Module 3 - Smoky Night

Summary:

Smoky Night was written by Eve Bunting  and illustrated by David Diaz is the story of a neighborhood that is in the middle of a race riot and the young boy, Daniel and his mother must leave their apartment along with others for safety.  As they search for safety they also learn that neighbors from different cultures are also afraid.  The bold illustrations and the use of mixed mediums created a story that was both dark but alive with fire.  The two created a story that was well illustrated to support each other.

Bibliography:

Bunting, Eve.  "Smoky Night". Houghton Mifflin and Harcourt, 1999.

My Impressions:

I loved this story of Daniel and his mother who learn that people of different cultures can share many of the same feelings.  It has an ending that is uplifting and the illustrations are both bold and dark without taking away from the story, but enhancing it.

Review:

Children's Literature


This book, the Caldecott Award winner for the year's finest illustrations, is a story of tolerance placed in the violent setting of the LA riots. The illustrations are collages that add intrigue and extend the story. Shattered glass surrounds a picture of looting; spilled multi-colored cereal accents items spilled from grocery store thieving; and plastic bags describe the senseless stealing from a dry cleaner. The young hero is confused by the chaos and frightened by fire, smashed glass, and his missing cat. His protective mother calmly explains every part of the night's madness. But it is the boy who is the agent of change when he notices how his cat has made friends with another cat; an enemy cat belonging to the Korean woman who owns the grocery down the street. The Korean woman, who had always seemed different and separate becomes a friend in the shelter during the smoky night. This book would be incredibly helpful for children who have shared the protagonist's experience. It is a meaningful book to talk about the violence that surrounds today's children. Unfortunately, I don't think its a book that will profoundly affect children over broad geographic areas or over time.

Children's Literature

Daniel and his mother are witnesses to urban riots. From his window, Daniel watches the dark streets in confusion as his mother tries to explain looting, mob anger, and neighborhood animosities. When fire makes them seek refuge in a shelter, a Korean neighbor becomes a real person and personal prejudice begins to heal. Diaz conveys the strong message by placing dramatic insets in his powerful collages.


Suggested Use:

As a story of cultural differences but similarities in fears and love is a solid story to show how people are not so different after all.  This is a great story to show how diverse people can still live in the same area and share the same feelings and understanding.

Book Cover: