Precis

They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti is an informational and historical book published in 2010 discussing the origins of the ku klux klan and its rise to fame. The book includes personal accounts of terrifyingly vivid encounters with the KKK, as well as a few words from members of the klan on their perspective. Bartoletti aims to inform the younger generations about an important and influential event that occurred in American history. Her goal is to educate the youth on a well known terrorist group in America that shaped attitudes and beliefs for generations to come.

Susan Campbell Bartoletti incorporates many sentimental images that express emotionally dramatic scenes from KKK attacks. She uses these pictures not only to attract a younger audience, but to expose and emphasize feelings of horror and sorrow, persuading readers to think negatively of the ku klux klan, and empathize with their victims. For example, a picture Bartoletti uses, appealing to pathos and moving the audience emotionally, depicts a colored man, on his knees, pleading for his life to a group of klan members who surround him with weapons (pg. 132). Many of the pictures, although cartoonic, are quite graphic and realistic.

The tone throughout the book, They Called Themselves the KKK: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group, is calm and informative. Susan Bartoletti aims to provide younger age groups with an important piece of American history. After reading this book, children and young adults will understand how and why the KKK formed and the damage they caused to society. Not only is Bartoletti attempting to notify the audience about the events of the KKK, but shape their view of America and its troubling past that led it to become the country it is today. Bartoletti is not anti-America or trying to convince anyone that America is deficient or unacceptable. She is aiming to educate people of the country's past, showing that it is not and never was perfect, while explaining why some ares of the nation are the way they are today.

Bartoletti directs her work toward an audience of younger people. She involves many vivid images along with cartoons that emphasize her history of the KKK. Using comprehensible diction, Bartoletti easily communicates the history, making it easy for the audience to understand. Through her calm, sensible tone, Susan Bartoletti appears to be completely factual in her claims and believable in her stance. She creates a sense of credibility and trust with the audience that persuasion comes naturally, and all are on board.

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Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach, published in 2010, is a non-fictional work describing the experiences of astronauts in space. It includes the personal accounts from different astronaut memoirs, and takes the reader on a journey behind the scenes of space exploration, while explaining the science involved. Roach examines the intensive training that astronauts must complete and the unimaginable discomfort they undergo in space, but also highlights the mind-boggling experience and astonishing views they encounter within the endless void.

Mary Roach uses rhetorical evidence evenly throughout her work. She conquers all sides of the triangle through her use of astronaut memoirs, wit, and statistical data. Roach, however, uses pathos the most and is convincing and likable through her humor and charm. During the chapter of her book discussing space chimps, Roach interviews many experts and conducts thorough research to determine if the rumor that Enos liked to masturbate in public places including his mission to space and the interview afterward is true. After she discusses her findings she says, "Enos, your name is cleared."

Many people dream about the awe-inspiring experience of becoming an astronaut and traveling to space one day. Mary Roach confirms the breathtakingly amazing experience space is, however, she also informs about the science and processes behind the scenes that many are not aware of. Roach herself is fascinated by space exploration, but she is not ignorant or oblivious to the challenges that are involved. Her goal is to educate the population and anyone interested in space exploration about the struggles astronauts go through to become astronauts and the truth behind the glory of leaving Earth.

Roach directs her work toward young adults and those who have a passion for science or a fascination for space. She uses sizable diction, as well as, many scientific terms. Although very defined and structured in her style, Roach involves intelligent humor and wit that young adults can appreciate in their journey behind the scenes of space. Her book is an excellent choice for those who are wondering about the career of astronauts and interested in becoming one in the future.