Based on both historical sources and a bit of speculation, Bartoletti recreates the construction of the immense “garrison” flag that (probably) flew over Fort McHenry, was immortalized by Francis Scott Key, and was sewn by Mary Pickengill, a Baltimore businesswoman. She had help from her 12-year-old daughter Caroline, and likely, though no evidence survives, also from relatives, a slave, and a free black employee. Bartoletti relates the tale from Caroline’s point of view, beginning with the flag’s commission, ending with the long, stormy night during which it withstood those storied rockets and bombs, and capped by a detailed explanation of the limited historical record, along with facts about the flag. Nivola illustrates it all in restrained, neatly drawn scenes, either of focused-looking women hard at work, or wide, white, tidy Baltimore streets, with the distant fort visible in the background. As inspiring as it is elegantly turned out, this will add unusual dimension to a famous episode in our national story. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: April 22, 2004
ISBN: 0-618-26757-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2004
The ``Iceman'' was found in 1991 in the ôtztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy. When two mountain climbers came upon the body, they suspected that it was a dead—perhaps murdered—mountaineer. They contacted the authorities, who nearly destroyed the body removing it from the ice. Luckily, more informed people arrived and realized that this was no ordinary accident victim. They suspected the body was extremely old. Little did they dream that the Iceman was actually over 5,000 years old—the oldest, best- preserved human body ever discovered. Through studying the body, scientists have learned much about the late Stone Age. Not only was the Iceman himself recovered, but also his tools, clothing, food, and gear. A find like this is a bonanza for archaeologists. Because of the circumstances of the Iceman's death—the time of year, the protected location, etc.—scientists now have a record of how our ancestors used to hunt, dress, prevent disease, and more. Getz (Almost Famous, 1992, etc.) explains the incredible story of the Iceman clearly and concisely, simply enough for a child to understand but in enough depth to satisfy a curious lay adult. (Index; glossary; bibliography) (Nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-8050-3261-4
Page Count: 68
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1994
Avi's first entry in the I Can Read chapter-book series tells the true story of Roger Williams's 1635 flight from arrest for "preaching dangerous new ideas." He heads into the wilds of colonial New England, eventually sending for his family to join him in founding a new settlement where religious freedom is allowed, which his daughter, the narrator, names Providence. The story covers only his decision to flee and the highlights of his subsequent journey, an odd time frame that leaves out the events leading up to Williams's trial, his life with the Indians, the rigors of founding a new settlement, or even much detail about the Puritan intolerance from which he fled. During the trial, only the gasps of spectators indicate the contrast between their views and his, the latter of which will seem right and just to contemporary readers, and therefore unfathomable as the basis for prosecution. The illustrations are soft and pale, lacking drama; many of the characters share the same expression, looking as if they are whistling. A complement to other sources on Williams's life—this is neither interesting enough for general readers, nor specific enough for those not already grounded in the facts. (Fiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: Feb. 28, 1997
ISBN: 0-06-025179-4
Page Count: 48
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1997
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