Heroes for All Times

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk ME, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 24, 2015

Review

A well balanced introduction to six historical figures. Included are some well known: such as Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Florence Nightingale, and some who might be new to readers: Gandhi, John Muir and Susan B. Anthony. Important aspects of each individual's life are included despite the short length of each chapter. Images of Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House series offer additional information in lieu of text boxes. Photographs and black-and-white illustrations break up the text for early readers.

Some gaps mar the presentation. We are told that the North Star "points to the Big Dipper," yet the next sentence states "slaves used the Big Dipper to find the North Star" (p. 44). The accompanying illustration is inaccurate. An aside by Jack tells us that Harriet Tubman's first marriage "didn't last," but not why. Was one of them sold? Why was this deemed important enough to include? After telling us that her father withdrew her from school, we read that Susan B. Anthony "taught until Daniel asked her to help him with a farm..." (p.49). A comment by Jack provides the missing text. John Muir was the first to determine that Yosemite's granite valleys were carved by glaciers, yet this important discovery is glossed over as an "interest." The chapter on Martin Luther King Jr. uses the term "Black" to refer to African Americans.

Back matter offers tips for how to do research including the difference between fiction and nonfiction, conducting research at museums, and the importance of asking questions. There is nothing about evaluating websites. Suggested book titles, museum sites and websites encourage readers to continue learning about these individuals. An index, table of contents, and photo credits will appeal to teachers. Although report writers will need additional sources, browsers will find much to emulate here.

Overall Book Score: good