The Oklahoma City Bombing was such a formative event in my childhood that it interests me to see how it is presented as an historical event. Especially how it's done in a way appropriate for even young children. The key here is that Barton doesn't go into details and doesn't put the central focus on the bombing itself. The bombing is presented as a life changing event. A single moment that changed everything. We get a very brief summary to the effect of "a bomb exploded and many people died". The main focus of the text is on the trauma experienced by people and the efforts made to recover. And on the element I'd never heard of: the tree. The tree that became a symbol of resilience. The tree that they cultivate seedlings from to hand out at the memorial and transport to sites of other disasters. Barton's narrative is gentle enough for young children and could be of great benefit to any young person experiencing grief or loss.
More information: All of a Sudden and Forever releases February 4.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley
No comments:
Post a Comment