December is here and so is a new genre- Memoir! Genre of the month is brought to you by Ms. Gilpatrick and Ms. Corriveau.
What is a memoir?
A memoir is a nonfiction, first-person narrative about important parts of the author’s life. Authors use memoirs to retell parts of their life story, relaying their experiences and emotions.
Why should you try reading a memoir?
Memoirs give you the chance to experience the world through someone else’s eyes. Memoirs can be emotionally moving in a way that other types of nonfiction cannot. They truly offer the best of both worlds: narrative structure & real-life impact!
Memoirs to try:
I am Malala
By Malala Yousafzai & Patricia McCormick
Malala was just 15 years old when she was shot in the head by the Taliban. When she awoke in England with no memory of what happened to her in Pakistan, Malala realized one thing: The shot meant to silence her would only strengthen her. Determined, Malala continued her fight for girls’ education and human rights, making sure her voice was heard around the world. I am Malala is her story, a powerful reminder of how, in her words: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”
Free Lunch
By Rex Ogle
Growing up, Rex has more to worry about than the average kid: what will be left in the cabinets for him to eat, when his mom will decide to make a scene in the grocery store, and what will happen if his classmates hear he’s in the free lunch program. On top of trying to hide his family’s poverty, Rex is often left in charge of caring for his 2-year-old brother. Despite his hunger and hardships, Rex manages to find hope and persevere through adversity. If you want a book that’s realistic, funny, and brutally honest, you’ll appreciate this compelling memoir!
The Boy on the Wooden Box
By Leon Leyson
When the Nazi soldiers began to invade his home country of Poland, 10-year-old Leon Leyson had no way of knowing the horrors that were to come. All he knew was that his life was changing day by day, one tragic event after the other. Forced into cruel, inhumane concentration camps, young Leon managed to survive, thanks in part to one clever, courageous man: Oskar Schindler. Written by the youngest survivor on Schindler’s list, this memoir tells a heartbreaking, inspiring story of survival against all odds.
Check out a memoir from the library today!