Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia. New York: Schwartz &Wade Books, 2014. 978-0-375-86782-8. 292 p. $18.99. Gr. 9-12.
The Family Romanov is a fascinating book that gives insight into the life of one of the most beloved and hated families of the early 1900s. Fleming goes back and forth between writings about Tsar Nicholas II and his family to primary source documents from peasants, who were basically starving and freezing to death. The dichotomy of the two classes was so distinct that the Russian Revolution was destined to happen. Fleming points to the Romanov’s complete obliviousness of the conditions of their people to their downfall and eventual murder. This book is so well researched. With notes, excerpts from other writings, photographs of the royal family (I’m so thankful that they had and used Kodak cameras), extensive bibliography, and an index, it is a model for students and authors regarding synthesis of information. The Family Romanov is a truly enjoyable non-fiction book that every school library should have in their collection.
This book is fabulous to use for students studying Russian History. It gives the perspective of the peasants as well as that of the Romanov Family. There are lots of primary source documents used throughout the text, which will help students gain better understanding regarding the outbreak of the Russian Revolution.
947.08; Russian History Kathy Gilbride, North Pocono MS and HS
Perspectives on Diseases and Disorders (series). Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2014. $42.10 ea. Gr. 10-12.
Gillard, Arthur, Ed. Food Allergies. 116 p. 616.97. 978-0-7377-6354-6
Langwith, Jacqueline, Ed. Sports Injuries. 135 p. 617.1. 978-0-7377-6358-4
As doctors learn more information about different diseases and disorders that information then becomes available to consumers. For the new information to be user-friendly, it must be presented in a basic manner for the masses to understand. Two new additions to the Perspectives on Disease and Disorders series from Greenhaven Press have straightforward text which is very easy to understand. The books are very clear and concise in their explanations of different types of injuries or allergies. The books give a chronology, including predictions regarding where future research will take us, and include diagrams, photographs, fast facts and treatment options along with a glossary, index, and a list for further reading.
Health classes do a project on diseases in our high school. I have found these books circulate a great deal at that time. A student may want to use them for more information about their health.
616.97/617.1 Health Kathy Gilbride, North Pocono MS and HS
Contemporary Lives (set 4). Minneapolis: ABDO, 2015. 112p. $23.95 ea. Gr. 5-8.
Anderson, Jennifer. Miley Cyrus: Pop Princess. 978-1-62403-544-9.
Burling, Alexis. Pharrell Williams: Grammy-Winning Singer, Songwriter & Producer. 978-1-62403-549-4.
Cummings, Judy D. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis: Grammy-Winning Hip-Hop Duo. 978-1-62403-545-6.
Lusted, Amidan Marcia. Blake Shelton: Country Singer & TV Personality. 978-1-62403-547-0.
Owings, Lisa. Katy Perry: Chart-Topping Superstar. 978-1-62403-546-3.
Watson, Stephanie. Keith Urban: Award-Winning Country Star. 978-1-62403-548-7.
This is a continuation of the series Contemporary Lives, which documents the lives of people who influence present day culture. The initial set was published in 2012. After reading the book on Katy Perry, I had much more insight in to her life. There were quotes from her, and quotes by others about her which gave me perspective about how she views herself and how others view her. Large type, lots of pictures, and interesting facts will give it wide audience appeal. There was a waiting list for it in my library when Grade 7 was doing their biography project. The book contains a timeline, fact sheet, award list, glossary, additional resources, places to visit, source notes by chapter and an index.
This could be used to introduce biographies at a young age (grade 6). Our students do a biography project in grade 7, and it was used a great deal then. Primary use would be to find out more information about the highlighted individual.
Biography Kathy Gilbride, North Poconos MS and HS