Solid research underpins whimsy in McCarthy’s latest historical foray.
In time for the 2016 Summer Olympics, McCarthy spotlights the men’s marathon at the first Olympic Games hosted by the United States, held at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Representing six countries, the race’s 32 starting athletes included 17 Americans. McCarthy focuses on 10 runners, including two South Africans, a Cuban, a Frenchman, and six Americans. The 90-degree heat and scarce water daunted the athletes—several succumbed to cramps and nausea. Attendees in autos and on bicycles created thick dust clouds that impeded the runners’ vision and breathing. Justifying the titular claim, McCarthy recounts events that contrast with the tightly scripted modern Olympics. Len Tau, chased by an angry dog, ran a mile off course—and still finished ninth. Felix Carvajal, the Cuban, stopped to snack and practice his English with bystanders—and cried to learn that he had finished fourth. American Fred Lorz, driven off in an automobile after suffering cramps, mysteriously showed up first at the finish line—but was quickly disqualified for cheating. Prefiguring today’s doping scandals, Thomas Hicks, the marathon’s winner, begged for water during the race—and was given strychnine by his trainers. Trademark googly eyes notwithstanding, McCarthy’s acrylic compositions of runners are based on period photographs. Endpapers reproduce fairgoers’ handwritten postcards.
Solid research underpins whimsy in McCarthy’s latest historical foray. (historical note, photographs, selected bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-0639-0
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Dec. 21, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2016
A heartfelt sermon, but useful only as a supplement.
Lessons for life presented by Dr. King’s niece.
Watkins defines the “six guiding beliefs” of the subtitle by describing six events from the civil rights movement in which Dr. King was steadfastly governed by his faith in “love and nonviolence.” The first precept, “Have Courage,” was demonstrated during the Montgomery Bus Boycott when his home was bombed. “Love Your Enemies” is the message of a Sunday morning sermon. “Fight the Problem, Not the Person Who Caused It” is exemplified by the letters written during his imprisonment in Birmingham. The 1965 voter-registration drive in Selma, Alabama, illustrates the belief that “When Innocent People Are Hurt, Others are Inspired to Help.” “Resist Violence of any Kind” refers to a 1966 incident in Chicago when Dr. King was hit in the head by a rock. And finally, “The Universe Honors Love” is seen in the tributes bestowed after his assassination. King is always referred to as “Uncle Martin” in this very personal homage. No references or sources are provided, and beyond a mention of President Lyndon Johnson’s signing of the Voting Rights Bill of 1965, there is no indication that anyone else was involved in the struggle. Comport’s double-page mixed-media collage and digital illustrations are strong and more effective than the text in conveying the measure of the man.
A heartfelt sermon, but useful only as a supplement. (Informational picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Dec. 30, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8693-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A noteworthy life to share but one more stirring in recordings than on these pages.
The legendary 20th-century gospel singer takes center stage in a too-short song of praise.
From her childhood in New Orleans to a move to Chicago as a teen, Nolan’s text tells readers that Mahalia Jackson loved one thing above all others—singing in church. She toured the South, performing in churches rather than nightclubs despite the lure of better pay, and without fail, her “joyful voice lifted people with hope.” A recording contract and radio broadcasts brought a larger audience, and eventually she appeared at Carnegie Hall and sang for world leaders. On the day of the 1963 March on Washington, she sang prior to Dr. King’s speech, although there is no mention of her momentous advice to him. Nolan’s brief text, with unsourced quotations, is more focused on Jackson’s musical drive than on the specifics of her career. The only mention of racism comes in the chronology, a misstep in a book about an African-American performer born in 1911; sadly, there is no note about gospel music. Holyfield’s full-bleed acrylic paintings are richly textured and feature a portrait of Jackson on every double-page spread, her voice raised to the heavens.
A noteworthy life to share but one more stirring in recordings than on these pages. (resources) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)Pub Date: Jan. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-087944-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Amistad/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Oct. 14, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2014
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