Benjamin Holmes was a young slave in Charleston just before the Civil War who, with some help from his father and a great deal of drive, teaches himself to read. Sherman invents dialogue to flesh out his childhood and his sure knowledge that his skills had to be kept secret. His supreme moment comes when he reads the Emancipation Proclamation to a group of fellow slaves who had been imprisoned after their masters fled at the approach of the Union Army. The story and its telling are inspirational, and Cooper’s signature oil paintings featuring muted shades of brown are, as usual, lovely. His use of light on Ben’s face on the cover is particularly glorious and will draw readers in. An author’s note tells readers that Holmes was a historical figure, but the specific source for this formative moment is not indicated. Nevertheless, a solid Black History choice for younger students. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5319-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Eerdmans
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
With his knowledge of currencies and gift for languages, Salomon filled a vital niche in the American Revolutionary War. Ever the staunch patriot, he bought and sold goods, secretly worked for the Sons of Liberty, bribed a Hessian guard to escape hanging by the British, helped finance the struggling American cause and attended services at a Philadelphia synagogue. His thanks from the newly formed nation were honorary; none of the loans and funds he advanced was paid back. Both the author and illustrator’s approach in this cheerful picture-book biography are geared to younger readers. Almost everyone shares a rather large and round nose, even the dog. The colorful, full-page art imparts a near-comical feeling that is matched by the conversational tone of the text. Oddly, when recounting all the languages he spoke, Rubin does not include Yiddish—the language of many Eastern European Jews. Not a scholarly or in-depth selection, but certainly an entertaining read for young history buffs. (author note, artist note, glossary, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 2007
ISBN: 0-8109-1087-X
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2007
When John Tuttle arrived in Dover, N.H., in the 1600s, cleared some land and built a cabin, he had no way of knowing how many future Tuttles would benefit from his actions. So far, 12 generations have lived on what became America’s oldest family farm, and each learns, grows and adds their experiences in this chronicle of a farm and family. In tracing the history of the land and people—each generation receives a minimum of one spread each—Michelson also relates American history as it affects each set of occupants through their eyes, covering tension between the settlers and Indians, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Underground Railroad, the changing economy, the appearance of the first automobile and the development of the current store. Azarian’s signature woodcut prints add an appropriately warm and folkloric touch. Perhaps more information about Indians and how they did not generally instigate conflict could be included, but otherwise a flawless work—recommended for both home and school reading. (Nonfiction. 5-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-399-24354-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2007
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