Illusive by Emily-Lloyd Jones
As an avid reader of Dystopian teen
fiction, I was happy to start my first Smackdown with Illusive. The story is set in the future after a
pharmaceutical company created a vaccine for an epidemic virus, but with
interesting side effects; a small percentage of the population developed
superhuman abilities such as mind reading, levitation, dominance, and as the main
character Ciare has – the ability to blend in and manipulate her
surroundings. There were 2 choices for
these affllicted, join the Feds or become a criminal.
I did find myself getting lost in the story
as it is compelling and full of action. I liked the main character and felt
sense of empathy as her history comes to light.
In a few places, I did find myself being annoyed the fallout of her actions, as she
continued to make poor decisions and put herself and others in danger, but then upon
reflection, I realized that she is a teenage orphan and she is behaving exactly
as a teenager would act, making poor decisions and trying to do everything on
their own.
There is a lot of potential for the
storyline to continue, but you are left with a sense of the book being finished
with a satisfying ending. I would
recommend to division 3 and 4 students, as the content is exciting and edgy
enough, without being sexually inappropriate.
Great discussion could be had around if you would choose to work for the
government and be controlled, or be free but as the life of a criminal. The criminal life is not glamorized, and the
reader develops empathy for the characters afflicted with the side effects of
the virus and creates a lot of potential for discussion about government control,
good vs. evil and right vs. wrong.
Port Chicago 50 Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
Port Chicago 50 is an interesting non-fiction read. It is the true account of the segregated naval base of Port Chicago in World War II. Black men were allowed to join the navy, but weren't allowed to be on a ship, be armed or in any combat. Port Chicago was an explosives loading base that was one of the only places the navy would place their black naval soldiers. The men were untrained in handling these highly explosive cargo, but were pushed to work harder and faster to keep up with quotas. After a huge explosion destroyed the docks and killed many men, over 200 refused to go back to work until their safety concerns were addressed. After punishment, direct orders, and threats from superior officers, many went back to work, but 50 men remained.
Through interviews with many of the men who survived the explosion and with many of the 50 who were jailed and faced execution, prejudices are unveiled that I was unaware of, and insight into government policy and how the actions and consequences of these 50 men refusing to work changed history for black Americans.
Although a little dry and repetitive at times, I was intrigued because it is a true story. Whenever I read about the prejudice and discrimination black citizens faced in this century, I am always appalled, but relieved we have come so far in the last 50 years. It is a good book, but if I look at this through the lens of a teacher and recommending books to kids, Illusive gets my vote as it would appeal to a wider audience of readers.
Port Chicago 50 Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
Port Chicago 50 is an interesting non-fiction read. It is the true account of the segregated naval base of Port Chicago in World War II. Black men were allowed to join the navy, but weren't allowed to be on a ship, be armed or in any combat. Port Chicago was an explosives loading base that was one of the only places the navy would place their black naval soldiers. The men were untrained in handling these highly explosive cargo, but were pushed to work harder and faster to keep up with quotas. After a huge explosion destroyed the docks and killed many men, over 200 refused to go back to work until their safety concerns were addressed. After punishment, direct orders, and threats from superior officers, many went back to work, but 50 men remained.
Through interviews with many of the men who survived the explosion and with many of the 50 who were jailed and faced execution, prejudices are unveiled that I was unaware of, and insight into government policy and how the actions and consequences of these 50 men refusing to work changed history for black Americans.
Although a little dry and repetitive at times, I was intrigued because it is a true story. Whenever I read about the prejudice and discrimination black citizens faced in this century, I am always appalled, but relieved we have come so far in the last 50 years. It is a good book, but if I look at this through the lens of a teacher and recommending books to kids, Illusive gets my vote as it would appeal to a wider audience of readers.
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