Author: Eve Bunting
Illustrator: David Diaz
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Age Level: Upper Elementary
Rating: 3.5 stars
Eve Bunting’s Smoky Night is considered to be a controversial read for children of young ages. The narrator is a racially ambiguous boy watching rioting from his window; a violent and painful scene. After escaping his home from a fire set by rioters, he leaves his cat, which is a problematic issue that continues throughout the story. The narrator describes seeing a dead man with no arms, which in my opinion is much to harsh for young readers. Characters Mrs. Kim and Danielle later bond through the tragedy of both losing their cats, although they had once disliked one another due to racial differences. They found comfort in their shared misery during this tragic time, and set aside their differences while facing the bigger issues at hand.
Although I believe this story to be quite harsh and intense for young children, the message that it ultimately sends is important for young readers. It provides diversity and friendships formed between various people and races that were previously on bad terms. The illustrations are ideal for the chaotic and violent scene of the story, with harsh edges in the drawings and photographed borders created through textured mixed media. The images are dark and daunting in color, setting the mood for the story as a whole. David Diaz’s artwork supports Bunting’s words from start to finish.
This book may not be suitable in my future classroom, because it is seen as highly controversial. I personally would not choose to read aloud or have students read a story that involves a young boy seeing a dead man with no arms. I think there are more suitable choices for the classroom, however I understand the author's message and find this book to teach a good lesson.
This book may not be suitable in my future classroom, because it is seen as highly controversial. I personally would not choose to read aloud or have students read a story that involves a young boy seeing a dead man with no arms. I think there are more suitable choices for the classroom, however I understand the author's message and find this book to teach a good lesson.
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