School Library Journal» documentary

Pick of the Day: The Day Carl Sandburg Died (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 14:00:04 +0000

The Day Carl Sandburg Died. DVD. 84 min. Prod. by Bonesteel Films. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-701-4. $24.99.
Gr 8 Up–Carl Sandburg, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 20th century, lived an incredibly colorful life which was reflected in his work. Born into an indigent family of Swedish immigrants in western Illinois, Sandburg initially held a series of manual labor jobs. Later he became a union activist, a social orator, and even a self-proclaimed anarchist. His sensitivity to the struggles of ordinary individuals was reflected in his prose and poetry, with many of them set in the Midwest and, particularly, in Chicago. His diverse writing talents were honed as a newspaper journalist and earned him two Pulitzer prizes—one for poetry and one for his autobiography of Abraham Lincoln. Sandburg’s saga is portrayed in this absorbing production utilizing a variety of formats: dramatic recreations, kinescopes of television interviews with the author, reminiscences by members of his family, vintage film clips and stills, commentary by academics, and readings of his work by Sandburg and others. Viewers will gain an understanding of Sandburg’s intense sensory perceptions and his remarkable abilities to put those onto paper. The nicely paced presentation includes a chapter selection option as well as English language subtitles. This well-crafted production will be a popular resource in classrooms as well as a research resource in media centers.–Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Pick of the Day: Racing Dreams (DVD)

SLJ — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:30:33 +0000

Racing Dreams. DVD. 90 min. Prod. by Racing Dreams. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2010, 2012 release. ISBN 978-1-60883-668-0. $24.99.
Gr 6 Up–In this fast-paced coming-of-age documentary set in the competitive world of kart racing, three young drivers spend a season navigating each other and their dreams. Annabeth Barnes, 11, Josh Hobson, 12, and Brandon Warren, 13, aspire to race in some day, but before they can reach their collective goal, they each must face their own challenges off the track as they decide whether to continue racing as a hobby or to pursue it as a career. Annabeth is serious about racing, but she begins to feel like she’s missing out on a social life. Josh is a born winner, but his family must make some important financial decisions to fund his dream. Brandon must overcome his hot temper and lack of money if he wants to move on. While considering their futures, they compete in the 2007 World Karting Association’s National Series. For some, it’s a chance to make a name for themselves; for one, it’s a last chance at a championship. Filmmaker Marshall Curry takes viewers on a joyride through the world of go-kart racing, providing an up-close look at what it takes to make it in the sport. Reaching speeds of up to 80 mph in karts with no suspension, the drivers, who are only an inch above the ground, are fierce, knowledgeable, and ultra-competitive when on the track. With their adult ambitions, it’s easy to forget that they’re barely teens. Off the track, they’re more relaxed and candid. Engrossing and poignant, this is sure to fuel the audience’s dreams.–Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH

Pick of the Day: The Boxing Girls of Kabul (DVD)

SLJ — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:30:38 +0000

The Boxing Girls of Kabul. DVD. 52 min. National Film Board of Canada. 2011, 2012 release. ISBN unavail. $195.
Gr 9 Up–The opening flashback of this documentary showing the cruel treatment of women under the Taliban will grab the attention of audiences in women’s studies and sociology classes. The video shifts to present day and focuses on three women who are trying to change the lifestyle for women in where their advancement is frowned upon. They are training to be boxers and hope to make it to the Olympic Games. The lack of training facilities, equipment, and funding doesn’t deter their dreams as they work hard under their coach who is also harassed by others. The video was shot in the streets of Afghanistan, giving viewers a true depiction of the danger and fear that these women must face daily while they train in a facility where not long ago women were executed by the Taliban. The young women featured in the film have the support of their father in a society where women are not allowed to go to school, leave home, or participate in sports. They pressure from the Olympic Committee and very little backing. The three women and their coach tell the story, and viewers are taken along to daily training sessions and tournaments. Subtitles are included. An eye-opening documentary.–Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI