Marc Aronson
Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
Marc Aronson has been involved in published in many ways, however, he probably is best known for his nonfiction books. He won his first Sibert Award 11 years ago with a book about Sir Walter Ralegh (Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado, Clarion). As an editor he more recently had a hand in his first graphic novel Pedro and Me which also won a Sibert Honor. During this interview, he also mentioned Tanya Lee Stone who won a Sibert for her book Almost Astronauts (Candlewick) which was about women who couldn’t make it in space. He remarked that for a book to really be good it must be something that you personally put something of yourself into–passion was the word that he used, and all of these books reflect the writers passion. Does this mean that such a book will not go into libraries because it represents a position. No, according to Marc "as a writer one has to be fair–you can’t have passion override facts." Another book cited by Marc as worthy of mention is Phillip Hoose’s Claudett Clovin: Twice Toward Justice which won a National Book Award as well as a Sibert.
Ironically for today’s students the 1950s and 60s are history. Marc feels strongly that we have a stake in the issues of these times because we (those writing and teaching) lived through them. His passions are based on his own experience or those of his family. When he talks to kids about nonfiction he told me that it is a "tell and receive process." He reminds them that things change. For example, most adults who are parents of the students he talks to–learned that there were nine planets in our solar system. Now these adults are not so sure that Pluto is a planet. The scientists have said, no it isn’t; we are reclassifying Pluto and it is no longer considered a planet. Many books have been written about Pluto and now they all need to be revised. Nonfiction can create and ferment discussion, encouraging readers to think about and explore issues and often bring to light new facts or a different interpretation of existing facts.
Nonfiction offers great adventures for young readers; especially books with wonderful illustrations. It is the illustrations which for the most part distinguishes nonfiction books for children from those for adults. Illustration can tell so much of a story and in Marc’s role as an editor he likes to see an image on every other spread. In essence, a nonfiction book for kids is almost two books. The pictures and captions tell one story while the text tells another; however, they both convey the true story of what is happening.
Marc’s latest book is the first that he has done with his wife Marina Budhos, although each has published independently. Her book Ask Me No Questions won the inaugural James Cook Teen Book Award, making them both award winners. While in Jerusalem visiting his family (immigrants from Russia), Marc asked about his relatives who had been serfs and rose to marry into nobility. Apparently his grandfather had bought his freedom due to an invention that helped extract sugar from beets. His wife’s family roots are in India and her family migrated to Guyana in the Americas. Consequently, both sides of their respective families were involved in sugar production, but hers was from sugar cane. It raised in their minds a simple questions–how did this one product affect the lives of two families? They decided to undertake some research, and the more that they read, the more they realized that sugar was responsible for more major changes in history than any other product. The result is a book entitled Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom and Science.
The impact was worldwide and it brought people together and changed the complexion of the Caribbean and the Americas–slaves from Africa, indentured workers from India as well as the overseers from various European countries. The original production of sugar goes back in time to the 12-1400s when the Muslims first developed sugar plantations. During the second voyage of Columbus to Hispaniola, sugar cane was introduced and all too soon slavery followed. The processing of sugar as detailed in Marc’s book is truly labor intensive. At the point in time when sugar became a necessity rather than a luxury, then you had the interlocking moment when the body had a cheap source of energy–sugar with tea was cheaper than bread and beer. Now there has been a shift in the world economy. If you look at the history of sugar in the Caribbean, you learn that it was done with brutal and unending labor. Slaves died faster than they could be replaced. But in the end sugar was instrumental in bringing an end to the slave trade.
There is much more to the book as readers will discover. Marc noted that over two summers he worked with teachers on refining the story to make it useful in schools. It can be used in middle grades to discuss slavery and in upper grades that deal with world issues, economics and of course social issues such as slavery. He has also integrated songs, oral histories and archival illustrations in describing how sugar changed the world. It is certainly worthy of the accolades that it has garnered.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
For additional information about Marc Aronbson, visit his web site www.marcaronson.com
Reviews
Ain’t Nothing but a Man: My Quest to Find the Real John Henry
Scott Reynolds Nelson with Marc Aronson
In this fascinating book, Scott Reynolds Nelson tells readers how, as a child, he first became interested in unraveling the stories behind historical artifacts and determining the difference between fact and fiction. Nelson describes how he started to do research to discover whether or not railroad man John Henry was based on fact or folklore. He takes the reader through the years of research detailing how he followed the threads of obscure clues until he came to the conclusion that Henry was indeed a real man. Along the way, readers are treated to fascinating facts about the building of America’s railroads and about the men who built them. The book is liberally illustrated with photographs and drawings depicting the building of railroads. Primary source documents and song lyrics add to the book’s value. Reading this book will spark an interest in railroads and historical research. Marc Aronson outlines steps young historians should take if they wish to follow the clues and solve historical mysteries themselves. This book would be useful as an introduction to historical research or in a unit on African Americans. Recommended. 2008, National Geographic Society, 64pp., $18.95 hc. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Ann M.G. Gray (Library Media Connection, January 2008).
ISBN: 9781426300004
ISBN: 9781426300011
For Boys Only: The Biggest, Baddest Book Ever
Marc Aronson
In the style of Dangerous Book for Boys, Newquist and Sibert Medal winner Aronson have brought together a collection of curiosities, wonders, recreation, and miscellany sure to match at least some of the interests of its intended audience–BOYS. From topics such as "Fear Factor: American’s Scariest Amusement Park Rides" to "The Two Most Horrifying, Hideous, and Disgusting Creatures in the World" to "Things to Remember Your Whole Life," readers indulge their curiosities and gather tidbits and tricks to share with friends. Rating: Excellent. Reading Level: Primary; Intermediate. Category: Informational books. 2007, Feiwel and Friends, 157 p., $14.95. © 2002, Brigham Young University. Reviewer: Marsha D. Broadway (Childrens Book and Play Review, March/April 2008 (Vol. 28, No. 4)).
ISBN: 9780312377069
ISBN: 0312377061
If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge
Marc Aronson
Working with chief archaeologist of the Riverside Project, Mike Parker Pearson, the author discusses the often-serendipitous nature of scientific discovery. This book does not deal with questions about how Stonehenge was built, but rather with understanding why it was built. The conventional wisdom–that it served as a temple–was turned on its head when an archaeologist from Madagascar was brought in to look at the site, and he suggested that it was a place to honor and assist the transit of the dead. Having studied a similar culture on Madagascar where the people built magnificent edifices of stone for the dead while living in humble wooden structures, Ramilisonina caused archaeologists to look at Stonehenge–and its surroundings–in a totally new way, leading to monumental discoveries of adjacent sites that fit with this new theory. The science of archaeology has advanced greatly in the last couple of decades and some of the earlier data that had been puzzling those studying Stonehenge turned out to be miscalculations by earlier scientists. Wonderful photographs of people as well as places, and abundant supplementary information in the form of chronologies, brief biographies of relevant archaeologists, and suggestions for further reading and research are plusses here. But perhaps the book’s most unique contribution are these ideas: science often advances by stops and starts; new knowledge is often as much the result of imagination and inspiration as hard detailed fact gathering; and there is always something new to learn. 2010, National Geographic Society, Ages 7 to 14, $17.95. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D. (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9781426305993
ISBN: 9781426306006
The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independence
Marc Aronson
The more things change, the more they stay the same. While relishing the sheer physical beauty of Aronson’s refreshing take on the American Revolution, one cannot help but be cognizant of the similarities to the global shenanigans of the twenty-first century. Aronson broadens the conventional view of the stirrings of revolt by the colonists with his carefully researched "transnational" theory of history. Treachery against the Native Americans, wrangling in India over control of the East India Company, the reality of slaveholders chafing at the increasingly tight reins of England, wealthy men on the verge of financial ruin who try to cut their losses at the expense of their stockholders, civil disobedience that escalates as the colonists realize independence is not a choice, but a necessity-Aronson brings it all into rich colorful play here. This book provides provocative fodder for classroom discussion, from the notion that the Founding Fathers were able to imagine a free America because their slaves gave them the freedom of time for extended contemplation to the dozens of intricate political cartoons, loaded with symbolism that Aronson explains in detail to the pure, clean, razor-sharp logic of Thomas Paine’s timeless document, Common Sense. History was never so much fun. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2005, Clarion, 238p.; Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology., $21. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Beth E. Andersen (VOYA, April 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 1)).
ISBN: 9780618181797
ISBN: 0618181792
Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Spice, Magic, Slavery, Freedom, and Science
Marc Aronson
The authors begin with stories of how their separate families’ histories are tied to the story of sugar. One author’s ancestors were originally from India but worked the sugar plantations of Guyana, and the other author is a descendant of a Ukrainian serf who was instrumental in popularizing the use of beets as a source of sugar. The discovery of sugar in ancient times is detailed, and the uses of sugar are traced from religious rituals to spice and finally as a sweetener for desserts and beverages, such as coffee, hot chocolate, and most significantly, tea. Producing sugar from cane required massive cheap labor and resulted in the transport first of Africans to the Caribbean as slaves, and later indentured laborers from India to perform the brutal work. Napoleon’s wish to compete in the world sugar market led to the popularization of sugar beets and opened people’s eyes to other forms of sweetener beyond cane sugar. This is an unusual approach to world history–using the discovery, popularization, and demand for a commodity as catalyst for such significant events as Gandhi’s movement of passive resistance. A time line helps to clarify the connection, and appropriate illustrations, maps, and photographs add to the narrative. Much of the book’s focus is on the enslavement of various peoples and their subsequent quest for freedom. A fine addition to secondary school libraries, the book would serve as a unique resource for research on several historical and/or social topics. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M J S (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2010, Clarion, 176p.; Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology., $20.00 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Debbie Wenk (VOYA, October 2010 (Vol. 33, No. 4)).
ISBN: 9780618574926
Unsettled: The Problem of Loving Israel
Marc Aronson
As an American Jew with family whom he often visits in Israel, Aronson writes a history of the country to provide young adults or older readers a unique perspective and personal insights into the "unsettling" relationship in this part of the Middle East. Beginning with the Foreword, he draws parallels between the histories of the United States and Israel. Using "you" and "I" to personalize his writing, he knits together the country’s complicated history by answering the question, "Why does everyone hate Israel?" In doing so, he asks many more questions than he answers as he leads the reader to an understanding of the complexity of Middle Eastern events and why they are so. Aronson’s writing is brilliant. Often using events more familiar to the U.S. reader than those half a world away, he pulls isolated facts and information together under an umbrella that makes a summary point. For example, he concludes that Jewish migration illustrates "a fundamental difference between Israeli Jews and American Jews." The former "find strength by being in their own nation" and the latter by competing "as equals with everyone else" in a country with a wide mix of other nationalities. Aronson is a humanist who is clearly saddened by the jingoism of the people of any country and by intolerance of others. He creates a well-resourced and well-referenced book that could serve as a core title for a history class; it not only fits high school curriculum, but it is also readable and offers material for meaty discussions. No school or public library should be without a copy in its collection. 2008, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, $18.99. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Mary Bowman-Kruhm, Ed.D. (Children’s Literature).
ISBN: 9781416912613
ISBN: 1416912614
War Is: Soldiers, Survivors, and Storytellers Talk about War
Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell
Twenty selections divided into four sections speak eloquently to war’s destruction and inevitability. Campbell’s choices reflect her "passionate revulsion" for war. Aronson demonstrates his commitment to listening to those who served in battle, covered war, or grew up in military families. The first section, Deciding About War, includes Bob Dylan’s song "Masters of War" and Mark Twain’s less familiar pacifist story, The War Prayer. Other pieces address the influence of war heroes, dishonest recruitment, the reality of first combat, and religious conviction. Next, Experiencing War spans World War I to Iraq and considers positive perceptions, transforming encounters, ridiculous emotional expectations, horrifying results, and the special challenges of the modern female soldier. The Aftermath of War includes two fictional pieces. Rita Williams-Garcia’s one-act play presents a female soldier suffering post-traumatic stress. Margo Lanagan’s haunting short story, Heads, describes a post-apocalyptic world. Further Reading suggests equally thought-provoking and high-quality selections in anthologies, fiction, and nonfiction that address ancient to modern conflicts. Teens from divergent social classes and varied academic backgrounds will be drawn to this gripping read that embraces wide experiences and often conflicting perceptions. For librarians, it is a centerpiece for war displays or presentations. For social studies and English teachers, it is the unifying element of any war unit. In cross-generational book groups, it provides an endless source of discussion. 2008, Candlewick, 208p.; Source Notes. Further Reading., $17.99. Ages 11 to Adult. Reviewer: Lucy Schall (VOYA, February 2009 (Vol. 31, No. 6)).
ISBN: 9780763636258
To read our Q&A with Marc Aronson, click here.
Updated 04/27/11
To stay up to date on new books by this author, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.