McCann conveys the remarkable heroism of Tryszynska-Frederick, a young Jewish nurse imprisoned in the Nazi concentration camp. Luba’s emotional strength, bravery, and determination in the winter of 1944 saved 54 abandoned, starving, and cold Dutch children from their impending death, as she hid them in her barracks for the duration of the war and used her ingenuity and a lot of luck to beg, borrow, and steal food. McCann recounts in lucid narrative prose, with the inclusion of some dialogue, the events and hushed drama as related to her by the real Luba. Well-crafted, this includes a brief introduction and post-script to the Nazi concentration camps and WWII, an epilogue depicting Luba’s official Amsterdam recognition with photographs from the liberation of the camp and a 1995 reunion, and a thorough bibliography of books, articles, film, Web sites, personal letters, and interviews. Realistic oil paintings with collage reflect the darkness of the period and the terrifyingly dangerous environment amid the loving concern within the concealed group. One of the beautiful, positive stories that emerged from that awful time, to be remembered and passed on to young and old alike. (author’s note, including children’s names) (Picture book. 7-12)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003
ISBN: 1-58246-098-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tricycle
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2003
This unabashedly hero-worshipping biography of the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff suffers from the very ``larger-than-life'' portrait it creates. Powell is presented as a seemingly invincible figure whose rise to military heights is simply the natural outcome of hard work and perseverance; the problems of a young black man in attaining such heights are thoroughly glossed over. Blue even seems to imply that while other African-Americans have encountered discrimination, Powell did not. While the book offers young readers a source of basic information on this hero of the 90's, it is hardly an essential purchase. B&w and color photos; chronology; index. (Biography. 8-11)
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 1991
ISBN: 1-56294-052-X
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1991
BOOK REVIEW
The popular hymn whose origins are recounted here is not a folk song, but was written by an English minister who distilled his own grim experiences to pen these compellingly consoling verses. Son of a sea captain whose icy discipline made him a rebel with cause, John Newton (1725-1807) tried, unsuccessfully at first, to hold onto the religion instilled by his dead mother. He became a slave trader and, in part because an early employer had treated Newton himself like a slave, was an unusually compassionate member of what was then an acceptable calling. His faith restored after a miraculous response to prayers in a violent storm, Newton still continued as a slaver for years before taking a customs post and then eventually becoming a minister. Still later, he and the poet William Cowper wrote the Olney Hymns, including ``Amazing Grace.'' Haskins's narrative is so simply written that it's almost abrupt, but it's fascinating not only as an outline of an extraordinary spiritual journey but as a glimpse of the period. He includes a simple arrangement for the melody and cleverly uses the verses to introduce chapters, concluding with some recently added lines and mention of the song's popularity in black churches since the 1800's and in contemporary concerts. Fine for its intended level, a book that leaves the reader wanting to know more about this unique man. Attractively illustrated with historical materials, mostly unattributed. Index. (Nonfiction. 8- 12)
Pub Date: Feb. 15, 1992
ISBN: 1-56294-117-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1992
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