Hanel, Rachael.
MEXICAN IMMIGRANTS IN AMERICA. Mankato, MN:
Capstone Press,
2009. 112 p. 978-1-4296-2013-0;
hb., $27.93 lib. $20.95
Gr. 3 – 7 j973.046872
This book is another in the interactive history adventure series.
The book is about Mexicans who choose to immigrate to the United States
and why they make that decision. However,
the reader becomes the immigrant with choices to make in his/her life.
The first choice is on which immigrant to become: a migrant worker in the
1970’s, a domestic worker in the early 21st century, or a worker in
a modern-day meatpacking plant. The
book is reminiscent of the” choose your own adventure” series of the late
1980’s. The choices would help
children understand the plight of the Mexicans who come into the United States.
As in many of the Capstone Press books, additional educational helps are
included at the end of the book, ex. Internet sites.
Chris Collins, Director, L’Anse School/Public
Library, L’Anse, MI
Harness, Cheryl. GHOSTS OF THE WHITE
HOUSE. Illus. by the author.
New York: Simon and Schuster, 1998.
48p. 0-689-80872-0; hb. $16.00
96-39752 Gr. 2-6. 973.09
920
When the narrator's class goes on a field trip
to the White House, George Washington steps out of a portrait on the wall
and gives her a private tour. In each room, ghosts of past presidents
share interesting tidbits with her. Sidebars with portraits and facts
about the presidents help readers learn more about the two or more presidents
who are shown talking to the narrator in each of the rooms. The presidents
are grouped around a theme, for example on the page showing the sidebars of
Grant and Eisenhower, the two generals look at maps and books and discuss
battles while other presidents who have been soldiers in various wars make
comments. The narrator sees all of the presidents' ghosts
all together in the Rose Garden at the end of her tour. Later in the
book there is a drawing giving names to identify each of those presidents.
An added feature is a double-page spread showing a timeline of presidents,
their life spans, time in office, and U.S. events as well as constitutional
requirements of the office. Pictures of the five living presidents
and information about them are appears at the end of the book. There is also
a bibliography. End papers include two group portraits of the presidents
which are unfortunately covered up by the book jacket flaps. Harness
provides a painless way to learn about our presidents in or out of classrooms.
The U.P. Reading Association conference at N.M.U. invited Harness to
be a speaker at the 1999 fall conference.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, MI
32 years experience as a school library/media
specialist
St. George, Judith. SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT? Illus
by David Small.
Philomel/Penguin Putnam, 2000. 52p. 0-399-234007-1;
hb., $17.99. 98-40002
Gr. 2-5+ 973
or 920
This book is an interesting way to learn miscellaneous
information about the 41 presidents. The book begins “There are good
things about being president and there are bad things about being President.”
One of the good things is that the president gets to live in a big white house.
The illustrations add a dimension to text; in this case, Eleanor and Franklin
are shown having tea with the White House in the background. The author
says that presidents come in all shapes and sizes but chances of being president
are improved if you are a male, were born in a log cabin, are musical, have
a relative who was president, or have the name James, John, William, George,
Andrew, or Franklin. Because the book was written before the outcome
of the Gore/Bush election, readers will have to add another George to the
list and another person who has a relative who was president.
Tidbits of information are shared with humor and irony. A president
has lots of homework. Harding, the handsomest president was one of
the worst and Lincoln, one of the ugliest, was one of the best. Illustrated
during the height of the impeachment trial, Clinton’s legacy with Caldecott
readers will forever be a full-page picture of him walking down the steps
of the Lincoln Memorial with his head down and his hands behind his back
while Nixon lurks on the bottom of the opposite page.
There is a key to the illustrations; a bibliography; a
numbered list with when and where they were born and died; and a sentence
of concerns during their presidency. A drawback is not agreeing with
the specific soundbite provided for some presidents; conservative presidents
fare better than liberal ones. This is an important purchase in Michigan
where David Small lives.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
*Editor’s Note. This book was an Honor Book for
the MITTEN AWARD, given by the
Children’s Services Division of
the Michigan Library Association.
*Editor’s Note. This book is the winner of the
2001 Caldecott Medal.
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The black and white illustrations on almost every page
add greatly to this complete biography. There are engravings, paintings,
drawings, facsimiles of publication pages, and prints. There are numerous
full page or double page excerpts from Franklin's publications including
cartoons, letters, newsletters, almanacs, newspapers, and pamphlets. .
It is the primary sources that make this book special. Extra features
include diagrams of inventions on the end papers, a map showing Franklin's
travels, chronologies, extensive source notes, four recommended web sites,
selected bibliography, and index. The title comes from what Franklin
wanted on his tombstone. Although this title contains the information
included in Giblin's THE AMAZING LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (Scholastic,
2000) Adler’s title is longer, more extensive, and for an older audience.
Adler has another title in print, A PICTURE BOOK OF BEN FRANKLIN (Holiday,
1990) that is also for a younger audience and BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, PRINTER,
INVENTOR, STATESMAN (Holiday, 1992) that is out of print.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media specialist
Fradin, Dennis Brindell.
LET IT BEGIN HERE! LEXINGTON & CONCORD: FIRST
BATTLES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Illus. by Larry Day.
New York:
Walker & Company, 2005. ISBN
0802789455 hb. $16.95 Gr.
2-6 j973.3 FR
Fradin, Dennis Brindell. THE SIGNERS: THE FIFTY-SIX STORIES BEHIND
THE
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. Illus by Michael
McCurdy. New York:
Walker, 2002. 164p. 0-8027-8849-1; hb., $22.95
0-8027-8850-5; lib.bdg., $23.85
20002-066364 Gr. 4-9
973.3 or 920
According to the introduction “The British targeted the
fifty-six signers for special punishment. The homes of twelve signers
were burned, and nearly twenty of them lost much of what they owned.”
The stories of these men are told state by state with a chart showing their
vital statistics and a map of where that state resided among the original
thirteen. There is also a descriptive phrase, a signature, a portrait,
and one picture per person. The scratchboard illustrations add significantly
to the text and provide an old-world tone. A facsimile of “The unanimous
Declaration of the thirteen united States of America complete with signatures
is included as well as a copy of the Declaration of Independence in regular
type are included. There is an extensive bibliography and an index.
This handsome book will be welcome by intermediate, middle, and high school
students.
Mary Ann Paulin, director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience of as a school library media specialist
Freedman, Russell. GIVE ME LIBERTY!: THE STORY OF THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE. New York:
Holiday House, 2000. 90p.
ISBN: 9780823414482
hb. $24.95. Gr.
4-8 j973.3
Freedman presents the events and principal participants in American
History leading up to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
Specific battles are detailed. Freedman also incorporates details about the role
of women and blacks to the revolutionary war. This book includes a Table
of Contents, Chronology of Events, Bibliography and Index. The Declaration
of Independence is included in the book. This book is highly recommended
as a study of the events leading up to the writing of the Declaration of
Independence and the history of the United States from 1775-1783.
Denise Engel Wakefield Public Library, Wakefield, MI
Furbee, Mary R. WOMEN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Illus. with drawings and maps. History Makers
Series. San Diego: Lucent, 1999.
101p. 1-56006-489-7; lib.bdg., $23.70
Gr. 5-12. 920 or
973.3
Furbee believes that there were women of the Revolutionary
period whose contributions and stories deserve to be remembered and honored.
This book ensures they will be. The life stories of the six women presented
are full of interesting facts and historical insights. Three of the
biographies in the collection are of special interest. Peggy Shippen
Arnold, wife of the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold, is still somewhat a
mystery. Was she innocent and shocked by her husband's deeds, as she
acted, or was she, as the author suggests, equally involved in spying?
Phillis Wheatley was captured in
Africa at age seven and brought to Boston as a slave. She became a
renowned poet and free Negro. Her writings brought into focus the struggle
of blacks and women and the fact that all creatures desire freedom.
Interestingly, though, she was much poorer as a free person than she had been
as a slave. Most intriguing is the story of Deborah Sampson who disguised
herself as a man and joined the colonial army where she was wounded twice
and recognized for valor. When the truth about her gender was revealed
it proved that women could serve successfully in armed combat.
Other women profiled are Abigail
Adams, Esther DeBerdt Reed, and Mercy Otis Warren. The book is nicely bound
with drawings of four of the women gracing the cover. It appears to
be well researched and gives many insights into the lives and times of women
during the American Revolution. The13 pages of notes, references, and
index are helpful. This title would be a valuable addition to a library's
American history, women's studies, or biography sections. There isn't
much on this topic and this is a solid choice.
Ragene Henry, teacher, Sawyer Elementary, Gwinn Public
Schools, Gwinn, MI
*Editor's note: Ragene was a "Teacher of the Year"
for the Marquette-Alger Reading Council.
Giblin, James Cross. THE AMAZING LIFE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
Illus by Michael Dooling. New York:Scholastic, 2000.
48p.
0-590-48534-2; hb., $17.95 98-44737
Gr. 3-7 973.3 or 92
Oil paintings help readers understand what life was
like for this "founding father." Readers learn that Franklin was the
youngest of ten sons in a family of seventeen children. The not publicized
fact that Franklin's only son, Governor of New Jersey, was on the British
side during the Revolution is interesting. The book begins with Franklin's
birth in Boston; working at age ten in his father's candle-and-soap making
shop; a job he hated. His father apprenticed him to his brother for
nine years in his print shop without pay until he was twenty-one years old.
He left Boston and his brother and at age eighteen opened his own print shop
in New York City. All the known information about Franklin like POOR
RICHARD'S ALMANACK, his contribution as diplomat, inventor, peace negotiator,
convention delegate, founder of libraries, schools, and hospitals.
The book concludes with a chronology, some information about inventions,
and numerous sayings from his almanac; information about historic sites associated
with him, a bibliography/source notes, artist's note, and index. Franklin
is an amazing man and this is an amazing biography.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
Kroll, Steven. THE BOSTON TEA PARTY. Illus. by Peter
Fiore. New York: Holiday, 1998. 32p.
0-8234-1316-0,
lib.bdg., $16.95.
96-54855 Gr. 3-8+
973.3
What a painless way to learn about the Sugar Act
of 1764, Stamp Act of 1765, Sons of Liberty, Long Room Club, Committees
of Correspondence, and the Boston Tea Party. An afterword explains
what happened after the Boston Tea Party and the "Important Dates"
section begins with the Sugar Act and ends with the Battle of Lexington and
Concord. The watercolor illustrations on canvas evoke the spirit of
the times to enhance the meaning of the text. This book will be useful
to the American history curriculum for intermediate and middle school as
well as adult education students. Public libraries will find that this
book will be checked out by people of all ages. Highly recommended.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
32 years experience as a school library/media
specialist
Murray, Stuart. AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Eyewitness series.
London: Dorling Kindersley, 2002. 64p.
ISBN 0-7894-8556-7; hb., $15.99
0-7894-8557-5; lib.bdg., $19.99 Gr. 3-9 973.3
Each double-page spread contains maps, drawings, photos,
and artifacts with captions and a quarter of a page of text. Many of
the illustrations are from the Smithsonian Institution. The first topic
was “Life in British America” and the last was “George Washington--Father
of His Country.” Other topics include how the unrest became revolution,
recruiting and training, individual battles, camps and prisons, doctors,
spies and traitors, and attacks on the frontier. All schools where
the American Revolution is studied should own this book. Public libraries
will also find this a valuable addition.
Mary Ann Paulin, Director, Superiorland Preview Center
Nardo, Don. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: A MODEL FOR
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS. Words that Changed History
Series. San Diego, CA:
Lucent, 1999. 96p. 1-56006-368-8; lib.bdg.,
$22.45 98-7338 Gr. 6+
973.3
Be it the written or spoken word, both reflect and shape
America's history and this works by historian and award winning author, Nardo
reflects how important speeches and documents have influenced out country,
its beliefs, laws and public opinion. It details the importance and
significance of this famous document and what it symbolized. The text
is compelling enough to hold a child's interest, but not so complicated that
it is hard to follow. Interspersed are numerous black and while historical
pictures and paintings as well as copies of articles and excerpts of lesser
documents to help develop a more realistic understanding of this monumental
shaping of history. The text is preceded by a forward which explains
to the young reader how "Many primary and secondary source quotes give
readers insight into the thoughts of the document's contemporaries as well
as those who interpret the document's significance in hindsight." Also
included are source notes, reading lists, and bibliography. The book
would be a welcomed supplement to any classroom or public or school
library.
Patricia Fittantte, Children's Librarian,
Escanaba Public Library, Escanaba, MI
23 years of experience as a teacher and librarian
St. George, Judith. JOHN & ABIGAIL ADAMS: AN AMERICAN LOVE
STORY.
New York: Holiday, 2001. 147p. 0-8234-1571-6;
hb., $22.95 Gr. 4-9 973.4
After reading two thousand letters written by the John
and Abigail Adams, a gifted writer tells the story of America’s beginnings
through their lives. John began as a lawyer who rode circuit from one
district courthouse to another. Their first letters, according to the
custom of the day were signed using their mythological names. The couple
began their correspondence before they were married in1764 when she was almost
20 and he was 29. Much of their life the couple was apart, once for
five straight years. The couple were apart when John was a delegate
to the First (1774) and Second (1775) Continental Congresses. John
and son Johnny (John Quincey) left for Europe in1778 where John was negotiating
with the French and later John was first American ambassador to the Netherlands,
and when John was negotiating the Peace treaty in Paris. Abigail joined
him when he was appointed the first American ambassador to Great Britain.
Their first years of marriage were spent raising children
and becoming active in patriotic causes. The British passed the Stamp
Act that John denounced. While on the Massachusetts General Court,
John was lawyer for the British soldiers who killed civilians at the Boston
Massacre. John wrote “The die is cast” when the Boston Tea Party and
the retaliatory Coercive Acts happened. “John nominated George Washington
as commander in chief…was a key player in establishing the American navy
and the corps of marines.”
The couple had their share of sorrow in their personal
lives. A child was stillborn. Son Charles was an alcoholic who
abandoned his family and died at age 30. Daughter Nabby died of breast
cancer at age of 48. There were also political disappointments.
wooing the French. As first ambassador to Great Britain, he was unable
to gain trade concessions from them and because of his ten years abroad,
people called him “His Rotundity,” puppet of the French, and called
Abigail “Her Majesty.” There were estrangements from friends
because of politics, Mercy Warren and Thomas Jefferson, which were fortunately
made up before it was too late. There was the political treachery of
Alexander Hamilton. John lost the presidency to Jefferson and although
their politics were very different, he had to serve as Vice President.
Adams was not reelected and when he left office, people did not visit him
like they did Washington. Abigail died 7 years before her son became
President of the U.S. and her husband outlived her.
An interesting sidelight was that Johnny was a child in
arms when his mother took him to watch the Battle of Breed’s Hill.
He went with his father to Paris and at age 13 he accompanied his father’s
friend, Francis Dana, who was appointed to represent the U.S. in Russia and
became Dana’s secretary because he spoke French, the common language with
the Russians. At age 17 he lived with his parent s in London where
his father was ambassador, graduated from Harvard, became a U.S. Senator,
American ambassador to Russia and later Great Britain, Secretary of State
for Monroe, and then president.
St. George says, “Abigail and John were equal partners.
They were partners in raising their children. They were partners in
sharing their joy in good times and upholding each other in times of sorrow.
Now they would be partners in sharing their talents to serve the country
they loved.” “John’s and Abigail’s letters to each other were more
than exchanges of affection, family news and political reports. They
were life-and love-sustaining.” This is a good addition to collections
where history of early America is needed, especially contributions of women.
Mary Ann Paulin, director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience of as a school library media specialist
Winnick, Karen B. SYBIL'S NIGHT RIDE. Illus. by the
author. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2000.
32p.
1-56397-697-8; hb., $15.95. 99-62243 Gr. 1-5+
973.33
In the Author's Note at the beginning of the book,
Wannick tells readers that there are historic markers along the route this
young Revolutionary War heroine took. Late one night Sybil Ludington's
father, who was head of a militia colonel, returned home just before a young
man rode in telling him that the British were burning Danbury. The
messenger and his horse were too tired to continue and Sybil's father had
to stay to organize the men to fight, so Sybil changed into her father's old
breeches and rode off on the colt she had been training. Sybil rode
through the rain and darkness telling patriot farmers that the British were
burning Danbury. An encounter with a deer and a loyalist farmer
add excitement to the story. The end papers are a map from the William
L. Clements Library, a research library at the University of Michigan.
This is a welcome story to show that females made a contribution during the
Revolutionary War. Purchase for intermediate and middle school collections
to enhance the U.S. history studies or for public library collectios.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist
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Now that Sacgawea (Sacajawea) is on the new dollar
coin, interest in her has accelerated. This picture book gives a clear
picture of who Sacagawea was and her contribution to the Lewis and Clark
Expedition. Besides being an interpreter, she set the natives at ease
because war parties did not travel with a woman and child. The text
is up to Adler's excellent standards but the illustrations unfortunately do
not support the text. Although no one knows what Sacagawea looked like,
this likeness looks more Hispanic than Native American. We do know
what Thomas Jefferson looked like and this likeness does not do him justice.
A chronology, author's note and bibliography add to the value of the book.
Purchase this title only when a shorter, easier book abut Sacagawea is needed.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist
Calabro, Marian. THE PERILOUS JOURNEY OF THE DONNER PARTY.
New York: Clarion, 1999. 192p.
0-395-86610-3; hb., $20.00 Gr. 4-10+ 979.4
A map tracing the journey from Springfield, IL
to Sutter's Fort, CA is included at the beginning of the book to offer readers
a pictorial view of the cutoffs taken by the Donner Party as well the
usual route. Also helpful is the list of the 32 family members and
employees who left Springfield in April, 1846and the chronology and roster
of the dead at the end of the book. A number of books for young readers,
videos, and web sites as well as an extensive bibliography complete the book.
The text reads like an adventure story; it is one of the most celebrated
and gruesome stories in American History. Most Americans have heard of the Donner Party but only know that they
were a lost wagon train who had to eat each other to survive. They
are often thought of as a group but Calabro brings the party alive as individuals
and provides readers with interesting, little known details about the trip.
The group could have been called the Reed party because James Reed and the
Donner Brothers were successful men who went into this venture together.
We learn a lot about the Reed family, especially 12-year-old Virginia the
tomboy, her grandmother who dies early in the venture, her mother who travels
in luxury in her Pioneer Palace Car, her father's fall from grace when he
kills another party member and is banished from the train, her father's
rescue mission, and their subsequent good fortune in California. Because
of George Donner's ad in the newspaper a number of single men came along
as teamsters whose job was to walk beside the oxen all the way to California.
Mary Lincoln probably saw the party leave Springfield.
The Breen family of Iowa were Irish immigrants who joined
the part later. Hastings wrote a book which told travelers of
the shortcut he had never taken. Males over the age of 14 voted on
wagon train matters like whether or not to take the "shortcut." It
was disappointing to learn that Jim Bridger lied to the party just to sell
them supplies. The men who killed the scouts were never brought to
trial because killing Indians was not a crime. The families kept their
own supplies and prepared their own dwellings during the fateful winter.
A German who beat his wife, may have killed one of the women and eaten her.
There was a protocol to eating others, family members were spared from eating
a relative.
Statistics are interwoven and provide interesting
information about the trip: there were 9 original wagons; women had
a higher survival rate then men; of the 43 teenagers and children, almost
two out of three survived but more than half of them lost both parents and
were orphans when they reached California. Only two families made it
to California without loss of life. In 1996, at the 150th anniversary
of the start of the journey, 450 of the 2,500 descendants held a reunion.
Charts showing amounts of food per adult brought along and the number of
overland emigrants going to Oregon and California between 1840 and 1850 add
interest to the text.
Especially interesting is the chapter about the
survivors, told person by person. A 12-year-old boy who was rescued
died from overeating. Virginia Reed died at age 87. The
information about each family is extensive and required much research.
A number of letters and diary entries are provided so this book could
be used to explain primary sources. Calabro discusses various
memoirs written after the disaster and their probable validity.
Black and white photos, drawings, and maps of party members, sites, and monuments,
are disbursed throughout the text at appropriate places and add interest
to the saga. This well-rounded chronicle will be useful
to intermediate, middle and high school history students learning about settling
the American West but it will also be picked up because of its by readers
of all ages because of it's name recognition Share this book with readers
who were fascinated with the Titanic disaster. Highly recommended.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media
specialist
Haskins, Jim. THE GEOGRAPHY OF HOPE: BLACK EXODUS FROM THE SOUTH
AFTER RECONSTRUCTION.
Brookfield, CT: Twenty-First century, 1999. 144p.
0-7613-0323-5;
lib.bdg., $29.90 98-33266 Gr. 7+
973.04 or 973.8
This book documents the exodus of freed slaves,
who following the Civil War, headed for the newly opened frontier of Kansas
and Oklahoma. Historical photographs, lithographs, posters, and inside
cover maps support the story of this struggle for equality. A chronology,
bibliography, index, and source notes attest to the accuracy of this sad chapter
in African-American history. Aimed at young adults, readers of all
ages will find this book useful in understanding the impetus for the westward
movement of 20,000 freed people, their battle against discrimination, and
the hardships of homesteading this new land.
Phyllis Kruse, L'Anse, MI
Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. ANIMALS ON THE TRAIL WITH LEWIS AND CLARK.
Photos by William Munoz. New York: Clarion,
2002. 118p.
0-395-91415-9; hb., $18.00 2001-042200
Gr. 4-9+ 917.804
Beginning with a map of the Lewis and Clark’s Expedition
from 1804-1806, readers learn why the expedition was organized, where it went,
and what the explorers learned about animals. The photos of animals
they found along the way are exceptionally clear and colorful. Phrases
from the diaries occur throughout the book. Four web sites appear at
the end of the book along with books in a section called “To Learn More.”
The most unique part is seven-page “Chronology of Animal Discoveries
New to Science,” a list of 121 new species of animals identified on the expedition
and recorded in the journals. The date, name, and place is given
for each animal. An index concludes the book. There are lots of books
about the Lewis and Clark Expedition but none focuses solely on the animals.
This is an outstanding science and history book.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI
32 years of experience as a school-library media specialist
Rau, Margaret. THE WELLS FARGO BOOK OF THE GOLD RUSH.
Illus from the Wells Fargo Historical Archives. New
York: Atheneum, 2001. 143p.
0-689-83019-X; hb., $18.00 99-028767
Gr. 6+ 979.404
According to the introduction "Wells, Fargo & Co.,
Banking and Express, provided financial, delivery, and letter services.
To celebrate the Golden State's sesquicentennial, Wells Fargo is pleased to
support Margaret Rau's tale of gold!" The book begins with a
relief map of California Gold Mining and the discovery of gold. January
24, 1848, James Marshall, a friend of Capt. John Sutter saw flakes in the
tailrace of the sawmill.
This book provides much information that can be found
in other sources about the gold rush but adds a perspective from the providers
of a reliable system to escort the transfer the gold, mail, and other cargo
as well as provide banking services. Two million people visit Wells
Fargo's five museums and four museum stores. The prints, photos, and
drawings about the era that come from the Wells Fargo Archives add to the
understanding of the subject and appear strategically throughout the book
in interesting patterns and with accompanying captions. An epilogue, bibliography,
and index complete the book.
This book prepares readers for the 2002 150th anniversary
of Wells Fargo. This book provides helpful background about the
gold rush and the role of economics in American history for curriculum support.
Towns where there are branches of Wells Fargo banks will be interested in
the book and the bank may provide copies for school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center,
Marquette, MI 49855
32 years of experience as a school library-media specialist
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Rather than limit this book to the short life of Booth
(he died at age 27), the author sets the life story of the man who assassinated
Abraham Lincoln against the backdrop of the Civil War. The ninth of
ten children Booth did not have the smarts to become and engineer or scientist,
but he was impulsive--a trait which eventually led him to commit murder.
Historical photographs, maps and printed memorabilia contribute to the authenticity
of the publication. The time lines, glossary, source notes, further
readings and web sites make the book practical as well as helpful and informative
for a student report.
Patricia Fittante, Children's Librarian, Escanaba Public
Library, Escanaba, MI
23 years of experience as a school or public librarian
Egger-Bovet, Howard and Marlene Smith-Baranzini. (USKIDS HISTORY)
BOOK OF THE
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR Illus by D.J. Simpson.Brown
Paper School Series. New York:
Little, 1998. 96p. 0-316-22239-9, hb.
$22.95. 0-316-22324-7, pb., $14.45. 98-12849
Gr. 4-9 973.7
As part of the Brown Paper School USKids History
Series, Egger-Bovet and Smith-Baranzini create an informative and insightful
glimpse into everyday life prior to and during the Civil War. First
person narratives from diaries and authentic documents tell of a young girl
breaking family and state laws while teaching her maid servant to read; of
a 14-year-old Union drummer, who while wounded maneuvers through gunfire,
delivers an important message to General Sherman; and of a freedman's defense
of his home against a posse sent to capture runaway slaves taking refuge
on his land. The photographs and black and white illustrations
on every page, along with the sidebars and inserts, will attract and inform
even the reluctant reader. Over 20 activities with clear instructions
aimed at the later elementary student provide a source for projects and reports
not found in traditional encyclopedias. A complete, descriptive Table
of Contents and notes are included in addition to an index. An excellent
book for an individual, a classroom, or school library.
Jean Plummer; Librarian, Kingsford Middle
School Media Center,
Breitung Township Schools, Kingsford, MI;
English teacher and librarian for 23 years
Holzer, Harold, comp. ABRAHAM LINCOLN THE WRITER: A TREASURY
OF HIS
GREATEST SPEECHES AND LETTERS. Illus. with
photos. Honesdale, PA:
Boyds Mills, 2000. 107p. 1-56397-772-9; hb.,
15.95 99-66551 Gr. 6+ 973.7
or 810
In the introduction, readers learn that Lincoln
had the Lincoln-Douglas debates printed as a book because he wanted his views
known and not thrown out with the newspapers. He also wrote his speeches
with an eye to publication. Excerpts from five of those debates are
included as well as 11 from his Illinois years, 1825-1860 and 15 from his
White House years, 1861-65. Lincoln's more famous speeches are included
in the book: "House Divided," " Gettysburg Address," and
"Emancipation Proclamation." With more emphasis being placed
on primary sources, this book is an excellent purchase for middle, high school,
university, and public library collections. The photos themselves
come from the beginning of photography and reflect that quality. Also
useful are a chronology, index, and list of 13 places to visit connected
with Lincoln.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist
Morrison, Taylor. CIVIL WAR ARTIST. Illus. by the author.
New York: Walter Lorraine/
Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 32p. 0-395-91426-4,
hb. $16.00. 97-52738 Gr. 4-6+ 070.4
Mathew Brady is a well-known Civil War photographer,
but most people do not know that contemporary technology couldn't convert
the photos for use in the newspapers. Instead, William Forbes
provided sketches of battles for Burton's Illustrated News in New York City.
Illustrations and text tell how the sketches were turned into wood engravings.
Readers learn how 35 blocks of Turkish boxwood were worked on by many artists,
inked, waxed, and put through the press to prepare an engraving which would
appear in the newspaper four weeks after a battle. A glossary explains printing
and historical terms. This picture book can be used in a variety of situations
and at many levels from intermediate grades through college by art
teachers who want to explain how engravings were made and history teachers
who want materials to expand the Civil War. Public librarians
will want to direct adult patrons interested in art to this books.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview
Center, Marquette, MI
32 years experience as a school library/media
specialist
Rappaport, Doreen. FREEDOM RIVER. Illus by Bryan Collier.
New York:
Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2000. 32p. 0-7868-0350-9;
hb., $14.99
0-7868-2291-0; lib.bdg., $15.49 99-33438
K-Gr. 3+ 973.7 PAULIN’S PICKS
From the end papers showing a period map of the Ohio
River showing Ohio on one side and Kentucky on the other to the torn paper
collages and text against light colored background accented with another collage;
this is an exquisite book. According to the historical note at
the end of the book, John Parker was born in 1827 in Virginia to a slave
mother and white father. Eventually he became a free man in Ripley,
Ohio where his house is now a museum. Additional books and websites
conclude the book Across the Ohio River from Ripley was Kentucky, a slave
state. Parker, who owned a successful foundry, was an active conductor
on the Underground Railroad who risked his own freedom to cross the river
to bring slaves to freedom. The incident in this book tells about a
slave who changed his mind about leaving his Kentucky plantation because
he couldn’t leave his wife and baby. Because the slave’s owner was
afraid to loose a valuable slave, he kept the man’s baby in his own house
at night. John’s challenge was to bring the whole family to freedom
in Ohio. The text engages the senses of readers by using large type
to ask readers to “Wait, wait. Listen. Listen.” The illustrations
engage the senses through the most profound and realistic cut paper collages
which readers have to carefully examine to see that yes, indeed, they are
collages. Intermediate and middle school teachers will use this book
in social studies classes to show the human side of slavery and in art classes
to show a masterful use of collage. This exemplary nonfiction picture
book is a first purchase for school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin; Director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience as a school library/media specialist
Sullivan, George. PICTURING LINCOLN: FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHS THAT
POPULARIZED THE PRESIDENT. New York: Clarion,
2000. 88p.
0-395-91682-8; hb., $16.00 00-027576
Gr. 4-9+ 973.7 or 92
Sullivan takes a different approach to this popular president;
he shares Lincoln through his photos and portraits. Photography had
just been invented when Lincoln had his first portrait in 1846 with a daguerreotype.
In order to reproduce likenesses, engravers made wood blocks or stone lithographs
based on the photos and used them for newspapers, magazines, fliers, postcards,
posters, medals, and campaign buttons. Many engravings were based on
Hesler’s photo of Lincoln with the uncombed hair, which became known as the
“Wigwam print.” Many of the other photos had names like the “Cooper
Union likeness” that was distributed for the campaign of 1860. Family
portraits were included as well as mementos after Lincoln’s death.
People interested in postage stamps and coins will also
be interested in this book that contains information about Lincoln’s likenesses
for those mediums. The first Lincoln penny was produced in 1909 and
pictures of both sides are shown. A large 2000 Lincoln penny appears
on the back cover of the book. Information about the five-dollar bill
portrait is included--both the old one and the new one introduced in 2000.
There are chapter notes, a list of a dozen books, and an index that uses
italic numbers to refer to illustrations or captions. The writing
is smooth, the illustrations are clear, and the book can be read all the
way through or just selected areas of interest. This book has many
uses; it is a good book for Presidents’ Day, history, elections, biography,
stamps, and coins. Purchase for school and public libraries.
Mary Ann Paulin, director, Superiorland Preview Center
32 years of experience of as a school library media specialist
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This book documents the exodus of freed slaves,
who following the Civil War, headed for the newly opened frontier of Kansas
and Oklahoma. Historical photographs, lithographs, posters, and inside
cover maps support the story of this struggle for equality. A chronology,
bibliography, index, and source notes attest to the accuracy of this sad chapter
in African-American history. Aimed at young adults, readers of all
ages will find this book useful in understanding the impetus for the westward
movement of 20,000 freed people, their battle against discrimination, and
the hardships of homesteading this new land.
Phyllis Kruse
L'Anse
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Brown, Don.
TEDDIE: THE STORY OF
YOUNG TEDDY ROOSEVELT. Bostton:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009. ISBN:
978-0-618-17999-2 hb. $16.00. Gr.
3-6 j973.91
Who would believe that the macho Teddy Roosevelt, leader of the Rough
Riders, was once a sickly, frail boy with weak eyes?
Just how did the "delicate", bullied youth ever rise above his
weaknesses and become the gun-toting, horseback riding,trust-busting President
of the United States? The pen and water-washed illustrations bring out the
timidity of the young "Teedy" yet they also show his daring and
curious nature. This is an
excellent introduction to the physically flawed, very human boy who was able,
through sheer determination, to stand up to wrong when he saw it and rise to
greatness.
Mary Olmsted, Librarian, Tahquamenon Area School Public
Library
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