Theme: Conflict

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

This is how wars are fought now: by children, hopped-up on drugs and wielding AK-47s. Children have become soldiers of choice. In the more than fifty conflicts going on worldwide, it is estimated that there are some 300,000 child soldiers. Ishmael Beah used to be one of them.What is war like through the eyes of [...]

Descriptors: Biography, Sierra Leone, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , , » 2 Comments

Out of Bounds: Seven Stories of Conflict and Hope

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

We are the young people, We will not be broken! For almost fifty years, apartheid forced the young people of South Africa to live apart as Blacks, Whites, Indians, and “Coloreds.” This unique and dramatic collection of stories—by native South African and Carnegie Medalist Beverley Naidoo—is about young people’s choices in a beautiful country made [...]

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, South Africa » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Superior Saturday: The Keys to the Kingdom

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Even as he grows stronger and closer to discovering the secret of his identity, Arthur must face further dangers and conflicts as he struggles to attain the Sixth Key from the powerful Saturday.

Descriptors: Australia, Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

When I Was a Soldier

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

What is it like to be a young woman in a war?At a time when Israel is in the news every day and politics in the Middle East are as complex as ever before, this story of one girl’s experience in the Israeli national army is both topical and fascinating. Valerie begins her story as [...]

Descriptors: Biography, France, Israel, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Going Home (Trophy Picture Books)

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

On the heels of their Caldecott Medal-winning Smoky Night, Eve Bunting and David Diaz have created a dazzling new picture book that glows with holiday joy and the spirit of Mexico. Carlos and his family are going home for Christmas—across the border from California to Mexico. Mama and Papa are excited, but Carlos and his [...]

Descriptors: All Ages, Mexico, Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , » 2 Comments

The Scarves

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

What can you do when the people you love don’t think they love each other anymore? When one little girl learns that her grandparents are separating, it’s hard for her to understand. Grandpa explains that Grandma steals his chocolate pudding, and her favorite color is blue. Grandma says that Grandpa watches too much TV, and [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Germany, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , » Leave a comment

War in the Middle East: A Reporter’s Story: Black September and the Yom Kippur War

By Rebecca Ballenger | Published: October 29, 2008

In 1970, when the Jordanian civil war known as Black September began, U.P.I. correspondent Wilborn Hampton was sent to report on unfolding events. Holed up in the InterContinental Hotel and caught in the crossfire, he managed to get the story out. Three years later, dispatched to Israel to cover the Yom Kippur War, the reporter [...]

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Israel, Jordan, Nonfiction, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , » Leave a comment

Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood

By Rebecca Ballenger | Published: October 29, 2008

In this groundbreaking memoir set in Ramallah during the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Ibtisam Barakat captures what it is like to be a child whose world is shattered by war. With candor and courage, she stitches together memories of her childhood: fear and confusion as bombs explode near her home and she is [...]

Descriptors: Biography, Israel, Palestine, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » 2 Comments

Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: June 29, 2007

The vegetarian dinosaurs are enjoying their plant meals at the Dinosaur Cafe until ravenous Tyrannosaurus stomps in looking for meaty dinosaur stew.

Descriptors: England (UK), Europe, Fantasy, Fiction, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , » Comments closed

Annie’s Chair

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: June 20, 2007

No one is allowed on Annie’s chair. Her dog breaks the rule.

Descriptors: Australia, Oceania, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , » Comments closed