history

Audio Review: Primo: a stageplay by Ed Davidson

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In 1987, Primo Levi, the Italian writer renowned for his autobiographical Survival in Auschwitz and other writings about the Holocaust, died after falling down the stairwell of his apartment house.

The stage play Primo is a fictional account of Levi’s last day. In it, he questions the relevance of his writings to the new generation while journeying into the dreamscape of his memory to a day in Auschwitz. Each step forward draws him further into his memories, blurring the distinction between past and present. He moves into the mist of timelessness, drifting through its shadows and currents, sensing the faint whisperings of distant voices, beckoning.

The play emerges as a timeless depiction of Auschwitz driven by the prisoner’s experience, defined by the survivor’s memory. Primo creates an innovative way of staging a theatrical production by combining dialogue with choreographic movement. This brings a new realism to the performance by enhancing the unimaginable reality of the concentration camp environment, while displaying its devastating impact and illuminating the darkness that lingers in the human soul.

My Review

I chose to listen to this audioplay after receiving a free audio copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I’ve never listened to a play before, so the experience was a little different. The narrator explains the scene and the set up on the stage so that the reader can visualize it. It is then mostly the characters speaking with the narrator explaining movements. It works well. I’ve been to a few plays, and I could imagine being there.

I’ve always been interested in and horrified by the Holocaust, especially since it happened just a few years before I was born. I think that my grandmother being best friends with my “Aunt” Sally made it more real for me. When I did learn about the concentration camps, I couldn’t believe it.

Primo not only describes the horrors that people went through, but the devastating effects it had on the survivors. Even though the characters in the concentration camp weren’t fully developed, it brought tears to my eyes several times, which means to me it’s effective and worth a listen. And now I must add Primo Levi’s autobiography to my TBR list.

New Release: From Machu Picchu to El Dorado by Lino Omoboni

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Indulge yourself with the charming and whimsical “From Machu Picchu to El Dorado” by Lino Omoboni. This is a voyage into the ancient past of the Incas as seen through the eyes of Melissa, a teenage girl who becomes central to their cause as both warrior and advocate, transported to a distant time many years into the past by the properties of a magical stone which she discovers whilst on a family holiday to the New Forest.

Simplistically charming, “From Machu Picchu to El Dorado” is a tale of vivid adventure where truth and reality, fact and fiction meet with an almost dreamlike quality. It is hard to fathom whether Melissa’s experience is real, imagined or dreamt as history, reality and imagination all fuse together in this vibrant story. As exotic as the empire it describes, “From Machu Picchu to El Dorado” will lead the reader on many twists and turns before reaching its colourful conclusion as good triumphs over evil with more than a passing nod to the history books.

About the Author

Lino Omoboni was born in Chile in 1938. His father was Italian and his mother Chilean from Spanish, French and German ancestors.

Lino moved to live in the United Kingdom in 1974. Since then, he became a professional actor working in the Theatre, Radio, Television and feature films. Now a pensioner he is dedicating his life to write for children from seven to hundred years of age.  Lino has written several more books and short stories ready to be published.

Excerpt

“What happened next was so strange and it happened so fast. She experienced a total blackout and by instinct, she closed her eyes, scared.

Everything was happening very fast and she felt like she was travelling in space at a very high speed, hearing sounds of wind whistling in her ears but she was so scared, she didn’t dare to open her eyes.

Seconds later, she felt a cold breeze on her face and opened her eyes.

Her heart was almost jumping out of her chest and she could feel the palpitations right into her throat.

She was in a completely different environment and she thought she was in another country. “I don’t understand this, Dad! Timothy!” she called but nobody answered her.

Bushes with grass of different lengths surrounded her and she noticed small trees covered most of the land. She had the feeling this was not the New Forest and she was not inside the cave with her father and brother anymore.

‘This looks like a completely different country to me, Dad! Timothy!’ she called but once again, there was no answer and she felt scared.”

“From Machu Picchu to El Dorodo” by Lino Omoboni is available in paperback from Amazon at:

The e-book version is also available from Amazon at:

Press/Media Contact Details:

The Inspira Group Literary Agency
Tel. 0208 292 5163
E-mail: darin@theinspiragroup.com

Book Review & Giveaway: The Mirabal Sisters by Raynelda A. Calderón

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Book Title: The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies by Raynelda A. Calderon
Category: Children’s Non-Fiction (Ages 8-12​)
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Cayena Press, Inc., 48 pages
Release date: March 2022
Content Rating: G. Suitable for all readers.

Born in a small town in the Dominican Republic, the Mirabal sisters lived at a time when the country was under the merciless rule of a dictatorship. Their deaths on November 25, 1960 (at ages 36, 34, and 25), have received international coverage. In their honor, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25.

Pre-Order the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

The Mirabal sisters lived in the 1950s when the Dominican Republic was under a dictatorship. When they grew up, they realized that the people of their country deserved freedom, and they fought for that freedom. Three of the sisters were jailed several times and finally killed by government assassins on November 25, 1960. The deaths of the three sisters inspired others to rebel and just six months later, the dictator was executed, and the citizens of the Dominican Republic were free!

The Mirabal Sisters is an important piece of history for children to learn about. It is well written and at the end is a useful glossary and more information about the sisters.

“If they kill me…I’ll reach out through my tomb, and I’ll be even stronger.” —Minerva Mirabal

About the Author

Raynelda A. Calderón, a Dominican native who lives in Queens, NY, is a children’s book author who has worked in public libraries for more than 15 years. She holds a doctorate in leadership in higher education, and she has taught Information Literacy at various colleges, most recently at Bronx Community College. As a librarian, working with children inspires Raynelda to write about the accomplishments of Hispanic women in history. She hopes to inspire young readers to follow their passions and never take no for an answer. Raynelda is the creator of the first Hispanic Heritage wall calendar that honors the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans in the United States. She lives with an untamed Shih Tzu, Toby, and a much attached Chihuahua, Maya. She spends her free time thinking (and drafting) about books to write, or painting, crocheting, or crying over abused dogs.

​connect with the author:

 author’s website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a signed hardback copy of The Mirabal Sisters: From Caterpillars to Butterflies
(one winner/USA only)

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Mar 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
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Mar 7 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
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Mar 11 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight /guest post / giveaway
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Book Review: Major Events in American History by Megan DuVarney Forbes

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50 important events that shaped American history for kids 8 to 12

Learning about US history can help us understand why things are the way they are today—and how we can make them better. From the founding of the city of Cahokia and the formation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to the modern Black Lives Matter movement, this kid-friendly journey takes young learners through nearly 1000 years of American history, one key event at a time.

Go beyond other American history books with:

  • 50 key events—Kids will learn about Indigenous peoples, colonial life, the rise of the United States on the world stage, amazing inventions, and more.
  • History revealed—This book helps young readers gain more perspective on events with direct quotes from people who actually lived through them.
  • Ways to learn more—Each of these defining moments comes with suggestions for other books to read or museums to visit.

Help children discover America’s incredible legacy with this top choice in kids’ history books.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This book is divided into sections: Early America (1050-1600), Colonial America (1600-1763), American Revolution (1963-1787), National Expansion (1803-1857), Civil War and Reconstruction (1860-1877), Industrial America (1876-1896), Progressive Era (1903-1930), The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945), Post-War America (1945-1991), America in the 21st Century (2001-present). There’s a lot of history contained in these sections, and I’m sure it was a daunting task to decide which 50 events to include.

After the table of contents is a brief summary of each time period. I learned a lot about early America that I didn’t know. Did you know that 1000 years ago there was a city of about 20,000 people in North America near where St. Louis is now? At the end of each section is “Explore More” which lists museums, books, etc., where more information can be found about that time period.

While there are a lot of interesting facts in this book, it is not “just the facts.” The book is swayed by the author’s beliefs. In books for adults that wouldn’t bother me as much, but children are impressionable and children’s nonfiction books should be straightforward without the author’s viewpoint.

About the Author

Megan DuVarney Forbes is a historian and middle school teacher in Southern California. She received her master’s degree in US history from California State University, Fullerton, where she specialized in the history of the US Virgin Islands. Megan is a frequent presenter on empowering students in their own identities through social justice, history, and literature. She loves to share ideas with other educators around the world on YouTube and Instagram and through her blog, Too Cool for Middle School. She loves to read, design, and spend time with her husband and five-year-old son. She is currently enjoying her 10th year of teaching middle school history and English. You can follow her on Instagram @TooCoolForMiddleSchool.

Book Review: World War II History for Kids: 500 Facts! by Kelly Milner Halls

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Incredible World War II facts for curious kids ages 8 to 12

Kids don’t need long, boring textbooks to learn about history! Starting with the events that set the stage for war and finishing with its aftermath, World War II History for Kids helps them explore the past through interesting and memorable facts they can share with their friends and family.

Go beyond other World War 2 books for kids with:

  • 500 facts―This book teaches kids all about the heroism and horrors of World War II, one informative tidbit at a time.
  • The complete timeline―Kids will learn all about important people, places, and events from before, during, and after the war.
  • A leg-up on learning―These facts provide kids with a head start on the topics they’ll be covering in class, plus things they might not learn in school.

Help young learners better understand what happened during WWII with this engaging, fact-driven history book.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This book has a lot of interesting facts about World War II as well as the times before and after the war. While all of the information is interesting, the more important things to remember are listed under Term to Know, Stat Fact, Person to Know, and Group to Know. Each important item is listed in bold letters.

I knew a lot about World War II, but I still learned quite a bit from this book. The funniest thing I learned is that there was an American Fat Salvage Committee that “asked people to save the fat left over from cooking rationed bacon. Fat was used to make glycerin, and glycerin was used to make bombs.” It’s an interesting and important fact, but the thought of saving fat tickled me.

Even though this book is for children ages 8-12, anyone would learn a lot about World War II from this book.

About the Author

For the past 30 years, Kelly Milner Halls has crafted high interest nonfiction books and articles for young readers. Known for quirky but well researched topics, Halls delights in drawing even reluctant readers into the realm of discovery through the explorations of dinosaurs, Sasquatch, UFO’s or dozens of other unusual themes.

She recently ventured into historic nonfiction, writing two new books about World War II–VOICES OF YOUNG HEROES and VOICES OF ORDINARY HEROES, MYSTERIES OF THE TITANIC and 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN HISTORY FOR KIDS. More, including ALL ABOUT HORSES will soon follow. She has applied the same conversational approach to these new projects she has always mastered in past projects. Kelly loves this new path, but promises more weird stuff is in the works.

Kelly makes home in Spokane, WA with two daughters, two rescue cats and a goldfish called FishTV. Before Covid-19, she did dozens of school visits, festival and conference events all over the country. Now she also uses Virtual Visits to connect with young readers.

Hopefully, traveling to meet kids at schools will return soon. Until then, Kelly Milner Halls will keep writing kid-friendly nonfiction books, sure to please.

For more about Kelly, visit her website, http://www.wondersofweird.com. Or email her at kellymilnerh@aol.com.

Book Review: The History of the Constitution by Lisa Trusiani

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Discover the history of the Constitution―an introduction for kids ages 6 to 9

On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution of the United States into law. These four pages of rules would define how the United States government worked and serve as the foundation for all the rights that we enjoy today. This colorfully illustrated story takes kids on a journey through the writing of the Constitution, how it was amended with the Bill of Rights, and the ways it still shapes life in the United States.

This exploration of the constitution for kids features:

  • A visual timeline―Kids will easily understand important details of the Constitution’s history with a timeline that covers everything from the writing of the first draft to how it has influenced modern Supreme Court rulings.
  • Core curriculum―This book teaches kids about the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How behind the Constitution, then tests their knowledge with a quick quiz after they finish.
  • Lasting changes―Kids will explore thought-provoking questions that help them better understand how the Constitution protects them and their rights.

Introduce kids to the Constitution with this history book for early readers.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This introduction of the Constitution for new readers has a lot of good information. It starts with the colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the Articles of Confederation. It explains that after the Revolutionary War was won that the Constitution was needed to make the national government stronger and the state governments weaker so that they would actually be united.

The delegates at the Constitutional Convention got a lot done in just three months. They had to make compromises, such as the issue of slavery which was already a hot issue. They also came up with the three branches of government that we still have today. The Bill of Rights is also explained.

There are some extras in The History of the Constitution that will encourage children to learn. Some of the words are bold which means they are in the glossary in the back. There are also timelines and graphics called “Who,” “Where,” and “When.” Occasionally there’s an arrow with “Jump in the Think Tank” suggestions, which encourage children to think about what they might do in a given situation. There’s a quiz at the end as well as additional Think Tank questions.

There is a lot to learn about the Constitution and how it was made, and this book is a good start to learning about its history.

About the Author

Lisa Trusiani has written hundreds of comics stories and nonfiction books for children. Her work has received the iParenting Media HOT Award, National Parenting Center Award, NAPPA Parenting Publishing GOLD Award, several Parents’ Choice Awards, and the Lupine Honors Award from the Maine Library Association. She is happiest writing for children and spending time with her family and friends. Lisa feels completely at home in her birthplace, the great state of Maine; her father’s ancestral village, San Polo dei Cavalieri, Italy; and her heart space, Maplewood, New Jersey.

About the Illustrator

Isabella Grott was born in 1985 in Rovereto, a small town in northern Italy. As a child, she loved to draw and play outside with Perla, her beautiful German Shepherd. She studied at Nemo Academy of Digital Arts in the city of Florence, where she currently lives with her cat, Miss Marple. She works digitally but also with traditional tools, such as pencils, watercolors, and crayons. Isabella loves traveling, watching movies, and reading—a lot! In fact, if she hadn’t become an illustrator, today she would certainly be a librarian!

Book Review: The History of the Civil War by Susan B. Katz

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An introduction to the history of the Civil War for kids ages 6 to 9

The United States was not always united. On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to leave the Union. Soon after, many other states joined it to try and create their own country: the Confederate States of America. Within months, the Confederates would launch an attack on Fort Sumter and begin a war that lasted almost four years. This engaging story explores how and why the war started, who was fighting, what happened during the many bloody battles, and how the Union and Confederacy reunited.

This Civil War book for kids features:

  • A visual timeline—Kids will be able to easily follow the history of the Civil War thanks to a timeline marking major milestones.
  • Core curriculum—Teach kids about the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How behind the Civil War, and test their knowledge with a quick quiz after they finish.
  • Lasting changes—Encourage kids to explore thought-provoking questions that help them better understand how the Civil War changed the United States.

Get early readers interested in one of America’s most defining historical events with this standout guide to the Civil War for kids 6-9.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from Callisto Publisher’s Club. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is a concise history of the Civil War that explains that it was fought over slavery. It describes the tensions before the war, the Mason-Dixon Line, some of the major battles of the war, reconstruction, and current issues for black people.

There are some extras in The History of the Civil War that will encourage children to learn. Some of the words are bold which means they are in the glossary in the back. There are also timelines and graphics called “Who,” “Where,” and “When.” Occasionally there’s an arrow with “Jump in the Think Tank” suggestions, which encourage children to think about what they might do in a given situation. There’s a quiz at the end as well as additional Think Tank questions.

It’s important for children to learn about the Civil War and other historical events. This is a good book for that. “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it,” Spanish philosopher George Santayana.

About the Author

Susan B. Katz is an award-winning, Spanish bilingual author, National Board Certified Teacher, educational consultant and social media strategist. As a former bilingual educator of over 25 years, Susan incorporates props, puppets and multimedia into her presentations making them interactive and engaging. Susan has eight published books with Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Barefoot Books and Callisto Media. MEDITATION STATION, about mindfulness and trains, comes out this fall with Bala Books (Shambhala). She has six chapter book biographies with Rockridge Press including THE STORY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG, THE STORY OF FRIDA KAHLO, THE STORY OF JANE GOODALL and THE STORY OF ALBERT EINSTEIN. Scholastic published Susan’s book ALL YEAR ROUND and it was named “Best New Book” by The Children’s Book Review. She translated it into Spanish as Un Año Redondo. MY MAMA EARTH (Barefoot Books), won the Moonbeam Gold Award for Best Picture Book as well as being named “Top Green Toy” by Education.com. ABC, BABY ME! (Random House) debuted to rave reviews and sold out of its first print run in three months. ABC SCHOOL’S FOR ME (Scholastic) was illustrated by Lynn Munsinger and reviewed as “having verse that never misses a beat.” Susan is also the Founder and Executive Director of http://www.ConnectingAuthors.org, a national non-profit bringing children’s book authors and illustrators into schools and libraries as role models of literacy and the arts. Ms. Katz served as the Strategic Partner Manager for Authors at Facebook. When she’s not writing, Susan enjoys salsa dancing and spending time at the beach.

Her website is: www.susankatzbooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Patrick Corrigan was born in Cheshire, England. With a passion for precision, he grew up drawing and designing arts and crafts. After studying ceramics at university and training as an art teacher, he became an art director at a busy design studio where he would work for nearly 10 years. While there, he honed his skills working on more than 500 educational and picture books for children as well as animations and branding. Now based in Hammersmith, West London, Patrick uses Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes even real art equipment to create his work. He draws best when listening to his vast collection of vinyl.

Book Review: Keeping the Lights on for Ike by Rebecca Daniels

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Keeping the Lights On for Ike by Rebecca Daniels

Publisher:  Sunbury Press, February 2019
Category: Memoir, History, Military, WWII, and Biography

ISBN:  978-1620061145
Available in Print and ebook, 284 pages

Daily Life of a Utilities Engineer at AFHQ in Europe During WWII; or, What to Say in Letters Home When You’re Not Allowed to Write about the War

Most people don’t realize that during the war in Europe in the 1940s, it took an average of six support soldiers to make the work of four combat soldiers possible. Most of what’s available in the literature tends toward combat narratives, and yet the support soldiers had complex and unique experiences as well. This book is based on personal correspondence, and it is primarily a memoir that creates a picture of the day-to-day realities of an individual soldier told in his own words [as much as he could tell under the wartime rules of censorship, that is] as well as giving insight into what it was actually like to be an American soldier during WWII.

It explores the experiences of a non-combat Army utilities engineer working in a combat zone during the war in Europe and takes the protagonist from basic training through various overseas assignments—in this case to England, North Africa, and Italy as a support soldier under Eisenhower and his successors at Allied Force Headquarters. It also includes some reflections about his life after returning to Oregon when the war was over.

The soldier involved is Captain Harold Alec Daniels [OSU, Class of 1939, ROTC] and most of the letters were written to his wife, Mary Daniels [attended U of O in the late 1930s]. They are the author’s parents, and she inherited the letter collection, photos, and all other primary source materials after her mother’s death in 2006.

Amazon
Barnes&Noble
Powell’s
Indiebound
Sunbury

Guest Review by Laura Lee

The author of this book, Rebecca Daniels dedicated it to both of her parents and I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to two people who led such extraordinary lives.
In the 1930’s, two people, a man and a woman lived in the same town and attended the same high school without ever meeting each other. The two did not meet until college, when Alec, a reserved and quiet engineering student and Mary, a journalism major who longed to be a mother one day, were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend.

But, of course, every good story has to have a little heartbreak, and shortly after the pair were married, the United States entered World War II. Like so many men during that time, Alec was drafted into the war. But, rather than being sent to the front lines, he was sent to a position in a support troop. Being an electrical engineer and a member of the ROTC meant that Alec had a special set of skills that were best used in one of the many troops that provided support to the combat soldiers on the front lines of the war.

These troops covered things like administrative, logistical and infrastructure duties that made it so the soldiers in the trenches had an easier time staying alive. It’s a seldom talked about aspect of the war effort, and one that Rebecca Daniels covers beautifully not just from the perspective of a daughter but, through the usage of letters and cards between her parents from that time, from the perspective of Alec himself. Though Alec was not able to discuss much about his whereabouts or his work in the letters that he sent home to his new wife, his love for Mary was clear and it is through these letters that the narrative gains a very sweet and humanizing element.

I highly recommend this incredibly touching read! You can’t go wrong with this one! I give it 5 stars, more if I could.

Praise for Keeping the Lights on for Ike

“The book moves swiftly along, while at the same time capturing the frustration of their prolonged separation. The historical timeline provides just the right bit of historical context to these war years behind at the tail of the army. This is not the typical WWII combat book.”- The Montague Reporter

“The lack of military detail — the focus on everyday life and on the relationship between Alec and Mary — ends up being one of the book’s greatest assets. Many works of history detail the story of great battles. Fewer dwell on individual wartime experiences.  The book is also strengthened by the affection expressed in Alec’s relatively inarticulate yet moving letters to his wife on the home front.”- Tinky Weisblat, Greenfield Recorder, author of “The Pudding Hollow Cookbook,” “Pulling Taffy,” and “Love, Laughter, and Rhubarb”

“Carefully researched history and a beautiful remembrance of one soldier’s letters home. A poignant and personal look into the lives of two very private people and an extraordinary first hand example of why it’s called the Greatest Generation. In detail and in truly first class research one is left with the sense that they know these two people very well. Not only is this a well written historical account of World War II, it is a touching and gentle love story from a remarkable author with a most deft touch and turn. Got five stars from me. So worth it.”-W. Richards, Amazon

“This book made me feel almost like I was right there with Alec and Mary as they experienced that time of their lives. My parents, being the same age, also had a similar experience and I thought of them as I read every word. The author cleverly brought to life their story and for that I shall be forever grateful.”- Sunbury Press Reader Review

About the Author

Rebecca Daniels has been a university professor for many years who has also simultaneously had a vital creative career in the theatre. Throughout her career, her work has always been a mix of performance, teaching, and her own writing.

Her groundbreaking book on women directors and the effects of gender on their work is currently still in print [Women Stage Directors Speak: Exploring the Effects of Gender on Their Work, McFarland, 1996], and she has been published in several theatre-related professional journals over the years as well. After her retirement in the summer of 2015, she was finally able to focus all her energies on this book.

Website:  https://rebecca-daniels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.daniels.9

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 1 print copy open to Canada and the U.S. only. There are also 2 pdf copies open worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends August 1, 2020,midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 12 Kick off & Excerpt

Miller Amazon June 15 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews June 16 Review & Guest Post

Dino Goodreads June 17 Review

Bee Book Pleasures June 18 Review

Waqas  Goodreads June 19 Review

Am Goodreads June 22 Reviewe

Betty Toots Book Reviews June 23 Review & Interview

Linda Lu Goodreads June 24 Review

Jas International Book Promotion June 25 Review

Bookgirl Goodreads June 26 Review

Gud Reader Goodreads June 29 Review

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books June 30 Review & Excerpt

Michelle Reading Authors Network July 6

Dawn Bound 4 Escape July 10 Guest Review

Dee Donadees Corner July 15 Review

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus July 17 Review

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews July 20 Guest Review  & Excerpt

Amber Imaginative Mama’s Dragonfly July 28 Review & Excerpt

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty July 29 Review

Danielle Urban Book Reviews July 31 Review & Guest Post

Book Review: The Story of Alexander Hamilton by Christine Platt

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Discover the life of Alexander Hamilton—a story about working hard, blazing trails, and fighting for freedom

Alexander Hamilton became one of the most important Founding Fathers in American history. He helped win the Revolutionary War against England and invented our nation’s first banking system. Before that, he was a playful kid who loved to write and believed in hard work. Born on a Caribbean island, Alexander overcame many hardships to come to America and earn a name for himself.

Explore how Alexander Hamilton went from being a young immigrant boy with strong values to a celebrated American leader and icon.

This Alexander Hamilton chapter book for kids ages 6-8 includes:

Helpful definitions—Discover a glossary with easy-to-understand definitions for the more advanced words and ideas in the book.
His lasting legacy—Learn how Alexander shaped the world for future generations—including you!
Test your knowledge—Take a quick quiz at the end of the book to make sure you understand the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Alexander’s life.
How will Alexander Hamilton’s remarkable story inspire you?

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy from the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Alexander Hamilton was one of our Founding Fathers. He was a very smart man who started life poor and was an orphan by the time he was around 10 years old. It’s amazing what he made out of his life, but, sadly, he’s best known for dying in a duel with Aaron Burr, an enemy who had once been his friend.

This biography is written for young readers, and it not only teaches about Alexander Hamilton but about some of the history of our country. There are some extras included in The Story of Alexander Hamilton that will encourage children to learn. Some of the words are bold which means they are in the glossary in the back. There are also maps, time lines, and graphics called “Myths vs. Facts.” Occasionally, there’s an arrow with “Jump in the Think Tank” suggestions, which encourage children to express how they might feel in the same situation. There’s a quiz at the end as well as additional Think Tank questions.

It’s important to teach youngsters about Alexander Hamilton and other historical figures like him. He proved that no matter what life has dealt you, you can come out on top. This is definitely a book that should be in every child’s library.

About the Author

Christine A. Platt is a historian and storyteller of the African diaspora. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African Studies from The Ohio State University and received her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.

Her debut novel, The Truth About Awiti, was published under the penname CP Patrick and won the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards Gold Medal for Multicultural Fiction. The Truth About Awiti is currently used in high schools, colleges and universities to teach the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Christine’s highly anticipated children series, Ana & Andrew, will be published on December 15, 2018 (ABDO Books/Calico Kids).

Christine currently serves as the Managing Director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center at American University under the leadership of National Book Award-winning author, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. She is a proud member of the Association of Black Women Historians and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She is also an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Additionally, Christine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

You can follow Christine on Instagram via @theafrominimalist, where she interacts with thousands of friends and fans on minimalism and, of course, books.

Book Review: Anna & Evan meet Charles Darwin by Tanya Hutter & Lina Daniel

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Title: Anna & Evan meet Charles Darwin
Author: Tanya Hutter and Lina Daniel
Illustrator: Karin Eklund
Release Date: 28th February 2019
Genre: Picture Book
Page Count: 30
Publisher: Clink Street Publishing

 

Join Anna and Evan on a magical adventure to the Galapagos Islands where they meet Charles Darwin, discover unusual animals and learn some interesting scientific facts.

This engaging and educational book is ideal for young children to encourage curiosity and interest in the natural world and science.

The project was supported by L’Oréal UK and Ireland For Women In Science Fellowship.

The Department of Chemistry at Cambridge tweeted: https://twitter.com/ChemCambridge/status/1095236077911187456

 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44016125-anna-evan-meet-charles-darwin

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anna-Evan-Meet-Charles-Darwin-ebook/dp/B07NJGGB5C

 

 

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Anna & Evan meet Charles Darwin is a great children’s book that I enjoyed reading and even learned a few things myself. I didn’t realize that the same type of animal can be different in order to adapt to their environment, although it does make sense. For example, “African elephants have large ears to help them cool down because Africa is so hot…Asian elephants live in a cool jungle and have small ears.” There’s also information about Charles Darwin and at the end is a short biography of his plus a short dictionary of some of the words.

The illustrations are colorful but what I like the most is that there are quite a few animals illustrated and they are labeled.  Anna & Evan meet Charles Darwin also encourages the use of imagination. When Anna and Evan are at the zoo, they whisper a spell which takes them back in time and to the Galapagos Islands. 

This is a book that would be a good addition to any child’s library. It’s educational, encourages creativity, and will keep the attention of children.

 

 

About the Authors

As a young girl, Dr. Tanya Hutter couldn’t imagine that she would end up being a leading scientist in nanotechnology and chemical sensing, and a Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge. Currently, she lives in Cambridge with her husband and their two curious children that inspired the book.

 

Lina Daniel has been always interested in science and medicine, eventually becoming a chemist and a pharmacist, and currently working in the pharmaceutical industry. With her husband, she is raising three enthusiastic boys. They all share a passion for scientific experiences, engineering novelties, fun historical facts, travels and adventures.

 

Tanya and Lina have been close friends for over two decades. The fact that they are both raising young children enhanced their desire to encourage kids to learn about science, and finally, drew them to write their first illustration book for small children. Hopefully, this will be the first one in a series of books about notable scientists and engineers.  

 

Website: https://www.ch.cam.ac.uk/outreach/anna-evan-meet-charles-darwin

Twitter: http://twitter.com/HutterTanya

Twitter for L’Oréal UK: http://twitter.com/LOreal_UKI