Product Description
I'M STAYING WITH MY BOYS... is a first-hand look inside the life of one of the greatest heroes of the greatest generation. Sgt. John Basilone was lauded by General Douglas MacArthur as ...A ONE MAN ARMY and awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic defense of a vital airfield early in World War 2. It was the turning point of the war and Basilones foxhole was the site of the turning point in that battle. Distinctive among military biographies, the story is narrated by Sgt. Basilone himself allowing readers to experience the development of Johnny Basilone, the aimless youth, into Gunnery Sergeant MANILA JOHN Basilone, the clear-eyed warrior, undefeated light-heavyweight boxer and nationally revered war hero. This publication is the only family-authorized biography. The story is woven with surprising personal details such as Sgt. Basilones uncanny premonitions. Three times he confided to his family unlikely visions of his future. All three times the visions came to pass - including the final one that foretold his death. In spite of his final revelation, and true to his unwavering dedication to his men, he returned to battle and was killed on the beach at Iwo Jima - an emotional true story
Customer Reviews:
A MUST READ ! ! !.......2005-09-15
My friend loaned me this book to read and I must say that it gave me a new found appreciation of what those men and women did for us in WWII. This book was very easy to read, and should be included in the curriculum of every Recent American History course taught in High School or College. I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of this book. I have already purchased a copy for myself after reading my friends copy.
It sounds so prophetic.......2005-01-26
He knew he was going to die, and he just kept on fighting. He never abandoned his marines and thats just what he should have done. Its how the writer makes this so real that is so inspiring, not that his deeds werent great, but there have probably been thousands who have done just what he did, they just werent famous. But overall this is a good book. I like how it takes us to a time when being "patriotic" didnt get us arrested or sued.
A must read.......2005-01-06
Wonderfully moving and well written insight into a true American hero. It is a must read for all patriotic Americans and almost a responsiblity for us all to be aware of one of the US Marine's best.
Excellent.......2004-10-25
If you are interested in a personal story of WWII, then this is an excellent book. Rather than getting into the details of the conflicts this book focuses on the personal story of John Basilone - one of the handful of true American Heroes from WWII.
Written in the first person with an ample dose of personal details from his family, this book truly brings Manilla John back to life for many. I've been studying WWII for only 10 years and have read my share of the technical assessments of the important battles in WWII. This book stands out in my mind because it puts the reader in touch with the qualities of America's best young men and women of the 1940's; selflessness, courage, a supreme sense of duty, and in Basilon's case, a supreme sense of destiny.
Highly recommended for anyone with a passing interest in WWII, or for anyone who wants to learn about what made America's young people "tick" 60 years ago.
An Extraordinary Biography and Full Frontal View of War.......2004-08-28
Author and Film Producer Jim Prosser has created a richly detailed, raptly written, devastatingly powerful book about the life of American War hero John Basilone. This book is especially pungent at this time in history because it revives a lost tradition of the country's view of maritime heroism. Since the atrocities of the Vietnam mistake to the present harrowing details of a similar (or worse) war in Iraq the concept of war is now very much in a negative light. Even the words 'war hero' seem an oxymoron, so strident are the feelings about America's latest aggressions. But to appreciate this fine book requires a return to the mindset of the US during World War II when not only was Europe under the vile threat of Hitler and Mussolini, but the Japanese warriors were annihilating China, Korea, and ultimately the Philippines in the mission to own the Pacific Ocean. And even in those early years the threat seemed frightening but distant until the Japanese successfully decimate the US Pacific Fleet on December 7, 1941. That incident unified the country, creating a fighting force and support system at home that eventually resulted in the defeat of the massive evil outside the borders of the USA.
Given that atmosphere of over a half century ago, author Proser has created one of the most convincing portraits of a military hero in literature. And the intensively researched and detailed approach results in a biography that fully restores the ambience of WW II. John Basilone was a nice Italian boy form Raritan, New Jersey, a lad who quit school to follow his recurring visions. He caddied for Japanese businessmen at a country club, seeing in his prophetic mind that at some day he would be at war with Japan. After trying multiple jobs he finally enlists in the Army, makes the best of boot camp by gambling and boxing, and is shipped to the Philippines where he spent time waiting, boxing (becoming a champion nicknamed Manila John), running a little bar with his Island sweetheart, and finally returning home. Frustrated once again with the boredom of work and the embarrassment of not having finished his education, Basilone finally returns to the military by signing on with the USMC, trains hard at Quantico, Cuba, and other US training camp swamps, and finally is shipped to Guadalcanal where his brilliance and dedication to his commanding officer ("Chesty" Puller) through one of the most devastating battles in the Pacific arena earned him not only the respect of his men, but also the Medal of Honor - the highest commendation offered by his country. Returning home form this mission he ride the waves of adulation form the American people, hobnobs with movies stars, sells War Bonds, and falls in love, only to be shipped out once again to the Pacific where he is killed in action in the battle for Iwo Jima.
The amazing (that is, ONE of the amazing) aspect of this book is that Proser has elected to write it in the first person of John Basilone. Everything is told as Basilone perceives it, lives, feels, and survives it. Rarely has a story been written with such clarity and perception: we truly feel that Basilone has written his memoirs. The language of the period is exactly right, the descriptions of the various battles and conditions of being a soldier under tremendously adverse conditions are vivid, and the soldiers' mentality of being in the thick of war are written with such bulls-eye focus that no matter what the reader's opinion of War might be, this book makes it all understandable form the point of view of the soldiers who fought. Some of the battle passages are tough to read: "On October 23, a light tank and infantry attack across the mouth of the Matanikau ran right into the teeth of Vandegrift's defenses. It was chewed up in short order with over 600 Japs killed, many of them trapped in a jungle clearing where US tanks just drove over them instead of wasting ammunition. They ground the poor bastards up like sausage under the tank treads until the entire clearing was covered in gore and left to rot in the sun." And a soldier's impressions: "We all heard a lot about the bravery of the Japanese soldier before we got on the island. They were supposed to be the most fearless warriors ever to fight. But I kept thinking what kind of bravery it was that sent them, one after the other, right into the same guns that mowed down dozens before them. I don't know if that was bravery. I don't know what it was. Either they were crazy or they just didn't care. So I didn't care either. They weren't even men anymore. They were dumb animals who wanted me dead and had killed all my friends."
Proser very cleverly weaves snippets of Iwo Jima from the opening of the book to its finish, which in an act of brilliance makes the whole story more pungent in retrospect. There is little doubt the Sgt. John Basilone was an extraordinary soldier and military hero along with the thousands of others who lost their lives in the incomprehensibly vast WW II. I think this is a very important book that everyone should read, and I say that as a pacifist, as a Vietnam Veteran convinced that war on any level is simply not an option. This book is vastly important, well written, and contains a story and moment of history we all should face and incorporate. And perhaps then we can all better empathize with soldiers form throughout history to the very present. Recommended without reservation!
Average customer rating:
- Glad school required this one
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- a good book for people who like sad and dramatic books
- On My Honor
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On My Honor
Marion Dane Bauer
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Tuck Everlasting
ASIN: 0440466334
Release Date: 1987-09-01 |
Book Description
Joel dares his best friend, Tony, to a swimming race in a dangerous river. Both boys jump in, but when Joel reaches the sandbar, he finds Tony has vanished. How can he face their parents and the terrible truth?
Customer Reviews:
Glad school required this one.......2007-06-08
On My Honor is a required summer reading book for all the 5th graders in my son's school. Naturally, I wanted to read it first...especially with the sensitive topic of a child's death. The book is well written and fairly easy for 11 year olds to read. As he reads, my son will talk about the story and I can really see he's thinking about things in a more mature manner. We've enjoyed the fantasy books and had a lot of fun reading them and speculating what it would be like to be a wizard or muggle...but this book was the first to lead to a discussion about real life and real possibilities.
Great Lesson.......2007-04-27
I teach 5th grade and this is a great book that teaches about the effects that our actions have not only on us, but others. Quick read, and the kids really understand it's theme.
A Sad Yet Soulful Story.......2007-04-04
I Do not recommend this book because of the characters, the lack of a clear objective and the ending, that left me depressed and unsettled. Joel was one of the characters that bothered me. I didn't like the way he handled the situation when his friend died. The way he waited before telling anyone, and they way he acted angry at his parents and the Zabrinskys for no reason at all bothered me a lot. " `Joel', She said, `are you sure you've told us everything you know?' `About what?' he demanded roughly as if he didn't understand what she meant." Another thing I disliked about the book was, there wasn't a clear plot or objective to the story. After Tony's death, the rest of the book was basically about Joel trying to tell someone about it. I found that very boring. The last thing that left a discontented feeling in my mind was the ending. By the middle of the book, I was very sad, and by the end of the book, that feeling never went away. After Tony's death I found that there was no silver lining, or feel of hope at the end. This left me unhappy. The story just sort of cut off, leaving you sad and a little confused. Those were some key reasons I do not recommend the book On My Honor.
a good book for people who like sad and dramatic books.......2007-03-29
I recommend this book to people who like sad books. Joel was faced with many tragedies, which made this book very dramatic. I learned to always tell the truth because it makes life a lot easier. People who like sad dramatic books would like this book. The book was very sad. I connected to Joel, and how his friends do crazy things.
On My Honor.......2007-03-29
On My Honor
Compared to other books On my Honor is one of the best. On my Honor is a fabulous book written by Marion Dane Bauer. Toney and Joel are relatable the main characters because of how realistic and interesting they are. Every time they went to the Vermillion River which is where the book was mostly at, it made me have a tingle all the way from my long hair on my head to my little toes.
It all started when Tony and Joel were begging with plead to their parents if they could got to the park. Joel was first he thought a moment of what his dad would say and decided to ask. "Dad!! Dad!!" He called, his father replied with a exasperate sigh with a yes after it. They asked if they could go to the park and his dad talked a while to Joel and finally he said he could go. Next it was Tony. He father said yes too!
They were on there way up to the park and they got really hot so the decided to go for a swim. At the time they were mad at each other and Joel said "I bet I can bet you out to that sandbar!" And so they raced! They started off and they were nose to nose. Joel gained great speed and got to the sandbar first. He yelled it out so Tony could hear, and when he turned to see where he was, and he about fell over because Tony had vanished! He found a guy driving long and Joel and the boy had looked a while and gave up!
Well if you want to head more of the spine chilling mind tingling book then you will have to read this awesome book!!!
By Bailey
Book Description
Hans Zeiger may represent the hope for the future. He is not the typical postmodern young twenty something. You don't see his type portrayed on The Real World on MTV. But he isn't alone. He is part of a movement that is alive and well-and thriving.
Nineteen-year-old Hans is a Boy Scout. More specifically, he is an Eagle Scout. And he is tired of the attack on the Boy Scouts by those who would like to see it assimilated into the politically correct culture that dominates many of our nation's institutions. Get Off My Honor! analyzes a half-century of events leading up to the present struggle for the soul of the Boy Scouts. Hans shows how those who wish to destroy the scouts are attacking it for what it represents at its core-Christian values. With biting commentary, Zeiger paints a picture in which the Boy Scouts have been spat upon and cursed by its critics. Groups as diverse as the United Way, ecumenical church denominations, unions, educational and medical organiztions, judges, members of the Clinton administration, and left-wing activists have labeled the Boy Scouts as bigots and homophobes. Hans Zeiger is ready to let the world know the truth about scouting and the truth behind those who wish to destroy it.
Customer Reviews:
His Passion counts for Something.......2007-09-23
Ah-haha-ha...Ollie North wrote the forward. I guess it's true, the Scout Oath and Law say nothing about "Honest."
I love the Boy Scouts. In high school I chose scouting over other extracurricular activities. I didn't letter in football or baseball; I earned my Eagle Scout award.
The Boy Scouts should be allowed to do what they want, but so should its critics. If the Boy Scouts can discriminate against homosexuals, bisexuals, and atheists, then Americans can discriminate against Scouting. The emotional assaults by each side illustrates the need for courtesy (a point of the Scout Law).
I can only hope that over time, the Boy Scouts will change its policy. BTW...could you imagine if the Boy Scouts hadn't changed their racial policies?
While an scout, author needs to do better research.......2007-06-06
First off, while I am a long time scout and scouter, and do not like how some groups have been attacking the BSA, I don't fully agree with the author.
One glaring issue I have with the book is that the author needs to do better research. Too often he used second/third hand works instead of going to the source. If you're going to quote B-P, read his works and cite them, not someone else who quotes him from another source. I also saw several area in which the author is not knowledgable about something (he is very ignorant of the originals of Girl Scouts/Girl Guides) and should have done his home work.
Honesty Is Not Relative.......2007-04-27
While not quite eloquent Hans clearly follows the various California courts that the led to the Supreme Court decision giving control of Scouting to the leadership in Scouting.
Being a Democrat and involved in Scouting I sympathize with many of the issues that Mr. Zeiger deals with. The Scout Troop that my son is involved with has come to the determination that males that are attracted to males cannot go off alone with boys, whether Scout leaders or other Scouts. As a liberal though I am not alone... at an even lower level Michael Moore states in Dude, Where's My Country? that "pre-marital" sex is "more than probably wrong." So why can't an organization exist that 'puts on hold' kids exposure to sexuality until they are 18? Though obviously very conservative Mr. Zeiger makes his point that this is about the right to be different and that being honest from all sides of the fence should not be relative to what you "wish" to see happen.
This book is a short and fairly well written read, especially from a 19 year old.
Bigot.......2007-03-09
His name alone reflects 1940's Germany. Enough of pretend social values. This Christian right has hijacked this county. The fact is the BSA has changed and it's not for the good. This kid is far from the truth and speaks with such hate. Open your eyes people.... Organizations for children who only get moral values from Christian philosophy
Must read for any Scout Leader.......2007-01-10
Excellent collection on the current issues facing America's longest
standing youth organization. The research alone by Zieger is worthy
of any award.
Average customer rating:
- kcs shirts
- "If you love someone, you have to try things even if they don't make sense to anyone else"
- My class really enjoyed Al Capone...
- Al Capone Does My Pants Is Super
- Al Copone Does My Shirts
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Al Capone Does My Shirts (Newbery Honor Book)
Gennifer Choldenko
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
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ASIN: 0399238611 |
Book Description
Moose Flannagan moves with his family to Alcatraz so his dad can work as a prison guard and his sister, Natalie, can attend a special school. But Natalie has autism, and when she's denied admittance to the school, the stark setting of Alcatraz begins to unravel the tenuous coping mechanisms Moose's family has used for dealing with her disorder.
When Moose meets Piper, the cute daughter of the Warden, he knows right off she's trouble. But she's also strangely irresistible. All Moose wants to do is protect Natalie, live up to his parents' expectations, and stay out of trouble. But on Alcatraz, trouble is never very far away.
Set in 1935, when guards actually lived on Alcatraz Island with their families, Choldenko's second novel brings humor to the complexities of family dynamics and illuminates the real struggle of a kid trying to free himself from the “good boy” stance he's taken his whole life.
Customer Reviews:
kcs shirts.......2007-10-05
Moose Flanagan, he is a 12 years old boy, he is a kind person compared to the kids of Alcatraz some are trained well because there children of the gaurds and he loves baseball. Moose was forced to live here because of his mother and his dad he is one of the gaurds there too. Moose gets scared his first night because he never knows when a murderer might show up. The island of Alcatraz is not where you want to live because that is where all the worst of the worst go like murderers and full on gangsters that will kill you no matter what. So Moose has to fit in at this island, not be tricked by this girl Piper, and keep his young and imature sister out of danger. I thought this book was intresting. i would recommend this book to middle schoolers or people who like out door books or who likes reading. I learned how it is to have a younger sister.
"If you love someone, you have to try things even if they don't make sense to anyone else".......2007-07-28
Moose Flanagan and his family arrive on Alcatraz Island in 1935 so his father Cam can work as an electrician and guard at the prison and his sister Natalie can have a chance to attend a "special" school for children with Autism. At the time it's not called Autism, but that is what the reader of today is lead to believe. Moose is caught in the middle of Piper the wardens daughters' schemes and her mad drive to meet Al Capone and his mothers desperate need to get Natalie into the only school that can help her. Moose is the only one that can really reach Natalie and the decisions and realities that the family has to face can just be too much for a 12 year old boy. Maybe Al Capone is his only option.
My class really enjoyed Al Capone..........2007-06-28
I used this book in a three week summer school course with eighth graders. I needed a high interest but easy to read novel to catch their interest. AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS was a great choice! They found the setting of Alcatraz very interesting, and they really loved the well-developed characters, especially Moose and Natalie. There are many, many teacher resources for this novel available on the internet. Using ideas from the internet and adding my own personal material, the unit was very easy to plan and carry out. The students wrote daily journal responses to questions relating to various aspects of the book (ideas for prompts are available on Scholastic's web site).
We did some background study which I think added to the students' enjoyment and understanding of the novel. We watched a biography of Al Capone, and we did an internet scavenger hunt to research two topics: Alcatraz and Autism. Doing this early on helped provide context for the students.
The characters in AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS are probably the most interesting aspect of the book. My students seemed particularly fascinated by how Natalie, the main character's sister who has autism, changes and develops through the story. They could really relate to a lot of the things the protagonist (Moose) goes through, even though he lives on Alcatraz in 1935. To me, that's the power of a great book -- it contains themes that are universal. I would highly recommend this book for middle school students, whether it be as a group study or individual reading. It has a great ending too!
Al Capone Does My Pants Is Super.......2007-05-24
Al Capone Does My Shirts
I liked this book because it has some comedy and it talks about what some kids would actually do because it is a real place.
Other kids might like this book because they might want to learn a little bit of history or they might want to laugh. If you like cliffhangers you will really enjoy this book.
The book had a lot of cliffhangers and thought provoking scenes. It also talks about Alcatraz Island.
This book tells how Moose's dad gets a job on Alcatraz Island as a prison guard. This book also tells how Moose and his friends try to get Moose's sister, in to a private school called the Esther P. Marinoff.
Al Copone Does My Shirts.......2007-05-22
I loved the book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes comedy/history books. I liked the book because I thought it was funny and entertaining.
Someone else might like the book because you learn about convicts that lived on Alcatraz. Someone else might also like it because you learn a little about autism in this book.
The book had a lot of facts about Alcatraz. The book was funny at times but at others it wasn't. You should read this book because it is funny, entertaining, and educational.
Average customer rating:
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On My Honor: Lesbians Reflect on Their Scouting Experience
Manufacturer: Madwoman Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1886231028 |
Customer Reviews:
Entertaining Reassurance.......1999-01-10
This is a wonderful book of personal stories and entertaining anecdotal pieces such as 'All I really need to know about being a Lesbian I learned at girl scout camp.' From a personal perspective this book was a gentle re-assurance that I and my circle of lesbian girl scout friends are not alone. This book underlines a belief that I have always had, that the lesbian connection is a spiritual one foremost and a sexual one as a result. There is such a warmth,bonding, and level of oneness that you can feel with a woman, that for me has never been possible with a man, despite my own 11 year marriage. I discovered this "lesbian connection" while being a counselor at a girl scout camp and fell in love with another wife/mother much like myself. Our love bloomed quite naturally and a year later we were both divorced and living a completeness we never knew existed. It was then that it was revealed to us that there were several others like us - in our own council. They sensed what was happening with us, stood back and let the journey take it's course. This book is a gentle and sincere voice that needs to be heard all across America in GS Councils everwhere.
Book Description
"I emptied my secret money box, arranged the coins in piles and the piles in rows . . ." The market is full of wonderful things, but Saruni is saving his precious coins for a red and blue bicycle. How happy he will be when he can help his mother carry heavy loads to market on his very own bicycle-and how disappointed he is to discover that he hasn't saved nearly enough! Determination and generosity are at the heart of this satisfying tale, set in Tanzania and illustrated with glowing watercolors that capture the warmth of Saruni's family and the excitement of market day.
Customer Reviews:
An exceptional tale of selflessness.......2007-09-27
The young boy in this story shows exceptional selflessness and a touching concern for his mother's well-being when his dream is to get a bicycle so that he can help her carry their load of goods to market. Truly a wonderful storyline.
The illustrations are superb; not only do they accurately depict village life, but they are simply beautiful in their own right, and convey the emotion of the text, for example, the look on the father's face as the boy falls off the bicycle.
The familial love in this story is extraordinary, without being the least bit saccharine. A gem.
Beautiful Pictures and Storyline.......2000-04-04
This book is so beautifully illustrated and written. The story line of saving money for a desired purchase (a red and blue bike), took me back to my own childhood. Readers can feel the child's disappointment over not having enough money. As a wonderful addition, the child wants to save for a bike in order to help his mother carry her heavy loads. This was a truly enjoyable read.
Book Description
One night young Amada overhears her parents whisper of moving from Mexico to Los Angeles where greater opportunity awaits. As she and her family journey north, Amada records in her diary her fears, hopes, and dreams for their lives in the United States. Amada learns that with her family’s love and a belief in herself, she can make any journey and triumph over any change — here, there, anywhere.
Customer Reviews:
Family/Familia.......2006-09-24
This is the second beautifully illustrated picture book yet again in both English and Spanish by Amada Irma Perez which paints a very interesting point of view about the differences between boys and girls. Boys find excitement in every aspect of moving to the USA while Amada worries about money, a place to live, her friends and whether she will be able to learn English.
She worries about everything and remembers all details because she is diligently writing it all down in her journals. She writes about a brief mention in a letter her father wrote about Caesar Chavez which means a lot more in this day and age because who knew then what we know now about this wonderful man.
This book made me want to know more about this wonderful family and how everything turned out for them. This book is not just for Spanish speaking readers but a wonderful book for all new immigrants. A must read.
Good, but terribly inconsistent.......2004-04-23
Amada is moving to from Mexico to America with her family. Such a move might be enough to worry any child, but Amada feels alone in her fear and worry. Her brothers, after all, don't seem to find anything problematic with the plan, and her parents are as prepared as they can be. Packing up and moving in with their relatives until their green cards come through, Amada's father searches for work and she writes her adventures in her diary. The book tells her story both in Spanish and in English, making it the perfect way to introduce a multitude of people to a single text.
Author Amada Irma Perez has based this tale on her own experiences growing up. Like the protagonist she moved to America when she was a young girl, and the trip and relocation ultimately made her a stronger person. Perez is to be commended for this story. Because this is a children's book, it cannot directly tackle the worst aspects of immigrant life. Instead, it gently alludes to the myriad of problems awaiting the newest American citizens.
The book has many wonderful aspects, but there are a few inconsistencies I had trouble getting past. At one moment, Amada receives a letter from her father who is toiling in the fields of California. He says that a man named Cesar Chavez is there and that perhaps good unions will form. I love Cesar Chavez and I feel he was one of the great American heroes, but suddenly the text jars horribly with the illustrations. Up until this point, this book could have taken place today in this day and age. After all, what female child in the 1950s wore jeans all the time or, for that matter, flip flops? It's as if the illustrator decided that this book was going to be contemporary, Cesar Chavez reference or no Cesar Chavez reference. It's a blemish on what is otherwise a very well put together book.
Despite the Chavez allusion, I would recommend this book as a look on the current Mexican immigrant life and lifestyle. A great story for those kids who read English, and those that read Spanish. Anyone who peruses this story will instantly connect with the characters and their plight, making this a tale that needs to be told to little ones again and again and again.
Beautiful book.......2003-12-02
Beautiful illustrations and very compelling story. Great that it is bilingual and very useful for families who are soon to be or in the process of moving.
Customer Reviews:
insightful collection well worth reading .......2006-05-10
An inisightful collection of personal accounts of SS men serving in the armed formations of the SS. Well worth reading for those interested in World War Two in general or the armed branch of the SS in peticular.
I for one found descriptions of encouters with American soldiers fascinating.
In The Long Run We Will Know The Truth.......2004-07-11
As A son from a former radioman in a Panthertank from the 5th Wiking Panzerdivison Waffen-SS I was informed by my father about the discrepancies in the stories about WW2 and more specific about the Waffen SS. He served in Russia from 1941 until his surrender to the Americans in Austria and his biography that he left me tells the same story as all the other soldiers in this book. One of them, Jan Munk, beeing a friend of my father untill my father died in 2003.
For me it was enlightning to read these stories and place them in the same context as the story of my father. I grew up, torn apart between the history lessons on school and the stories of my dad. Everything looked so black and white in the opinion of most people and if you look deeper you will see that the world is not black and white but mostly gray. Black and white are on the far ends of a large field of gray. More and more people discover the truth about the Waffen SS, for instance the website www.waffen-ss.nl where you can find facts and figures of this legendary army part and where I found the title of this book under the subject Bad Tölz.
Fianlly, the SS in an objective view and in their own words.......2002-06-16
This was a well done peicing together of the history of the SS, its roots in both poltical and socio-economic facets of german society and its evolution as told through the eyes of the members of the SS themselves. It was done tastefully, objectively, and with an emphasis on provider the reader with a look into their lives as soldiers, nothing more.
An outstanding collection of personal accounts........2001-09-07
Though somewhat choppy in places, this book provides an interesting glimpse into the very controversal Waffen-SS. Through the recollections of Waffen-SS vets, the author paints a broad, but somewhat shallow, of life in this organization. Further, and perhaps most interesting, is the inclusion of a section on the war crimes committed by some Waffen-SS groups. It's interesting to hear what the men who served in this organization think of such atrocities. Somewhat expensive, but an excellent and informative book.
Very Good.......2001-03-14
This book was a good peice of work in explaining the true SS soldier. The stories of the SS men themselfs. A great peice of WW2 literature without the allied wartime propaganda or the postwar victor's twisted facts and exaggerations. A good journalistic point of view on the facts. With the bulk of the book being handed to the men who were there. Every side of the war committed war crimes, this does does mean every man did. But these stories are just like listening to your grandfather's incredible stories. A great read for those who are intelligent enough to read a book that isnt slanted into the Victor's edited historical fact.
Average customer rating:
- Great book for adults and teens
- syp
- Trenton's Review
- An American Living in South Korea
- Is This Really How Life Was?
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When My Name Was Keoko (Jane Addams Honor Book (Awards))
Linda Sue Park
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0618133356 |
Amazon.com
Inspired by her own family's stories of living in South Korea during the Japanese occupation in the years preceding World War II, Newbery Medal-winning author Linda Sue Park chronicles the compelling story of two siblings, 10-year-old Sun-hee and 13-year-old Tae-yul, and their battle to maintain their identity and dignity during one of Korea's most difficult and turbulent times. In alternating first-person chapters, they relate their family's troubles under the strict fascist regime. The Kim family is stripped of their cultural symbols, only permitted to learn Japanese history and language, and forced to convert their names to Japanese. Sun-hee, now Keoko, struggles to reconcile her Korean home life with her Japanese school and friends, while Tae-yul, now Nobuo, attempts to convert his growing anger into a more positive passion for flight and airplanes. Both are worried for their uncle, whom they discover is printing an underground Korean resistance paper. When Sun-hee inadvertently puts her uncle's life in danger, she sets in motion a chain of events that results in her brother volunteering as a pilot for the Japanese near the end of WWII. While Sun-hee and her parents wait in breathless uncertainty to hear from Tae-yul, the war rushes to a close, leaving Korea's destiny hanging in the balance. This well-researched historical novel is accompanied by a thoughtful author's note that explains what happened to Korea and families like the Kims after WWII and a bibliography to entice interested young readers into learning more about a topic largely unknown to American audiences. (Ages 10 to 14) --Jennifer Hubert
Book Description
Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul, live in Korea with their parents. Because Korea is under Japanese occupation, the children study Japanese and speak it at school. Their own language, their flag, the folktales Uncle tells themeven their namesare all part of the Korean culture that is now forbidden. When World War II comes to Korea, Sun-hee is surprised that the Japanese expect their Korean subjects to fight on their side. But the greatest shock of all comes when Tae-yul enlists in the Japanese army in an attempt to protect Uncle, who is suspected of aiding the Korean resistance. Sun-hee stays behind, entrusted with the life-and-death secrets of a family at war.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for adults and teens.......2007-04-10
This is a beautiful and powerful book that every adolescent girl and boy should read. I especially loved the way Park weaves Keoko's coming-of-age story in a way that honored traditional Korean values. It would have been easy to use the story to disparage those values, an all too common technique these days. But Park resisted that urge and the result is a warm-hearted and endearing story that readers will not soon forget.
syp.......2006-12-04
The book "When My Name Was Keoko" by Linda Sue Park is a really good book because it teaches readers so much about a time in history alot of people don't really know about. The details in this book help in teaching readers about history without really researching. Also, even though the book is about Japanese taking control of Korea, Linda Sue Park managed to write the whole book without once insulting the Japanese. She managed to changed the theme from hate to helping our family and people all around us. This is why I think "When My Name Was Keoko" is a very good book.
Trenton's Review.......2006-10-25
This story took place during four years of WW2. Sun-Hee who was the youngest in the family was a girl so she had very little rights. But she had always wished that would change because she had very good ideas. During this book the japanese were being mean to the Koreans adn they started a rebellion. Sun-Hee's uncle was printer for the resistance newspaper. When the Japanese fouind out they went into hiding. During the war in Korea they didnt learn anything in school they only du gtrenches and made sticks into spears just in case o fa take over.
Tae-Yul didnt like building those things and he was the oldest so he went and helped build an airstrip for the japanese so he could get out of school. Then he signed up for the Army hoping he would get to fly a plane. He got his chance when he voluteered to be a kamikazee bomber. He went to a training camp and was there for 9 weeks and then he was told that he was to go on a mission. He went on a kamikazee mission but never flew the whole mission because of the weather. So his parents thought he was dead but he really wasnt. He finally came home about 2 and a half months after that happened.
An American Living in South Korea.......2006-03-08
This little book has had such a huge impact on me! Living here we Americans can get so confused on why the South Koreans are so "strange" at times. This book will give anyone an insight on how much change has taken place in this country over thousands of years. Read it and understand with an open heart and consider what our country would be like if it happened there. It will teach us to have compassion for this former underdog nation.
Is This Really How Life Was?.......2006-03-08
This book is about the life of two middle-class children who are living in Korea in the years 9140-1945. It tells the story of a girl by the name of Sun-hee which means "girl of brightness" and her older brother by the name of Tae-yul which means "great warmth." Many things happen to all of the members of there family. As the Japanese begin to gain more and more control over Korea the less people are allowed to speak and write Korean. Sun-hee and Tae-yul face many challenges, many they overcome and many they do not.
I really liked this book because you get a taste of what the Korean and Japanese think of us. You also get to learn a lot about Korean and Japanese culture and what life would be like as a child and adult, what struggles they would go through, and much more. I also liked this book because it was very powerful and it made you realize how good our lives are.
Product Description
This resource is directly related to its literature equivalent and filled with a variety of cross-curricular lessons to do before, during, and after reading the book. This reproducible book presents an exciting approach to teaching well-known literature! It includes sample plans, author information, vocabulary building ideas, cross-curriculum activities, sectional activities and quizzes, unit tests, and many ideas for culminating and extending the novel. Grade(s): 5 - 8 Pages: 48 Manufacturer: Teacher Created Resources®
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