Book Detail

Black Potatoes

Publication Information
Author:  Bartoletti, Susan Illustrator:  
Title:  Black Potatoes Date:  2001
Publisher:  Houghton-Mifflin City:  New York
ISBN, paperback:  0-618-00271-5 ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Young Adult:   Yes
Picture:  

General Information:
Book Type(s):    nonfiction, reference

HSE Descriptor(s):    social studies

Summary:
The causes and consequences of the Irish potato famine are examined, using individual portraits and anecdotes. Archival photographs, a map of the counties of Ireland, a bibliography, and a timeline complement the text.

Teaching Ideas:
The book makes an excellent reference for a study of Irish history and immigration in America. Teachers may want to excerpt chapters, especially those portions that features portraits of people caught up in the tragic circumstances of the potato famine. Students might want to follow a particular person through the book and write a description. The book has many resources but not a glossary. Students might want to develop one for the unusual terms and expressions. Meltzer's The Amazing Potato provides an interesting broader history of the potato.

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Government/Civics > judicial system > law/laws
bullet Hardships > survival
bullet History > time period > 19th Century
bullet Communities > rural
bullet Social Studies > sociology > social issues > immigration
bullet Geography > locations > countries > Ireland
bullet Art and Photography > art > graphic design
bullet Hardships > famine
bullet Work > unemployment
bullet Social Studies > anthropology > customs


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