Superb nonfiction that will entertain as it informs.
Young readers of this biography may be surprised that Jim Thorpe, an athlete they may never have heard of, was once considered “the best athlete on the planet.”
Most students at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania were shocked by the treatment they received under superintendent Richard Henry Pratt, who believed white American culture was superior and to “help” his students meant to “kill the Indian in him, and save the man.” New students were given new names, new clothes, and haircuts and were allowed to speak English only. It was a harsh, alien world, and only a small percentage of students ever graduated. The child of a Sac and Fox/Irish father and Potawatomi/French-Canadian mother, Jim Thorpe grew up in a mix of white and Indian culture and was better prepared than many when he entered Carlisle at the age of 15. Sheinkin weaves complicated threads of history—the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the story of Carlisle, the early days of football, and the dual biographies of Thorpe and his coach Pop Warner—with the narrative skills of a gifted storyteller who never forgets the story in history. He is unflinchingly honest in pointing out the racism in white American culture at large and in football culture, including headlines in the newspapers (“INDIANS OUT TO SCALP THE CADETS”), preferential officiating, and war whoops from the stands. Sheinkin easily draws a parallel in the persisting racism in the names of current football teams, such as the Braves and Redskins, bringing the story directly to modern readers.
Superb nonfiction that will entertain as it informs. (source notes, works cited, acknowledgments, photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-59643-954-2
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2016
A touching portrait of a remarkable celebrity influencer who used her exposure to inspire herself and others.
When the late Canadian figure skater and singer/songwriter Carley Allison, was diagnosed with a rare and deadly cancer at 17, she shared her difficult journey through treatment.
This authorized biography draws from Carley’s blog, text messages, photos on social media, and interviews with family and friends. All testify to Carley’s popularity, upbeat personality, athleticism, competitive drive, and generosity throughout her brief life. She set and met tough goals for herself through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Medical intervention exhausted, she tried residential treatment at an alternative Florida institute claiming cancer cures via a raw, vegan diet. Against her parents’ wishes, doctors told then-19-year-old Carley that she was dying. The timing of events isn’t always clear, and interviews are undated, but the clear intention is to inspire others to remain optimistic and positive: When an effort fails, there’s always something else to try. Contradicting that message is the equally strong portrait of someone exceptional afflicted with an exceedingly rare cancer. Carley, who was of European and Iranian descent, was supported by a loving, financially comfortable family and a loyal network of friends. It’s when the mask of cheery optimism falters that readers truly connect with Carley; then her journey becomes ours. Readers comfortable with social media will be drawn in by the large number of photographs, varied formats, and brief segments.
A touching portrait of a remarkable celebrity influencer who used her exposure to inspire herself and others. (Biography. 12-16)Pub Date: May 7, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-5253-0040-0
Page Count: 392
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: Feb. 9, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This latest book in the American Profiles series features short biographies of ten women who fought for the right to vote. Among those included are Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Amelia Jenks Bloomer, Mary Church Terrell, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, Victoria Woodhull, and Jeannette Pickering Rankin. Helmer succinctly outlines each woman’s life in 10—12 pages and describes how that woman came to the suffrage movement. Each vignette includes a chronology and a further reading list. The last entry, Jeannette Pickering Rankin, appropriately sets forth the results of enfranchisement: “She was the first woman ever elected to the United States Congress and the first woman elected to any national government in the world.” While there is some disjointedness and repetition in the stories, the book will provide researchers with an overview of the suffrage movement, and solid background on some of its leading lights. (b&w photos, index, not seen, chronologies, further reading) (Biography. 10-14)
Pub Date: June 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-8160-3579-2
Page Count: 140
Publisher: Facts On File
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1998
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2023 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
bookshelf
