Shortform Books

Escaping Poverty in Sherman Alexie’s YA Novel

What does escaping poverty mean? How does Junior begin the process of escaping poverty in The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Junior grows up in poverty on a Native American reservation. Poverty, and escaping poverty, are major themes of the book as Junior learns that he may be able to seek opportunities in the world. Keep reading to find out more about Junior starts to believe in himself, and envision a life other than poverty.

Dan Dalgard: Discovering the Outbreak at Reston

Who is Dan Dalgard? What was his role in containing the Ebola outbreak at the Reston monkey house? Dan Dalgard was a consulting veterinarian at the holding facility where the Ebola outbreak fo 1989 took place. Dalgard helped sound the alarm, and later handled the outbreak. Read more about Dan Dalgard, and his role in containing and researching the Reston Ebola outbreak.

Federalist Paper 78: The Power of Judicial Review

What is Federalist Paper 78 about? How does the power of judicial review provide an important check on other branches? The power of judicial review is the ability of the courts to nullify unconstitutional laws. Federalist Paper 78 discusses the power of judicial review in the Constitution. Read more about Federalist Paper 78 and the power of judicial review.

Federalist 69: Who Makes Treaties?

Who makes treaties for the US? What does Federalist 69 say about the process? Federalist 69 is about the process of making treaties. The Constitution gives that power to the federal government, with the President negotiating and Senate ratifying. See what Federalist 69 says about who makes treaties.

Define Confederation: Is It a Good or a Bad Thing?

How do you define a confederation? Is a confederacy a good or bad government structure? The definition of confederation is an association of independent states or political communities. Confederacies have a weaker national government. Read more about how to define a confederation and understand the strengths and weaknesses of confederacies.

Ebola Decontamination: Following Procedure

How do you stop Ebola from spreading? Are there Ebola decontamination procedures in place? Ebola decontamination is a process in which teams work to get rid of Ebola viruses and germs to stop the spread of infection. This was an important process for stopping the spread of Ebola during several outbreaks. Keep reading to find out how Ebola decontamination works, and how it helps stop an outbreak.

Spokane Indian Reservation: Significance of the Setting

Where is the Spokane Indian Reservation? What does the Spokane Indian Reservation have to do with the book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian? In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, the Spokane Indian Reservation is the home of Arnold Spirit Jr., known as Junior. Junior feels a connection to the reservation, but also feels like he has to leave it in order to escape common tragedies like poverty, alcoholism, and early death. Find out more about Junior’s life on the Spokane Indian Reservation.

Stephen Grywalski Never Left Susannah’s Side

Who is Stephen Grywalski? How did Susannah Cahalan’s boyfriend support her through her condition? Stephen Grywalski is Susannah Cahalan’s boyfriend in Brain on Fire. Even though they had only been dating briefly, he stuck by her through the ordeal. Read more about Susannah Cahalan and Stephen Grywalski.

Thoughtful Disagreement Makes Your Company Better

What is thoughtful disagreement? How does it work, and why do you need it? Thoughtful disagreement is a communication skill that allows you to respectfully explore the differently viewpoints of others. Thoughtful disagreement is a necessary skill for anyone in the workplace. Here’s how thoughtful disagreement works.

Dr. Bailey: Neurologist Can’t Diagnose Susannah

Who is Dr. Bailey the neurologist in Brain on Fire? How does he attempt to diagnose Susannah Cahalan? Dr. Bailey, neurologist, is one of the first doctors to see Susannah. He considers several incorrect diagnoses for her. Read more about the tests run by Dr. Bailey the neurologist.