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A PICTURE BOOK OF HARRIET BEECHER STOWE

Adler’s latest in his Picture Book Biography series (A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark, Mar. 2003, etc.) documents the events that affected Harriet throughout her life and brought her to fame as an author. Born in 1811, Harriet was always a voracious reader, and discovered her penchant for writing in early adolescence. But the experiences that led her to become “the little lady who made this big war,” did not come until her family moved from the free state of Connecticut to Ohio. With Kentucky right across the river, she viewed steamboats of slaves on their way to be sold in the Deep South, the posters advertising rewards for the return of runaways, and the slaves themselves, at work in the fields and mistreated by their owners. But it was not until 1851, at the age of 40, that Harriet began writing the weekly installments for an antislavery newspaper that would become her most famous work. Millions of readers learned of the horrors of slavery through Harriet’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. She inflamed Americans who had not previously held an opinion on slavery, and many argue that she helped elect Abraham Lincoln. Adler focuses mainly on the events leading up to Uncle Tom. It is the perfect beginning for young readers doing a first project, or for school children who are getting acquainted with this period in American history. Author’s notes, a list of important dates, and a list of resources help students find more information. Bootman’s (Don’t Say Ain’t, p. 316, etc.) watercolor paintings fit the mood and time period of her day. His color palette reflects the seriousness of the topic, while at the same time showing readers the details of life in the 1800s. (Nonfiction. 6-10)

Pub Date: March 15, 2003

ISBN: 0-8234-1646-1

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2003

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THE AMAZING AGE OF JOHN ROY LYNCH

A picture book worth reading about a historical figure worth remembering.

An honestly told biography of an important politician whose name every American should know.

Published while the United States has its first African-American president, this story of John Roy Lynch, the first African-American speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives, lays bare the long and arduous path black Americans have walked to obtain equality. The title’s first three words—“The Amazing Age”—emphasize how many more freedoms African-Americans had during Reconstruction than for decades afterward. Barton and Tate do not shy away from honest depictions of slavery, floggings, the Ku Klux Klan, Jim Crow laws, or the various means of intimidation that whites employed to prevent blacks from voting and living lives equal to those of whites. Like President Barack Obama, Lynch was of biracial descent; born to an enslaved mother and an Irish father, he did not know hard labor until his slave mistress asked him a question that he answered honestly. Freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, Lynch had a long and varied career that points to his resilience and perseverance. Tate’s bright watercolor illustrations often belie the harshness of what takes place within them; though this sometimes creates a visual conflict, it may also make the book more palatable for young readers unaware of the violence African-Americans have suffered than fully graphic images would. A historical note, timeline, author’s and illustrator’s notes, bibliography and map are appended.

A picture book worth reading about a historical figure worth remembering. (Picture book biography. 7-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-8028-5379-0

Page Count: 50

Publisher: Eerdmans

Review Posted Online: Feb. 2, 2015

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2015

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REACHING FOR THE MOON

In first-person voice, Aldrin highlights points from his childhood that led to his dream of being an astronaut and making the historic moon landing. Coincidental details like his mother’s maiden name, “Moon,” and his favorite movie hero, the “Lone Ranger,” suggest clues to his destiny. After West Point, he joined the Air Force because “he wanted to fly more than anything.” Minor’s usual beautiful and realistic illustrations effectively convey spatial perspectives and movement, adding depth to the narrative. However, the cover design and type layout are confusing, indicative of a biography instead of an autobiography—a brief intro could have clarified it. Aldrin’s message in an author’s note avows, “If you set your sights high, you may accomplish more than you ever dreamed.” Pair this with Don Brown’s One Giant Step for a child’s-eye view on space exploration. (Flight/space exploration chronology) (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

Pub Date: June 1, 2005

ISBN: 0-06-055445-2

Page Count: 40

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2005

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