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Maus: a Survivor’S Tale Genre: Non-Fiction Author: Art Spiegelman Pages: 295 Publisher: Random House Adult Copyright: 1996, 1997

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Maus: a Survivor’S Tale Genre: Non-Fiction Author: Art Spiegelman Pages: 295 Publisher: Random House Adult Copyright: 1996, 1997 Southwest Licking School District Literature Selection Review Teacher: Berry, Lively, McGinnis School: Watkins Memorial High School Book Title: Maus: A Survivor’s Tale Genre: Non-fiction Author: Art Spiegelman Pages: 295 Publisher: Random House Adult Copyright: 1996, 1997 Book Summary and summary citation: (suggested resources include book flap summaries, review summaries from publisher, book vendors, etc.) Maus is the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist who tries to come to terms with his father, his father’s terrifying story, and History itself. Moving back and forth from Poland to Rego Park, New York, Maus tells two powerful stories: The first is Spiegelman’s father’s account of how he and his wife survived Hitler’s Europe, a harrowing tale filled with countless brushes with death, improbable escapes, and the terror of confinement and betrayal. The second is the author’s tortured relationship with his aging father as they try to lead a normal life of minor arguments and passing visits against a backdrop of history too large to pacify. At all levels, this is the ultimate survivor’s tale – and that, too, of the children who somehow survive even the survivors. Provide an instructional rationale for the use of this title, including specific reference to the curriculum map(s): (Curriculum maps may be referenced by grade/course and indicator number or curriculum maps with indicators highlighted may be attached to this form) Maus , winner of a special Pulitzer Prize in 1992, renders an oral history of the Holocaust in cartoon images. Shifting between 1970s Rego Park, Queens and World War II Poland, Maus captures the difficult relationship between author, Art Spiegelman, and his father, Vladek, as they set out to recover the past. Through this graphic memoir, readers gain insight into the conditions under which people lived during the Holocaust as well as how survivors and their families coped afterward. Maus is not merely a lesson in history and fundamental literary skills; it serves as a model to help students develop empathy and compassion. Maus serves as a powerful resource for both teaching and learning. Students solidify their ability to recall relevant information, anticipate plot changes, and explain how American literature has evolved from the earliest writings of Native Americans to contemporary works. Include two professional reviews of this title: (a suggested list of resources for identifying professional reviews is shown below. Reviews may be “cut and pasted” (with citation) into the form or printed reviews may be attached to the form) Review #1 By Umberto Eco Maus is a book that cannot be put down, truly, even to sleep. When two of the mice speak of love, you are moved, when they suffer, you weep. Slowly through this little tale comprised of suffering, humor, and life’s daily trials, you are captivated by the language of an old Eastern European family, and drawn into the gentle and mesmerizing rhythm, and when you finish Maus , you are unhappy to have left that magical world and long for the sequel that will return you to it. Review #2 The San Francisco Examiner wrote, “The power of Spiegelman’s story lies in the fine detail of the story and the fact that it is related in comic-strip form.” The Washington Post called Spiegelman’s work “the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust.” What alternate text(s) could also fulfill the instructional requirements? Title: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl Author: Anne Frank Title: Night Author: Elie Wiesel Title: Tunes for Bears to Dance To Author: Robert Cormier Document any potentially controversial content: Though the Second World War ended over sixty years ago, many people, including our students, are still sensitive about issues related to this event. This graphic novel contains mature language, subject matter, and violence. Keeping in mind the age, academic level, and maturity of the intended reader, what is the suggested classroom use: (check all that apply): Regular education GRADE LEVEL(S): 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 INTEREST LEVEL(S): 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Date Submitted to Website: 8/10/2011 Suggested Professional Literary Review Sources: School Library Journal Horn Book Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Library Journal Book Links Publisher's Weekly Booklist Kirkus Review Wilson Library Catalog English Journal (and other resources of the National Council of Teachers of English) The Reading Teacher (International Reading Association) Literature for Today’s Young Adult .
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