THE WALL

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sis, Peter. 2007. THE WALL: GROWING UP BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374347018

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Sis provides readers with an intimate, inside perspective to the Iron Curtain. He powerfully communicates his message through drawings that illustrate events that happened as he grew up in Soviet ruled Czechoslovakia. While captions are provided to detail the scenes, the meaning lies in the images. Strategic use of color and font create powerful moods unifying the images. Sis’s work emphasizes the dreams that could be found in the west combined with the despair that was present in the tightly controlled east.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Based on his own experience, Sis does not use sources to aid his book. Therefore, there is no bibliography. The book is primarily comprised of important historical events. Having lived through the time, readers will appreciate the personal perspective and details Sis can give to the situation.

This nonfiction work is untraditional in structure as it relies heavily on drawings with very little text. There is a brief yet consistent storyline throughout that follows a chronological format. Although there is not a reference aid, given the style of the book, it is not necessary.

The style is highly unique yet moving. On some pages, the design can seem a little busy at times as the reader is presented with many images at once. The lack of text encourages the audience to think.

Although this book is brief with lots of illustrations, it is not appropriate for young children. They do not have the critical historical knowledge necessary to appreciate the book. As a result, they would not understand many of the messages and probably find the book quite boring.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Caldecott Honor Book
Robert F. Sibert Medal
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Throughout, terrific design dramatizes the conflict between conformity and creative freedom, often through sparing use of color; in many cases, the dominant palette of black, white, and Communist red threatens to swallow up young Peter's freely doodled, riotously colored artwork.
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Complex, multifaceted, rich in detail . . . [Sís’s] concluding visions of freedom are both poignant and exhilarating.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Lead a discussion about the Iron Curtain. Explain to the students about the USSR.
* Have students create drawings detailing historical events that happened in their lives.
* Share other books written by Peter Sis
The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin ISBN: 0374456283
Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei ISBN: 0374470278