I Had Seen Castles by Cynthia Rylant

Author: Cynthia Rylant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 8
Teach-ability: 6
Teachable Aspects: voice, story telling, historical aspects

If I had to pick a genre to be my "stretch" it would be historical fiction. I've never been drawn to the history element in books and that is probably because a.)I haven't read many and b.)it feels like I'm being forced through a history class, which is not something that I would like to do, thank you very much.

I guess I should give the genre more credit. This book was a quick, easy, entertaining read that took you alongside a soldier, John Dante--before, during and after war. Through John's eyes the reader catches a glimpse of the culture of WWII, the culture of his family-both the family he is born into and the one he acquires throughout the war. The story is one that should be reflected on. I read this quick--less than 24 hours, and because of that instead of having time to digest and think while I was reading I carry the story of John and those he loves with me, think of them after the story is completed instead of while it is still going on--it has a different effect on a story when the reflection is done this way--all at once.

I think this is a great book to recommend to a timid reader. The size of the book (97 pages) certainly makes the book more obtainable to some students that struggle with reading. The writing is lyrical and the story flows with ease. This book is also pretty teach-able along-side a history unit. In conjunction to non-fiction personal accounts of WWII from soldiers and citizens alike, this book would do well to share a great story.