5 Books for Children and Youth
compiled by members of WAMM
The Bomb & the General
by Umberto Eco and illustrated by Eugenio Carmi (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Publisher, 1989)
A general in a uniform covered with gold braid decides to make war and blow up the world. Since the world and everything in it is made of atoms, and atoms explode when they are smashed, the general collects some and puts them into bombs in his attic in preparation for war. But the atoms, preferring to live in harmony, steal out of the bombs by night and hide in the cellar. So, when the general and his friends start their war, the bombs fall from the sky without harming anyone, and people use them happily as flowerpots. The general makes use of his braided uniform by becoming a hotel doorman. The art is a collage of watercolor.
A Prayer for the 21st Century
by John Marsden (Star Bright Books, 1999)
Marsden writes and illustrates in picture and poem his hopes for all of us. His prayer reveals a passion for justice and peace. Marsden's message is universal and as appropriate for adults as children.
A Soldier's Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers
by Gary Paulsen (Delacorte Press, 1998)
Out of the Vietnam War came the expression, "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" to describe the traumatic psychological effects of shocking, horrifying experiences such as war. The term used to describe the same condition during World War II was "battle fatigue." During World War I, it was "shell shock." During the Civil War, which is the setting of Paulsen's novel, it was called "soldier's heart." This novel is an account of the short life of a Minnesota farm boy named Charley Goddard, who fought in the major battles of the Civil War. Goddard died at age 23, perhaps a victim of soldier's heart. I was so impressed with the non-didactic message of the book that I bought it for Christmas gifts for all my grandsons. Written at a young adult reading level.
The Story of Lorna Loon
by Mary R. Shepard and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. 1993.
Mary Shepard has again written a well organized, in depth article for us. Only this time it is an enjoyable, endearing book for children. Looking for a gift with an environmental message? Contact WAMM. Copies of Mary's book are available for sale at the office for $8.00, plus $2.00 shipping and handling.
Why
by Nikolai Popov (North South Books, Inc., 1996)
Nikolai Popov is from a city in Russia on the banks of the river Volga. Born in 1938, he felt the impact of Nazi bombs at night and recalls his mother, grandmother, and aunt carrying him into the underground shelters. During the day, he played with his friends--sometimes playing with the shrapnel from bombs. He and his friends thought the shrapnel was beautiful, not comprehending its terrible origin until a friend picked-up one of these special treasures and it exploded, leaving Nikolai's friend disabled. That incident, plus horrible post-war images, made a deep impression on Popov, but his conscious rejection of war and violence came later, helped along by authors the likes of Tolstoy and Hemingway. He created this little children's book called Why because he felt that if children understood the senselessness of war and how easily one can be sucked into this cycle, they may become a force for peace, instead. It is a book without words, just beautiful, warm illustrations that leave adults and children with a lot to discuss.