Chains

Chains

Written by: Laurie Halse Anderson

This beautifully written piece of historical fiction written by well-known young adult author Laurie Halse Anderson gives readers a very close up view of a young slave girls experience living in New York City during the time of the American Revolution. Isabel and her sister Ruth are sold to a couple who are very involved in the political scene in New York as Loyalists to the British crown. Isabel becomes involved with a boy whose master promises her freedom if she is able to deliver secret information to and from her master to the Rebel forces. Isabel endures many hardships including the loss of her sister Ruth whom her master sells right from under her without her knowing. She must dig deep to make the biggest leap of faith she has ever made by running away in the middle of the night to freedom. This story continues into the next novel, Fever which is the second in a series of three books written by Anderson. Readers will feel a connection to this time period in US history through the authenticity of the characters in this story. There is a very well written question and answer section in the back of the book that explains the historical aspects of this novel that readers will find as a great companion to this book.

This book has received numerous awards and honors including a National Book Award Finalist in 2008, and the 2009 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/historical-chains/
http://www.slavenorth.com/index.html

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution

Written by: Jim Murphy

"With his engaging and timeless narrative prose, two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy tells the awe-inspiring story of George Washington's glorious fight for an independent America. It is 1776, and George Washington and his army of rebellious American colonists are emboldened by its stunning victories over the British at Lexington and Concord. But now, the Americans face the threat of a brutal British retaliation. George Washington, who has little experience with a threat of this magnitude, is unanimously chosen as commander in chief in hopes he can unite the colonies. Britain's army is massive and well trained. America's is small and unruly.

As the British begin their invasion of New York City and its environs, George Washington isn't the only one who is overcome with doubts that he can succeed against such overwhelming odds. In this breathtaking account of a pivotal time in the American Revolution, two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy shows George Washington's transformation from a gentleman farmer with little military experience to a brilliant general, as he delivers the country from the blackest of times--into the brightest of futures."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/george_washington.html
http://theamericanrevolution.org/peopleDetail.aspx?people=1

Lafayette and the American Revolution

Lafayette and the American Revolution

Written by: Russell Freedman

"When the Marquis de Lafayette ran off to join the American Revolution against the explicit orders of the king of France, he was a strong-willed nineteen-year-old who had never set foot on a battlefield. Although the U.S. Congress granted him an honorary commission only out of respect for his title and wealth, Lafayette quickly earned the respect of his fellow officers with his bravery, devotion to the cause of liberty, and incredible drive.

Playing a pivotal role in the Revolution, Lafayette convinced the French government to send troops, made crucial pacts with Native Americans, and lead his men to victory at Yorktown. This thrilling account of a daring soldier will fascinate young historians. Source notes, bibliography, time line, index."

Product Description

Online Resources:
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/revolutionary-war/patriots/lafayette-american-revolution.htm

Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told

Ida B. Wells: Let the Truth Be Told

Written by: Walter Dean Myers
Illustrated by: Bonnie Christensen

Easy Readability

"Ida B. Wells was an extraordinary woman. Long before boycotts, sit-ins, and freedom rides, Ida B. Wells was hard at work to better the lives of African Americans.

An activist, educator, writer, journalist, suffragette, and pioneering voice against the horror of lynching, she used fierce determination and the power of the pen to educate the world about the unequal treatment of blacks in the United States. Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers tells the story of this legendary figure, which blends harmoniously with the historically detailed watercolor paintings of illustrator Bonnie Christensen."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit17/lesson4.html
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/african-american-journalist-wells-20660.html#websites

The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention in America

The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention in America

Written and Illustrated by: Cheryl Harness

"Harness presents Carver as a man who, regardless of constant hardship and racial prejudice, persevered to become a beloved teacher and devoted scientist. From the beginning, she puts his life in historical context by looking at the effects of racism on his career choices and by talking about the achievements and beliefs of his contemporaries, many of whom he knew. The author raises challenging questions throughout, especially when she discusses debates over whether Carver was truly a great scientist or more a public thinker who promoted science to help better understand the world. The lively prose style conveys his sense of passion and adventure about the man and his intellectual pursuits, and the simple black-and-white drawings add a further sense of drama. This is not just a good choice for biography assignments; it's also a strong recommendation for a nonfiction read-aloud and as a way to interest fiction readers in biography."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://people.pppst.com/george-washington-carver.html

Presidential Races: The Battle for Power in the United States

Presidential Races: The Battle for Power in the United States

Written by: Arlene Morris-Lipsman

"Using lively text, political cartoons, photographs, and campaign memorabilia, Morris-Lipsman presents more then 200 years of presidential races - from simple campaigns to stumping, polls, television ads, fundraising, conventions, and controversies. Table of Election Results, Source Notes, Selected Biography, Further Reading and Websites, Index."

Notable Children's Trade Book Review

Online Resources:
http://www.ourwhitehouse.org/gettingthevotes.html
http://www.presidentsusa.net/campaignslogans.html
http://scriptorium.lib.duke.edu/americavotes/

On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History Through the Spirituals

On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History Through the Spirituals

Written by: Nikki Giovanni

"The songs written and first sung by African-American slaves were inspired by a host of human needs: to express emotion, to call God, to remain heartened under oppression, and, perhaps most importantly, to communicate covertly, often about the Underground Railroad. Giovanni brings these motives home in this short, impressionistic look at the lives of the slaves, beginning with their holding in places such as Cape Coast Castle and Goree Island, through the end of the Civil War, when members of divided families desperately attempted to track one another down. Giovanni is a poet, and the book has cadence; in tone, it almost reads like the transcript of a speech or sermon, as the author is generous with her own opinions and often refers to herself within the text."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://nikki-giovanni.com/
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/nikki-giovanni

The Brothers' War: Civil War Voices in Verse

The Brothers' War: Civil War Voices in Verse

Written by: J. Patrick Lewis

"The wonderful wordplay of J. Patrick Lewis breathes new life into the speeches of Lincoln, the letters of Grant and Lee, and the moving human drama of our country's Civil War. Lewis' poignant poetry gives young readers a vivid insight into the brutal conflict that tore America apart. The author draws on primary-source books and articles to inspire each poem, bringing the ordinary and extraordinary voices of the Civil War to light. The book also includes a note from the Photo Editor on the authentic period images used throughout. Readers experience history directly as it was lived by Americans in the 1860s."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.googlelittrips.com/GoogleLit/6-8/Entries/2009/3/13_The_Brothers_War__Civil_War_Voices_in_Verse_by_Patrick_J._Lewis.html
http://www.jpatricklewis.com/

Ziba Came on a Boat

Ziba Came on a Boat

Written by: Liz Lofthouse
Illustrated by: Robert Ingpen

"Ziba came on a boat. A soggy old fishing boat that creaked and moaned as it rose and fell, rose and fell, across an endless sea... Sitting in the crowded hull, with her mother's arms around her, Ziba remembers all that she has left behind. They hope to find peace and safety in a new land, but where will their journey end, and what will they find when they arrive?

Based on real events, Ziba Came On a Boat is the moving story of a little girl whose family has lost almost everything. This beautiful picture book takes us on her brave journey to make a new life, far from home. Full of love, warm memories and hope for the future even in a time of fear, this lyrical story is accompanied by stunning watercolor illustrations by the acclaimed Robert Ingpen."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.saffrontree.org/2008/01/ziba-came-on-boat.html

The Remarkable Rough-Riding Life of Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Empire America

Written and Illustrated by: Cheryl Harness

"How did a sickly boy transform himself into one of the country's boldest leaders? You'll get the full story—front page and behind-the-scenes—as only Cheryl Harness can tell it. Through her lively narrative and engaging artwork, readers will see Teddy riding the range in South Dakota, charging up San Juan Hill in the Spanish-American War, climbing the political ladder all the way to the White House, breaking up big business, building the Panama Canal, and big-game hunting in Africa. They will also experience life in America when the telephone, airplane, and automobile were all brand-new, when women, blacks, and laborers were demanding equal rights, and when the cry for expansion stretched the borders from Maine to the Philippines and from Puerto Rico to Alaska. This was an age in which Roosevelt's promise to give every American a "square deal" and to "walk softly and carry a big stick" helped build the country into a world power.

With a new adventure on almost every page, readers will find themselves "wowed" by this true story of a larger-than-life American hero, and the country and times in which he lived."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.americanpresidents.org/presidents/president.asp?PresidentNumber=25
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/theodoreroosevelt/
http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/

Our County's First Ladies

Our Country's First Ladies

Written by: Ann Bausum

"Step inside the White House and meet the women who have played the roles of partners, confidantes, hostesses, and activists in the midst of American history. Read of fascinating lives led by the wives (and sometimes daughters, nieces, and friends) of our country's leaders. Ann Bausum introduces us to a private side of each First Lady, and connects each personality with the public persona to produce a book of uniquely revealing portraits.

Each profile is accompanied by a full-page portrait and a Fact Box detailing information such as education, special interests, and children. Timelines set each tenure in the context of the course of women's history, and a Facts-at-a-Glance section is a valuable resource for trivia lovers and report writers alike.

The narrative comes alive through the multi-faceted natures of the First Ladies: the legend of Dolley Madison's rescue of White House treasures in the war of 1812 crackles with drama; the description of Julia Grant's 29-course White House dinner will give you indigestion; the account of Eleanor Roosevelt's tireless public service and activism is awe-inspiring. Hers is one of many stories of First Ladies who embraced causes to make a difference: Lady Bird Johnson campaigned for the beautification of American cities and highways; Hillary Clinton championed the rights of children; while the librarian Laura Bush has been a tireless advocate of literacy."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.firstladies.org/

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/first-ladies

Patience Wright: America's First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy

Patience Wright: America's First Sculptor and Revolutionary Spy

Written by: Pegi Deitz Shea
Illustrated by: Bethanne Andersen

Easy Readability

"Born in 1725 in the American colonies, Patience Wright discovered her talent for art at an early age. As an adult, she joined her sister in a wax-sculpting business and later moved on her own to England. There, Patience became a spy for the colonies, hiding messages in the sculpted busts she sent to her sister's waxworks in America. Here is the story of a woman who lived an extraordinary life, full of art and intrigue."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2009/01/patience-lovell-wright.html
http://bordentownhistory.org/Current_Exhibits/PatielceWright/index.html

Jeanette Rankin: Political Pioneer

Jeanette Rankin: Political Pioneer

Written by: Gretchen Woelfle

"By any measure, Jeannette Rankin was a woman ahead of her time. She was Montana's representative in Congress before women in other states even had the right to vote. Woelfle does a terrific job introducing Rankin, beginning an attention-grabbing story in which an elderly Rankin, a lifelong pacifist, leads an antiwar protest during the 1970s. Woelfle then moves back in time, restarting the story with an anecdote about young Jeannette sewing up an injured horse on her father's ranch. Readers' interest level will stay high throughout as Rankin finds satisfaction in working as a social worker and then discovers her calling as a crusader for women's rights.

Even during her two short tenures in Congress, Rankin never abandoned her core beliefs; she voted against both World War I and II declarations of war (in the case of the latter, standing alone). The high standard of writing is matched by the book's format. Informative sidebars are well integrated, and from the intense portrait on the cover to the well-chosen photos and historical material, the volume offers interesting things to look at on every page. A time line, a bibliography, and source notes bolster this robust introduction to a fascinating figure."

Booklist Starred Review

Online Resources:
http://www.gretchenwoelfle.com/jeannette_rankin__political_pioneer_60457.htm

Sequoyah: Inventor of Written Cherokee

Sequoyah: Inventor of Written Cherokee

Written by: Roberta Basel

"The United States was growing at a rapid pace. For the settlers who were pushing west to the frontier and the Native Americans who were protecting their lands, life was filled with danger and difficulties. People who wove their way into history overcame their challenges with a courage that defined an era and shaped a nation. Sequoyah, a Cherokee Indian, is best known for inventing a system of writing for the Cherokee language. In 1821, after more than a decade of work, he succeeded in creating a set of symbols to represent the sounds of spoken Cherokee. The new written language was easy to learn and helped boost ethnic pride. Sequoyah won the respect of his people and was soon operating as a delegate in Cherokee dealings with the United States. He died in 1843 on a mission to unify the Cherokee people. "

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.manataka.org/page81.html
http://thomaslegion.net/sequoyah.html

Mao's Last Dancer

Mao's Last Dancer

Written by: Li Cunxin

"At the age of eleven, Li Cunxin was one of the privileged few selected to serve in Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution by studying at the Beijing Dance Academy. Having known bitter poverty in his rural China home, ballet would be his family’s best chance for a better future. From one hardship to another, Cunxin demonstrated perseverance and an appetite for success that led him to be chosen as one of the first two people to leave Mao’s China and go to American to dance on a special cultural exchange. But life in the U.S. was nothing like his communist indoctrination had led him to believe. Ultimately, he defected to the west in a dramatic media storm, and went on to dance with the Houston Ballet for sixteen years.

This inspiring story of passion, resilience, and a family’s love captures the harsh reality of life in Mao’s communist China and the exciting world of professional dance. This compelling memoir includes photos documenting Li’s extraordinary life."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.licunxin.com/