Thirteen distinguished American Indians, from Tisquantum and Sacajawea to Wilma Mankiller and Sherman Alexie, are profiled here. In three or four brief paragraphs, Rappaport (No More!, p. 49, etc.) imagines a vivid scene for the reader (“Osceola fell backward. His rifle fell to the ground. He clutched his shoulder. It felt like burning”) and introduces the person and their achievements in a few sentences. Her prose is straightforward and precise—though it occasionally becomes halting, as she avoids clauses and compound sentences. The text, on one-third of each spread, is accompanied by a bright, attractive watercolor illustration that helps set the scene. Birth and death dates, Indian and English names, and tribe are given at the head of each spread. Useful endmatter includes a pronunciation guide, separate lists of research sources and suggested books, and Web sites for young readers (with works by Native authors marked), as well as notes from the author and illustrators on their research process. Rappaport gives examples of the type of works she looked at in order to imagine or recreate her scenes. Her coverage of each person is so brief that this won’t be useful for reports, but it might be used as a browser by students, or for teachers to introduce a unit. (Nonfiction. 6-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-688-16559-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2002
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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