Review: 1968

1968: Today's Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change

edited by Marc Aronson & Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 11, 2018

A historical nonfiction anthology might not be for everyone, but if that sounds just as intriguing to you as it did to me, you’re sure to love 1968: TODAY'S AUTHORS EXPLORE A YEAR OF REBELLION, REVOLUTION, AND CHANGE. Edited by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartletti, 1968 explores its titular year through the lenses of just about everyone. A man reflecting on his youth in Southern California. A Southern woman recalling how she broke free of her family’s racism. A young Chinese American researching the effects of Mao’s regime, and the true nature of the Red Guard. 

If you’re interested in history beyond the facts and dates and memorizable tidbits, reading an anthology like 1968 is a real treat. It gives you insight into more than just the landmark events of the year; rather, it showcases what it was really like to live through it. Experiences varied vastly— depending on age, location, race— but 1968 does its best to highlight this, providing multiple perspectives.

Each story is riveting in itself, and I hope you’ll enjoy catching a glimpse into what life was like in 1968. CW for violence.

Review: Beck

Beck
by Mal Peet and Meg Rosoff

Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: April 11, 2017

BECK, by Meg Rosoff and Mal Peet, is a story that follows the life of a boy named Beck, an orphan who is shipped from England to Canada and escapes to America, where he struggles to make a life for himself. The story takes place in the early 1900s which is intriguing to me because I am a bit of a history buff. I liked the character development and the side characters. I also enjoyed the book's realistic nature and how it is unique, as it deals with an interesting journey; I have not really read anything similar to this. I would recommend this book to older audiences, as in high schoolers, because there are some intense scenes that are not really appropriate for younger kids. However, I really enjoyed the book and definitely think it is worth reading.