by Gale Eaton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 6, 2015
A fascinating volume especially suited for browsing.
Kicking off the History in 50 series, this volume presents 50 stories about disasters that pitted “human civilization against the forces of nature.”
Earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, droughts, diseases. “Our planet is a wild place,” and Eaton explores 50 disasters caused at least in part by natural forces and examines what they reveal about civilization. A volcano may have contributed to the decline of the Neanderthals. The Black Death wiped out one-third of the population of Europe. The San Francisco earthquake left half the city’s population homeless. The influenza pandemic of 1918 claimed as many as 50 million lives, more than the death toll of World War I. The stories, most two or three pages long and arranged chronologically, are related in clear and straightforward prose, supported by photographs, maps, charts, and reproductions of artwork through the ages. Lest readers get preoccupied by body counts and deciding which disaster was the worst, the real lessons to be derived are discussed in a brief conclusion. What’s most important is how people responded to the disasters: some people became heroes, some organized relief efforts, some looted, some blamed others, and some got to work trying to prevent future disasters. Though extensive backmatter is included, the many books available for young readers on some of the topics are not included.
A fascinating volume especially suited for browsing. (glossary, sources and additional resources, endnotes, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)Pub Date: Nov. 6, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-88448-383-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: Aug. 25, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2015
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BOOK REVIEW
by Gale Eaton
by Russell Freedman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2000
If Freedman wrote the history textbooks, we would have many more historians. Beginning with an engrossing description of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, he brings the reader the lives of the American colonists and the events leading up to the break with England. The narrative approach to history reads like a good story, yet Freedman tucks in the data that give depth to it. The inclusion of all the people who lived during those times and the roles they played, whether small or large are acknowledged with dignity. The story moves backwards from the Boston Tea Party to the beginning of the European settlement of what they called the New World, and then proceeds chronologically to the signing of the Declaration. “Your Rights and Mine” traces the influence of the document from its inception to the present ending with Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The full text of the Declaration and a reproduction of the original are included. A chronology of events and an index are helpful to the young researcher. Another interesting feature is “Visiting the Declaration of Independence.” It contains a short review of what happened to the document in the years after it was written, a useful Web site, and a description of how it is displayed and protected today at the National Archives building in Washington, D.C. Illustrations from the period add interest and detail. An excellent addition to the American history collection and an engrossing read. (Nonfiction. 9-13)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-8234-1448-5
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2000
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by Russell Freedman ; illustrated by William Low
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BOOK REVIEW
by Melvin Berger & Gilda Berger ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2001
An introduction to ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs buried in the Valley of the Kings. The authors begin with how archaeologist Howard Carter found the tomb of King Tut, then move back 3,000 years to the time of Thutmosis I, who built the first tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Finally they describe the building of the tomb of a later Pharaoh, Ramses II. The backward-forward narration is not always easy to follow, and the authors attribute emotions to the Pharaohs without citation. For example, “Thutmosis III was furious [with Hatshepsut]. He was especially annoyed that she planned to be buried in KV 20, the tomb of her father.” Since both these people lived 3,500 years ago, speculation on who was furious or annoyed should be used with extreme caution. And the tangled intrigue of Egyptian royalty is not easily sorted out in so brief a work. Throughout, though, there are spectacular photographs of ancient Egyptian artifacts, monuments, tomb paintings, jewels, and death masks that will appeal to young viewers. The photographs of the exposed mummies of Ramses II, King Tut, and Seti I are compelling. More useful for the hauntingly beautiful photos than the text. (brief bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: March 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-7922-7223-4
Page Count: 64
Publisher: National Geographic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2001
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by Melvin Berger & illustrated by S.D. Schindler
BOOK REVIEW
by Melvin Berger & Gilda Berger & illustrated by Higgins Bond
BOOK REVIEW
by Melvin Berger & illustrated by Megan Lloyd
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