Jerry Stanley, with a Ph.D. in history, is uniquely qualified to write nonfiction. His own childhood experience, where he was told by a school counselor that he was �too dumb to finish school,� drew him to the plight of the Okie children. (Random House) The accuracy and credibility of the account are supported by the bibliography, acknowledgments, and note about the author. Stanley avoids stereotypes, and shows that not all people oppressed the Okies. He is careful to explain that although the term �Okie� was initially a term of ridicule, the immigrants later identified it with their �pride, courage, and a determination to accept hardship without showing weakness.� He uses the term himself throughout the book. He is objective in his presentation, and realistically portrays the impact of the school on its student body. �Stanley makes it clear that successes weren't universal (though by the time the school closed non-Okies were clamoring for admission), but notes the later successes of many Okie graduates.� (Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 1992)
The book�s organization makes it especially accessible to readers. A titled table of contents, introduction, afterword, and alphabetical index make it appropriate for research purposes. The book is richly illustrated with captioned photographs that extend the text. It provides adequate background and coverage of the topic, and is written in a style, and on a level, that is appropriate for its audience. �After providing this thorough, sympathetic context of their plight, he zeroes in on the residents of Weedpatch Camp, one of several farm-labor camps built by the federal government.� (School Library Journal, November 1, 1992) It will undoubtedly pique the interest of some readers and invite exploration of the subject in more depth.
Children of the Dust Bowl meets many of the six guidelines to consider when selecting nonfiction to teach social studies. (Bamford, p. 133) Ample information about the conditions that created the Dust Bowl are provided as background information. Big ideas like tolerance, self-respect, and courage are presented, and supported by a lucid, captivating narrative. Vivid descriptions are augmented by evocative photographs and supported by an authoritative bibliography. Examples of people facing social problems and effecting positive change serve to inspire the reader with a sense of hope for the future. �The story is inspiring and disturbing, and Stanley has recorded the details with passion and dignity.� (Booklist, September 1, 1992)
Sources
Bamford, Rosemary A., and Janice V. Kristo. 2003. Making facts come alive: Choosing & using nonfiction literature K-8. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc.
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 12 April 2005.
Random House, Inc. 2004. Teachers at Random. Available from http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/authors/results.pperl?
authorid=29499. Accessed 12 April 2005.
Relevant Sites
Spotlight on Jerry Stanley
Hang With the Authors: Jerry Stanley
PBS Surviving the Dust Bowl
Voices From the Dust Bowl
Awards
NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
Jefferson Cup Award
Spur Awards
FOCAL Award
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY