Placing well written historical fiction such as Check Mate into the elementary and secondary history curriculum is long overdue...
Check Mate features two young boys as the main characters in the late 17th century French-English struggle to control the Hudson Bay Fur Trade. Students can identify with these two characters. For easier recognition, symbols are used to make it absolutely clear which of the two is telling his story. Consequently, a student can put this book down and easily start up again without too much trouble, a major plus.
Check Mate is an unusual book in that great care has obviously been taken with many aspects of its production. Not so obvious is the unusual care taken with the language. For example the Endnotes explain the French, Mohawk, and Inuit words used in the text and which give a flavour to the book.
In the interests of full disclosure, this reviewer has always expressed concern about one aspect of history teaching in Canada. Whether it be elementary, secondary or university levels of history, the language used in curriculum, books or examinations is often inappropriate. Many, sometimes most, of the students cannot read the material. A surprising number of professional educators are unaware of the importance of language. The use of graphic novels is one way to address reading problems. Placing well written historical fiction such as Check Mate into the elementary and secondary history curriculum is long overdue and goes a long way to explain why this reviewer regards this book as valuable.
There are beautiful illustrations and maps throughout the entire book. Much of the history here is caught, not taught, and students can acquire knowledge of 17th century life without realizing it. For example, ships and sailing are well explained and illustrated and stimulate further research.
The story itself is gripping and the harsh life of the times comes through realistically. Both sides of this French-English conflict are treated sympathetically and they battle nature as well as each other. Clock faces are used to emphasize time which in turn adds to the excitement of the plot. The Native Peoples are given their parts as are French Huguenots who are often left out of Canada’s past. Yet, the many details do not overwhelm the plot which has an unusual start that I will leave for the reader to find out. The pace is maintained and dialogue switches back and forth between the two main characters.
All students can get a good deal from this book. The slower students can enjoy it while the really gifted ones have a huge variety of material to explore in depth should they choose. Teachers can then use this book in a variety of ways. Consequently it is a handy book and deserves to be used by young people whether at home or at school. My only quibble is the size of the print is small in some places. Perhaps a second edition could overcome economic factors and Check Mate could be printed on larger pages
- Sam Allison: Formerly History and Economics teacher at Centennial Regional High School, Greenfield Park, Quebec, and Vice-President, Quebec Association of Teachers of the Social Studies.
Check Mate is an unusual book in that great care has obviously been taken with many aspects of its production. Not so obvious is the unusual care taken with the language. For example the Endnotes explain the French, Mohawk, and Inuit words used in the text and which give a flavour to the book.
In the interests of full disclosure, this reviewer has always expressed concern about one aspect of history teaching in Canada. Whether it be elementary, secondary or university levels of history, the language used in curriculum, books or examinations is often inappropriate. Many, sometimes most, of the students cannot read the material. A surprising number of professional educators are unaware of the importance of language. The use of graphic novels is one way to address reading problems. Placing well written historical fiction such as Check Mate into the elementary and secondary history curriculum is long overdue and goes a long way to explain why this reviewer regards this book as valuable.
There are beautiful illustrations and maps throughout the entire book. Much of the history here is caught, not taught, and students can acquire knowledge of 17th century life without realizing it. For example, ships and sailing are well explained and illustrated and stimulate further research.
The story itself is gripping and the harsh life of the times comes through realistically. Both sides of this French-English conflict are treated sympathetically and they battle nature as well as each other. Clock faces are used to emphasize time which in turn adds to the excitement of the plot. The Native Peoples are given their parts as are French Huguenots who are often left out of Canada’s past. Yet, the many details do not overwhelm the plot which has an unusual start that I will leave for the reader to find out. The pace is maintained and dialogue switches back and forth between the two main characters.
All students can get a good deal from this book. The slower students can enjoy it while the really gifted ones have a huge variety of material to explore in depth should they choose. Teachers can then use this book in a variety of ways. Consequently it is a handy book and deserves to be used by young people whether at home or at school. My only quibble is the size of the print is small in some places. Perhaps a second edition could overcome economic factors and Check Mate could be printed on larger pages
- Sam Allison: Formerly History and Economics teacher at Centennial Regional High School, Greenfield Park, Quebec, and Vice-President, Quebec Association of Teachers of the Social Studies.