Reviews by Category: Nonfiction

Teen Review Jun 20, 2019

Dreamland tells the tale of America's opiate epidemic in a way that feels as though you are hearing it firsthand; it weaves the stories of addicts and activists alike into a novel that is enticing and shocking. Quinones writes a novel that shows the behind the scenes of an epidemic that hits close to the heart of many Americans, yet he tells it in a way that takes you on an adventure rather than a report.

Teen Review

The Electric War

By Mike Winchell

Rated by
Sarjoun F from BV YA Lit Council
May 16, 2019

In The Electric War, readers dive into the initial application of electricity in late 19th century America and the substantial struggle that sprung from it. A decade-long conflict is waged on the effectiveness, danger, and control of direct and alternating current. Great minds such as George Westinghouse, Nikola Tesla, and Thomas Edison utilize their knowledge and prowess of electricity to compete in the race of lighting the world. 

Teen Review
We Are Here to Stay by Susan Kuklin

We Are Here To Stay

By Susan Kuklin

Rated by
Shivali P from BV YA Lit Council
May 9, 2019

This book encompasses the stories of multiple teens who made the journey to America through hardships and struggles in order to live a better life for themselves and their families. The book is written in first person and through short stories that allow the reader to get to know the subjects of the story and from the mouths of the immigrants themselves, without influencing the reader to think a certain way about the issue. I think that the cover was really powerful because It draws the attention directly to the title, which is ultimately the message of the book.

Teen Review

Very, Very, Very Dreadful: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918

By Robert Marrin

Rated by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Aug 8, 2018

Everyone knows about the Black Plague in Europe during the Middle Ages. But not everyone knows about the 1918 influenza pandemic. It was the worst virus that ever struck mankind. Not even the Black Death comes close to the number of lives it took. No war, natural disaster, or famine has ever claimed so many people. From 1918 to 1919, one third of the global population (500 million) became infected, with an estimated 100 million deaths. This book chronicles the cause and impact of this deadly virus throughout history.

Teen Review

The 57 Bus

By Dashka Slater
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by Chris K.
Jul 23, 2018

What labels define you? Which boxes contain you? No middle ground. No grey. Keep it simple. Describe yourself with categories. Binaries. Either-ors. Extremes.

Once you tell me, do I know you?

Or do you want to say, "Wait, that's not really me. I'm much more complicated and nuanced than that. Those are mere ideas. I'm a person."?

Teen Review

No Better Friend

By Robert Weintraub

Rated by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Jul 10, 2018

This book tells the extraordinary story of survival and friendship between a man and his dog during war. This is the story of the dog Judy, the only official prisoner of war in World War ll. It details how she and flight technician Frank Williams met in a POW internment camp in the Pacific theater. Their story of an unbreakable bond during the worst circumstances is one of the great undiscovered stories during the war.

Teen Review

Misunderstood: Why the Humble Rat May Be Your Best Pet Ever

By Rachel Toor

Rated by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Jun 1, 2018

This book serves as both a moving memoir about the author’s relationship with her pet rat and a brilliant nonfiction book about domesticated rats in general. This book blends history and science with stories of  interesting people while at the same time sets the record straight on this amazing animal. Readers will come away with a deep appreciation and a better understanding of rats. You might even be convinced to adopt a rat after reading this wonderful book. Highly recommended for people afraid of rats!

Teen Review

Maus

By Art Spiegelman

Rated by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Mar 27, 2018

This book tells the story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist trying to come to terms with his father’s story and the death of his mother. This book follows the story of his father’s experiences in Poland and Auschwitz, as well as that of his entire family. It tells of the romance between his father and mother during this time and their struggles to stay together despite the circumstances. This book shows the relationship between the author and his father throughout. This graphic novel portrays the Jews as mice and the Nazis as cats during the Holocaust.

Teen Review

How To Fake A Moon Landing

By Darryl Cunningham

Rated by
Olivia from Leawood Pioneer Library YAAC
Mar 5, 2018

This book was written to build a case for critical thinking and the scientific process. It explores homeopathy, chiropractic principles, vaccination naysayers, and deniers of evolution and climate change. The author uses a mix of his own drawings and photographs to demonstrate science denial. He sheds light on how conspiracy theories and strange beliefs get started. He also explains how large corporations manipulate data to their own advantage.

Teen Review

Elena Vanishing

By Elena Dunkle
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Sophie from Shawnee Library YAAC
Jul 23, 2015

Elena has been struggling since a young age, shutting people out and retreating into herself. By 17, she is diagnosed with anorexia and is continually in and out of treatment centers. This is about her journey, the ups and the downs of her eating disorder.

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