Shattered

"War is not healthy for children and other living things."
Jennifer Armstrong

In her book Shattered, Jennifer Armstong weaves a collection of fictional short stories about war with non-fictional news-worthy information that runs along the bottom of each page like ticker-tape.  Shattered portrays war's destructive effects on children and teens through characters involved directly in the fighting, as innocent by-standers in school or community, or as next-generation victims. The book is introduced with a photo of a young "commando" girl, who appears to be about 11 years old, holding a machine gun almost as big as herself. In the background, youngsters are seen in rank and file formation, apparently in training for fighting. The image is chilling.
I think Shattered is appropriate for all YAL age groups. It would be helpful when you are teaching a war unit to help students understand that war affects everyone.
Nancy

Comments

[Karen Stearns]

This sounds great Nancy. How did you happen to pick it up? I know you sometimes get recs from your daughter? Do bring it for book club next week. KES

[Nancy Korba]

I picked it up because the photo of a sad looking girl with big eyes on the cover tore a hole in my heart. I thought the title was intriguing as well. And, when I thumbed through and read a story, I felt chills tingling up my spine. Unfortunately, I took it back to the library (my library late fines this semester are accumulating quickly.)
Nancy