Detained and Interrogated

April 1, 2020

Gr 4-8-Readers learn about specific people and events from U.S. history through two styles: a straight narrative and a fictionalized, reader's theater exchange. A historical summary of events and a list of characters open this series. The characters, who are based on real people, interact using fictionalized dialogue in two sections labeled Acts I and II. Repeated sidebars introduce individual and governmental shortcomings related to the highlighted subject. Critical thinking activities and recommended books, specific to each title, are in the back matter. There is no bibliography. The color and black-and-white photographs are credited but not captioned, which thwarts further learning. The fictionalized dialogue and some of the narrative sequences, while clearly written, can be choppy, sensationalistic, or misleading at times. VERDICT Each title is a dynamic presentation of historical information, suited for libraries that support drama programs.

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 With a blend of traditional nonfiction passages, fast facts, and scripted scenes, the Behind the Curtain series (8 new titles) introduces readers to tumultuous and prejudiced historical events in American history while encouraging engagement and participation. An opening note in each volume explains how Reader's Theater can reinforce learning by improving reading skills and working as a bridge to more complex works, and the ensuing fictionalized scenes serve as each book's foundation. Detained and Interrogated zeroes in on the unfair treatment that Chinese people received at the Angel Island Immigration Station in the early 1900s. In addition to the extended dramatic scenes that involve both real and fictionalized people, each volume contains back matter featuring a time line to help readers parse the factual from the fictional, as well as discussion prompts. A solid jumping-off point.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)