Talking Walls [Paperback]

Margy Burns Knight (Author), Anne Sibley O'Brien (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Talking Walls introduces young readers to different cultures by exploring the stories of walls around the world and how they can separate or hold communities together. American Bookseller "Pick of the Lists;" Boston GLobe Top 25 Non-Fiction Children's Books, 1992; ALA Booklist, Starred Review; Horn Book, Noteworthy Book, 1993. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Knight and O'Brien explore notable walls the world over as both symbols and vehicles for cultural connection; PW called this book "a praiseworthy celebration of similarities and differences among the world's peoples." Ages 5-13.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- A unique introduction to the history and beliefs of a diverse group of cultures. In each of the 14 double-page spreads, Knight journeys to a new location, presenting information and folklore about famous walls all over the world. Some of the choices are obvious: the Great Wall of China, the Lascaux Cave, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Berlin Wall. Others are less traditional but imaginatively appropriate: the Mexican murals of Diego Rivera, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Nelson Mandela's prison walls. Although each vignette is brief, the author holds readers' interest with personalized stories, such as the one of a young boy who proudly chalks his handprint next to those of his ancestors on an Aborigine cave wall, or the Jewish child who solemnly places his handwritten Hebrew prayer in a crevice of the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Additional information is provided at the back of the book, as are two simple maps and endpapers that feature the word for wall in 36 languages. Beautifully executed pastel paintings capture the variety and vitality of each culture presented. Use this to launch a discussion about the uses and abuses of boundaries, or connect it to more familiar sights such as graffiti or billboards, and talk about walls as a means of cultural expression. --Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884481549
• ISBN-13: 978-0884481546
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #988,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talking Walls, December 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Walls (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for children of all ages. Fantastic if you are looking for a multicultural book for your child or classroom. I have in fact found several sites on the internet ( one of the sites is that of the publisher Tillbury House)which give address and phone numbers for hundreds of lessonplans for teachers. A book that no elementary classroom should be without. There is actually a sequel call "Talking Walls:The Stories Continue" which I have not gotton my hands on yet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talking Walls...Talking People, November 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Walls (Paperback)

This might be the best introduction to social studies that elementary schools can get. It is a colurful, interesting book with young characters who will introduce your students to all kinds of walls and cultures around the world. An absolute must for the classroom because of its information, an absolute must for home because of its beauty and value in a home-education without too much school-like text.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to introduce your children to new cultures, December 15, 2007

By 

The Well-Read Child "http://wellreadchild.blo... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talking Walls (Paperback)

"People all over the world have been using and building walls for thousands of years. These walls tell many fascinating stories." Margy Burns Knight tells 14 of these fascinating stories in Talking Walls. Beginning with The Great Wall of China, Margy Burns Knight takes us all over the world and gives us insight into many different cultures. Each wall is featured in a two-page spread with beautiful illustrations by Anne Sibley O'Brien. The stories of the walls themselves never exceed three paragraphs, so you won't get bored reading a lot of details and facts about the walls and different cultures. Instead, you'll get just enough information to learn about the wall, the history behind it, and the people who built it. We also learn how walls can bring us together or keep us apart. Throw in a little folklore and you've got a fascinating book that is sure to spark a lot of conversation with your kids.