Wishing you all a grand Independence Day, however you celebrate or if you do! Also, remember there's a full, super moon tonight!
Two sycamore seeds, Louise and Merwin, go on a journey when their own mother tree releases them as a fire in their forest nears. Like all of Brian Selznick's books, you need to read and "see" this story he has created with a love of our earth and years of learning. After taking us on this trip, added information about his own creation story of the book is something you'll also want to know. "Once upon a time, there were two little seeds in a very old forest. Their mama said she would give them roots and wings--roots so they'd always have a home, and wings so they would be brave enough to find it." Selznick seems to be wishing this for all of our children, for all of our earth.
My father was killed in action during the final battles to free the Philippines toward the end of World War II. He was a pilot and his plane was lost during those battles and never recovered. When I saw this book by Deborah Hopkinson, I wanted to know more details about the story of that area being overtaken so early by the Japanese, what happened in the Bataan Death March, why did it take so long for the US to return, and what about the POWs who were there most of the war, IF they manage to stay alive? Hopkinson well researches this with a specific focus on some survivors who have written their stories about that time. There are photos and timelines, links for learning more throughout the text, and resource lists. She also includes later events concerning this amazing feat carried out by Americans and Filipinos to rescue the prisoners, fearing that soon they would be massacred since the U.S. had returned to retake the Philipines. I also liked hearing how much the Filipinos helped in any way they could, even though their country had been taken and they had suffered much. Now I know so much more about why my father gave his life so others could live. It's quite an amazing story of the courage of people to fight for good.
Now Reading: Chris Baron's The Gray
First, thank you for the heads-up about the supermoon, since I didn't know that was happening!
ReplyDeleteI added Big Tree to my TBR list—I've never actually read anything by Brian Selznick, even though I get the sense his stories are incredibly unique and well-done. I love the quote you shared about roots and wings—that's beautiful!
And I appreciate you sharing about your father—it sounds like he was an incredible person to fight in that war and give his life to save others, and I'm glad his legacy lives on in you! Race Against Death sounds like a really powerful discussion of that time, and I'm glad you connected with it so much.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful reviews, Linda, and have a wonderful week!
Thanks, Max, wishing you a special week ahead, too!
DeleteI also didn't know about the full super moon. Race Against Death sounds amazing. It's neat that it helped you understand more about your father.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa, hope you'll get to see that moon tonight!
DeleteRace Against Death sounds fascinating. As a Filipino, I haven't really read much about the Bataan Death March.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to know more details, Earl, but it was very brutal what happened then & beyond. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteI certainly missed that moon. I will try not to miss these two books, they look very intriguing. I appreciate your willingness to share your personal connection to Race Against Death and the gift the book has given you to learn more about your father's service. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI missed the moon, too, but wish I hadn't, Aaron. It was too cloudy to see anything! Thank you for the kind comment! Hope your summer is going well!
DeleteI haven't read much Brian Selznick and don't know why. I will amend that shortly, thanks to your review.
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot about WWII but knew nothing about the Bataan Death March. Your father sounds like a very brave and selfless man. Thanks for sharing a bit of his story with us.
Thanks, Linda. If you want to know more, this book will show you how it went. My father was only 25, like so many in all the wars, gone too soon, and now today in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, too.
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