Genre 4--Book Review 2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2002. CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE. Ill. by Frédéric Clément. New York: Scholastic.
ISBN: 0-439-13957-0

SUMMARY

Popular culture presents Confucius as a comic figure offering his witty sayings with the opening “Confucius say…”. In CONFUCIUS: THE GOLDEN RULE, Newbery Medal winner Russell Freedman contradicts that image with a biography of Kongfuzi, better known by Confucius, the Latin name given to him by Jesuit missionaries. Freedman’s research is dependent upon THE ANALECTS, a volume of the sayings of Confucius. Since there are no works directly attributed to the teacher-philosopher, all that is known of his life and teachings has been gathered by followers and disciples in that one anthology.

Born into poverty more than 2500 years ago, Confucius evolved as a respected sage, teacher, and revolutionary in a turbulent feudal era in China’s history. Throughout his life he studies, teaches, and travels throughout Asia seeking an enlightened ruler willing to implement his reforms for government. After the death of Confucius, his followers continued to espouse the ideals of his philosophy known as Confucianism.

The biography is presented in an attractive book illustrated by Frédéric Clément.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Russell Freedman’s detailed biography presents Confucius as a true revolutionary who risked his life by teaching radical reforms for government. Through the use of historically researched dialogue between Confucius and his students, Freedman creates a well-developed personality—a man of great intellect, wit, humanity, and humor. The relationships between the “master” and his students speak the most about the character of the man. He accepted students from all walks of life and believed that, “When people are educated, distinctions between classes disappear.”

Freedman clearly outlines the complexity of Chinese history and gives young readers an important context for studying the life of Confucius. Chinese words are written in both pinyin and Chinese characters.

Frédéric Clément’s illustrations evoke pages from ancient manuscripts and add tremendously to the overall design of the book. His Asian-inspired paintings, framed by colorful borders, are layered with fresh fruits and flowers. The collage-like results are an apt metaphor for the works of Confucius—the ancient brought forward into the present.

The biography reveals a man who is a model of all those who desire to learn and all those aspire to teach. As Confucius say: “To study quietly, to remain always hungry for knowledge, to teach others without growing weary—all this comes to me naturally.”

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, September 1, 2002

Clement's illustrations are superb. His "portrait" of Confucius is unidealized, based on written descriptions of him.-Patricia D. Lothrop

Review from PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, August 5, 2002

For today's students, this portrait is a comprehensible introduction to Eastern thought. Just as Confucius "prodded [his students] to think in new ways," it will open new doors for young readers.

Review from KIRKUS REVIEW, July 15, 2002

Clement's ancient-looking paintings are a beautiful match for the text in this handsome volume. A must for all collections.

CONNECTIONS

Use book as part of a study of Asian culture.

A great website for lesson plans: http://k12east.mrdonn.org/China.html

Have students create banners or posters with Confucius quotes.

Discuss the meaning of Confucian sayings.

Some good discussion starters: “An exemplary person should be slow to speak yet quick to act.”

“Don’t worry when people fail to recognize your merits. Worry when you fail to recognize theirs.”

“A promise easily made is hard to keep.”

For older students, watch BIOGRAPHY-CONFUCIUS: WORDS OF WISDOM (2005)