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The subject of history sometimes gets a bad rap as dull, dry and boring. But when children are exposed to history in an exciting manner, it can't help but be fascinating. Most of this month's books focus on individuals from history - which makes it easier to identify and visualize an era from the past. For ages 6-12 The Daring Nellie Bly: America's Star Reporter Written and illustrated by Bonnie Christensen (Alfred A. Knopf, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95) The story of Nellie Bly, America's first star female reporter, is an incredible one. Born to a struggling family, Bly became a reporter for her hometown Pittsburgh paper at age 19. At 21, she was hired by Joseph Pulitzer to write for the New York World. She wrote a landmark story on an insane asylum, then embarked on her most famous story - breaking the record of fictional Phileas Fogg to travel around the world in 80 days. Nellie makes it in 72 days. Her energy, determination and ingenuity are an inspiration to children of any age. For ages 9 and older Polar Explorers for Kids Written by Maxine Snowden (Chicago Review Press, paperback, 160 pages, $16.95) The American Revolution for Kids Written by Janis Herbert (Chicago Review Press, paperback, 164 pages, $14.95) These titles continue Chicago Review Press's innovative series on historical events made understandable to children. In "Polar Explorers for Kids," we read about 16 true stories of pioneers who braved the icy wildernesses of the Arctic and Antarctica, from Erik the Red to scientist Gretel Erlich, who worked in the region in the 1990s. In "The American Revolution for Kids," we learn about the usual historical figures - Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Abigail Adams - among them. But children also can learn the tasks of a revolutionary soldier by making tricorn hats, a powder horn and a gunpowder pouch. Both books are filled with illustrations, photos and maps. Patriots in Petticoats: Heroines of the American Revolution Written by Shirley Raye Redmond (Random House, hardcover, 144 pages, $14.95) We are familiar with the male figures of the American Revolution. But author Shirley Raye Redmond looked at the role women played and came up with fascinating portraits of those doing extraordinary deeds. There was Martha Bell, who spied on British Gen. Cornwallis's camp; Mary Katherine Goddard, who risked her life to print the Declaration of Independence; and Mammy Kate, a former slave who rescued her master in a laundry basket. Redmond's writing is accessible and without frills. The Pilgrims at Plymouth Written by Lucille Recht Penner; illustrated by Steven D. Schindler (Random House, paperback, 40 pages, $8.99) The story of the pilgrims, their voyage from England and their first year in the harsh New England climate is a familiar one. "The Pilgrims at Plymouth" breaks the journey down into small-enough segments for children to understand the enormity of the task. The writing is assured, and the illustrations are colorful and bright. Little facts appear on each page to further illustrate life in those days. Cowboys & Longhorns: A Portrait of the Long Drive Written by Jerry Stanley (Random House, hardcover, 96 pages, $18.95) Willie Nelson sings that "My heroes have always been cowboys." Anyone who shares those sentiments, young or old, would be advised to take a look at this book, written by award-winning author Jerry Stanley. We see Hollywood's concept of a cowboy, then what the real deal looked and dressed like. Covered is the history of the cowboy, starting with the Spanish vaqueros, the evolution of the trail drive and details about cowboy life, like what they ate and how much money they made. Accompanying the text are fine photos and artwork. For ages 13 and older This Vast Land: A Young Man's Journal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Written by Stephen E. Ambrose (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 292 pages, $17.95) Famed history writer Stephen Ambrose is best known for his books on World War II, such as "Band of Brothers." Here, he imagines the Lewis and Clark Expedition - about which he wrote brilliantly in "Undaunted Courage," a book that parents with a bent for American history must read. In this effort for young teens and older readers, Ambrose works through the fictional diary of 19-year-old named George Shannon, who was in fact the youngest member of the group. Ambrose makes the uncharted journey west seem very real, and draws portraits of courage in Sacajawea and Meriwether Lewis. The book, in diary form, is easy to read in quick hits. It is a journey that every young reader should discover. Ben Franklin's Almanac Written by Candace Fleming (Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 120 pages, $19.95) Each morning, Ben Franklin asked himself, "What good shall I do today?" How Franklin answered that question, through his work as a printer, inventor and statesman, is fascinating. Candace Fleming has drawn a portrait of the man in a book rich with insight and illustrations modeled on Franklin's own "Poor Richard's Almanack." Franklin's long life and list of accomplishments are broken down into anecdotes, accompanied with pictures and etchings, making it an easy read. |
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