Students in the Guilderland School District have begun to explore this newly created curriculum from the New York State Department of Education. Teachers, parents, librarians and students, as well as anyone interested in this historical phenomenon and its interesting corollaries will find numerous ways to explore the subject and support their research via this Pathfinder. Resources can be found primarily in the Guilderland Public and school libraries, as well as in local libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System. Resources (with the exception of reference materials) from these additional libraries are available through inter-library loan at Guilderland Public Library or by using their web-page. Some items are available at the University at Albany library or on the Internet. Lists of texts are grouped according to their status as adult or children's resources in most libraries.

These subject headings may be used, either singly or in combination, when searching for books and other materials related to the Great Irish Potato Famine. They are most useful for searching online catalogs, but they can also be used in searching indexes and abstracts, general encyclopedias, as well as the World Wide Web.

Browsing Areas

The location of each resource is indicated as an abbreviation in brackets [ ], following the citation. These location abbreviations are as follows:

Other abbreviations appearing in this Pathfinder:

When first approaching the subject of the Great Irish Famine, there are a number of texts which are mentioned frequently in the literature, and have been deemed important in a consideration of the Famine. The 150th anniversary of the Famine in the 1990's has spawned many new and valuable resources with varying perspectives and degrees of complexity. The texts listed below are just a few of these. They warrant serious consideration by those seeking to explore and/or research this topic.

While by no means a comprehensive list of the literature, these will provide the reader with valuable insights into the Famine and related areas of study. Many of them also include good bibliographies which provide access to further readings. They are listed below, grouped by their status as adult (generally for high school and up) or children's (for elementary/middle school) texts.

Adult Resources: Non-fiction

• Campbell, S.J. (1994). The Great Irish Famine: Words and Images from the Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, County Roscommon. Strokestown: The Famine Museum. 941.5 [WPL]

  This publication from the relatively recently opened Famine Museum, provides a unique historical context for the famine. The museum is located on the grounds of a "country estate" which attracted international notoriety during the Famine years when the landlord was assassinated... (the text) uses the extensive Strokestown archive, to explain the significance of this tragic event nationally."(from book cover) Includes many high quality black & white, as well as color illustrations, giving the reader a visual context in which to place information about the Famine.

• Donnelly, J.S. (2001). The Great Irish Potato Famine. Gloucestershire, England: Sutton Publishing, Ltd. 941.508 [GPL]

  Donnelly has written an intelligent, thought-provoking, and well-written book that, among other things, is a very useful survey and synthesis of the current debates about and researches into the origins and causes of the famine. Donnelly supports Cecil-Woodham's charges of British governmental sins of both omission and commission in the famine but puts those charges in a broader context, including discussion of class and regional influences on the famine in Ireland itself. The chapter notes, indexing, and bibliography are of good quality... an excellent choice to accompany and update The Great Hunger. Highly recommended...(Library Journal)

  
  
• Kinealy, C. (1995). This Great Calamity: The Irish Famine 1845-52. Boulder, CO: Roberts Rinehart Publishers. 941.5 [BPL]

  This is a thoughtful, lengthy and oft-cited history of the Famine. Includes appendices,references, illustrations and an extensive bibliography. ".an important addition to the ever growing body of Famine related studies given its wealth of new and under-utilised sources." (Dublin Sunday Tribune)

• Woodham-Smith, C. (1962). The Great Hunger: Ireland 1845-l849. NY: Harper and Row, Publishers. 338.1 [VPL]

  This is an important, oft-cited work in the canon of Famine literature, the result of many years of research into Famine history and its connection to developments in American history. While lengthy, and complete with references, map, illustrations and an index, it is accessible to both lay and scholarly readers.

  
  

Adult Resources: Fiction

• O'Faolain, N. (2001). My Dream of You. New York: Riverhead Books. [GPL]

  "O'Faolain's novel-within-a-novel device effectively mirrors one of the author's themes, the ultimate unknowability of a past always viewed through the lens of the present. The humor, honesty and moral seriousness with which Kathleen (protaganist) assesses her life and the conditions of her heart and her soul acquire a moving resonance as the imagined lives of her characters achieve resolution and her own life flowers into another phase. And O'Faolain's depiction of the west of Ireland during and just after the Famine surpasses any historical recitation of the "facts." " (Publishers Weekly)

  
  
• O'Flaherty, L. (1979). Famine. Dublin, Ireland: Wolfhound Press. [GPL]

  Originally published in 1937, this is an old-fashioned, historical-fiction account of life in the Irish countryside during the Famine. "The author's skill as a storyteller is at times breathtaking. This is a most rewarding novel." (Publishers Weekly)

Children's Resources: Non-fiction

• Bartoletti, S.C. (2001). Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine,1845-1850. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co. J -- 941.508 [GPL]

  In a cogently presented text, (the author) discloses how laissez-faire British economic policy resulted in devastating hunger throughout a land with grain harvests bountiful enough to export. This is much more than an economic treatise, however…. Bartoletti incorporates a great deal of oral history from children of famine survivors, and their memories occasionally blur the line between fact and family lore; most readers, however, will have little trouble distinguishing their voices from those of the author." (Bulletin of the Center for Childrens' Books) Highly recommended for middle school students and up.

• Lyons, M. (Ed.) (2002) Feed the Children First: Irish memories of the Great Hunger. New York: Atheneum. J -- 941.508 [APL]

  This beautifully crafted work combines first-person accounts of Ireland's potato famine, the Great Hunger of 1845-1852, with artwork that recalls those times...almost all are Irish voices, stories handed down through the families of survivors...full-color reproductions of (contemporary sketches and paintings)are perfectly paired with the selections, as are a few photographs from a later famine." (School Library Journal) For grades four and up. High school students and adults might also find this book useful.

• Wilson, L. (2001) How I survived the Irish Famine: the journal of Mary O'Flynn. New York: Harper Collins Publishers. J -- WIL [VFFL]

  (This book)…is the story of how one family's courage, determination, and luck helped them survive the potato famine that left one million people dead. Authentic photographs taken at the Ulster American Folk Park and the Strokestown Park House at the Famine Museum provide a strong visual presence of landscapes, housing, and artifacts from the period. Maps, a glossary, and a bibliography accompany this brave 12-year-old's journal, which is based on authentic diaries." (Reading Teacher) For grades 4 and up.

  
  

  Children's Resources: Fiction

• Conlon-McKenna, M. (1990). Under the Hawthorn Tree. New York: Holiday House. [GPL]

  The horrors of the potato famine in Ireland vividly leap from the pages of this first novel. . . . .The tale is episodic, but should sustain the interest of its target audience. The characters are largely two-dimensional and are sometimes mere vehicles to help tell the history of the period. The book succeeds on this level, and readers are left with a glimmer of hope as the children reach their elderly aunts, but with their future still a mystery. A worthwhile addition. (School Library Journal) Grades 4-7.

• Dennenberg, B. (1997). So Far From Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl. J -- DEN [VPL]

  The story of 14-year-old Mary Driscoll's escape from the famine in her native County Cork, Ireland, and her new life working in a textile mill in Lowell, MA, is presented in brief diary entries dated from April to November 1847… Denenberg works in the natural and political causes of the Irish potato famine, the dangers and discomforts of overseas passage, and class differences in 1840s America, among other themes. An appendix includes more historical information, such as a popular song of the day and pictures of the architecture and fashions. Grades 5-8. (School Library Journal)

• Giff, P.R. (2000). Nory Ryan's Song. New York: Delacorte Press. J -- GIF [PBE & GPL]

  When a terrible blight attacks Ireland's potato crop in 1845, twelve-year-old Nory Ryan's courage and ingenuity help her family and neighbors survive. "The finely paced novel balances the physical and emotional horrors of famine… with Nory's courage and intelligence, the love she has for her family, and her close friendship with Sean, a local boy…Giff brings the landscape and the cultural particulars of the era vividly to life and creates in Nory a heroine to cheer for. A beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that makes a devastating event understandable. Grades 4-7." (Booklist) Highly recommended.

• Lutzeier, E. (1991). The Coldest Winter. New York: Holiday House. J -- LUT [GPL]

  This is the story of the hardships endured by the Irish during the winter of 1846, the beginning of the potato famine and the coldest winter Ireland had ever known. Eammon's family had been sharecrop farmers until they were evicted by the land owner. Without warning, English soldiers destroy all the houses of the tenants, who have no time to save their personal possessions. (Book Report) Grades 6-10. Strongly recommended for its well-written, historically-revealing and gripping story.

The following sources provide useful background information for the study of the Great Irish Famine. They also provide bibliographies and reading lists that allow users to begin further research. The library also provides a good general encyclopedia resource with the online version of World Book . To get there, consult the library's webpage at http://family.knick.net/guildlib/. Click on "Electronic Resources", then go to "World Book Encyclopedia Online." All of the resources in the following section should primarily be used as reference works or as an introduction to the research topic.

Adult Resources

• Brady, C. (Ed.) (2000). Encyclopedia of Ireland: an A-Z guide to its people, places, history and culture. New York: Oxford University Press. 941.4 [MPL]

  "The information provided is concise, extensive, and visually appealing. Unlike typical encyclopedias, this book has in-depth essays on important themes of Ireland…(Also includes): quotations on Ireland, photographs and line drawings." (Library Journal)

• Connolly, S.J. (Ed.) (1998). The Oxford companion to Irish history. New York: OxfordUniversity Press. [UALB - REF]

  "1,800 cross-referenced A-Z initialed entries explore the history of Ireland and its peoples, from the earliest times to the late 20th century,... combining concise definitions and factual information with analytical essays on general themes...The predictable entries are fine: the unpredictable are often fascinating." (Walford's Guide to Reference Material, 8th edition)

• de Breffny, B.(Ed.) (1983). Ireland: a cultural encyclopedia. New York: Facts On File. [COLN - REF]

  "An encyclopedia that is well balanced, accurate, and informative. The articles, although scholarly in substance, are well-suited to users who have only a limited acquaintance with historical or contemporary Irish culture." (Reference Quarterly)

• Haigh, C.(Ed.). (1995). The Cambridge historical encyclopedia of Great Britain and Ireland. New York: Cambridge University Press. [GPL - REF]

  "Readers will find this book useful both as a concise narrative and interpretive history and as a convenient reference work." (Choice) Includes maps, diagrams and photographs.

• Hickey, D.J. (1981). A dictionary of Irish history. Dublin, Ireland: McGill and Macmillan. [UALB - REF]

  "An invaluable work of reference, covering all aspects of Irish history, not simply political topics...(includes)Cross references." (Walford's Guide to Reference Material, 8th Ed.)

• Hogan, R. et al. (Ed.). (1979). Dictionary of Irish literature. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. [UALB - REF]

  This dictionary will be useful for those seeking to extend their understanding of Irish culture as well as history surrounding the famine years. This dictionary's focus is on authors; there are few general essays about specific literary topics. However, entries conclude with bibliographies that "in and of themselves would make the dictionary a worthy acquisition." (ARBA 97)

• Mitchell, S. (Ed.) (1988). Victorian Britain: an encyclopedia. New York: Garland Publishing. [BPL - REF]

  "This volume is a truly impressive introductory encyclopedic reference work for Victorian Britain. Chronologically arranged it covers the years of Queen Victoria's reign, 1837 -1901...(Contains) entries from a broad range of subjects…(and)understandable introductions to complex subjects. " (ARBA Guide to Subject Encyclopedias and Dictionaries) Includes a detailed index with cross references, chronology and annotated bibliography.

Children's Resources

• The Kingfisher history encyclopedia. (1999). New York: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers. [VPL - J REF)

  "This large-format reference for elementary and middle school students is designed to be a starting point for further exploration on historical topics. With its profuse and colorful illustrations, both photographic and artist-rendered, it is also an enjoyable book to browse...arrangement is chronological...At the end of the book, a ready-reference section offers tables of dates, historical figures, and facts." (ARBA 2001) Also includes a large, detailed index. A good place to start for grades 4- 8.

Maps and atlases can provide the American reader with a geographical context in which to place the events of the Great Irish Famine, including events described in fictional accounts. With this end in mind, listed below are general as well as subject-specific geographic resources. Note, also, that many of the selected books listed in the section above also contain useful maps.

Adult Resources

• Edwards, R.D. (1981). An atlas of Irish history. New York: Methuen. [UALB - REF]

  "Primarily concerned with social and political developments and characteristics of the Irish people. Includes a section on the Irish abroad." (Guide to Reference Books, Balay) Best suited for those doing in-depth research.

• Kennedy, L., Ell, P.S., Crawford, E.M., & Clarkson, L.A. (1999). Mapping the great Irish famine: a survey of the famine decades. Portland, OR: Four Courts Press. 941.5081 [COLN]

  "(This book) includes maps on a very wide array of subjects, ranging from farm size distributions, crop acreages, and livestock numbers to causes of death in the 1840s...The famine itself is etched in the many maps on mortality, disease, and emigration...Kennedy and his colleagues have produced over one hundred pages of maps and many charts...The commentaries on the maps exude intelligence and judgement, particularly so in the concluding section. This fine book should prove most useful for practising historians and students alike." (English Historical Review) Best suited for those doing in-depth research.

• The Times atlas of the world: 10th comprehensive edition. (1999) New York: Times Books Group Ltd. [BPL - REF]

  "The Times Atlas of the World is the best, most comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date single-volume atlas now available." (New York Times)

• World atlas, millenium edition. (2000). New York: DK Publishing. [GPL - REF]

  Recommended for general geographical use. "Enormous and enormously informative ...the awesome book affords an extraordinary view of our planet at the end of the century." (Publishers Weekly)

Children's Resources

• De Marco, N. (1999). The children's atlas of world history. New York: Bedrick Books. [GPL - J REF]
  
• Dorling Kindersley Children's Atlas. (2000). New York: Dorling Kindersley. [GPL - J REF]

  These are good places to start connecting events related to the Famine with their locations. Where did Nory Ryan live? Where is Ireland in relation to England? Is one country bigger than the other? How far was the journey that many Irish peasants took from their homeland in Ireland to America? Grades 4-6.

This section contains a variety of books which may help you in your research on the Irish famine. Several are multi-volumed. Some are tangentially related to the famine itself, but would be useful for exploring disciplines other than history, for example, Irish literature or current events. Others are more clearly useful for unearthing facts directly related to the famine. By browsing through this section you may find some surprisingly useful resources.

Adult Resources

• Curley, H. (Ed.). (2001). Local Ireland almanac and yearbook of Facts. Chester Springs,PA: Dufour. [UALB - REF]

  While oriented towards current events, this text includes a detailed chronology of the past 1,000 years of Irish history, allowing the reader to put historical events in the context of Ireland today. Includes in-depth articles, as well as statistical information. For "anyone with an interest in Ireland." (ARBA 2001)

• McCormack, W.J. (Ed.) (2001). The Blackwell companion to modern Irish culture. Malden, MA:Blackwell. [UALB - REF]

  Although this title includes the term "modern", this book actually refers to Ireland since 1450. (Modern is relative, especially in countries other than the US!) It is "a treasure trove of information that is entertaining and intriguing." (ARBA 2002)

• Moss, J. (Ed.) (2001). British and Irish literature and its times: the Victorian era to the present (1837- ). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group. (World Literature and Its Times, volume 4). [UALB - REF]

  For those interested in pursuing Irish literature around the time of the Famine,this guide will prove most helpful. It features British and Irish works of prose, poetry and drama that have been chosen for their relevance to social change and historical events since 1837. Includes illustrations and index. "This volume greatly enriches the appreciation of these important British and Irish works by emphasizing the historical, social and scientific events that inspired them." (ARBA 2002)

• Welch, R. (1996). Oxford companion to Irish literature. New York: Clarendon Press. [GPL - REF]

  "This is a handbook no library and no serious student of Irish literature will want to be without." (World Literature Today) A useful tool for those wishing to read and/or research Irish literature, both from and about the famine era.

Children's Resources

• American immigration. (1999). Danbuty, CT: Grolier Educational Publishing. [GPL - J REF]

  This 10-volume set will be very useful for those researching the enormous Irish emigration to America due to the Famine. "Combining transcripts from the Ellis Island Oral History Project with A-Z entries and historical photographs, this set for grades six to nine does a nice job of bringing to life the experiences of different immigrant groups and providing balanced coverage of various issues related to immigration." (Booklist)

• Lands and peoples. (1999). Danbury, CT: Grolier Publishing. [GPL - J REF]

  This six volume set is a great way to get to know the land and people of Ireland. The section about Ireland can be found in the Volume three, one of two volumes devoted to Europe. This section includes plentiful color photographs, as well as interesting text about important geographical features, facts and figures, rare animals and cultural information relating to Ireland. "Highly recommended." (ARBA 2000)

• Corbishley, M. (Ed.). Young Oxford history of Britain and Ireland. England: Oxford University Press. [GPL - J REF]

  This single volume guide to the history of Britain and Ireland provides another general resource on Irish history, and a good place to start. Includes illustrations and index. (Book Report)

• World almanac and book of facts. (2002). Mahwah, NJ: World Almanac Books. J 317

  Statistical information can be found quickly and easily in this resource. For example, you can find the answer to this question: What is the population of Ireland today?

Indexes usually contain listings -- often annotated-- of a particular group of sources. They exist in print and/or electronic versions. Guilderland Public Library belongs to the Upper Hudson Library System which provides its patrons with access to several valuable electronic indexes, including two for young people. These databases can be searched both at home or in the library via the library's homepage -- click on "Electronic Resources." If one uses the subject headings provided earlier in this pathfinder, these two databases can help you find articles related to the Great Irish famine in a wide variety of periodicals and journals.

For those interested in Irish immigration or genealogy, the following print index will be helpful:

• Glazier, I.A. (1983-86). The Famine Immigrants: lists of Irish immigrants arriving at the port of New York, 1846-1851. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company. [BPL - REF]

  A seven-volume transcription of the names of Irish passengers as recorded in ship manifests. Arranged chronologically by ship list. Data includes name, age, sex, occupation, ship's name, port of origin and date of arrival. Name index. (Guide to Reference Books, Balay)

There are many sites on the web devoted to Ireland and the Great Famine. The following are some of the best web sources for information about the topic. They are not meant to be comprehensive. Note, however, that they do provide links to many other related sites.

• The History Place - Irish Potato Famine This is an excellent Irish Famine history resource, well-organized and accessible for both adult, middle and high school audiences.
  
  
• The Victorian Web - The Irish Famine 1845-9 - An informative site for adults, hs or advanced elementary student users. Presents an overview of the politics and history of the famine, as part of a Victorian history site. Contains several links to specific people and political entities associated with the famine.
  
  
• Views of the Famine - This wonderfully rich site is often referenced by other famine sites. It provides access to numerous original, visual images and text documents associated with the famine. Organized by periodical or document name, as well as by image subject in a "Master Picture List." The images would be of interest and useful for all students and adults.
  
  
• Irelandseye - The Great Famine - This page is part of a 'webzine' published in Ireland. The famine article is very accessible, even to upper elementary students. Also contains lots of information about Ireland today and tourism.
  
  
• Irish History on the Web - The Irish "Famine" - This is a well-structured site created and financed personally by Jacqueline Dana. She is affiliated with U of Texas, however, the site is not subsidized by UT. Famine page last updated 9/99. Some links no longer exist, but the page still bears examination. "Interpreting the Irish Famine 1846-1850" (Author: Liz Szabo) is particularly useful, providing well-written, informative text, as well as lists of additional resources. Do NOT use the Glossary: the links do not work! For hs students and adults
  
  
• Vindicator.ca - The Famine - This is a Canadian/Irish site, and users should be aware of its staunch antipathy towards the English. This particular link is of interest because it provides link, which access to transcriptions of original news articles by a reporter (Foster) of "The Times" of London, concerning the Irish famine. Foster was appointed by "The Times" as "Commissioner to study the condition of the people of Ireland". For hs students and adults.
  
  
• Chronology of Ireland - This site is quite straightforward, listing events, births and deaths for each year in Ireland's history since "pre-1600's." Click on "1800's" , then click on "1840's". Also provides links to other Irish sites. For both student and adult audiences.
  
  
• Ireland's Potato Famine This site consists only of text. But, it provides good reference to main issues, politics, opinions and people connected with the famine. For older students and adults.
  
  
• Local Ireland: History - Famine This Irish website contains a very clear glossary of famine terms and phrases, listed alphabetically. Some text is appropriate for younger students, but, this is mainly a useful reference for older student and adult researchers.
  
  
• Folk Music of Ireland This site contains numerous examples of Irish folksongs and ballads, which can be heard via your computer, if it is sound-equipped. For all audiences!
  

Well-made videos can be especially illuminating when researching history. Listed below is just a sampling of the many video resources covering Ireland and the Famine which are available through the library.

• Dunn, J. (Writer and Director). (1995?). When Ireland Starved. [Videocassette]. Dublin, Ireland: Radharc Films. [APL]

  This film traces the causes, follows the unfolding and examines the results of the Great Irish Famine.(UHLS notes) For high school students and adults. 120 minutes.

• Greystone Communications, (Producer). (1997). The Irish in America. [Videocassette]. New York: A&E Home Video. [GPL]

  Not to be confused with the second listing below, this is a different series, also worth viewing. Narration by Aidan Quinn. For high school students and adults.100 minutes.

• Lennon Documentary Group, (Producers). (1997?) The Irish in America: Long Journey Home. [Videocassette]. Burbank, CA: Buena Vista Home Entertainment [BPL]

  While this entire series provides worthwhile viewing, the first volume "The Great Hunger" focuses on the Famine years. For high school students and adults. 4 videos, totaling 5 hours 45 minutes.

• So Far From Home: the story of Mary Driscoll, an Irish mill girl. (1999). New York: Scholastic. [COLN]

  Film version of the well-regarded "Dear America" book, noted above in "Selected Books." As a result of famine conditions, Mary emigrates from Ireland to America in 1847 and becomes a mill worker in Massachusetts. For elementary and middle school students. 30 minutes. Close-captioned.

• Wagner, P. (Director). (1995). Out of Ireland: the story of Irish emigration to America. [PBS Video]. 111 minutes. [GPL]

  Traces the story of the migration from the famine-swept villages of 19th century Ireland to the industrialized cities of 20th century America. Narrated by Kelly McGillis. (UHLS notes) For high school students and adults. Accompanied by an excellent Irish musical score. Close-captioned.

Our library system has a wealth of books related to the Great Irish Famine. The books presented above in "Selected Books" represent only a small fraction of what is available. This section presents additional suggestions for adults and children, concluding with the recommendation that you take time to browse and explore both the library shelves and the OPAC! Of course, don't hesitate to ask a librarian if you have a question which seems to be a stumper.

Adult Resources: Non-fiction

• Laxton, E. (1996). The Famine Ships: the Irish Exodus to America. NY: Henry Holt & Company. 325.241 [GPL]

  "This well-written supplement to the various works on the Irish famine exodus finally draws attention to the people and the ships that defined a moment in Irish and American history." (Library Journal)

• O Cathaoir, B. (1999). Famine Diary. Portland, OR: Irish Academic Press. 941.508 [GPL]

  This book is based on a series of articles by O Cathaoir, originally published in The Irish Times during 150th anniversary of the Famine years. Its strength is that "it allows the tragedy to speak for itself through the use of contemporary reports, primarily newspapers." (Irish Studies Review)

• Poirteir, C. (Ed.). (1995). The Great Irish Famine. Dublin, Ireland: Mercier Press. 941.5 [TPL]

  This collection of wide-ranging essays, will be "of lasting interest to the general reader. Leading historians, economists, geographers - from Ireland, Great Britain and the United States - have assembled the most up-to-date research from a wide spectrum of disciplines, including medicine, folklore and literature." (book-jacket)

• Scally, R.J. (1995). The End of Hidden Ireland: Rebellion, Famine and Emigration. New York: Oxford University Press. 941.65 [APL]

  "Scally has written a highly original book whose impressive scholarship makes a significant contribution to understanding 19th-century Irish and North American history...This is microhistory at its best, using a small setting to expand knowledge of bigger events. It is also splendidly written and deserves a wide readership." (Choice)

Children's Resources: Non-fiction

• Allan, T. (2001. The Irish famine: the birth of Irish America. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library J-941.508 [APL-PH]

  Allan traces the problems faced by the Irish to a number of things, but mostly to the situation created by the English that condemned them to a life of poverty. Students will also learn the reason for the bitterness between the Irish and English that is still evident today... Black-and-white and full-color photographs, reproductions, and maps clarify complicated information. For grades 4-9. (School Library Journal)

• Nardo, D. (1990). The Irish Potato Famine. San Diego, CA: Lucent Books, Inc. J-363.8 [BPL]

  This book's format, a combination of text, period illustrations as well as modern-day drawings resembling political cartoons, provides an appealing way for students to understand many of the issues surrounding the Famine. For grades 4 and up.

Children's Resources: Fiction

• Bunting, E. (1978). The Haunting of Kildoran Abbey. New York: Frederick Warne and Company, Inc. J -- BUN [BPL]

  Caught in the grip of a severe famine, eight hungry homeless youngsters join forces for one simple mission: to steal food from the rich and feed the poor. (UHLS notes) For grades 4 and up. A suspenseful, authentic Famine read by a well-regarded author.

• Heneghan, J. (2000). The Grave. NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. (YA) [VPL]

  "Tom, while not always a likable character, tells a gripping story...Tom Mullen, nearly 14... falls into a mass grave and out of 1974 Liverpool. He hits the ground in Ireland in 1847 (and). ..experiences the forced migration caused by the potato famine... Heneghan's story-written in a very British vernacular-will appeal to time-travel fans who like their fantasy with an edge. For grades 5 and up." (School Library Journal)