As a history teacher, I know some of the hardest concepts for students, especially middle school students, to understand are that of government. What is a monarchy, what is a democracy, what is communism? The Wall, by Peter Sis, is a wonderful picture book that explains what is was like to live under complete government control because of communism. Through his own story of loving to draw and being denied that right, the author shows readers exactly what restrictions were placed on every day life under communism.
Readers are given definitions of the Cold War, the Iron Curtain and communism on the first page of the book. From there, wonderfully bright illustrations contrast the dark, gray, depressing illustrations to show freedom versus government restrictions. Excerpts from the author's own journal add personalization to the story to help readers really be in the situation and not just read about some foreign concept. They are actually there. I believe any age level can appreciate the story told in The Wall and gain much from what is being shared: what it's like to be completely controlled by the government, to lose your basic freedoms and have to live in constant fear.
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