CULTURE: arts & leisure
|
||
loner’s classic, the novel Desert Solitaire was
written by environmentalist and rebellious soul,
Edward RECOMMENDED BY Elissa Freeman, Grade 7 & 8th reading/language arts, High Desert Middle School, Bend. |
||
his compelling narrative is based on historical events that occurred in the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1960.” The Mirabal sisters, code named “las mariposas” (the butterflies), were instrumental in the movement to overthrow the dictatorship and were ruthlessly murdered in a government sanctioned ambush as they drove home from visiting their jailed husbands. The novel, which blends fact and fiction, tells the story of their growing up and how they became involved in the underground. Alvarez weaves together the sisters’ stories of oppression and ultimately relates the heroism of four women. RECOMMENDED BY Marieka Peterson, Grades 2 and 3, Highland Elementary School, Bend. |
||
eo Borlock, narrator and student at Mica High School, is bewildered and fascinated by a new student who calls herself Stargirl. Previously home-schooled and still carefree, Stargirl manages to immediately stir up things at Mica High with her unconventional behavior. She serenades unsuspecting students with “Happy Birthday” on her ukulele, carries a pet rat, and cheers for the opposing and home teams. Leo struggles with her individuality, yet years later, he realizes the impact she had on him and everyone else at Mica High. The story chronicles both nonconformity and the social pressures of the teenage culture when being like everyone else is of the utmost importance. Written for young adults, the story will appeal to readers of all ages. RECOMMENDED BY Melissa Morris Grade 8 language arts/ social studies, Sky View Middle School, Bend. |
||
