In Emily Dickinson's time, only the most daring women were publicly known. Only her inner circle knew Emily's intelligence, passion for life, and her poetry. She spent most of her days quietly, keeping house and writing. Some of her poetry was published in periodicals but anonymously and not by her. It was only after her death that her family learned the extent of her writing. Her sister found more than 1700 poems-lovingly kept.
RL=6th-YA

The history of energy usage and all the major sources of power are explained in a clear and precise manner. The need to move away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources is also clearly stated. Sadly, though it has been more than a decade since publication, the U.S. has still not moved much in the direction of renewable sources. There has been much talk and some research, but little funding and actual implementation. This book has not become outdated because we have not moved forward.
RL=5th-8th

This is a useful textbook of drawing techniques for beginners through advanced. Many of the techniques also apply to those who don't wish to use colors. It can be used for selflearning or as a guide to plan lessons for students. There are exercises at the end of the chapters for all levels.
RL=5th-adult

Fun exercises to do with shapes-games, designing, and communication. Some suggestions can be used through middle school, and some can be done with preschoolers, too.
RL=3rd-5th

The biggest, the smallest, and the most deadly dinosaurs are explored by continent. Changes in thought regarding dinosaurs is discussed as well as the fact that new findings are happening.
RL=3rd-5th

When I was in 9th grade, our class read about Rosa Parks. The information was brief, and the gist was that she deserved the credit for the boycott and desegregation. Freedman describes the factors leading up to the boycott and the amazing coming together of the community to make it happen. The boycott was precipitated by Rosa Parks's arrest and willingness to appeal, but the tremendous change happened because the black community was determined that there would be change. Can you imagine the sense of pride and determination the people had who walked miles every workday for more than a year?

The strength of the book lies in Freedman's telling of all the events of the boycott (not just Rosa Parks's part) and the "sacrifices and determination of thousands" who normally relied on the buses of Montgomery, Alabama.

related-African American history, civil rights, bus boycott, 20th century, Montgomery-Alabama, segregation, transportation, race relations, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, protesters, civil disobedience
RL=6th-YA

Drawing on the idea of pictograms McLimans has graphically depicted the letters of the alphabet. Each letter becomes an endangered animal of the world. An attempt was made to pick animals whose characteristics worked well with their respective letters. It is an old idea to use pictures to help learn the sounds and shapes of letters. Some children (such as those taught in Waldorf schools) still learn their letters through tracing or drawing object-shaped letters. McLimans has taken the idea beyond the basic and also turned it into a lesson of diversity and ecology.

The book may be used for several ages, starting with familiarizing toddlers with the sounds of the letters. It can also be used up through 5th grade for lessons of biology, ecology, and art.

related-alphabet books, art of illumination, endangered species
RL=toddler-5th

The Good Times Travel adventure series is an uproarious, informative, high interest series. Three children travel to historical settings through a travel agency. In order to get back home, they must finish reading the book of facts related to the setting. It is written in comic book format with facts, instructive remarks, and funny asides.
RL=3rd-5th

This book includes pivotal moments in the history of the Native Americans from first contact with Europeans to Tecumseh's movement to unite the First Nations. It also includes the resistance of several tribes as well as massacres that influenced thought on both sides. It demonstrates the varied beliefs and practices of the many tribes and explains some of the ideas that made war inevitable. Lastly, it honors the First Nations for who they were and are and for their persistence and rebirth.

I do not know enough about the subject to know how well researched the book is, but it seems to be an excellent introduction to the theme.

related-Indians of North America, government relations, Native American social life and customs
RL=6th-ya

So much importance is placed on Thomas Jefferson and George Washington (while Madison is mostly left out) that I didn't realize how important James Madison was to the founding of the U.S. before reading Jean Fritz's book. It is one of the most exciting of her biographies (of which she has done many). Not only did Madison write the initial proposal for the Constitution, he also had to explain it to the other delegates and persuade them that it wouldn't take away the powers of their states. Through the convention called to solve the problems of the Continental Congress, he took his own secrets notes of everyone's reactions so that he could address their concerns. He also persuaded Washington of the importance of his presence. The other delegates would feel safer starting a new government knowing Washington would be the new leader. Madison's influence did not stop with the ratification of the Constitution. He continued to play an active role in the federal government until the end of his life. Sure of what was best for the country and determined to convince the rest.

This is a great book for clear understanding of the founding of the U.S. government. It is a short book but gives a much more in depth and clearer picture than textbooks.
related-U.S. Presidents, James Madison, friendship with Thomas Jefferson, the Constitution of the United States of America, slavery, history of Virginia, War of 1812, Dolley Madison, 18th-19th century, Revolutionary war
RL=6th-8th

Despite having 6 children and housework, Harriet wanted to do something important. Her father was a preacher who raised his sons to become a preacher and speak publicly about political issues. Harriet had lived for years in Cincinnati, Ohio on the edge of slave territory with the issue of runaway slaves being important in the town and in her family. She became passionately opposed to slavery during her years in Cincinnati. She decided that writing a book depicting aspects of slavery could be her contribution to the movement to end slavery. The book, Uncle Tom's Cabin, was and still is widely read.

Harriet Beecher Stowe's family and life were more interesting than I would have guessed. This book is one of Jean Fritz's more fascinating books-maybe partly because Harriet Beecher Stowe is a lesser known person than Fritz's other subjects.

related-women authors, 19th century, Congregational Churches, ministers, Beecher family, American authors, abolitionists, writing club
RL=6th-YA

As a homeschool teacher, I rely on the library for most of our History information. When I found Joy Hakim's books, I found a goldmine. I needed an overview to use for general information for the different time periods-to use as a springboard. I did not expect to find the detail of a ten volume set. Thinking back to the History textbooks I read in school, I was delighted to read an intelligent, and at times witty, account of our history. These books inspired me to read beyond what I already knew about U.S. history. The books also recommend books for more specific information. The series is interesting enough to read solely for pleasure.
RL=5th-YA

Until now, most of what I have read regarding Germany in the 1930s through 1940s was about the war itself or the Holocaust. I had known that Hitler's rise to power was a reaction against restrictions upon them as a result of WWI. I find it hard to understand why witnesses of WWI would have wanted another war. This book brings a new perspective-the idea that the preparation and desire for war was a product of the youth being targeted by NAZI propaganda.

In the U.S., not much time is spent studying the build up to war by the Germans (nor the reactions of other countries). It is important to realize that the Hitler Youth organization was growing for 7 years before Hitler was appointed chancellor at which time it was nearly 100,000 youth. Within the next year it increased more than 2,000,000. There were 6,000,000 members of Hitler Youth before Germany invaded another country. Given that it is the young who are sent to war, many of the soldiers would have participated in NAZI rallies and spreading of propaganda. The youth were the key. They helped him gain power at a time when they felt little hope for the future, and they enthusiastically did what was asked in order to rebuild their country.

The narrative focuses on 12 young people, most of whom were involved in the Hitler Youth organization. One was killed supporting the NAZI party before Hitler became chancellor. Five were arrested as traitors. Four contined to support Hitler throughout the war. Their stories are complicated. Maybe this is a step in understanding why the events happened. The same sort of singlemindedness is apparent in out country now and others around the world. It is frightening to think it could happen again, but to assume that it couldn't is foolish.

related-Hitler-Jugend, National Socialism and youth, Germany, 20th century, education, propaganda
RL=7th-adultIf You Hopped Like a Frog by David M. Schwartz. il. by James Warhola.
Scholastic Press: NY, 1999.

This is a fun and thought-provoking tribute to the awe-inspiring things animals can do. It also happens to be a wonderfully visual demonstration of ratio and proportion. Wouldn't you like to leap from home plate to first base in one bound? How about eat 700 hamburgers in one day?
RL=1st       math explanations L=4th-5th

Our founding fathers knew that the U.S. Constitution did not have strong protections for individuals. So, they immediately introduced ten amendments to the Constitution (the Bill of Rights) that had not been ratified yet. This enlightening book explores court cases that have defined for us what these amendments mean regarding our individual rights. Many things we consider rights today were won for us by these cases. Also, there are things we think of as rights today that may not actually be backed up legally despite the Bill of Rights. This is a good place to start learning about complicated civil rights issues.
related-U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Constitutional amendments, civil rights
RL=7th-YA

These are 30 of the most famous articles taken from The Inventor's Times-a newspaper reporting on the latest inventions of the times. There are also some portions on the sides that are ridiculous and must have been as jokes for the publishing of the book.
RL=5th-8th

As children we learn about certain time periods in history lessons-particularly surrounding major wars. We can see the differences in how people lived and thought, but there is not much focus on how or why people's lives changed. What happened to create change or improvements in social standing? I believe that a significant factor is people like Jane Addams and Eleanor Roosevelt. If we want to understand why we have the rights we take for granted today, we must read about these people who saw injustice around them and demanded that it be changed. If we want to keep the rights we have, we need to understand that those rights exist because of social pressure initiated by people like Jane Addams. Congress did not just decide one day to pass laws in favor of working class citizens-ordinary people (and lots of them) demanded it. Cornelia Meigs's biography of Jane Addams is a thorough work about an extraordinary champion-a woman with an unswerving dedication to better the lives of the people around her. I learned from this book things that were skipped over in high school history, and I gained a better understanding of history in general and how politics (and life) work through time.
RL=YA

Ashe discusses the legend of Arthur and its history and evidence of Arthur in history. He uses Malory as the basis for the legend and refers to Geoffrey of Monmouth, Nennius, and Welsh and British legend and rumor to establish a believable reference point for Arthur in British history. He also mentions a few archaeological findings to strengthen the conclusions.

The evidence that has been discovered regarding a true King Arthur is fascinating. The use of the legend through history is also intriguing-particularly King Henry VII's claim that he fulfilled the prophecy of Arthur's return. From reading of the history of Arthur, I have a much clearer understanding of British history. If what Ashe says is true, then that would make Henry VII the 1st truly British King of all England. The real Arthur was not, and between him and Henry VII are Saxons and Normans. No wonder the Tudors were popular.

There is also some discussion of the rebirth of the legend in the 20th century to present in which there are many variations. Some of this is due to discoveries and revelations about the 6th century Arthur. Some of it is due to more widespread knowledge of Welsh and British legend, and some has to do with more creative license on the part of the writers. For whatever reason there is much more available on the subject, and Ashe lists works I hadn't heard of.
RL=6th-adult

Da Vinci remains one of the most interesting people for children to read about. This book talks about his life and ideas in ways which inspire children to try some of the ideas themselves. There are prepared activities as well as gorgeous pictures. I believe it is primarily da Vinci's ideas and experiments that draw so much attention.
RL=4th-5th

This is a fairly simple introduction to number theory that isn't normally taught before college level. The purpose is to explore the fascinating study of number patterns. It isn't that it can't be taught sooner. It's not considered important for students to learn, but it can encourage more interest in mathematical studies.

related-square numbers, magic squares, triangular numbers, Fibonacci sequence, relationship of dots and lines, number chains, probability, Pascal's triangle, patterns in a number square
RL=4th and up

Crazy Horse grew up in the mid-1800s when the Sioux were desperately trying to save their hunting grounds and way of life. He became the greatest of all the Teton Sioux warriors-leading his warriors against General Custer in the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Freedman's account of Crazy Horse's life displays the wisdom, courage, and idealism of an extraordinary man. He fought and died for his beliefs when many others had given up. Yet, in the end he also allowed his followers to live instead of being killed with him.

The drawings were taken from a tribal pictoral history by Amos Bad Heart Bull. He was too young to take part in the battles, but he was Crazy Horse's cousin, and he learned first hand from those who did participate in the last struggles of the Sioux.
RL=4th-8th

In my opinion, no biographical list would be complete without a book about Abraham Lincoln. I have been fascinated by his life and character since I was in 5th grade. He had wisdom and sensitivity beyond most people's capability, and yet he could also captivate crowds with his humor. There are, of course, many biographies available, but Russell Freedman has a knack for exhibiting an individual's personality. It almost feels like you know Lincoln after reading this account-instead of having read through a list of dry facts. The photos are striking, and there are some of Lincoln's writings at the end along with some other good sources.
RL=5th-8th

This is an absorbing biography with background information of life in pre-Civil War South Carolina. It is about a farm boy who became an important lawyer in Charleston. He rejected secession and continued to live and practice in Charleston during the war struggling to maintain some sense of justice in the city as the war progressed and hotheads prevailed-both Southern and Northern.
related-Civil War, Charleston (SC), Union, integrity, loyalty
RL=6th-YA

Not only are mathematicians people, too, but they can have very interesting lives. The usual mathematicians are discussed here (Pythagorus, Archimedes, Newton, tec) plus others less well-known such as John Napier, Leonhard Euler, Sophie Germain, and Srinivasa Ramanujan. Half of the people I had either never heard of or only heard the name before reading the book. The biographies are short but fascinating and hopefully will generate more interest in mathematics since they show math as a process of thinking and logic not just figuring.
related-problem solving, geometry, number theory, algebra, computation, probabilty, measurement, mathematical symbols, women in mathematics
RL=5th-8th

This book is one of the best biographies I've read and is dear to my heart. It has extra meaning for me, since we live within 45 minutes of Martha Ballard's home in a frontier town on the banks of the Kennebec River now known as Augusta, Maine. Even more so, because when I first read the book I had had a homebirth with midwives 1 to 2 years before. It was an incredibly awesome, life-changing event, and this was my 2nd child's birth.

There are several noteworthy aspects of this book. It is a well-written, exciting, and quite readable biography to start. Second, it has segments of Martha's diary in the book to compare and see where the biographer was getting her information. Because the Ballard family was important in the growth of this frontier town, we see not only Martha's reactions to events of the day, but also many of the activities that her family participated in regularly.

Martha was a frontier, homebirth midwife and natural healer, attending an average of 33 births per year (a total of 814 during the diary's span) and treating the townspeople (especially women and children) for their ailments and lending physical and emotional support. Her husband ran a lumber mill and was a surveyor for the region and was expected to participate in the militia. Martha and her daughters as well as the other women in the town wove their own cloth. Besides growing much of the family's food, Martha also grew the herbs she used to treat her patients. In her diary, she kept a record of the births and deaths-including those attended by others. She also noted transactions of family business.

Another fascinating aspect is that Martha practiced her profession at a time when doctors were starting to cut into the business of the midwives. Given my experiences, I wanted to know why anyone would choose a doctor for birth instead. A Midwife's Tale does partially address this question. Martha Ballard and Dr. Cony had very different practices. At the time, I believe the women preferred midwives. But the doctors actively (and sometimes aggressively) sought the business for themselves. They tended to have more education and were wealthy, respected, male citizens. They had greater influence with the men of the area, who were the ones to go for help at the time of the birth. In later years, they also campaigned against midwives. Migration also had an impact as women moved away from family and friends and lost the influence of the women's circle.

This is a more personal and detailed glimpse of history than we normally see. It is a fascinating read for anyone due to the historical content. But especially for women who have an interest in women's history.

A PBS documentary was made by American Experience (same title) in 1998. I did not see it, but may one day.

The book also notes that Martha Ballard was the sister of Clara Barton's grandmother, Dorothy Barton.

related-Martha Ballard, Hallowell and Augusta, Maine, Kennebec River Valley, social life and customs, midwives, frontier life 18th-19th century, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, women's history, labor/work of women in United States history, medical practices
RL=YA-adult

Writing Matters is an updated version of Meltzer's previous autobiography, Starting From Home. The earlier one has more details about his parents and ends with his beginning college. Writing Matters has a more personal tone, explains the details of his professional life, and tells about why he writes.

Milton Meltzer is one of my favorite history writers. From his many books I can tell that he writes for the same reasons that I want my children (and others) to read historical books-so that they understand better what has happened in the past, so that the same mistakes are not made again, and so that we can all move closer towards equality and an understanding of each other. Milton Meltzer brings the past to life. Many of his books have the actual words from people of the time period-including ordinary citizens. He concentrates on people's experiences instead of boring facts that are not memorable when taken out of context.

I did not start reading historical books (besides novels and a biography here and there) until I was considering homeschooling my first child. Suddenly it became important to understand history better, and as I read I learned how little of history is taught in school. Much of what is skipped or glossed over is uncomfortable or controversial. With his books, Meltzer fills in many of the gaps in order to encourage students and adults to think about the issues. If we do not know the people and the struggles that have brought us to where we are, how can we hope to continue moving forward, or even not regress? Few Americans vote because they have not been taught about the ongoing struggles in a real way that matters to them. They also have not been taught that they can look at the whole picture and make meaningful decisions. Reading, learning, thinking, and discussing the information and ideas is all it takes to make better decisions.

related-Milton Meltzer, biography, authorship, education, writing, historian
RL=6th-YA

Nature is spotlighted here with descriptions of how inventors have copied natural phenomenon. Detailed pictures help us to see the parallels in this fantastic book. From architecture to transportation to energy nature has again and again lead the way.
RL=3rd to 5th

Illustrated with Waldman's paintings as well as his relatives', his autobiography consists of anecdotes from his formative years. They create stirring images of the experiences which influenced his career as an artist and writer.

His stories are glimpses of his old journals which he says were important in developing his talent. He encourages students to keep journals both as a form of practice (for sketching and writing) and as reminders of what they have already learned and experienced. Another point not mentioned is that using a journal focuses attention and emphasizes the particular idea being recorded at that moment. So, it becomes imprinted more firmly in the mind.

Out of the Shadows is enjoyable reading and also enlightening and inspirational for hopeful young artists and writers.

related-Neil Waldman, childhood and youth, illustrators, Jewish artists, American history and biography
RL=4th-8th

Emberley shows how circles can be cut into 4 basic shapes and the pieces fit together to form limitless designs. The pictures range from very basic with step by step graphics to quite complex. There are also suggestions for variations, such as cutting differently or using printed paper.

I was excited to find this book, because it is a technique my mother told me she used in her art class for elementary grades. It teaches that art on a basic level is shapes and also can be an introduction to fractions.

To encourage children's natural desire to create sometimes requires showing them how to have an end product that is great. Simple projects like this help them to succeed, and so, they will keep creating. While the process is what is most important, a child who doesn't feel successful in art will stop creating. I did not learn until I was an adult that practice is essential, and that I can also be happy with my creations if I continue to try.

related-drawing technique, circles in art
RL=K-5th

Written in journal form, this is an account of the Jamestown, VA settlement from two points-of-view (Pocahontas and John Smith). John Smith's chapters are based on Smith's writings as well as others by his fellow settlers. The viewpoint of Pocahontas is based on scholarly writings of the Powhatan culture and information gathered from storytellers and elders in the Native American community. It is so refreshing to have both sides of the story displayed for events that were such a turning point for both cultures.
RL=6th-7th

Daisy Bates co-published the newspaper, State Press in Little Rock, Arkansas. Because of their leadership against racial violence and injustice, Mrs. Bates became Arkansas' president of the NAACP in 1957. She guided the "Little Rock Nine" in their struggles to integrate Central High and sought to protect them from the worst of the violence.

This book follows her life-her childhood, her motivations, her involvement in the State Press, her activism, and of course, the struggle revolving around Central High and the consequences of being involved.

Nothing I have read before has so thoroughly depicted the abuse that these people suffered. I've seen short clips on TV and brief descriptions from books. Mostly the big protests are discussed-not 1 1/2 to 2 years of day to day verbal and physical abuse (some of that while National Guardsmen and teachers watched). I cannot fathom how there could be so much hatred that students could attack other students repeatedly on a day to day basis with no retaliation from the victims. In the book there is a well-known picture of Elizabeth Eckford facing the mob alone. I wonder about the girl behind her with such hatred captured on her face.
RL=7th-YA

This has to be one of the most unique and delightful alphabet books. The terms are explained in clear, simple, and humorous ways-partnered by detailed, comical drawings. Enjoy these exciting and hilarious science lessons.
RL=3rd-5th       Don't miss G is for Googol! by same author

This is the first source I read regarding the documentation of a real Arthur in British history-although from the 6th century A.D. not medieval times and as a general instead of King of all England. Conflicting information is presented, so obviously some of the facts are only claims. It is intriguing to see the possible connections between local legends, British/Welsh history, and the King Arthur stories. The author sites Geoffrey Ashe and Leslie Alcock as the foremost authorities on Arthur.

related-King Arthur, history of Arthurian romances, British antiquities, Anglo-Saxons, Celts, kings & rulers
RL=6th-YA

There could not be a better time for an honest discussion of racism. Aronson maps out a history of the idea, plus preceding prejudices. He says his view is controversial, but that is not surprising considering the charged nature of the issue. I hope that people will read and discuss this book. I hope in the coming months people will take a hard and honest look at how easy it is to be influenced by prejudiced and hateful dialogue and learn to be more objective.

I think this book is important right now, because I strongly believe Barack Obama will be a great President, if given the chance. However, I also have a heavy dose of realism, even cynicism. I grew up in Texas, so I have no doubt the primary focus of McCain's campaign will be racism. It is the only way he could win, and it will be nasty. I do believe times are bad enough that Obama's grasp of what is needed, his message of hope, and his ability to ignore what is petty and stick to the issues may prevail. When given the choice between the hatred and cronyism of the Bush agenda (McCain has become no more than a parrot or puppet) and the chance to really fix some of our country's growing list of crises (not just talk about them), what do you think people will choose?

Obama's speaking and graciousness is reminiscent of Martin Luther King, Jr. But he reminds me even more of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln also spoke directly to the people. He was a popular candidate, with little experience, who won the nomination despite his Party insiders' distrust of him. He also took office during a time of great stress and exhibited wisdom beyond his years (I'll take wisdom over experience, anytime). We need this now, and I hope people will not let racism determine our future.
RL=YA-adult

Written by the daughter of Dorothea Lange's apprentice, colleague, and friend, the biography is an account of homelessness and poverty during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and the San Francisco shipyards during the 1940s. It is also a documentation of the difficulties of trying to have a great, meaningful career and care for a family as well. I have known few people who could do both well-at the same time.

Dorothea Lange was an incredible photographer, but she lived at a time when the mother was expected to be the caregiver. She was torn between her work and her family. In the beginning of her career, most of her time and energy was spent on caretaking. As she became more of a photographer (a field photographer), she pulled away from her family. I believe this is an issue that many women are forced to agonize over.

Dorothea Lange was a smart, strong woman with an amazing life. The documentation is enlightening about subjects that are not covered well in history classes, and I think it is a positive thing for teenagers to learn about the balance of career and family life-instead of waiting until they have babies to figure out what to do. We are not all meant to make the same choices, but it is good to have an idea of what to expect.

Also, most of the pictures were taken by Dorothea Lange herself. Some quite beautiful pictures.
RL=8th-YA

This is an awe-inspiring recounting of the Lewis & Clark Expedition including excerpts from the journals of the expedition's members, pictures and descriptions of artifacts, topographical maps and gorgeous photographs of the landscape. The 2 authors (a historian and a naturalist) retraced the charted routes before creating the book.
RL=6th-YA

Schnur has created an alphabet acrostic book for each season. Eye-catching linoleum-cut illustrations partner acrostic poems for each letter of the alphabet. What a beautiful way to share the seasons with young ones! Full of wonder, overflowing with descriptions.
related-abc, poetry, seasons
RL=3rd-4th     read aloud to PreK-2nd

Macaulay uses narration and journal form to blend stories of marine life, archaeology and shipbuilding. The presentation is fictional, but it is almost entirely based on archaeological and historical information. The subject is the building and recovery of 15th century sailing ships.
related-caravels, underwater archaeology, shipwrecks, antiquities, exploration
RL=4th-6th

This is an inspirational biography about a strong, intelligent, and charismatic woman. Sojourner Truth was a Northern slave until she was 28 and by New York law had to be freed. She was one of the first black women to win a lawsuit against a white man. The man had illegally sold her son to a Southerner. For many years she wandered the Northern U.S. speaking against slavery. She did not read and write, but she had her autobiography transcribed. She needed no preparation for her speeches. Everything she needed to speak was in her mind and heart. She absorbed everything she heard, and her courage and conviction matched her intelligence. Sojourner Truth also became an important speaker on behalf of women's rights. Arguments of female weakness could not stand with the evidence of her life before the audience. She knew how to counter every argument placed before her. After the Civil War, she worked tirelessly to gain support for a bill to give Western land to freed slaves so that they might become self-supporting citizens.
related-slavery, women's suffrage, social reform, abolitionists, black history
RL=6th-YA

Darling explains a few principles of structural engineering. He has provided easy experiments using household objects to illustrate his points, and the text is clear and interesting.
RL=5th-7th

Obviously there have been some changes since it has been more than a decade since publication. However, the things that cause wars remain the same. The needs of people all over the world remain the same. The necessity of learning to live without waging war is as important as it has ever been. Our lives are more intertwined globally than ever before, and if we are to avoid global war, we must develop a greater degree of respect for others. Our culture, for the most part, does not encourage that respect.

We are given countless reasons to start or fund wars. They are rarely fought for the reasons given. Usually it has something to do with profit not necessity. It is important that people understand that there will always be reasons to fight and even kill. It takes a stronger and wiser person to stop it from happening or continuing.
RL=7th-YA

The book explores exciting opportunities and learning experiences for teens who want more than the standard experience. The author discusses volunteer work, classes (from colleges, universities, and community programs), internships apprenticeships, and travel. As a homeschool teacher, I believe these are the kinds of learning opportunites of which all teens should be taking advantage when possible. They help people to grow personally as well as give them valuable work experience and knowledge. They can be highly interesting and fun, and they are a key to why homeschooling is so successful.
RL=YA

This interesting and informative book is for all-not just girls. It spans many periods and describes customs that are quite different from our own.

All of the queens chosen except Esther actually ruled their people whether or not they had kings beside them. The fact that they were women brought a distinctive perspective to their roles as leaders. They all used their power or influence to make improvements in their people's lives. Yet, they were not always benevolent.

I included the illustrator here because her bold and emotional oil paintings add to the strength and appeal of the book.
RL=5th-YAThomas Jefferson: The Revolutionary Aristocrat by Milton Meltzer.
Franklin Watts: NY, 1991.

Milton Meltzer takes on the challenge of explaining the greatness and ambiguities of Thomas Jefferson. Certainly, Jefferson achieved much, put forth ideas liberal and radical for his generation and class, and pushed for reforms his colleagues feared and rejected. He also did ignore obvious truths, as did his fellow statesmen, and take for granted the labor of others because to truly live by his ideals would mean living a totally different life. A life which would have prevented him from achieving as much as he did.

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was the first to state what came to be known worldwide as universally applicable human rights. As one man among the legislators, he could not form the emerging country to fit his beliefs, but he did insert the issue of equality/inequality for all of those coming after to consider and improve upon-not just for the U.S., but the world.

I wonder if Jefferson started in his youth truly hoping for equality for all, but the years of learning the limits of what could be done in his time wore him down. Rather than continue to deal with his painful conscience, did he begin to pretend that equality was not possible or desirable? It is interesting to me also that he did not seem to be bothered by the herding of Native Americans westward.

This is a fairly balanced accounting of Jefferson. To truly understand his motives would require much more reading. However, this book is not a bad start.

related-Declaration of Independence, French Revolution, Governor of Virginia, Monticello, Secretary of State, Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, University of Virginia, equality, representation, slavery, freedom, public school
RL=6th-YA

Attractive pictures will delight young readers. The clear and informative text is absorbing.
RL=2nd-4th

Kerley and Selznick make such an excellent team! The text and illustrations capture the spirit of Whitman and of the country in a time of great growth and excitement. What it must have been like to experience the bustle of New York City during that time period! (Yes, it bustles now, too-but then it was a time when you could see people at work and building in a more personal way. Now, it is mostly people coming and going). I love the discussion of Walt Whitman's printing and writing experience. The words and pictures are full of excitement about Whitman's profession.

I have long heard of Whitman's desire to be the poetic representative of America. It was very effective to focus the story on Whitman's nursing of the soldiers during the Civil War and his grieving for the soldiers and country-his grieving mirroring that of President Lincoln's.

Another feature I think is excellent is the notes of the author and illustrator about their influences, research, and experiences while creating the work.

The illustrations in the book are some of Selznick's best.

One of the things Whitman writes is "I love the President personally." Despite being far removed from Lincoln's time, I have also felt this way. When I read this statement, I immediately thought of one I feel that way about now, too. I believe Barack Obama will be President, because he is the politician who seems to totally understand what is going on and where our country should be heading. He, like Lincoln did, is attempting to hold honest discussions of how we can move forward. I'm frustrated and irritated by the Clintons' dogged determination to have their way when our country so obviously needs something different. Their methods seem to me to be more of the same political nonsense that our people have been tired of sense the early 90s.

related-Walt Whitman, United States history, medical care during the Civil war, American poets, biography, nurses, Abraham Lincoln, printing and writing
3rd-5th

This book has three layers blending together: the awesome photos exhibiting camouflage in a fun and interactive manner, the descriptive poems that act as clues to the creatures hidden, and the biological information given for each.

The spectacular photos can be enjoyed by all ages. The poems work perfectly with their respective pictures. I also like that the habitats are used for the borders and poem titles. The text is informative, yet not strictly factual. It is a pleasure to read.

related-ladybugs, coyote, tree frogs, fawns, weasels, moths, killdeer, shorebirds, crab spiders, flounder, green snakes, red-spotted newts, camouflage, animals
RL=3rd-5th     read aloud to 1st & 2nd

Every aspect of King Arthur and his kingdom is described here: the knights and knighthood, the enchanters and enchantresses, the ladies of the court, manners and life in the Medieval world, the places associated with Arthur's life, writers and troubadours, popular stories, the differences between the romances and real Arthur, and fantastic beasts and magical happenings. The thorough discussion along with the attractive paintings are a delight for those wanting to know King Arthur's world.

related-Merlin, Uther, Excaliber, Lady of the Lake, sword in the stone, Knights of the Round Table, Avalon, Glastonbury, the Holy Grail
RL=4th-6th