Description
Through a series of historical recollections and vibrant discussions that take the reader on a marvelous adventure through key moments in the US 20th century (scraping by during the Depression, enlisting in the Navy during World War Two, organizing and participating in the Civil Rights Movement), Sophie learns to celebrate her grandfather's fascinating life while coping with his fatal illness. Along the way, our inquisitive sixth-grade reader is also introduced to some of history’s and life’s more somber sides: Japanese American internment (via Sophie's best friend, a Japanese-American named Jimmy Yamashiro); the short-fallings of civil rights (via Sophie's Aunt Sherry who works as an immigration lawyer); and being entrusted with an adult truth, despite the associated difficulty and pain (when Sophie is told of her grandfather's imminent death). Ideally, The Bread and Butter is to be used as part of a unit on US 20th century history for a pre- and early-adolescent audience that has recently learned to see beyond the simplified black-and-white characteristic of younger age groups. Nevertheless, the book does stand alone and can serve as a home read.
The Bread and Butter
