My choice for my Historical Fiction book is Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse.
Summary: Fourteen year old Joe has only one thing on his mind and that is being able to visit one of the most amazing places for a young boy at his age, Coney Island. However, his parents have just embarked on a new business that keeps young Joe and the rest of his family very busy. His father has gone from being a candy story owner (which he was able to run with the help of his mother) to a skyrocketing new business that will change the entire families lives forever. Joe's parents immigrated from Russia during a time of hardship and social injustices to live in a Jewish community in Brooklyn, NY. Joe's extended family has also come to America and bring stories of their own to tell.
This book has multiple themes going on all throughout the story. Joe experiences falling in love, falling out of love, growing from a boy playing street ball to a young man who feels he has to step up occasionally for his family business, and all the time longing to be able to go to Coney Island. Another theme throughout the book is that of the street children that aren't as lucky in life as Joe. They have to live under the Brooklyn Bridge at night, joining alliances to fend of the Radiant Boy, a ghost that represents death and terrorizes the homeless children.
APA Citation: Hesse, K. (2008). Brooklyn bridge. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends.
One read alike: If you like this book, you might also like to read The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Two discussion questions: What do you see as other possible outcomes for Joe's life? Give two examples of how things could have been different for him and his family?
What were some of the motives behind Joe being so negative about his father's new business? Write a short paragraph highlighting the instances that Joe spoke negatively about being in the teddy bear business.
Karen Hesse is a pro at historical fiction. It sounds like this story has a lot to interest readers besides the historic setting, just as a good book should: immigrant story, Jewish life, and some real life characters. Sounds like a great read for kids.
ReplyDeleteThe book you chose sounds really interesting. It has a variety of themes to "hook" almost any reader. The idea of a family dealing with changes in their lives is a theme a lot of children can relate to.
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