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jaij7's review against another edition
4.0
I like how the author remembers his dad’s childhood. Good book.
kellymc03's review against another edition
5.0
Just enough history to start a conversation about the Great Depression and that we are lucky to have what we have- but others haven't always been so fortunate.
katiekeeler's review against another edition
5.0
Winter, J., & Root, K. B. (2011). Born and bred in the Great Depression. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.
Summary: The author paints readers a picture of what life was like during the Great Depression for his father. Work was difficult to come by, comforts of life were not always present, but his father found a way to find hope in something dismal. His contentment and joy resided in things that did not cost money.
Review: Booklist (November 15, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 6))
Grades 2-4. In this unusual picture book, Winter tells of his father’s East Texas childhood during the 1930s. The parents (the writer’s grandparents) look after their eight children in a tiny house without electricity or indoor plumbing. Grandpa Winter took any work he could get, while Grandma Winter raised food, cooked, cleaned, and milked the cow. Terrified of thunderstorms, she’d herd her children into the cellar before an approaching storm and wail with fright. Elements of the story, such as having a father who can’t find work, will resonate with children today. There’s a tinge of nostalgia to the story, in which Winter addresses his father directly, reminding him of tales he has told about his childhood. But the narrative clearly conveys a child’s-eye view of the Great Depression and offers hope for “the blue skies of better days.” Written in evocative vignettes and illustrated (using pencils, ink, and watercolors) with sensitivity to the characters’ emotions as well as their surroundings, this picture book brings the 1930s sharply into focus.
Curriculum Connection: In high school U.S. history class, students study a unit on the 1920s period and the Great Depression. This selection would be a great addition to resources that build background knowledge for students. Also, it could serve as a tool students use to teach their classmates more about the Great Depression as a part of a larger project or presentation.
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: Primary grades
Summary: The author paints readers a picture of what life was like during the Great Depression for his father. Work was difficult to come by, comforts of life were not always present, but his father found a way to find hope in something dismal. His contentment and joy resided in things that did not cost money.
Review: Booklist (November 15, 2011 (Vol. 108, No. 6))
Grades 2-4. In this unusual picture book, Winter tells of his father’s East Texas childhood during the 1930s. The parents (the writer’s grandparents) look after their eight children in a tiny house without electricity or indoor plumbing. Grandpa Winter took any work he could get, while Grandma Winter raised food, cooked, cleaned, and milked the cow. Terrified of thunderstorms, she’d herd her children into the cellar before an approaching storm and wail with fright. Elements of the story, such as having a father who can’t find work, will resonate with children today. There’s a tinge of nostalgia to the story, in which Winter addresses his father directly, reminding him of tales he has told about his childhood. But the narrative clearly conveys a child’s-eye view of the Great Depression and offers hope for “the blue skies of better days.” Written in evocative vignettes and illustrated (using pencils, ink, and watercolors) with sensitivity to the characters’ emotions as well as their surroundings, this picture book brings the 1930s sharply into focus.
Curriculum Connection: In high school U.S. history class, students study a unit on the 1920s period and the Great Depression. This selection would be a great addition to resources that build background knowledge for students. Also, it could serve as a tool students use to teach their classmates more about the Great Depression as a part of a larger project or presentation.
Genre: Nonfiction
Age: Primary grades
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
Liked both the illustrations and the message in this book about a family during the depression.
tashrow's review
Winter tells the story of his father’s childhood during the Great Depression in this historical picture book. Through the life of his father, he shows the poverty of the time. Grandpa Winter searched for work in the area, often unable to find any, which meant that there was no money to help support the family of 8 children. When he did find work, it was dirty and back-breaking labor. This is contrasted with the simple joys of childhood as Winter’s father spent time outside exploring the woods and walking the railroad tracks. The family grew most of their own food, eating lots of produce from the garden and canning excess to eat during leaner times. There was little ease in their lives, but what they could find they used. There was time as a family for music, chess and reading books. There was time to explore the natural world. This glimpse of history opens our eyes to the way we live today as well.
Winter’s words are compelling, inviting readers into the world of the Great Depression. He manages to tell the story of the poverty through a lens that children will be able to relate to. Focusing on the family life, including many people in each bed, there are definite contrasts with today’s economic problems. Winter does not romanticize the Great Depression, instead he brings it to life through the history of his own family. There is a lovely simplicity to the story that makes it all the more readable.
Root’s illustrations are done in pencil, ink and watercolor. They have a softness to them that evokes the past. The colors are subdued with the focus on telling the story through the images as well as the words. Root manages to show the Great Depression through images that are beautiful, quiet and rich.
This historical picture book celebrates strength of family and overcoming hardship. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Winter’s words are compelling, inviting readers into the world of the Great Depression. He manages to tell the story of the poverty through a lens that children will be able to relate to. Focusing on the family life, including many people in each bed, there are definite contrasts with today’s economic problems. Winter does not romanticize the Great Depression, instead he brings it to life through the history of his own family. There is a lovely simplicity to the story that makes it all the more readable.
Root’s illustrations are done in pencil, ink and watercolor. They have a softness to them that evokes the past. The colors are subdued with the focus on telling the story through the images as well as the words. Root manages to show the Great Depression through images that are beautiful, quiet and rich.
This historical picture book celebrates strength of family and overcoming hardship. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
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