Read Up! - 3 Award Winning Books, 3 Valuable Lessons

Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin

 (Source: http://stevesheinkin.com/books/bomb/)

In contrast to the majority of our previously introduced books that are works of fiction, Bomb is a nonfiction book that details the development of nuclear weapons. Whilst nonfiction books can sometimes be perceived to be lacking in suspense, multiple book reviewers have characterised Bomb as a nonfiction book that is as exciting as a spy thriller - a nonfiction book teenagers would love to pick up. The way the author skillfully presents the facts makes it a thrilling page-turner.

The book not only brings a thrilling story to life, it makes the complex issue of nuclear weapons easily understandable. Besides detailing the scientific story of how the nuclear weapon was invented from research to actual construction, the book has elaborated on the historical and political significance of nuclear weapons in a concise and coherent manner. It is also a heavy topic for children from an emotional perspective, with regards to the role of nuclear bombs in World War II. The multiple facets of nuclear weapons are intertwined in a complex manner, but Sheinkin’s masterpiece offers a good starting point to understanding this complex issue.

Bomb educates kids on the topic of weapons of mass destruction, an important topic in international security, and a major - if not the biggest - threat to world peace. This is also a topic that has important relevance to current affairs. Given the current tension elicited by North Korea through its determination to develop nuclear weapons, we have entered a new age of heightening tension and emerging insecurity. It is in our kids’ best interests to foster a new generation of peace advocates by helping them learn about weapons that can be so detrimental to world peace.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

 (Source: http://theoneandonlyivan.com/book/)

This book is all about helping children think about animal rights. Zoos and theme-parks are familiar places to many children - a lot of children enjoy learning about and observing animals in these environments, but have they ever considered whether the animals are happy in captivity?

Applegate’s book is inspired by the real life of a gorilla named Ivan who was held in indoor captivity continuously for 27 years - an excruciating experience for gorillas that are used to living in natural habitats. Ivan the gorilla protagonist in the book lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He has forgotten about his roots in the jungle where he lived a life full of freedom, and has grown accustomed to being kept in captivity. His peer, an elephant named Stella, thinks the opposite. Just before Stella passes away, she asks Ivan to help Ruby, a baby elephant whom Stella had been tasked with teaching circus tricks. Stella wants Ivan to help Ruby escape from her brutal captivity, since Ruby has been subjected to abuse from the mall’s owners. Ivan’s attempt to get Ruby out reminds him of the freedom he once had, and further strengthens his will in the adventure to get both Ruby and himself free from the humans’ cruel treatment. 

Observing animals brings immense educational benefits to children. Some animal display facilities are established with good intentions, but animal rights and welfare should not be neglected even with all the good educational intentions. This moving book will surely tug at the heartstrings of your children, and is a good start to helping them understand animal rights.

Paperboy by Vince Vawter

 (Souce: https://www.amazon.com/Paperboy-Vince-Vawter/dp/0385742444)

Paperboy touches on a speech impediment that is prevalent among children. It is especially worth noting that Paperboy is a semi-autobiographical book of the author - almost all struggles have been experienced by the author himself!

A kid called Lil’ Man, a natural lover of language who is very good at writing, has stuttered all his life and cannot produce coherent speech. Shy as he is, he agreed to take over his best friend’s job as a paperboy delivering newspapers to doorsteps, during which he was forced to talk to strangers. During his encounters he interacted with people who had their own problems to handle, and opened up his secluded world. In understanding others’ struggles, Lil’ Man learned to see his own problems from different perspectives. Paperboy is not only phenomenal in detailing the loneliness of a teen struggling with a speech impediment, but the book also teaches children to understand different people’s struggles as a way to gain more perspectives on their own problems. Moreover, by experiencing difficulties vicariously through reading about the struggles of someone with a speech impediment, children will learn to be empathetic towards people who face different challenges.

Bomb and Paperboy are available in Swindon Books, while The One and Only Ivan is available in Bookazine.

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