Reviews

Show All
Cover: Dolley Madison: First Lady

A noteworthy review of Our People from School Library Journal on January 1, 2003

Both Ross and Madison give basic information about their subjects, describing them as strong, brave, and good at their jobs-seamstress and hostess, respectively. As serviceable biographies, the titles have sufficient information for reports, and are lively enough for recreational… View →

Cover: Brass Instruments

A noteworthy review of Music Makers from Children's Bookwatch on January 1, 2003

Elementary-level schools featuring beginning band and music courses now have the perfect choice to accompany their music programs. Each individual instrument or class of instruments receives its own bright and informative coverage. Full-color photos accompany the easy introductions. View →

Cover: Hanukkah

A noteworthy review of Nonfiction Readers: Level 2 from Children's Literature on December 15, 2002

A leveled nonfiction reader, this title is elementary, straightforward, and informative for children who have never heard of the Jewish holiday. Simple sentences introduce the holiday, tell how long it lasts, describe how to light the menorah, and present special foods and games.… View →

Cover: Friendship

A noteworthy review of Nonfiction Readers: Level 3 from School Library Journal on December 1, 2002

Each title defines a character trait by presenting vignettes that demonstrate it. The first book presents suggestions for being and making a friend. In the second, the vignettes give examples of honesty at home, in school, and in the community. Respect shows model behavior toward… View →

Cover: Abolitionists: A Force for Change

A noteworthy review of Journey to Freedom: The African American Library from School Library Journal on December 1, 2002

Abolitionists presents the history of slavery in the U.S. and includes brief portraits of men and women who participated in the movement. While the names of many of the people discussed will be familiar to young readers (Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, etc.), others… View →

Cover: Percussion Instruments

A noteworthy review of Music Makers from School Library Journal on December 1, 2002

With a strong introduction, Grace firmly establishes the relationship between the historical rhythmic foundation of music and the percussion family of instruments. In large-print type, each two-page chapter gives a concise summary of an instrument’s physical form, production of… View →

Cover: Leif Eriksson: Norwegian Explorer

A noteworthy review of Our People from School Library Journal on December 1, 2002

This concise biography of Eriksson and history of Viking exploration and discovery presents the most popular current version of events. The authors minimize the role of Vikings as berserkers, emphasizing instead their settlements, civic organization, and family life. Enough background is View →

Cover: Native Americans

A noteworthy review of Our Cultural Heritage from Children's Literature on November 1, 2002

The story of the exploitation of Native-Americans by the forces of the Federal government is a sad and familiar one. Over a period of centuries, first the armed forces of the colonial powers and then the U.S. Army systematically decimated the Native-American populations that once… View →

Cover: Italian Americans

A noteworthy review of Our Cultural Heritage from Children's Literature on November 1, 2002

During the nineteenth century over three million Italians chose to immigrate to the United States. Their reasons for leaving Italy varied, but for many, America represented a new opportunity for freedom and prosperity. Many Italian immigrants came to the United States with dreams of a… View →

Cover: Russian Americans

A noteworthy review of Our Cultural Heritage from Children's Literature on November 1, 2002

Russian immigration to the United States is both a historical and modern day phenomena. While it is true that waves of immigrants from Russia surged across the Atlantic in the late 19th century and following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the process of coming to America from… View →

Cover: Chief Joseph: Chief of the Nez Perce

A noteworthy review of Our People from Midwest Book Review on November 1, 2002

This series provides historical biographies introducing major American peoples and their achievements. Children will find these inviting, with each holding 32 pages of biographical coverage paired with color photos and American history. These are promising wide-ranging references for… View →

Cover: Polish Americans

A noteworthy review of Our Cultural Heritage from Children's Literature on November 1, 2002

The story of Polish immigrants, their reasons for coming to a new homeland, and the experiences they encountered once there is a fascinating one. Fleeing political oppression, warfare, and poverty, many Polish immigrants came to America with false hopes that life would be easier there… View →