Bonnie and Clyde by Karen Blumenthal

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blumenthal, K. (2018). Bonnie and Clyde: The Making of a Legend. (G. Zackman, Narrator)                             [Audiobook]. South Texas Digital Libraries https://libbyapp.com/open/loan/77425571/3900077 ISBN 978-0451471222

PLOT SUMMARY

Karen Blumenthal writes the true story of the infamous outlaw couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. This biography describes the story of these “Partners in Crime” of how they met, fell in love, and conquered the law together. Karen highlights the abuse and torture that existed in prison at the hands of the guardsmen during Clyde's incarceration, which eventually transformed him. 




CRITICAL ANALYSIS



Karen Blumenthal writes this fast-paced biography of how the legendary Bonnie and Clyde began. Clyde's time in prison only solidified his descent into criminality, a result of the abuse, torment, and injustice he and his fellow inmates endured. Clyde’s hate for the law and police grew intensely and so did his love for Bonnie, his support system. Throughout it all, Bonnie remained at his side, offering her support by committing these crimes along with him. Bonnie and Clyde were misunderstood. Clyde committed these crimes to help his fellow inmates escape from the abuse and torture in prison. And naturally Bonnie was going to help him because she truly was his “partner in crime”.



The audiobook narrator, Gabra Zackman, masterfully uses subtle and direct tones, capturing the essence of the story with direct precision. 




REVIEW EXCERPT(S)



"Blumenthal has written more than a crime narrative or a biography of the famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The book presents a social and cultural snapshot of the duo’s times"

--School Library Journal




CONNECTIONS


"Through her use of narrative nonfiction, Blumenthal builds a gripping story for readers of all ages. . .Blumenthal weaves her detailed account of history into a suspenseful tale that reads very much like a novel."

--Voya

Torpedoed by Deborah Heiligman

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Heiligman, D. (2019). Torpedoed. (M. Calin, Narrator) [Audiobook]. South Texas Digital Libraries               https://libbyapp.com/open/loan/77425571/4678491 ISBN 978-1250865779




PLOT SUMMARY



Deborah Heiligman recounts the gripping tale of the SS City of Benares, a ship carrying children from England to Canada during World War II. The ship was part of the Children’s Overseas Reception Board program, where parents sent their children in hopes of safeguarding them from the bombings of war. During the war, parents made the difficult decision to send their children to sea for safety. For many children, the journey on the ship was a remarkable experience, offering more security and adventure than their own homes, tragically it wouldn’t last long.




CRITICAL ANALYSIS



Deborah Heiligman writes this truly heart-wrenching novel based on the true story of the sinking of the ship of Benares or children’s ship. At first, Deborah beautifully describes the ship of the Benares as a “paradise” for these children. The ship was full of food, and luxuries, and they were treated like royalty, in a way it was the start of a new life for the children. Unfortunately, it is short-lived given the knowledge of the tragic fate that awaited them.



Marisa Calin’s narration allowed me to envision Benares as a “heaven-like" ship for the children, which was a little eerie. Deborah describes the brave adults as trying to ease the worries of the children and adults by assuring them “It was only a Torpedo”, as if it was nothing they haven’t seen or survived before. But tragically many children’s lives were lost that night. Ironically the parents’ intentions were for their children to be taken out of harm’s way of the war, but the war found them! As beautifully portrayed, the children were destined to be saved from the war violence at home and instead were taken on this paradise vessel where they lived on their final hours and as they make their way upon heaven. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"An exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy, and survival."

―Kirkus Reviews, starred review




"Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair . . . a must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event."

―School Library Journal, starred review




"Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime story. . . . Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record."

―Horn Book, starred review

CONNECTIONS

"A harrowing yet inspiring look at a little-covered historical event" 

―Publishers Weekly

"Heiligman explores a harrowing moment in history with clear, insightful prose." 

―Shelf Awareness

AWARDS

• YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist

• Golden Kite Award winner

• Hornbook Fanfare selection

• Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

Temple Grandin by Sy Montgomery

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Montgomery, S. & Grandin, T. (2012). Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World. (M. Mitchell, Narrator) [Audiobook]. South Texas Digital Libraries https://libbyapp.com/open/loan/77425571/861337 ISBN 978-0544339095

PLOT SUMMARY

Sy Montgomery and Temple Grandin write the true story of herself living with Autism, which takes us to the unique world of individuals living with Autism and sheds light on the different ways they perceive the world, which can be challenging for most people to understand. She is passionate about inventing practical solutions and explains how visual learning is the most effective. Additionally, she advocates for providing animals with the best possible care and humane treatment. She highlights the mistreatment of animals in slaughterhouses, emphasizing that they, like humans, experience emotions and have distinct ways of thinking. She’s an innovator by designing efficient and humane stockyards. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Temple Grandin's exceptional ability stems from her visual learning style. In many ways, her own life mirrored that of the livestock she dedicated herself to. While her father believed she was “insane and retarted” and needed to be institutionalized, her mother understood that she simply required the right support and environment. Likewise, Temple advocated for the humane treatment of livestock and developed more efficient stockyards. Her deep love for animals is what kept her grounded and ultimately became successful. I found her autobiography captivating for its candid portrayal and insight into how individuals on the autism spectrum perceive the world around them. 

Meredith Mitchell's narration captures Temple Grandin’s style and persona on point. Having a child with autism myself, I appreciated this fascinating, honest, and simply explained novel. This novel serves as a reminder for us all about acceptance, patience, and kindness.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

"Montgomery's book not only tells the powerful story of one amazing woman's life journey, but also has potential to help readers understand autistic people and animals."

--Horn Book   

"It isn't easy to describe how the mind of someone with autism works, but Montgomery's biography effectively breaks the disorder down for a younger audience while introducing the extraordinary life of activist Temple Grandin."

--Booklist 

CONNECTIONS

"Lively, well-worded narrative...For librarians who struggle to find well-written biographies of women, this is a must-buy."

--School Library Journal, starred review

AWARDS

• Notable Children’s Books

• Notable Children’s Recordings

• NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book