Escalante 1

Historical Fiction Book File

Author: Robert Coles
Title: The story of Ruby Bridges
Publisher: New York Scholastic
Summary: Ruby was a young African American girl who entered a school that was
whites only
Evaluation:
Plot: Ruby was a young girl who went to a school that didnt think genuinely of her
due to the color of her skin
Believability: 9
Comment: When reading the book it reminded me of the case board v. brown
Major dramatic question: 7
Comment: The question is what will happen to Ruby as the story continues
Other Considerations: 9
Comment: The conflict that she faced was clear and to the point
Style & Language: 8
Comment: The language of each character portrayed the story very well
Pacing: 7
Comment: The pace was done well
Character: 8
Comment: Each character had their own personality even if some were
negative
Setting: 8
Comment: The setting of it being in school was a good idea
Theme: 8
Comment: The theme that I got was to stand up for yourself and to not let
anyone bring you down even if it is for the color of your skin.
Other Considerations: 8
Comment: Each character had their own mood to the issue
Is it a well-rounded piece? 9
Comment: The story line is presented well
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Overall Rating: 10
Comment: The book teaches children about how it was in the past which is
why I would recommend it

Author: Shirley Hughes

Title: Hero on a bike
Publisher: Candlewick
Summary: A boy and his sister try to do the best they can to help out when Nazi
forces try to take over
Evaluation:
Plot: A boy and sister on a bike try to save the day
Believability: 8
Comment: We have had a couple of wars and the books gives an outlook on
that
Major dramatic question: 6
Comment: The question is asked what will happen the main characters
Other Considerations: 7
Comment: The issue is clear when war begins
Style & Language: 8
Comment: The style portrays the story very well
Pacing: 8
Comment: I enjoyed the pacing within the book
Character: 8
Comment: The characters are very determined to do their part
Setting: 7
Comment: The outdoor setting portrays the war very well
Theme: 4
Comment: The theme surrounded the 3rd world war in a way
Other Considerations: 5
Comment: The tone of the characters made the story more believable
Is it a well-rounded piece? 7
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Comment: The piece itself is strong and a good read

Overall Rating: 7
Comment: I believe the story could have had better dialogue

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Title: Separate is never equal
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Summary: A family is judged by the color of their skin
Evaluation:
Plot: A family tries to fight for equality
Believability: 9
Comment: The issue is one that was in the past and till this day occurs from
time to time.
Major dramatic question: 7
Comment: The question is asked on will the family be able to be equal to
whites.
Other Considerations: 10
Comment: The issue in the book is very clear
Style & Language: 9
Comment: The style that everything is portrayed gives a strong message of
inequality
Pacing: 5
Comment: The pace is good due to information is given little by little
Character: 9
Comment: The characters each have their own belief on desegregation
Setting: 9
Comment: The setting being school and in general is a good point of view to
look at.
Theme: 9
Comment: The theme of inequality is showed very easily
Other Considerations: 8
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Comment: The tone of the story was very negative toward the family
Is it a well-rounded piece? 7
Comment: The piece itself is good except it does need to be fixed a bit due to
the stereotypes and other visual content found
Overall Rating: 8
Comment: The book is a good read but needs to be worked on.

Author: David A. Adler

Title: Dont throw it to Mo
Publisher: Penguin Group
Summary: Mo enjoys sports but although he struggles he doesnt give up
Evaluation:
Plot: Mo keeps trying his best to catch the football
Believability: 8
Comment: At one point in time we all struggle
Major dramatic question: 9
Comment: The question is asked when we see Mo struggle, will he give up?
Other Considerations: 6
Comment: Mo keeps trying but his team members dont want to give him the
ball
Style & Language: 5
Comment: The language provides for an easy read
Pacing: 8
Comment: I enjoyed the pace of the book
Character: 8
Comment: While Mo is trying his hardest his team members dont as much
Setting: 7
Comment: The football field was a good setting for the book
Theme: 10
Comment: The theme is to never give up no matter how much one struggles
to get to the top
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Other Considerations: 7
Comment: Mos effort pays off at the end
Is it a well-rounded piece? 9
Comment: The book has all the elements to a good book
Overall Rating: 10
Comment: I enjoyed the theme that the book portrays

Author: Jane Yolem

Title: The Salem Trials: An unsolved mystery from history
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Summary: A group of girls become ill and are untreated, it is then when everyone
believes they are under a spell
Evaluation:
Plot: The girls are under a spell according to the townspeople which causes a
negative outcome
Believability: 7
Comment: The story hits a difficult topic
Major dramatic question: 8
Comment: The question is what will happen to the girls
Other Considerations: 8
Comment: The issue was clear but it would have been different in current day
Style & Language: 5
Comment: The dialogue is well written
Pacing: 6
Comment: The pace found within the story allows for one to recap the story
Character: 8
Comment: Each character had their own idea on the topic but the girls do not
know what is coming their way
Setting: 6
Comment: The townspeople would normally come together to make a
decision
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Theme: 4
Comment: I didnt really understand the theme instead I just focused on the
topic
Other Considerations: 4
Comment: The tone of the group of girls was pretty depressing
Is it a well-rounded piece? 7
Comment: The elements in the book makes it a strong book itself
Overall Rating: 8
Comment: The book overall is a good read