The books “Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry,” and “Number the Stars” are two historical fictions that share similarities are well as differences. Both novels are set in similar time periods, with Roll of Thunder (Book 1) being in 1933 and Number the Stars (Book 2) being in 1943. However, the settings themselves, Denmark and Mississippi could not be more different.
Both books have some sort of major historical event occurring. Book 1 is set during the great depression when poverty is a significant factor affecting the book’s characters. Book 2 is set during the holocaust where the people of Denmark, particularly the Jews are greatly affected by the invasion of the Nazi soldiers. Thus, in both books, some sort of event or circumstance is adversely affecting the characters. Book 1 has a lot more characters involved. The Logan family, plus the Simms, the Wallace family, T.J, L.T, Harlan Granger and much more all come together to form the story. However, in book 2, I believe that there are fewer characters.
Both books are somewhat authentic and accurate. For example, the dialects in the books reflect the time periods that are set in. This is evident in book 1 in the line, “She was tawny-colored, thin and sinewy, with delicate features in a strong-jawed face, and though almost as tall as Big Ma, she seemed somewhat dwarfed beside her” and in book 2 in the line, “Mama followed Annemarie’s eyes to the pitcher.” Specific details are described in book 2 such as not having any butter or sugar, which add to the accuracy of the historical event occurring at that time. However, I believe that Roll of Thunder may have been more accurate and realistic than Number the Stars. The afterward in Number the Stars provided background information that helped the readers to realize what was real and what was fictionalized, and a lot of it was not as accurate as I thought it would be.
In terms of themes, Book 1 and book 2 share some similarities. The books have a theme of oppression – the Logans are victims of racism and the Rosens are oppressed because of their religion and beliefs. Additionally, they share a theme of friendship and family. Cassie realizes how important relationship and people who are there for you are, and what holds friends and families together. In Book 2, Annemarie and Ellen’s friendship is highlighted through the great lengths that her and her family go through to protect the Rosens.
The tones of the books also share similarities, both being quite serious and firm for the most part. Additionally, they share similar writing styles. They main characters of the books are 9 and 10 years old, so the language used is quite simple and straightforward.
A significant difference between the texts is the point of view. In Roll of Thunder, the point of view is first person from Cassie’s perspective. Because Cassie is only 9 years old, this point of view is limiting, as we only know what Cassie knows. However, in the Number the Stars, the point of view is limited omniscient. The readers only know what Annemarie knows. However, I believe that this is done in order to keep the book age appropriate, as the details of the setting could be too much for young readers.
Both books have some sort of major historical event occurring. Book 1 is set during the great depression when poverty is a significant factor affecting the book’s characters. Book 2 is set during the holocaust where the people of Denmark, particularly the Jews are greatly affected by the invasion of the Nazi soldiers. Thus, in both books, some sort of event or circumstance is adversely affecting the characters. Book 1 has a lot more characters involved. The Logan family, plus the Simms, the Wallace family, T.J, L.T, Harlan Granger and much more all come together to form the story. However, in book 2, I believe that there are fewer characters.
Both books are somewhat authentic and accurate. For example, the dialects in the books reflect the time periods that are set in. This is evident in book 1 in the line, “She was tawny-colored, thin and sinewy, with delicate features in a strong-jawed face, and though almost as tall as Big Ma, she seemed somewhat dwarfed beside her” and in book 2 in the line, “Mama followed Annemarie’s eyes to the pitcher.” Specific details are described in book 2 such as not having any butter or sugar, which add to the accuracy of the historical event occurring at that time. However, I believe that Roll of Thunder may have been more accurate and realistic than Number the Stars. The afterward in Number the Stars provided background information that helped the readers to realize what was real and what was fictionalized, and a lot of it was not as accurate as I thought it would be.
In terms of themes, Book 1 and book 2 share some similarities. The books have a theme of oppression – the Logans are victims of racism and the Rosens are oppressed because of their religion and beliefs. Additionally, they share a theme of friendship and family. Cassie realizes how important relationship and people who are there for you are, and what holds friends and families together. In Book 2, Annemarie and Ellen’s friendship is highlighted through the great lengths that her and her family go through to protect the Rosens.
The tones of the books also share similarities, both being quite serious and firm for the most part. Additionally, they share similar writing styles. They main characters of the books are 9 and 10 years old, so the language used is quite simple and straightforward.
A significant difference between the texts is the point of view. In Roll of Thunder, the point of view is first person from Cassie’s perspective. Because Cassie is only 9 years old, this point of view is limiting, as we only know what Cassie knows. However, in the Number the Stars, the point of view is limited omniscient. The readers only know what Annemarie knows. However, I believe that this is done in order to keep the book age appropriate, as the details of the setting could be too much for young readers.
Reflection
Overall, I believe that both books are extraordinary and are great tools to use in the classroom. These books are both age appropriate for higher elementary levels, and are both engaging and educational. They are outlets to challenge views and educate students of the past. One method is to look at themes presented across the centuries and to group them by certain categories. This helps to show students the similarities they may face and how universal human experiences are, regardless of time period or location. Historical fiction can be used to address different standards in subjects such as reading, math, science and social studies.
Overall, I believe that both books are extraordinary and are great tools to use in the classroom. These books are both age appropriate for higher elementary levels, and are both engaging and educational. They are outlets to challenge views and educate students of the past. One method is to look at themes presented across the centuries and to group them by certain categories. This helps to show students the similarities they may face and how universal human experiences are, regardless of time period or location. Historical fiction can be used to address different standards in subjects such as reading, math, science and social studies.