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Memory v Life
School Library Journal Battle of the Books, Round 3, Match 2. Drawing from Memory v Life: An Exploded Diagram. Judge: Ron Koertge
Once again, Life goes up against an illustrated work!
But first: I may have a new favorite Battle post, because Koertge’s crowd sources from the track. No, really.
In discussing Drawing From Memory, Koertge notes what wasn’t included in the book. “But , man, as far as the story goes he is really reined in. How did he eat? Did he go shopping and cook for himself?” This is actually a fairly radical observation, because is it criticism of the text as it is (the book should have more!) or is it wanting the text to be something that it was not (a more detailed autobiography).
When it comes down to it, what Koertge likes is the details of life, and, well, that is what Life gives him: “As I walk, I think how much I admire Allen Say’s talent and how glad I am that his life turned out so well. But I don’t feel close to him. I like to really know the characters in books. I like to ride around in cars with them, eat dinner with them, sleep in their spare rooms and poke around in their medicine cabinets.”
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Meanwhile, under the “all about me” section of the post, really? Even all the guys at the track are in love with Life?
Aside from that, each time Life has gone up against an illustrated book for a younger audience. I wonder what will happen with the final round, when it’s more a text versus text battle?
Filed under: Reviews
About Elizabeth Burns
Looking for a place to talk about young adult books? Pull up a chair, have a cup of tea, and let's chat. I am a New Jersey librarian. My opinions do not reflect those of my employer, SLJ, YALSA, or anyone else. On Twitter I'm @LizB; my email is lizzy.burns@gmail.com.
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