Nonfiction- "The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain"

Bibliography

Sís, Peter. The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2007.

Plot Summary

In this biography, Peter Sís takes the reader through his experiences of growing up in Soviet controlled Berlin throughout the Cold War.  Sís shares the restrictions and freedoms that he was denied through text and illustrations.  For instance, he could only read and draw what he was told to and had to report any of his parents’ anti-communist sentiments to the authorities. 

Critical Analysis

The style of this biography is well suited for younger readers.  The illustrations accompanied by captions explain the circumstances he faced growing up in Communist Berlin.  Sís acts as the narrator and writes simple sentences that address how he personally was affected during this turbulent time.   For the most part, the illustrations are black and white with red accents representing the Communist influence.  Some pages are filled with color to express happier times when restrictions were lifted.  The Wall is an incredible resource to teach younger readers what life was like in Berlin during the Cold War.  Sís even includes dated entries from his personal journal throughout the book to help the reader better understand the implications on the people based on what was happening. 

Awards Won and Review Excerpts

The Robert F. Sibert Winner
Caldecott Honor Book

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail, this book shares the artist's specific heritage while connecting to universal longings.”

BOOKLIST: "But this will certainly grab teens—who will grasp both the history and the passionate, youthful rebellions against authority."

Connections

The Wall would fit in well with a social studies unit on Communism or The Cold War.  Students could write their own biography based on their real-life experiences. 
Students could keep a journal for a set period of time and include world events and news as well as the events of their daily life.  The students could show how the happenings in the world affect their personal lives.