Title: The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Author: Peter Sis
Author's Website: www.petersis.com
ISBN: 978-0-374-34701-7
Publisher: Frances Foster Books
Copyright Date: 2007
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level/Interest Age: 15-18
Awards: Horn Book, 2008. Caldecott, 2008. Booklist, 2007. School Library Journal, 2007. ALA Notable Books, 2008
Plot Summary: This book is narrated by very simple one text sentences. However, the illustrations themselves each have (what can almost be described as) a caption. This is where the real information lies – information about the influence of Western Culture, and important dates in the soviet union’s history. The story is broken up by informational timelines from Sis’s personal journal. Also breaking up the story are colorful double page spreads. This simply told story is powerful in its impact, and teenagers are sure to identify with the themes of rebellion, fear and art.
Critical Evaluation: Most of the panels are created in black and white with only one or two colored accents which help to draw in the reader’s eye. The double page spreads however, are bursting in color, one in particular illustrates two members of the Beatles playing guitar on sunny green hills with other bits and pieces of Western Culture scattered throughout: Allen Ginsberg, Harlem Globetrotters etc. Sis easily highlights the contrast between Czechoslovakia and the West just by use of color (or lack thereof).
Reader's Annotation: The true story of what life was like growing up in a communist Czechoslovakia and how America influenced Peter's life.Booktalking Ideas: Telling stories through illustration, communism, activismCritical Evaluation: Most of the panels are created in black and white with only one or two colored accents which help to draw in the reader’s eye. The double page spreads however, are bursting in color, one in particular illustrates two members of the Beatles playing guitar on sunny green hills with other bits and pieces of Western Culture scattered throughout: Allen Ginsberg, Harlem Globetrotters etc. Sis easily highlights the contrast between Czechoslovakia and the West just by use of color (or lack thereof).
Why did you include this book: This book shares some brief communist history in a unique and interesting way through text and illustrations.
Quote: "A group of guys with long hair meet in front of the National Museum and get chased by the police. When they are caught, the police pull out scissors and give them haircuts."
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