Book Review: Bonnie and Clyde The Making of a Legend

 


1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Blumenthal, K. (2018). Bonnie and clyde the making of a legend. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN: 0451471229

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This book details the life of Bonnie and Clyde, through different sources such as news articles and family interviews. This notorious couple is often celebrated and their story is immortalized but in reality, their story of how they came to be “Bonnie and Clyde” is different. Using sequential order, this book shares keys events that led this famous couple to their life of crime.  

3.CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I want to start by saying that I have heard the songs and I have seen movies that tell the story of these famous outlaws and I admit, I love the Hollywood version! However, reading this book gave me a different perspective on Bonnie and Clyde. Blumenthal’s biography was loaded with facts and stuck only to facts leaving out her personal opinions, which I thought was great! Written using sequential order, Blumenthal really took the time to research the famous couple. Her writings helped readers understand the circumstances that led these outlaws to make the choices they made. Let me be clear, I am not trying to justify their actions, but after reading this book I can empathize with their circumstances. Their life was not easy and they went through great lengths to survive. This book really shines light on that, which is different then how Hollywood romanticizes their story.

With that being said, I must point out that I loved how Blumenthal used Bonnie’s poems to start off the chapters. Her stanzas were a nice added touch to this biography. Additionally, this book is loaded with so many extras! For example, towards the end of the book, “What Happed To” section and key dates were really helpful and helping readers make connections.  The “legend has it” sections were also fun add-ons loaded with information.  Overall, I think this book was very informative, well written, and most importantly well researched.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in School Library Journal: "Blumenthal has written more than a crime narrative or a biography of the famous outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. The book presents a social and cultural snapshot of the duo’s times"

Starred review in Voya: "Through her use of narrative nonfiction, Blumenthal builds a gripping story for readers of all ages. . .Blumenthal weaves her detailed account of history into a suspenseful tale that reads very much like a novel."

5. CONNECTIONS

* Engage students in completing a KWL chart prior to reading the novel. Have them think about what they know about Bonnie and Clyde, and what they would like to learn about them. After reading the novel, have them go back to the chart and fill in what they have learned. Use this chart to guide class discussions as students read the novel.

*Have students research the Great Depression. Have them think about the time period and the impact that had on Bonnie and Clyde’s actions. Have students share their thoughts with classmates. Have students use their discussions and research to create a newspaper headline for Bonnie and Clyde.

*Those who enjoyed this book, would also enjoy these titles.

Fleming, C. (2014). The family romanov: Murder, rebellion & the fall of imperial russia. Schwartz Wade. ISBN: 0375867821

Gaddy, K. R. (2020). Flowers in the gutter: The true story of the Edelweiss pirates, teenagers who resisted the Nazis. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN: 0525555412

This book review was written for SHSU's MLA course. 

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