symbols and colors associated with the Soviet Red Army.

His personal story is juxtaposed with a timeline of historical events. Sís adds first personal journal entries from his journal at that time and the reader can understand his perspective and move with him from the tacit acceptance during his childhood to his shift of awareness as he grows up and is exposed to the world.

The colors reflect the personal reactions to the time. During the most oppressive and difficult times, Sís restricts his color choice to black white and red. When he begins to express himself there are bursts of color. “Slowly he started to question. He painted what he wanted to- in secret.” A two page full-color vibrant spread shows the revolution of the 60’s leaking into Sís awareness. It concludes with the fall of the wall on November 9, 1989. This book contains lots of talking points.

Peter Sís provides an introduction, his chronological timeline journal entries, and an afterward to provide additional information to the already expressive illustrations.

Curricular connections

In classrooms, the rise and fall of Communism focuses on the political shifts and oppression in an impersonal manner. This book provides a very personal account that makes the effects of Communist very real and clear. It’s told in a way that is relatable.

Literary devices

Use of repetition: The word “COMPULSORY” is used like an unspoken brand after each description of Communist mandates or suggested activities. (Example: “Joining the Young Pioneers, the Communist youth movement- COMPULSORY. Collecting scrap metal- COMPULSORY. First of May parade celebrating the workers of the world- COMPULSORY. Public displays of loyalty- COMPULSORY. The practice of religion- DISCOURAGED.” This really hammers home the point.


Use of Symbol: Communist ideology and symbols are also repeated throughout the book. The hammer and sickle. 

Reading level/ Interest Age

Age 8 and up/ Grade 3 and up

Reviews and Awards

Caldecott Honor Book

Sibert Medal

Booklist Starred Review

School Library Journel Starred Review

Kirkus Starred Review

Horn Book Starred Review

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

Publishers Weekly Starred Review

And, many other positive reviews…

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Allen Say – author and illustrator. Drawing from memory. New York: Scholastic Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-545-17686-6

Author website: No author website found.

Media: watercolors, pen and ink, pencils, and photographs.

Genre: autobiographical, biography, memoir, nonfiction

Annotation

Caldecott Medalist Allen Say’s autobiography chronicling his pathway into the arts and his apprenticeship with Noro Shinpei, Japan’s premier cartoonist, while growing up in Japan during and post WWII.

My thoughts

I was captivated while reading Allen Say’s memoir, Drawing From Memory. The combinations of Say’s prose and choice of illustrations made it very easy to get a mental movie while experiencing his life’s story. The flow of it really makes it hard to put down and can easily be read in one sitting. The tone of his prose was very candid and down to earth which made this an enjoyable and somewhat uplifting experience.

This book is an exception to the norm, but was quite an experience. At twelve years old, he moved out to attend school and lived in his own apartment. He worked hard, maintained clear goals, and worked toward actualizing his dreams. He sort of made a lesson plan layout for his life; this is a good life example for children.

It seems necessary to mention the art. He studied with one of Japan’s key political cartoonists and clearly found his own style. The sketches provide a realistic look into an artists’ life. A person does not become a Caldecott Medalist for their illustrative abilities overnight; oil paintings do not start with perfect glossy strokes. He worked at his craft, was born with talent, and found teachers to guide him. Say serves as a really good example of an artist. Many children become discouraged from the arts early because they can’t achieve realism right away. He provides hope. Similarly, too many artists expect to make it big right away. He provides reality.

On a side note, I think that Allen Say was verrrry lucky. Japan during this time period was scary and very tragic, as the war racked the lives away from many people. Young, middle aged, old; talented, genius, average; in areas there was no discrimination and way to determine who would become successful or not. Allen Say did become successful and from his writing he was able to maintain a healthy psychology. (Many of that generation are not that way. Americans travelling in Japan might pick this energy up from older generations. It is a sad part of history).

Allen Say-San focuses on his plight, relationship, teachers, and experiences as an artist. He turns the story away from a boy growing up during war and postwar Japan. (Maybe this is the naivate of youth and during the postwar period he was not as affected personally). In any case, the context does add a lot to his story. Librarians can/should suggest books to assist in providing the conjunction of postwar Japan to this story. Then Allen Say’s memoir is really inspiring and different than the norm of the time. I think… in any case, it would be interesting to read more.

Curricular connections

Most students are required to read an autobiography/memoir at some point this one can go into the librarian’s mental toolbox for that books and artists in that category.

Reading level/ Interest Age

Grade 5 and up/Ages 10 and up

Reviews and Awards

Sibert Winner
Discussion of awards and are still pending.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi, M. (2003). Persepolis. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN: 978-0375714573.

Annotation

Autobiographical graphic novel depicting Marjane Satrapi’s childhood to teenage years in Iran during the Islamic revolution.

My thoughts

Persepolis is a compelling story of one young girl’s experience growing up during the Islamic Revolution and the following political and cultural changes. During this time, Satrapi’s family suffered under the Shah and the Islamic Regime. Satrapi describes having family members imprisoned, tortured, and executed, being forced to wear a veil and the fear of living in a city being bombed. Satrapi also chronicles what it’s like to try to be a typical teen living in this situation. As a teenager, she loves rock music and American fashion (i.e. jeans, sneakers, and punk fashion during a time).

Black and white illustrations accentuate the seriousness of the story and transport the reader to Tehran, Iran and Satrapi’s adolescence.  There are some very moving parts to this story. The struggle for intellectual freedom and free expression will resonate with teens and will also make readers appreciate their rights in America. In addition, Satrapi serves as a good role model for teenagers. She is strong, smart, independent, and tries to ask questions while seeking answers for herself.

This is a great book for many reasons. Aside from the strength of the character the book gives a little insight to Iranian culture from a teenagers perspective. For teenagers, reading a perspective of another teenager makes it easier to understand a culture that is different. It is through seeing human similarities and struggles that prejudices can be breeched.

Reading level/ Interest Age

High school/ Adult

Reviews and Awards

2001: Angoulême Coup de Coeur Award for Persepolis

2002: Angoulême Prize for Scenario for Persepolis: Tome

2007: Jury Prize for Persepolis (tied with Silent Light), Cannes Film Festival

Alex Award Winner 2004

Amelia Bloomer List 2004

Booklist Editors Choice: Adult Books for Young Adults 2003

Capitol Choices 2004

School Library Journal Best Adult Books for High School Students 2003

School Library Journal Best Adult Books for High School Students 2004

School Library Journal Best Books 2003

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults 2003

Author website: No official website found.

Media: ink

Genre: Graphic Novel, autobiography

Blankets: A Graphic Novel by Craig Thompson

Thompson, C. (2003). Blankets: A Graphic Novel. Marietta, Ga.: Top Shelf. ISBN: 978-1891830433.

Annotation

Autobiographical graphic memoir that takes major “coming of age” themes (first love, spirituality, angst, anxiety) and puts them into comic-strip form.

My thoughts

Blankets details the story of Craig Thompson’s life starting from his childhood to adolescence.  It tells the story of his first-love, Raina, his wish to become an artist, and his search for faith. Even though, this is the story of a specific person in a specific place (Wisconsin), it really can be a story for everyone. The tenderness and sincerity make this a beautiful story that should be experienced.

There is so much to write about and so many great interpretations of this near 600-page story, and I encourage readers to seek out other opinions after reading the memoir. A couple of things that must be noted- this will be the quickest 600-page book that most readers will encounter. This is not because the pages are lacking content but because they are quite full and will draw the reader’s heart into the story.

In addition to the story, there is Thompson’s art. He knows how to take advantage of the comic median. There were panels that left my eyes teary (his account of his brother’s molestation and the cubicle incident along with all of his recounting of his first love experiences). The art creates a great part of the book’s emotional tone and the line work is beautiful and expressive.

I can’t seem to write anymore. This really is a sentimental book. I highly recommend it.

Curricular connections

Thematic connections with religion, family issues, and literature. It would be great to see this in the classrooms, but high school is so brief and there are so many great literature choices. Plus, there is some mature content that parents might see as inappropriate for the classroom setting.

Favorite Quotes

“Which is scarier-- lust or temptation? ”

“Sometimes, upon waking, the residual dream can be more appealing that reality, and one is reluctant to give it up. For a while, you feel like a ghost -- Not fully materialized, and unable to manipulate your surroundings. Or else, it is the dream that haunts you. You wait with the promise of the next dream.”

“On my first visit to the public library, I was like a kid at a candy store where all the candy was free.

I gorged myself until my tummy ached.”

“I wanted a heaven. And I grew up striving for that world-- an eternal world- that would wash away my temporary misery.”

“Shame is always easier to handle if you have someone to share it with.”

“How satisfying it is to leave a mark on a blank surface.”

“To make a map of my movement--no matter how temporary.”

“I couldn't fathom that the soul trapped in my child body would be transplanted to its grotesque adolescent counterpart.”

“Maybe I'm sad about wanting you. I'm not too comfortable with wanting someone.”

“We both knew that nothing existed for us outside of the moment.”

“Even a mistake is better than nothing.”

“But in that little pathetic clump of blankets there was comfort.”

Reading level/ Interest Age

High school and up.

Reviews and Awards

2004 Harvey Award for Best Artist

2004 Harvey Award for Best Cartoonist

2004 Harvey Award for Best Graphic Album of Original Work

2004 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album

2004 Eisner Award for Best Writer/Artist

2004 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Artist

2004 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Graphic Novel or Collection

2005 Prix de la critique

Author website: http://www.dootdootgarden.com/

Media: Pen and ink

Genre: Graphic Novel, fiction

Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi

Satrapi, M. (2005)- author and illustrator. Embroideries. New York, N.Y.: Pantheon Books. ISBN: 0375423052.

Annotation

Ten close-knit Iranian women get together to sip samovar tea, ‘ventilate the heart,’ and gossip about sex.

My thoughts

Embroideries examines a facet of Iranian women’s lives and introduces the reader into the inner chamber of a section of feminine discourse. What is really great about this book is that is takes the delicate topic of sex/sexuality and a group of women who are cross culturally believed to be reserved and demure, and illustrates all the bawdy and very funny discourse in a skillful narrative that puts “Sex in the City” to shame.

This is a biographical memoir from the best-selling author of Persepolis. It opens with the family sitting at the family table with Marjane’s grandfather thanking her grandmother for such a great lunch. The grandmother humbly and primely replies that “Satrapi” flatters her. (Using his last name out of polite respect.) The tone changes after they leave the table. Marjane makes a special tea (opium based) for her grandmother. The afternoon and night tea includes discussions where the female member of the family, friends, and neighbors get together to speak and ventilate the heart. The book is the discussion that follows. And the reader is the lucky wallflower to these secrets of the heart and other regions.

Oh, and do they ventilate the heart. They tell stories of lost lovers, lovers that need to get lost, nagging husbands, adulteresses and husbands, husbands who are adulterers, inadequate sex, bad choices, lies, and personal wishes. Some of the stories are really funny while others reveal a patriarchal society where women are sometimes forced into arranged marriages. Importantly, the arranged marriage part of the story has a character (an aunt) who is modern and presents her point of view and encourages the mother to let her child marry for love and not wealth.

It is so nice to get a perspective from Tehran and Iranian women. In recent years, they have been forced around a shroud of secrecy and misunderstanding. It is really revealing to pull that shroud to see these extraordinary very modern women. Few books capture similarities rather than just showing the differences. This should be recognized as important in itself.

Curricular connections

Literary devices

Use of allusion:

“That’s life! Sometimes you’re on the horse’s back, and sometimes it’s the horse that’s on your back.”

Metaphor: The title and the association with historical female sewing/embroidery circles and the surgical restoration.

Reading level/ Interest Age

High school (Embroideries refers to the surgical restoration of one’s vagina to appear virginal. The mature ideas and the discussions about sex might be reserved for older high school students/ female readers interested in sex and gender).

Reviews and Awards

Best-selling author

Author website: No website found.

Media: Black sharpie

Genre: Graphic novel

Michael Rosen's Sad Book by Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake

Rosen, Michael- author, & Blake, Quentin - illustrator (2005). Michael Rosen's Sad Book. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 0-7636-2597-3

Annotation

Illustrated biographical book about the author’s sadness after his mother and son pass away.

My thoughts

This is a sad book. It opens with the author’s confession, “This is me being sad. Maybe you think that I’m happy in this picture. Really I’m sad but pretending I’m happy. I’m doing that because I think people won’t like me if I look sad.” Above is the said picture of a sad man smiling but obviously not in synch. Quentin Blake’s illustrations capture the emotional underside of the story. They break down this huge cloud-bursting tear provoking concept in a way that younger readers can see and empathize with. Watercolors are leached from scenes to give in a four-sectioned page spread as the cartooned figure of Rosen walks along a street. What begins in a reality based ordinary spring or summerlike day with green trees, birds flying, children playing, and a mother pushing a stroller turns progresses into a dark stormy day where Rosen is left as the only figure walking on a barren street with decrepit buildings and a now leafless tree. This reflects the interior psychological shift, of coping and dealing with such loss, in a very easily understandable and relatable way.

In addition, Quentin Blake’s illustrations have an associated history with younger readers. These illustrated cartoon figures are very like the much-loved Ronald Dahl characters that Quentin Blake illustrated. This can make the book along with the heavy concept of loss and sadness more understandable.

The process of grief and loss hits all ages, because of this reason Sad Book can be good for any age. In fact, the opening page of Rosen's grin was a learning lesson for me. It's easy to forget such simple things. I know that it isn't healthy to fake happiness, but either is projecting negative emotions onto those around us. Recently, I've forgotten to smile to strangers. It's pretty simple... mechanics wise. Corners up. It's just easy to get caught up in one's own world. For me, I've have a rough couple of weeks. One of my cats passed away from FIP (it's like cat AIDS over here) the second to die of three of my Singaporean family. And, we've been developing a stronger immune system (i.e. we've been catching all of the stomach flus and respiratory colds of this region). And, the company husband is with has been "acquired" which means restructuring and possible restructuring our lives. I am sad about my cat. Everything else will work out as long as I try to find those moments, the things, that spark... like Michael Rosen's candles.

Quotes:

“Where is sad? Sad is anywhere. It comes along and finds you. When is sad? Sad is any time. It comes along and finds you. Who is sad? Sad is anyone. It comes along and finds you.”

Literary devices

Use of metaphor:

Sometimes I'm sad and I don’t know why.

It's just a cloud that comes along and covers me up.

Reading level/ Interest Age

Kindergarten and up.


Of course, there is a balance. 

Reviews and Awards

SLJ starred review

Booklist starred review

Author website: www.michaelrosen.co.uk/

Ilustrator website: www.quentinblake.com/

Media: Watercolor and ink

Genre: Juvenile picture book