Our Wildwood, Winter 2019, Volume 44

BOOK SHELF by Michelle Simon, Head Librarian Middle and Upper School

PART OF BEING INFORMATION LITERATE IS HAVING THE SKILL TO LOCATE RELIABLE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT ONE’S CLAIMS. Wildwood students from the Pods (K-1) to Senior Institute (11-12) learn to consistently use evidence from texts to think critically and support their ideas. Even our youngest learners can read about a character with a hat on and then infer from a picture of a character with a hat on in a crowd that he is the one referred in the text. In this edition of Book Shelf, see how middle and upper students use evidence to support their ideas when reading texts in our curriculum.

GATHERING BLUE by Lois Lowry Reviewed by Mary Z. 6th Grade

DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE by Isabel Allende

Reviewed by Lily H. 10th Grader

Prompt: How does Gathering Blue connect to the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities? In Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry, there are many examples of inequalities in the village. First, women weren’t allowed to do most of the things men are able to do. Women aren’t allowed to read and write, and they aren’t allowed to hunt. Kira says to Thomas, “You can write and read?” (pg. 98). Kira is shocked that Thomas is allowed to read and write because she was never

Prompt: Discuss how the author characterizes the American experience. Select and analyze a passage that contains a compelling quote that you think addresses this.

In Isabel Allende’s Daughter of Fortune, the author characterizes the American experience as one of great hardship, racial tension, and suffering through her displaying of the misfortune that plagued the Chinese immigrant community and the poor treatment afflicted upon working women throughout the Gold Rush. While the novel covers the experiences of many ethnic groups, nearly none suffered so intensely as the Chinese immigrants did during this time. Though most came to America seeking work or even a fortune, they were often subjected to much more harassment and pain than any person deserves. This is most clearly conveyed through Tao Chi’en’s reflection on the development of the new official state of California and his experience during the Gold Rush. Tao reflects, “... he was living in a paradise of greedy, materialistic, and impatient people whose obsession was to get rich quick. There was no food for the spirit; instead, violence and ignorance prospered. All other evils derived from those, he was convinced … he was shocked by the standards of behavior and the impunity of crime. Such a place was destined to choke in the muck of its own vices, he maintained. He had lost hope of finding in America the peace he so desired …” (pg. 319). Though Tao initially describes America as a sort of “paradise,” He quickly turns on his opinion as he details the vices that have befallen the country.

taught. For another example, in the Council Edifice, there is running water and residents can take baths and clean themselves with water from a faucet. However, in the village and the fen, there is no running water or plumbing; the people only have access to the water from the river. Kira wonders, “Why must

people live like this?” (pgs. 177-178). In conclusion, Lowry explores inequalities in her novel Gathering Blue, and it helps the reader understand these issues in real life.

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OWW WINTER 2019