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From: Karen L. Simonetti <karensue>
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 13:04:18 -0500
John Peters wrote that "the newspaper articles only have a superficial connection to the accompanying passage." I have another problem: the print on the newspaper articles are not always clear enough for the reader to make the connection.
I have no trouble with "superficial connection" because I buy the premise that the Trojan War is still being fought on various levels at various times in various places. I think the book is a good example of allowing the reader to bring what he knows to the reading; or trigering further interest and perspective to both the original story and contemporary history. But, in order for the text (outstanding retelling) and photographs to "work" (ie, further discussion) it would be better to read more than just the headlines.
Perhaps in addition to listing the credits for the photographs, the author could have also provided a brief background about circumstances surrounding the headline. (I'm thinking along the lines of the excellent notes at the end of DW's -Golem-.) Granted that could be an editorial headache, but if I as an adult with knowledge of these events found it frustrating not to be able to read more of the newspaper text, what does the child reader feel/get/respond to?
Anyone have any experience using this book in the classroom? Anyone know how is it circulating in public libraries? How was it for students (ie, the kids...not us, the adults)? What did kind of discussion did it trigger?
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Wed 14 May 1997 01:04:18 PM CDT
Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 13:04:18 -0500
John Peters wrote that "the newspaper articles only have a superficial connection to the accompanying passage." I have another problem: the print on the newspaper articles are not always clear enough for the reader to make the connection.
I have no trouble with "superficial connection" because I buy the premise that the Trojan War is still being fought on various levels at various times in various places. I think the book is a good example of allowing the reader to bring what he knows to the reading; or trigering further interest and perspective to both the original story and contemporary history. But, in order for the text (outstanding retelling) and photographs to "work" (ie, further discussion) it would be better to read more than just the headlines.
Perhaps in addition to listing the credits for the photographs, the author could have also provided a brief background about circumstances surrounding the headline. (I'm thinking along the lines of the excellent notes at the end of DW's -Golem-.) Granted that could be an editorial headache, but if I as an adult with knowledge of these events found it frustrating not to be able to read more of the newspaper text, what does the child reader feel/get/respond to?
Anyone have any experience using this book in the classroom? Anyone know how is it circulating in public libraries? How was it for students (ie, the kids...not us, the adults)? What did kind of discussion did it trigger?
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Wed 14 May 1997 01:04:18 PM CDT
