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THE LEGEND OF BLUE JACKET

Name: THE LEGEND OF BLUE JACKET
Author: Michael P. Spradlin
ISBN: 0-688-15835-8

by Michael P. Spradlin & illustrated by Ronald Himler ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2002

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Historian and publishing-industry veteran Spradlin has tackled a contentious chunk of history and legend for his first children’s book. Blue Jacket was a war chief of the Shawnee in the late–18th century. Though there are no personal records to prove it, some historians believe that he was also Marmaduke van Swearingen, the son of Virginia farmers who was allegedly captured by the Shawnee and adopted into the tribe. Using as much evidence as he could gather, and using first-hand anecdotal reports of similar experiences, Spradlin has written a first-person, memoir-like tale of what he believes may have been the life of Blue Jacket. The text reads nicely, though it is long and unvarying, and sits heavy on the page. Himler’s accompanying impressionistic watercolors in warm hues are well-executed but have little child appeal, and do little to enliven the sedate narrative. Young fans of historical accounts of this time period may yet be drawn to this, as it is one of the only (if not the only) version available to them of Blue Jacket. It is to be hoped, then, that they will read Spradlin’s preface, which outlines the debate over this figure. For specialized collections only. (Picture book. 8-12)

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2002

ISBN: 0-688-15835-8

Page Count: 32

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2002

Categories:

CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

- BOOK REVIEW
THREAT OF THE SPIDER
by Michael P. Spradlin

- BOOK REVIEW
RISE OF THE SPIDER
by Michael P. Spradlin

- BOOK REVIEW
CLOSE CALLS
by Michael P. Spradlin

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ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

A STORY ABOUT ELLEN SWALLOW RICHARDS

by Ethlie Ann Vare & illustrated by Jennifer Hagerman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 9, 1992

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A readable portrait of a great 19th-century pioneer: a chemist who studied at Vassar in its earliest years, was the first woman at MIT (they waived her fees: if she failed, they could disclaim her; she was awarded a degree in 1873, but later denied a doctorate she had earned), and went on to seminal work in water pollution, nutrition, and detecting adulteration of food—all fulfilling her lifelong aim of using science to make people healthier. She also set up Boston's first school lunch program and administered correspondence courses for women, championing her radical view that women would benefit from understanding the science underlying their household tasks. Focusing on Richards's many achievements, Vare also includes revealing details of her personal life (education; deferring marriage until she was sure of her husband's support in her career; being dubbed ``Ellencyclopedia'' by sister-in-law Laura Richards, of ``Eletelephony'' fame). The many quotes (not sourced) are from Richards and her intimates. A fine introduction to an inspiring woman. Bibliography. (Biography. 8-12)

Pub Date: Oct. 9, 1992

ISBN: 0-87614-733-3

Page Count: 64

Publisher: Carolrhoda

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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EDITH WILSON

THE WOMAN WHO RAN THE UNITED STATES

by James Cross Giblin & illustrated by Michele Laporte ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 1, 1992

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In the ``Women of Our Time'' series, the first biography from an author noted for innovative looks at social history (Milk, 1986). After President Wilson's stroke during his unsuccessful effort to promote US membership in the League of Nations, his wife—at the behest of his doctors—acted for more than a year as his intermediary, deciding what he was told, summarizing documents for him, and conveying his decisions. Though she was attacked for her role (particularly by the White House staff and the Republican opposition), history credits her with doing a fine job of it; as Giblin concludes, ``she showed a remarkable devotion, courage, intelligence, and sense of what was important...essential qualities for anyone...who hopes to be an effective president.'' Focusing on this crucial period, Giblin describes previous circumstances that were germane to it (Edith's caring for a disabled grandmother as a child; her successful management of a business after her first husband's death; Woodrow's habit of sharing issues and decisions with her, even before their marriage), skillfully enlivening his text with direct quotes from letters, diaries, etc. Scrupulously authentic and lucidly presented: a fascinating glimpse of the political scene, not so long ago. Illustrations not seen. (Biography. 8-12)