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For the prevention of cruelty : the history and legacy of animal rights activism in the United States, by Beers, Diane L.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as the reader learns here, was founded in 1866, and today more than 7,000 organizations are concerned with the rights and treatment of animals. Much of this study, Beers explains, explores organizations located in the eastern and mid-Atlantic regions, where most animal-advocacy activities occurred. She covers the period between 1865 and 1975, the year when Peter Singer's book //Animal Liberation// signaled a shift in the cause toward what she labels "liberation ideology."This movement has altered beliefs and actions regarding such varied issues as trapping, sport hunting, dog- and cockfights, strays, scientific experiments, and slaughter. The gains are undeniable, Beers points out; many people have stopped eating veal, wearing fur, or buying products tested on animals, but internal divisions still prevent a more cohesive and powerful movement. Beers' research is immense; there are 62 pages of notes, plus a bibliography. The book is an insightful look at an imperative movement.

The church, by Hinds, Kathryn
Gr 6-8-These books concentrate on different aspects of life in Elizabethan England, using some common information about eating, sleeping, sanitation, and roles of men and women that would clarify many questions in that particular title. Good-quality, full-color reproductions help readers envision the people's homes, clothing, and lifestyles. The attractive, open format and the engaging presentation of the subject matter, combined with documented primary-source quotations and sidebars that include recipes, poetry, plays, and additional information, will appeal to both researchers and those who are just interested in learning more about this period.

Belva Lockwood : equal rights pioneer, by Norgren, Jill.
Gr 6-9-This thoroughly researched book successfully places Lockwood's many achievements within a larger social and historical context. Norgren begins with her subject's early years and how her family scoffed at her plans to go to college. As a young widowed mother she decided to take destiny into her own hands and get an education. With determination Lockwood became not only one of the first women lawyers of her time, but also the first woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court. Committed to equal rights, she was also the first woman to launch a full campaign as a candidate for president in 1884. She explained, "I cannot vote, but I can be voted for." At the end of her career she represented the Eastern Cherokee Indian Nation, helping her clients win a five million dollar settlement from the U.S. government. The archival photographs, reproductions, and political cartoons are interesting and appealing. Through a clear and engaging text, this biography shows how Lockwood, a relatively unknown historical figure, was an inspiring pioneer of the equal-rights movement.

Sweat and blood : a history of U.S. labor unions, by Skurzynski, Gloria.
Gr 6 Up-In clear prose, Skurzynski traces the history of unionization in the United States, beginning with the first work stoppage at Jamestown, a result of denying a group of Polish carpenters the right to vote. The carpenters stopped building, and they shortly won the rights they wanted. Following the rise of both the AFL and the CIO, explaining the connection between early union movements and socialism/communism, and detailing the forces arrayed against the early organizers, the soundly researched text delineates the reasons for the rise of unions as well as their more recent struggles against the forces of rampant consumerism. The strictly chronological organization allows readers to locate the information they need on a particular time frame easily, with additional help from the accurate index. Frequent well-placed, black-and-white photos and reproductions ably extend the text. An appendix contains the transcript of Clarence Darrow's defense of Big Bill Haywood, an early union organizer. Source notes are given, as is a 21-item "Selected Bibliography," consisting of both print and Web documents. This is certainly not a book that students will pick up for fun. However, it is an excellent research source, slightly more comprehensive than Tim McNeese's The Labor Movement: Unionizing America (Chelsea House, 2007). For those wanting a basic introduction to the concept, Diana Cohn's excellent Si, Se Puede/Yes, We Can! The L.A. Janitors' Strike (Cinco Puntos, 2002), though a picture book, provides an excellent entree that will lead interested students on to more detailed treatments

The day the world exploded : the earthshaking catastrophe at Krakatoa, by Zimmerman, Dwight Jon.
Gr 5-8-Zimmerman has successfully adapted Winchester's Krakatoa (HarperCollins, 2003) for young people. The book casts light on a specific moment when geological forces interacted with civilization, providing readers with a vivid picture of the destruction and human suffering caused by the volcanic eruption. The volume conveys much historical background to the 1883 Indonesian disaster, including the European colonization of the region in response to the spice trade. Relevant cultural and scientific advances are also presented, such as Alfred Wegener's concept of "continental displacement," Alfred Russel Wallace's breakthroughs in evolutionary science, and the invention of the telegraph. The eruption sequence is portrayed chronologically from personal records, telegraph reports, and official officer logs. Chin's full-color cartoon illustrations enhance the many archival and contemporary photographs, historical illustrations, and maps that accompany the text. The account of 19th-century scientific achievement is coupled with the drama of the eruption, resulting in an exciting and informative read, with the wide-ranging effects of the volcanic explosion explained in a powerful manner. In addition to this work's educational and reference potential, it lends a human face to a natural disaster and will attract general readers as well.

Little people and a lost world : an anthropological mystery, by Atkinson, Linda Goldenberg.
Gr 4-8-More than a look at archaeology, this title is also a refreshing introduction to scientific controversy. The story begins on Flores Island, part of Indonesia, when a team of archaeologists and anthropologists discovers a skeleton in a cave. At first, it was thought to be the body of a child, due to its small size, but, after analysis, the scientists learned that it was the skeleton of a woman who lived on the island more than 12,000 years ago. The intellectual controversy that followed concerns differing expert opinions on whether the skeleton belonged to a very small adult human or to a never-before-seen ancestor of modern humans. Goldenberg's narrative is lucid and straightforward, which helps to make the otherwise confusing sequence of events and scientific theories easier to understand. The writing flows well and creates an adventurous and engaging atmosphere. This is the right fit for readers who are interested in prehistoric subjects, like fossils or dinosaurs, but may be looking for something else. Additionally, the story will attract readers who may not typically be interested in this subject or in nonfiction in general. Throughout the text, sidebars give relevant information on archaeological theories as well as explanations of the techniques and technology employed by researchers at archaeological sites. Color photographs and diagrams help to explain some of the theories discussed.

Outbreak : plagues that changed history, by Barnard, Bryn.
Gr 5-8-This well-written volume explores specific plagues that have impacted society. Barnard begins with an introduction to microbes and the positive and negative effects that they can have on humans. A history of the study of microorganisms follows. The bulk of the book then focuses on specific plagues with a chapter devoted to each, including the Black Death, smallpox, yellow fever, cholera, tuberculosis, and influenza. The final chapter discusses the modern struggle against disease. A thorough glossary and a detailed list of sources are included. The evocative paintings help to clarify the text. Browsers and report writers alike will find this to be a fascinating and informative resource.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

1968, by Kaufman, Michael T.
Grades 7-12. Kaufman, whose reporting career at The New York Times spans four decades, expertly draws young readers into the worldwide events of a single, watershed year: 1968. In this illuminating New York Times Book, each chapter focuses on a different hot spot around the globe, beginning with the Tet Offensive and the Vietnam War and moving through uprisings in New York, Paris, Prague, Chicago, and Mexico City, as well as the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Reproductions of corresponding front-page articles from The New York Times open each chapter, while the full text of the articles appears in an appended section. The images, drawn from the Times archives, are riveting and will easily draw young people into the fascinating, often horrifying events of that “year like no other.” An expanded introductory time line will help readers place the events in larger historical and cultural context. In a time in which newspapers seem to be losing ground among young people to online sources and The Daily Show, this insightful, clear-eyed, moving overview serves as a reminder of the fundamental importance of journalism—to gather accurate facts into the stories that become history. An essential volume for teens’ understanding of the time period.

The African and Middle Eastern world, 600-1500, by Pouwels, Randall Lee.
Gr 9 Up-By bringing to life major figures in the medieval Islamic world, Pouwels presents a unique perspective on the Muslim world and the early development and spread of Islam throughout the Middle East and North and West Africa. Through his descriptive text, the author places readers in the midst of the action, allowing them to witness what it might have been like to live as a young caravan guide in A.D. 600. Thereafter, chapters are enlivened by the lives and exploits of Muhammad and his various successors, an in-depth discussion of the appeal of Islam, and a review of the leadership of men such as Mansa Musa and Sundiata. Throughout the book, the author skillfully weaves descriptions of Islamic contributions to the arts, science, and philosophy and includes excerpts from primary sources and highlighted quotes. The informative, eclectic illustrations have detailed captions and include color reproductions, maps, and photographs of sites and artifacts. This accessible and attractive volume is a wonderful introduction to the medieval Islamic world.
 * **670** Construction of Great Mosque at Qayrawan begins
 * **1453** Fall of Constantinople
 * **1520** Suleyman the Magnificent (I) becomes Ottoman emperor
 * **1235** Sundiata Keita or Sundjata Keyita or Mari Djata I or just Sundiata.(c. 1217 - c. 1255) was the founder of the Mali Empire

An age of voyages, 1350-1600, by Wiesner, Merry E.
Gr 7 Up-In accessible language supported by prolific illustrations and primary sources, these volumes describe eras that transformed the world. Wiesner-Hanks covers the age of exploration from Europe into Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Quotes from leaders, philosophers, merchants, and voyagers draw readers into the wonders and horrors of the age. Descriptions from letters and diaries written by common sailors enhance the text. Chapters beginning with, "Imagine you are-" help readers experience the scenarios as they occurred. In addition to chronicling the impact of exploration and trade on the economy of Western Europe, the text also addresses the devastating impact of diseases spread worldwide by traders and the religious power struggles between followers of the Roman church and Protestantism. Huff's title moves readers into the Enlightenment with the same high-quality text, illustrations, and sidebar quotes from the scientists, statesmen, writers, and religious leaders of the day. Once again, readers travel the globe to witness changes in the Ottoman Empire, India, and China as well as Europe and the Americas. Women scientists and writers such as Caroline Herschel and Mary Wollstonecraft are featured. Observations of diplomat wives, such as Mary Wortley Montagu, are quoted alongside the men. Whether chapters open with stories of everyday people, dramas of celebrities, or questions to spark curiosity, each section draws teens into the lives and issues that awakened people's minds and paved the way for the modern world. These exceptional volumes will captivate students and re-create history as a living spectacle. Some topics covered in this book:
 * **1348** Black plague
 * **1455** Gutenberg Bible
 * **1504** Leonardo paints the Mona Lisa
 * **1513** Machiavelli writes //The Prince//
 * **1519-21** Cortez conquers Mexico

Black Hawk and the War of 1832 : removal in the north, by Bowes, John P.
Gr 6 Up-These well-organized and concise titles focus on major events in Native American history. Black Hawk provides a clear overview of early American expansion in the Northwest Territory, from the 1780s through the 1930s, detailing government actions and policies of Indian Removal and how they specifically affected the Sauks and Mesquakies, now known as the Sac and Fox tribes. Though not a tribal chief, Black Hawk was an outstanding Sauk warrior who came to represent fierce Native resistance in the eye of the American public during the 1830s. The battles that ensued (both intertribal and against the U.S. forces) are described, as are the policies created during this period, the consequences of which are still felt by tribes today. Attractive color paintings, maps, and photographs appear throughout. Red Power describes and defines what has come to be known as the American Indian Movement, which was extremely active in the 1960s and 1970s. Early resistance (and the U.S. government's response) is summarized briefly and includes a chapter on the massacre at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890. The remaining six chapters focus on pivotal events such as the murders at Pine Ridge Reservation, the occupations of Alcatraz in 1969 and Wounded Knee in 1973, and the subsequent changes in government policy toward Native self-governance. Clear chronologies, extensive bibliographies, and lists for further reading make these books excellent tools for first-time researchers and history buffs alike.

Events leading to World War I, by Hamilton, John
====Gr 5-8-These brief books present a remarkable amount of information and provide readers with a clear understanding of complicated issues. Aircraft describes the airplane's coming-of-age during the war-from being totally discounted as a fighting machine to the Aces, who became national heroes. The second volume focuses on eight well-known battles that took place before America entered the conflict in 1917, describing the senseless slaughter that was typical of World War I. Short biographical sketches of important figures appear throughout. Events discusses the conditions and circumstances in each of the participating countries. In all three titles, the unbiased texts are illustrated with mostly black-and-white and sepia photos varying from postage-stamp size to full page.====

Open the door to liberty! : a biography of Toussaint L'Ouverture, by Rockwell, Anne.
Gr 5-8-Toussaint, born a slave in the French colony of St. Domingue, led the first successful slave uprising in the Americas in 1793, defeating first the French and then the British and American opportunists who hoped to take advantage of the new country. The Haitian revolution is put in context with those in America and France, and its significance is made clear as Rockwell connects Napoleon's defeat in Haiti with his willingness to sell French Louisiana to the United States. Christie's bold, naive gouache illustrations invoke Haiti's beauty and savage history. The scene of Toussaint preventing a fellow revolutionary from unnecessarily killing a white man and the rendering of the bleak French prison in which the hero died are particularly striking. Altogether, this is a beautiful and captivating portrait of a leader whose story will probably be unfamiliar to most youngsters.

Isadora Duncan : a graphic biography,by Jones, Sabrina.
Gr 10 Up-Using a variety of sources, including Duncan's autobiographical writings, Jones provides context for her examination of this complex woman. It includes recognition of the differing sensibilities of Americans, Europeans, and Asians of the time that spanned the turn of the 20th century through the opening years of the Roaring Twenties, as well as the individuals closest to Duncan: siblings, lovers, students. There were many visual artists and theater people who admired Duncan's energy and insight, among them Ashcan painter Abraham Walkowitz. His thousands of sketches and paintings of the dancer in full flight served as resource material for Jones. Duncan, in her flowing Grecian gowns and unfastened hair, is depicted bounding across multiple panels on many pages in Jones's often witty black-and-white images. This is a fine and balanced account for dancers, artists, and those interested in American rebels.

Laika, by Abadzis, Nick.
Gr 7 Up-During the Cold War, Russia and the U.S. were entrenched in a battle to be first in space. Laika tells the tale of one special soldier in that battle, the dog who flew in Sputnik II. Former Gulag prisoner Korolev has ascended to the rank of Chief Designer, and, after the successful launch of Sputnik I, he is called upon to send a live creature into space within one month's time. Laika, also known as Kudryavka (curly tail), is a down-and-out stray caught by local officials and sent to the canine lab at the Institute of Aviation Medicine. Higher-ups notice the dog's special ability to withstand g-force, environments without gravity, and the special gel food given to the test subjects. When the time comes to select a dog to go into space, she is the obvious choice. Abadzis's artwork genuinely captures the Cold War atmosphere, while the youth-friendly textual take on the politically dangerous USSR compares favorably to that of Marjane Satrapi's depiction of unstable Iran in Persepolis (Pantheon, 2003). Abadzis provides enough historical content to make Laika a valuable teaching tool, but teachers using the graphic novel with middle schoolers may need to explain some of the subtle nuances of politics in the USSR. Those with a special fondness for dogs may wish to have some tissues handy.

Thoreau at Walden, by Thoreau, Henry David.
Gr 7 Up-This book is true in spirit to Thoreau's writings and to underground comics. It is fairly linear, using short quotes and simple line drawings to tell of the time the philosopher spent at Walden Pond. Porcellino chose many well-known sayings and events and placed them within a spare visual context-the woods are little more than gray shading, Thoreau himself a few smooth lines in the foreground. Despite its simple design, or more likely because of it, Thoreau's sometimes-difficult philosophical statements are clearly articulated. Best known for his cry of "simplify, simplify, simplify," the philosopher's ideas are well served by Porcellino's lean interpretation of the work of this seminal American icon.

Ain't nothing but a man : my quest to find the real John Henry, by Nelson, Scott Reynolds.
Gr 4-8-This book is as much about a historian's quest for the truth as it is a biography of the well-known strong man. Nelson chronicles how he began to learn about African-American workers on the railroad in the South. He talks about his research process and delineates primary and secondary sources. Noting how dead ends occur during research, the author explains how he overcame roadblocks and took his search in other directions. The layout is attractive, with a sepia and beige background for the text and sepia-toned photographs to set the atmosphere for this history taking place during the Civil War years. The appendixes explain the many versions of the folk song and include a section about "How to Be a Historian" by Marc Aronson. This is an excellent example of how much detective work is needed for original research. It will fill a need in many collections.

The trouble begins at 8 : a life of Mark Twain in the wild, wild West, by Fleischman, Sid.
Gr 5-9-This biography covers enough of Samuel Clemens's youth for readers to appreciate how autobiographical Twain's later novels were, but the seven years that the writer spent meandering the Wild West are at the heart of the book. Fleischman chronicles Clemens's various bouts of gold fever and get-rich-quick schemes in the Nevada Territory and the San Francisco area, but shows that it was always his newspaper writing that provided stability. At age 30, Clemens was reborn as Mark Twain when his short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was accepted by a magazine and drew popular acclaim. An "Afterstory" provides brief information on Twain's subsequent marriage and the publication of the novels for which he is most famous. Although similar in scope to Kathryn Lasky's A Brilliant Streak: The Making of Mark Twain (Harcourt, 1998), Fleischman's account is more engaging as he slips easily into Twain's drawling cadences. The illustrations and photographs are rich and varied, and the back matter is a work of art in itself: the time line, annotated bibliography, and references will prove useful to report writers, and the inclusion of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog..." is an extra treat.

Robert Mugabe's Zimbabw, by Arnold, James R.
Gr 7-10-These titles describe the harsh realities of life under two of the world's most repressive dictatorships. Both books begin with background about the nation's history. The authors credit Mugabe and Kim Il Sung, the father of Kim Jong Il, for their respective efforts to liberate their nations from occupying powers and describe how they took advantage of popular support to gain power in countries that had substantial natural resources and stable economies. They then expose the brutal methods by which the two men became dictators who systematically destroyed all vestiges of independent government, repressed any opposition movements, and implemented disastrous economic policies that impoverished the Zimbabwean and Korean populations even as the dictators and their cronies accumulated enormous fortunes. The authors also describe in detail the extreme hardships of daily life for the citizens of the two nations, and Behnke discusses the international threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons under Kim Jong Il, who came to power after Kim Il Sung died in 1994. They close with speculation about each country's prospects for recovery when the current leaders are either deposed or die. Both books are illustrated with average-quality black-and-white and color photos. While they are not pleasant reading, they do give students a glimpse into the repression and daily struggle for survival under these brutal governments. Good resources for research.

The Mayflower : a primary source history of the pilgrims' journey to the New World, by Poolos, J.
====Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-61) and index. Uses primary source documents, narrative, and illustrations to recount the history of the pilgrims' journey to America in search of religious freedom, their struggle to survive, and their encounters with native people as they worked together to build a successful colony.====

Almost astronauts : 13 women who dared to dream, by by Stone, Tanya Lee.
====Gr 5-7-Stone adopts a tone of righteous indignation in chronicling the quixotic efforts of 13 women to win admission into NASA's initial astronaut training program in the early 1960s. The women were all pilots (one, Jerrie Cobb, had more hours in the air than John Glenn or Scott Carpenter), earned high scores in preliminary tests, and even counted a senator's wife among their number. But resistance came from all directions-including NASA regulations, which were weighted toward men; media coverage that reflected contemporary gender expectations; political maneuvering by then vice president LBJ and other officials; and the crushing opposition expressed by renowned aviatrix Jackie Cochran in a 1962 Congressional hearing. Properly noting, however, that losing "depends on where you draw the finish line," the author closes with chapters on how women did ultimately win their way into space-not only as mission specialists, but also as pilots and commanders. Illustrated with sheaves of photos, and based on published sources, recently discovered documents, and original interviews with surviving members of the "Mercury 13," this passionately written account of a classic but little-known challenge to established gender prejudices also introduces readers to a select group of courageous, independent women.====

The great escape : the longest tunnel, by Meserole, Mike.
Gr 6-8-"For you the war is over." These were the first words translated from German heard by most downed Allied pilots when rounded up as POWs during World War II. For the British RAF, the first code of conduct was to escape. Those who did make it out were usually caught and returned and, under the rules of the Geneva Convention, punished without fatal consequences. A group of highly crafty, daring, and determined POWs in Stalag Luft III, comprised of dedicated British and American servicemen, used disciplined secret planning and organized execution with basic engineering and mining knowledge to pull off "the Great Escape." Meserole's compelling narrative takes readers through the early days of strategic thinking to the amazing nail-biting escape through a 30-foot-deep tunnel on a moonless night in late winter. The easy-to-read text, embellished with drawings of tunnel blueprints and black-and-white photos of the events, vividly describes the ingenuity and hard labor of several hundred men who not only clandestinely dug and disposed of tons of sand, but also created tools from scraps of metal and wood, civilian clothing, and counterfeit documents right under the noses of their captors. The author is careful to create suspense and intrigue but brings his account to an honest conclusion with the Nazis's vengeful response to the event. This story has been previously told on film as well as in print, but it will nevertheless interest today's readers.

Locked up : a history of the U.S. prison system, by Edge, Laura Bufano
Gr 7-10-Using primary resources, photographs, and solid research, Edge has written a well-organized and engaging history of our prison system. Beginning with colonial times and moving chronologically to present-day issues and concerns, she touches on relevant topics that students can relate to and understand. In describing colonial punishments, Edge uses Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter as one of her examples. She also includes quotes from people who were incarcerated at various stages of our country's development. Photographs of an assortment of facilities as well as well-known prisoners appear throughout. In addition, high-level vocabulary words that appear in quotes are defined within the text. While this book can serve as an excellent resource for reports, it is an interesting read as a stand-alone text.

Cleburne : a graphic novel, by Murphy, Justin.
Gr 10 Up-Patrick Cleburne was an Irish immigrant and Confederate soldier who quickly rose to the rank of Major General. He is best known for his 1864 proposal that emancipated slaves should be allowed to join the Confederate Army, an act that marred his military reputation. He died soon after in battle. Cleburne's story is well written as Murphy merges struggles on the battlefield with Cleburne's courtship of Susan Tarleton, exploring their budding relationship and examining the war from her standpoint. The artwork is well defined and realistic, and the use of overlapping images in the skirmishes gives a chaotic feel to the battle scenes. The author brings a fresh perspective to the war, examining a part of it that is often overlooked. This graphic novel has high crossover appeal for any Civil War history buff and will help teens consider the many angles from which our past may be seen.