Feature: Voting
Voting represents the political voice of an individual in a Democracy. Now more than ever, it is necessary for those voices to be heard. The attacks on September 11th shocked Americans into a new understanding of the world and our place within it. Some young children living now cannot remember—or never even knew—an America before September 11th. One catastrophe, then, seemed to lead to another in the mishandling by president George W. Bush, who has achieved the lowest recorded approval ratings of any U.S. president.
Now young people realize the absolute importance of voting, and progressively more of us are finding it cool to vote—or at the very least, not-uncool. One of the books listed below, Declare Yourself, brings together more than fifty celebrities admired by today's young voters, who write essays on their own voting experience. In this way, the book exemplifies the principle of voting: it is the individual stories of a crowd of people, whose votes matter when cast in unity. Readers see the personal aspect of voting, and are shown how what is important on a personal level becomes important to everyone.
Contributor: Brendan FrostReviews
The 19th Amendment
Michael Burgan.
Just as the title states, this book focuses solely on how the 19th amendment came about. Burgan gives background on the deep roots of women's suffrage. He explains why women had to fight for their right to vote by tracing back to Genesis and Adam and Eve, and illustrating how women were not seen as equals but as people who should be obedient. Burgan then discusses the ideas of abolition and equality, and notes that many abolitionists were Quakers who believed that all races of people were equal. Brief biographies of women who played key roles in this movement are offered such as Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Harriot Stanton Blatch. Nearly every page displays a historical photograph, illustration, or map, making the idea at hand easier for the reader to visualize. There are even pictures of some old posters and a copy of the document that made the 19th amendment official. Burgan writes in a clear, concise tone that is appropriate for his audience, which makes this complex topic easy to understand. At the conclusion of all the books in the "We The People" series, there is a glossary of terms that is relevant to the topic, a "Did You Know?" list of historical facts, a timeline, and, perhaps best of all, a listing of additional resources such as books and websites. Overall this is a great tool for a child researching the amendments and a great addition to any history book collection. 2006, Compass Point Books, $23.93. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Sulock (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-1260-6
America Votes: How Our President Is Elected
Linda Granfield
Illustrated by Steve Björkman
In time for the next presidential election, this book is just the ticket to explain the process to young readers. One-page chapters, liberally illustrated with humorous cartoons and caricatures of former presidents, are filled with information that is presented in a lively manner. Once it is established who is eligible to vote and the importance of that right, readers hit the campaign trail. Primaries, conventions, campaign slogans, financing, press coverage, and debates are carefully described. The dual party system, complete with elephants, donkeys, lame ducks and also-rans, as well as the left and the right are succinctly outlined. Timely in its analysis of election tabulations, the 2000 debacle is remembered in its sidebar "What a Chad, Chad Story." The breezy tone of the writing and the ease with which a complicated process is made understandable makes this very accessible to kids and a perfect choice for teachers to supplement units on the democratic system. Who knows, it might inspire some kids to run for office someday. 2003, Kids Can Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5533-7086-4
ISBN: 1-5533-7086-4
Barack Obama
Heather Lehr Wagner
A welcome addition to the "Black Americans of Achievement Legacy Edition" series, this work is a timely biography of Democratic primary presidential candidate Barack Obama that is geared to the very people just entering the voting process. Readers learn about his childhood, his background, his family, his schooling, and employment history, as well as his wishes and desires. An encouraging story of one who faced many trials and obstacles while growing up only to overcome adversity and become a Harvard Law School graduate and active politician, this well-documented work encourages all teens to strive to fulfill their dreams. Although it feels at times that the work is a rephrasing of Obama's own autobiographies, there is sufficient new information to make this work a welcome read for younger audiences and those who are new to the English language. Photographs provide human interest to the text, while "In His Own Words" sections give direct quotes from Obama's writings and speeches. "Did You Know?" call boxes expand upon bits of Obama's past with explanations and further details. A chronology helps readers to follow Obama's life and events in an organized fashion, while a list for additional books and web sites will aid researchers in finding more information, although there may not be as much in books as one might wish for (five works are listed, including two by Obama). A comprehensive index enables readers to quickly focus on a specific topic, while a table of contents can only slightly assist readers in finding up-to-date information. 2008, Chelsea House Publishers, $30.00. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Sara Rofofsky Marcus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9716-8
ISBN: 0-7910-9716-1
Citizenship
Jason Skog
Illustrated by Kelly Brown
This basic look at the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens is presented in a graphic format that will appeal to upper elementary students as well as those in higher grades that are struggling with reading. The facts are well laid out but given a light touch to make them accessible and interesting. The graphic-style illustrations are accompanied by speech bubbles, insets of "factoids," and historical vignettes. Starting with an exploration of "people power," this title in the Graphic Library's "Cartoon-Nation presents" series, gives readers a brief explanation of voting rights, "What makes a person a citizen?" the benefits of U.S. citizenship, the early history of citizenship, and a discussion about how some people become citizens through testing and an oath. The status of "Nationals" is explained with information about those living in Puerto Rico and Guam. The book examines the status of immigrants both legal and illegal in a compassionate way but does make light of the border restrictions on people entering the country. The illustration shows a person seeking entry to the U.S. and explaining that his "papers" might have been eaten by his dog, which is shown burping. Deportation is defined in one of the insets and the scene shows an official escorting a person to an airplane and saying, "I'm sorry, but you'll have to go back home and get the proper permission to enter the United States." This is a gentle way to introduce a difficult subject to a school-age audience. The importance of a "citizen's responsibilities" is stressed in the final part of the book and will speak loudly to those who will have the opportunity to vote upon turning eighteen. The plight of those who did not have the opportunity to vote is well covered, and the struggles of citizens to change the constitution, as in the Civil Rights movement, is well documented. Direct quotations from primary sources are indicated by a yellow background, and the sources are identified on the verso of the title page. The back matter includes a time line, a glossary, a "read more" section, directions to the Fact Hound web site, and an index. 2008, Capstone, $25.26. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4296-1331-6
ISBN: 1-4296-1331-9
Declare Yourself: Speak, Connect, Act, Vote: 50 Celebrated Americans Tell You Why.
More than fifty celebrities who are well known to the Young Adult audience contributed essays varying in length from one to ten pages addressing the need, the desire, the importance, and the obligation to vote in any election in the United States. Varying from true life stories to rants, from historical vignettes to personal reminiscences, each essay will find a home to hit in some member of the Generation Y. Not intended to be read cover to cover, the work will be a useful addition to any high school or public library aiming to encourage voting by the new generation, and also can be of interest to older apathetic voters as well. One error, however, is noted in the work, in the chapter by Henry Rollins, where he mentions that the right to vote was not earned by women and African Americans "until the late part of the nineteenth century" (p. 208). The book ends with a section about how to involve yourself, including many online methods which appeal more to the intended audience than the traditional methods most often known. There is also a time line of voting in U.S. history and a glossary of terms related to voting. A bibliography provides additional sources for those who prefer traditional means of gaining information. 2008, Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 16 up. Reviewers: Sara Rofofsky Marcus (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-147332-6
ISBN: 0-06-147332-4
Democracy
Liam O'Donnell
Illustrated by Patricia Storms
The history of the development and growth of democratic ideas and democracy is presented in graphic/cartoon images in this title in the Graphic Library' "Cartoon-Nation Presents" series. Starting with an example from a typical family deciding on a dinner choice through voting, this title covers the democratic process from ancient Greece to the statement that in 2007 "more than 100 countries have democratic governments." Packed with historical tidbits provided in insets and humorous speech bubbles from the mouths of a variety of noted champions of democracy, O'Donnell presents a broad overview of the ideas and methods that went into the development of democracy as we know it today. The status of people of color and women is not overlooked or downplayed, since they were not included in the early days of any democracy. The light touch of some of the more gruesome aspects of the fight for democracy may be offensive to some; an inset about the Reign of Terror after the French Revolution shows a man about to be beheaded saying "Just a little off the top. And don't forget to trim my mustache!" The hooded executioner replies, "I'm an executioner, not a barber!" Other humorous aspects will make this compilation of facts appeal to a wider range of readers. The high interest text also includes information about voting, political campaigns, The US Constitution and its Amendments, etc. The time line at the end is accompanied by a glossary, a "read more" section, a Fact Hound site, and an index. 2008, Capstone, $25.26 and $18.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4296-1332-3
ISBN: 1-4296-1332-7
Democracy
Tom Lansford
Comfortably tucked away in a cozy home in a democratic land it could be easy to take for granted the rights that one is born with. Yet, if you look at the history of democracy, it becomes clear that while its intellectual roots stretch back to ancient Greece, its practical application has a relatively short pedigree. Democracy, as Tom Lansford points out in this title of the illustrated "Political Systems of the World" series, is based upon the belief that voting publics create the most inclusive and reasonable governments. Rather than relying upon the rule of neither one person nor an oligarchy, democracies are grounded on the pluralism that open voting systems create. In this particular book readers are presented with both the history of democratic governance as well as the threats to its continuance. Issues such as the allure of dictatorship, the willingness to sacrifice liberty in the face of threats, and voter apathy all are handled in a reasonable way. Through a balanced and thoughtful approach Tom Lansford has created a useful tool for the furtherance of understanding democracy. 2007, Marshall Cavendish, $27.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7614-2629-5
ISBN: 0-7614-2629-9
The Electoral College
Michael Burgan
Burgan begins the book with a question: "On November 7, 2000, more than 100 million Americans voted for a new U.S. president...Gore had almost 540,000 more than Bush. Yet, Bush was sworn in as the 43rd president of the United States. What caused Gore to lose the election?" This book explores the history of the Electoral College and why it was set up in the first place. When the Electoral College was created in the Constitutional Convention, "delegates wondered if voters could learn enough about presidential candidates to choose one wisely. Other delegates feared the largest states would control the process for selecting presidents...Since the delegates could not agree on the process of electing a president, a new system was needed." Thus began the Electoral College. Burgan explains what the Electoral College does, how it does it, and the question of whether it still should be used--since history now shows that popular vote does not always equal the election of a new president. This is a nice source for those interested in politics or the Electoral College in general. The Electoral College is part of the "We the People" series. 2007, Compass Point Books, $25.26. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Joella Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-2455-5
ISBN: 0-7565-2455-5
Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Social Reformer
Michael Burgan
Elizabeth Cady Stanton was a forceful and controversial woman who offended some people with her strong views. She firmly believed that every woman should have the right to vote. She argued, "No just government can be formed without the consent of the governed." She dedicated most of her life to writing, traveling, and speaking about the need for women's rights. Stanton developed a close bond with Susan B. Anthony and together they formed many initiatives that began the women's movement. Sadly, Stanton did not live to see the passing of the 19th amendment that granted women the right to vote. This is the compelling story of a women consumed by the views that she so fervently held. This text is a complete biography detailing Stanton's life from birth to death. The appendix is thorough and includes a time line that indicates important world events as it chronicles significant achievements in Stanton's life. This title is part of the "Signature Lives" series. 2006, Compass Point Books, $30.60. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Denise Daley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7565-0990-3
ISBN: 0-7565-0990-4
Eyewitness VOTE
Philip Steele
The team at DK Publishing has, yet again, put together an expansive look at a single subject which encompasses a wide range of ideas relating to the general topic. This title is packaged with a CD of "clip art" comprised of captioned photos/illustrations of the history of voting (and other aspects of democracy) and a large, folded poster which states "The vote is key to any democratic system of government." Both of these materials will prove very helpful to instructors and students. In the usual style of the Eyewitness books, the reader is treated to a dense accumulation of facts and historical notes, illustrated with real photos and reproductions of historical memorabilia, such as statuary, art, newspapers, maps, flags, clothing, and artifacts, as well as graphs and diagrams. The layout is packed with information, but is not distractingly cluttered for those accustomed to the DK "look." Covering everything from the earliest traditions for the expression of people's preferences in leadership to our current systems of voting not only in the U.S. but around the world. Readers are stimulated to examine how and why people vote as well as the privilege and responsibility of exercising "the vote." Examining the history of elections requires examining history in general, so this is a volume rich in details about how we arrived at our present system of elections. Few people will read this from cover to cover; many will approach this information-filled volume with an eye for "sampling" here and there. Tucked in with the facts and history are wonderfully interesting quotes and tidbits to whet the reader's interest in this fascinating subject. 2008, DK Publishing, $15.99. Ages 10 up.
ISBN: 978-0-7566-3382-0
ISBN: 0-7566-3382-6
The History of the Third Parties
Vicki Cox
From the early 1800s until today, third parties have played some role in the American political scene. In many instances, those parties have been relatively minor players in the U.S. elections. In other instances, third party candidates have experienced success and certainly influenced the results of significant presidential elections. In this work, Vicki Cox presents the history of both significant and not-so-significant third party candidates. This illustrated volume is part of a broader series designed to describe various aspects of American governance entitled "The U.S. Government: How it Works." As with other books in this series of textbooks, this particular addition focuses on facts rather than personalities. In a very traditional mode, the author walks her readers through the evolution of third parties and the successes and failures they have achieved. Little attention is given to allowing the personalities of third party leaders to emerge within the confines of the narrative. In addition, a rather awkward reference citation approach is used that consistently disrupts the reader's focus on the matters at hand. These factors make this a journeyman's effort, one that can serve as a source of information but not excitement. 2007, Chelsea House Publishers, $30.00. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9421-1
ISBN: 0-7910-9421-9
The House of Representatives
Rachel A. Koestler-Grack
Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature)
Every two years, American citizens across the land take part in congressional elections to determine which congressmen or women they wish to retain or elect. In many ways, voting for your preferred congressional representative is about as pure a dose of Americana as anything. Here, in this volume of the illustrated "The U.S. Government: How it Works" series, readers are taken behind the scenes to look at the history and functioning of the U.S. Congress. In order to explain the nature of congressional work, the author of this solid book first traces the history of the institution at hand and then transitions into detailing the critical functions of the modern congress. Throughout this book, the author does a reasonable job of capturing not only the letter but also the spirit of the laws that encompass this governmental institution. In this way, Koestler-Grack's work presents readers with an insightful glimpse of an institution that has direct effects upon the lives of every American citizen and beyond. 2007, Chelsea House Publishers, $30.00. Ages 12 up.
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9285-9
ISBN: 0-7910-9285-2
How the President is Elected
Heather Lehr Wagner
Middle- and high-school readers may not have a clear memory of the event with which Wagner introduces this excellent guide to presidential elections--the 2000 face-off between George W. Bush and Al Gore--but after reading this book, they should have a clear understanding of the complexities of the system by which Americans choose their president. Setting the stage with the historic 2000 election, which involved recounts, judicial review, and victory by the candidate who lost the popular vote, Wagner proceeds to tackle the panoply of presidential electoral issues. The book covers the history of the constitutional framework for presidential elections, the operation of the Electoral College, the role of political parties, conventions, primaries, the changing landscape of campaign tactics, and more. A clear writing style and use of interesting examples from elections past should draw in readers who might otherwise feel put off by the web of rules and procedures covered. The chapter on the Electoral College alone is enough to make this volume a valuable resource; Wagner explains its historical roots, its evolution, and its current operation in a manner that is most edifying. The glossary is too brief and selective to be useful, but a bibliography and a "further reading" section point readers to additional sources. Part of the "The U.S. Government: How It Works" series. 2007, Chelsea House, $30.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Debbie Levy (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-7910-9418-1
ISBN: 0-7910-9418-9
I Could Do That! Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote
Linda Arms White
Illustrations by Nancy Carpenter
With her lifelong "I can do that!" spirit, young Esther Morris learns to sew and pour tea from her mother, she learns only men vote, and she then learns to help care for her ten siblings when her mother dies. Time and again, Esther is told there are things women cannot do. Esther hears none of that and carries on, blazing new trails in her move westward and everywhere else she goes. Esther indeed helps to secure voting rights for women in Wyoming in 1869, and later becomes the first woman to hold public office as a Justice of the Peace. Linda Arms White's book is featured on this 16 minute DVD offering the story with and without subtitles, and is superbly highlighted by Nancy Carpenter's sparse but colorful and expressive illustrations. Musical backdrops and narration by Joan Allen perfectly accompanies the can-do spirit resonating through Morris' hardships. A moving story on a well-designed DVD brings young readers and listeners a fresh perspective on stereotypes, perseverance, and justice, and it will invoke thoughtful discussion. 2006, Weston Woods Studios, $59.95. Ages 6 to 12. Reviewer: Marianne Baker (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-90569-5
ISBN: 0-439-90569-9
If I Ran for President
Catherine Stier
Illustrated by Lynne Avril
As the presidential elections approach in the United States, this timely book invites the child to imagine himself or herself as a presidential candidate. It is the job of leading the country, and he or she must consider if they are ready to tackle it. Step-by-step, the child follows his peers (girls and boys of multi-ethnic backgrounds) from the moment they make their announcement to run, to campaigns, participation in primaries, debates with other presidential contenders, party conventions, and Election Day. It provides succinct explanations of the voting process, the popular vote versus the electoral vote, and political parties. The book provides a child's view of the hard work involved in campaigning and debating key issues, but also the fun of meeting people from all over the United States. The imaginative and informative illustrations complement the straightforward narrative. This book would make an excellent contribution to a social studies class leading to further discussion of the democratic process. 2007, Albert Whitman and Company, $15.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Lilliam Oliva Collmann (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-8075-3543-1
ISBN: 0-8075-3543-5
LaRue for Mayor: Letters From the Campaign
Mark Teague
Only an illustrator of Teague's talent could make a bunch of dogs smile with such obvious glee at the antics of the irrepressible leader of their pack. Oh, they call themselves a "social club" but we know the truth about Ike LaRue and his friends. Because Mrs. Larue, Ike's owner, has been injured, Ike is once again on his own. Mrs. Larue is taken to the hospital after a hot dog cart overturns during a political rally where Hugo Bugwort announces his candidacy for mayor of Snort City. Readers know what causes the cart to overturn but Ike says "who knew that hot dog carts were so unstable." We see the story unfold in both black-and-white renderings and boldly colored illustrations, along with the cards and letters Ike sends to Mrs. LaRue in the hospital. Each vignette reveals a bit of the action, but the reader must determine what is actually true. Just as in a real campaign, not everything is exactly as it is reported in the media or in Ike's messages. Readers will delight in knowing more than Mrs. LaRue or even Hugo Bugwort. After a number of nefarious campaign tactics, Ike manages to be in just the right spot (inside Ding-A-Ling's ice cream truck) to rescue Bugwort after his collapse at a campaign rally. Bugwort decides that dogs are not so bad and Ike decides that he will accept Bugwort's offer to serve as Assistant Mayor. Readers/listeners will see how candidates tell the public what they want to hear and how campaign posters sprout around a city, while laughing out loud over the silly things that the dogs do to discourage votes for Bugwort--drawing mustaches on Bugwort's posters is the least of their pranks. This clever, humorous story will be enjoyed as a class read-aloud, a one-on-one sharing, or by a precocious young reader. Teachers will be grateful to have it as part of their repertoire while teaching about elections--local or presidential. 2008, The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $16.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-439-78315-6
ISBN: 0-439-78315-1
Otto Runs for President
Rosemary Wells
It is election time at Barkadelphia School and whoever collects fifty paw prints can run for president. The popular dogs gather around Tiffany proclaiming she is the cutest and the smartest. The sports fans cheer for Charles, the captain of all the teams. The parents of Tiffany and Charles get involved and the school walls are soon covered with banners and posters. Tiffany's mother persuades the cheerleaders to shout out cheers, while a glee club hired by Charles' dad sings a fight song. Then the smear campaigns begin. Did Charles cheat on the science test? Did Tiffany spend class dues on hair spray? In the meantime, Otto begins asking his classmates what they really want at the school. He gathers the required number of paw prints and bakes cookies with his friend Melanie. On election day, Charles hosts a Whoppo Burger pep rally. Tiffany's mother serves a pancake breakfast. Otto passes out his cookies. When the votes are counted, Otto wins. He sets about keeping his campaign promises, such as watermelon in the cafeteria and blankets for nap time in kindergarten. The colorful dog characters dress and act like humans. They stand out on white backgrounds, bordered with various items mentioned in the story. This book could be used effectively to stimulate discussions about the election process. 2008, Scholastic, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN:0-545-03722-0
Political Elections
Davis Worth Miller and Katherine McLean Brevard
Illustrated by Charles Barnett III.
Humor abounds in this presentation of the basics of the history of the democratic voting process in governmental politics. Topics covered are listed in the table of contents and include: "Seeds of Democracy," "The African American Struggle," "Women Win the Vote," "What Are Political Parties?" "Choosing Candidates," "Crazy Campaigns," "Campaign Challengers," "Election Day," etc. Insets provide definitions and other tidbits of interesting information. The word ballot comes from the Italian word "ballotta" because in 13th century Italy, "people used small balls to cast their votes." A variety of methods of casting ballots is covered, including using beans and corn kernels. Other fun facts help keep the information from being too dry; the high interest factor is demonstrated with unusual information, such as the fact that there have been animals "elected" as mayor in several U.S. towns. The cartoon speech bubbles, often with current references such as Arnold Schwarzenegger referring to himself as the "govenator," provide comic relief for the amount of factoids packed into this title. Women's Suffrage and The Civil Rights Movement are not stinted. The back matter includes a time line, a glossary, a "read more" section, a Fact Hound Internet site, and an index. 2008, Capstone, $25.26 and $18.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4296-1333-0
ISBN: 1-4296-1333-5
Political Parties
Michael Burgan
Illustrated by Charles Barnett III
Insets with definitions of political vocabulary and a variety of informational factoids are presented alongside explanations of the development of political parties in the U.S. The early history of the debates over how the newly formed United States should be governed influenced the development of various factions that grew into two basic political thought systems that became the foundation of the two party system that we know today. Other parties have come and gone, but usually the two "major parties compete to run the government." Using large-headed cartoon characters to represent the people and the political figures, this light approach will appeal to a variety of readers who need to understand how the party system evolved and how it influences who ultimately runs the country. Media coverage and its influence are discussed, as is voting rights, campaigns, primaries, and the voting process (including various methods of actually casting ballots). The humorous approach makes this title in the Graphic Library's "Cartoon-Nation presents" series an interesting way to expose students to the background of the "donkeys" and "elephants" of politics. Political cartoons have had a huge impact on the development of how the political parties are viewed, even to the animals that have come to represent each party. The back matter includes a time line, a glossary, a FactHound web site, a "read more" section, and an index. 2008, Capstone, $25.26 and $18.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-4296-1334-7
ISBN: 1-4296-1334-3
Political Profiles: John McCain
Catherine Wells
Author Layton Sharp has written a clear and interesting biography on presidential candidate Senator John McCain. McCain was born into a naval family and seemed destined to follow in his father and grandfather's footsteps. He graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1958, then went on to train as a pilot at the navy's flight training school in Pensacola, Florida. On one mission, he crashed into the Gulf of Mexico and almost drowned. He had another close call when his plane crashed at a base outside of Norfolk, Virginia. In the fall of 1966, McCain asked to go to Vietnam. By 1967, he had flown five missions and was getting set to take off again when a nearby fighter plane launched a missile that accidentally hit his plane's external fuel tank. The tank exploded and sent flames across the flight deck. Over one hundred men lost their lives, but once again McCain escaped serious injury. Soon after this accident, McCain was again flying missions in Vietnam. His luck ran out when he tried to destroy a power plant near Hanoi and a missile hit his plane. His plane spiraled down into a lake in the middle of Hanoi, and he suffered two broken arms and a crushed right knee which was largely untreated. He suffered abuse and torture by the North Vietnamese. After six years, he was released. He remained in the Navy and became a liaison officer between the Navy and the U.S. Senate. Over time, he became interested in politics, ran for Congress and won a seat. A few years later, he ran for the Senate and also won a seat. In 2000, he ran for president of the United States, but did not have the support of the Republican Party. He is currently running for the presidency again. Black-and-white and color photographs are included, as well as a timeline, chapter sources, a bibliography, and list of relevant web sites. Part of the "Political Profiles" series. 2008, Morgan Reynolds Publishing, $27.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5993-5046-2
ISBN: 1-5993-5046-7
Selma and the Voting Rights Act
David Aretha
The Civil Rights Movement" series by Morgan Reynolds is designed to elaborate on a critical element of American history. In this title readers are presented with the efforts made by African Americans and their supporters to exercise their legal right to vote across the South. Set in the 1960s this effort culminated in violent clashes at Selma, Alabama, where police officers used dogs and struck back at peaceful protestors with clubs and high powered fire hoses. By telling this story in a careful and compelling manner David Aretha captures the danger and dignity of this period in the nation's history. It is almost surreal to think that only a few decades ago things like this could actually occur in a nation grounded upon the principles of democracy. Yet, as Aretha relates in this well-written and compelling book, the history of the Civil Rights Movement is both a recent one and one that continues to this very day. 2008, Morgan Reynolds, $27.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-1-5993-5056-1
ISBN: 1-5993-5056-4
Speaking Out: the Civil Rights Movement, 1950-1964
Kevin Supples
The 1950s were a time when segregation and unjust laws divided our nation. Supples gives the background of events that lead up to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement and provides a capsulized view of people, places, and events that changed the course of our nation. He covers the problems and leaders that emerged as a result of the struggle. The most important issue that he stresses is the effort to achieve equality through the courts, through non-violent behavior and voting. Although most African Americans followed the non-violent philosophy, there were some who turned to Malcolm X, who rejected integration and wanted to establish a separate nation. Including the two choices gives a true picture of what was going on during the period 1950-1964. 2006, National Geographic Society, $12.95. Ages 8 to 12. Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-79228-279-2
ISBN: 0-79228-279-5
Added 09/22/08
To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.
If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.