The topic I chose was the Boston Tea Party, since I had just taught it to my students. Wood's book gave a much more in-depth study of the situation surrounding it than the Hakim text had done. I learned why the East India company was given the right to be the sole tea-sellers in the Colonies and how that added to the Colonists' fear of England's rule.
I think that Hakim's book serves a different purpose than Wood's. Hakim's is more of an overview of important events and is designed to whet the appetite of reluctant or disinterested history students. Wood's book is not nearly as entertaining, but seems to provide a deeper look into the situations that surrounded the big events in the American Revolution.
I'm glad you recognized the different audiences - Hakim is intended as an elementary text/children's book while Wood's is intended as popular history for adults. I'm hoping that you will discover that deeper look at the American Revolution during our institute than a textbook can provide. I want to make history complicated for you!
ReplyDeleteI found myself wanting to read Hakim. I found myself wanting to get through Wood. I agree with what you said about a more relunctant reader possibly enjoying the style of Hakim. I do agree that the history buff may get more value out of Wood. Both authors are good at what they are trying to portray. I believe each as a different set of readers in mind.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that Wood's book gives a deeper version of historical events. I think that it would be more suited for a mature reader, as a younger student would find it much more difficult to comprehend. I found myself losing focus as I was reading it. Hakim is definitely more entertaining!
ReplyDeleteI guess being a first grade teacher is why I prefer Hakim over Wood as a resource for my students. It definitely is geared to a younger audience and that is why I favor Hakim. I can appreciate Wood's writing because it can add to the factual information that Hakim may not have added to the text.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Hakim wrote her book to serve a different purpose than Wood did. I think we have all discovered that Hakim's book can hold the interest of our students. I really like how she describes each setting and the character of whom she is writing about. I can use all my senses while reading her book. This may leave our students wanting more factual information to read Woods book.
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