Appalachian Children's Literature: An Annotated Bibliography

Appalachian Children’s Literature

The 13 States of the Appalachian Region

CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN STUDIES 1. Memoirs of Grassy Creek: Growing Up in the Mountains on the Virginia–North Carolina Line. Zetta Barker Hamby. 1998 2. The Pond Mountain Chronicle: Self-Portrait of a Southern Appalachian Community. Edited by Leland R. Cooper and Mary Lee Cooper. 1998 3. Traditional Musicians of the Central Blue Ridge: Old Time, Early Country, Folk and Bluegrass Label Recording Artists, with Discographies. Marty McGee. 2000 4. W.R. Trivett, Appalachian Pictureman: Photographs of a Bygone Time. Ralph E. Lentz II. 2001 5. The People of the New River: Oral Histories from the Ashe, Alleghany and Watauga Counties of North Carolina. Edited by Leland R. Cooper and Mary Lee Cooper. 2001 6. John Fox, Jr., Appalachian Author. Bill York. 2003 7. The Thistle and the Brier: Historical Links and Cultural Parallels Between Scotland and Appalachia. Richard Blaustein. 2003 8. Tales from Sacred Wind: Coming of Age in Appalachia. The Cratis Williams Chronicles. Cratis D. Williams. Edited by David Cratis Williams and Patricia D. Beaver. 2003 9. Willard Gayheart, Appalachian Artist. Willard Gayheart and Donia S. Eley. 2003 10. The Forest City Lynching of 1900: Populism, Racism, and White Supremacy in Rutherford County, North Carolina. J. Timothy Cole. 2003 11. The Brevard Rosenwald School: Black Education and Community Building in a Southern Appalachian Town, 1920–1966. Betty J. Reed. 2004 12. The Bristol Sessions: Writings About the Big Bang of Country Music. Edited by Charles K. Wolfe and Ted Olson. 2005 13. Community and Change in the North Carolina Mountains: Oral Histories and Profiles of People from Western Watauga County. Compiled by Nannie Greene and Catherine Stokes Sheppard. 2006 14. Ashe County: A History; A New Edition. Arthur Lloyd Fletcher. 2009 [2006] 15. The New River Controversy; A New Edition. Thomas J. Schoenbaum. Epilogue by R. Seth Woodard. 2007 16. The Blue Ridge Parkway by Foot: A Park Ranger’s Memoir. Tim Pegram. 2007 17. James Still: Critical Essays on the Dean of Appalachian Literature. Edited by Ted Olson and Kathy H. Olson. 2008 18. Owsley County, Kentucky, and the Perpetuation of Poverty. John R. Burch, Jr. 2008 19. Asheville: A History. Nan K. Chase. 2007 20. Southern Appalachian Poetry: An Antholog y of Works by 37 Poets. Edited by Marita Garin. 2008 21. Ball, Bat and Bitumen: A History of Coalfield Baseball in the Appalachian South. L.M. Sutter. 2009 22. The Frontier Nursing Service: America’s First Rural Nurse-Midwife Service and School. Marie Bartlett. 2009 23. James Still in Interviews, Oral Histories and Memoirs. Edited by Ted Olson. 2009 24. The Millstone Quarries of Powell County, Kentucky. Charles D. Hockensmith. 2009 25. The Bibliography of Appalachia: More Than 4,700 Books, Articles, Monographs and Dissertations, Topically Arranged and Indexed. Compiled by John R. Burch, Jr. 2009 26. Appalachian Children’s Literature: An Annotated Bibliography. Compiled by Roberta Teague Herrin and Sheila Quinn Oliver. 2009

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Appalachian Children’s Literature An Annotated Bibliography Compiled by ROBERTA TEAGUE HERRIN and SHEILA QUINN OLIVER Foreword by George Ella Lyon CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN STUDIES, 26

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Jefferson, North Carolina, and London

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

p.

Herrin, Roberta T. Appalachian children’s literature : an annotated bibliography / compiled by Roberta Teague Herrin and Sheila Quinn Oliver ; foreword by George Ella Lyon. cm. — (Contributions to southern Appalachian studies ; 26) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-7864-1040-8 softcover : 50# alkaline paper

1. Appalachian Region — Juvenile literature — Bibliography. 2. Appalchian Region, Southern — Juvenile literature — Bibliography. I. Oliver, Sheila Quinn. II. Title. Z1251.A7H47 2010 016.974 — dc22 2009019859 [F106] British Library cataloguing data are available ©2010 Roberta Teague Herrin and Sheila Quinn Oliver. All rights reserved No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. On the cover: schoolchildren of Vardy, Tennessee, in the late 1930s: left to right, Charles Sizemore, the late Charlotte Williams, Dan Williams, Jean Sizemore, Margaret Williams and the late Leona Moore (photograph courtesy of the Vardy Community Historical Society); inset ©2009 Shutterstock Manufactured in the United States of America

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Box 611, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640 www.mcfarlandpub.com

Contents Acknowledgments viii Foreword by George Ella Lyon 1 Preface 3

THE BIBLIOGRAPHY 13 Appendix I: Counties in Appalachia 283 Appendix II: Grade Levels (Authors, Titles) 285 Author, Title, Illustrator Index 309 Subject Index 335

vii

Acknowledgments A bibliographer is always something of a parasite, living off the effort of others. For the past twenty-two years I have depended on the work and goodwill of colleagues, writers, librarians, students, and other bibliographers. (Tina Hanlon, Judy Teaford, Judy Martin, George Brosi, and Jim Stokely, to name just a few.) Begun before the Internet came into popular use, the early research for this bibliography focused on print material and relied heavily on the resources of the interlibrary loan division of Sherrod Library at East Tennessee State University. The staff have been accommodating, stalwart supporters of this project. The staff at the Spartanburg County Public Library, the University of South Carolina Library, and the Library of Congress were tireless sleuths as well. Dr. Patricia E. Feehan with the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina deserves special recognition for her assistance and support. The ETSU Department of English provided the support of graduate assistants, including Jennifer Bunn, Susan Isaac, the late Junius Griffin, Heather Grindstaff, Christy Price Johnson, Jennifer Luther, Dan Mills, Misty Powers, Chris Robertson, Carla Garber Todaro, and Keith Wolverton. Many undergraduate student workers were also involved, including Jonathan Pleasant, Jennifer O’Hara, Allison Schlather, Ka-

leena Dugger, and Sarah Needham in the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services; Ruth Hausman, Sara Peters, Mark Sharman, and Randy Sanders also gave of their time and energy. The School of Graduate Studies supported the part-time assistance of Annie “Dixie” Michal. Brown University awarded me the George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Fellowship, 1992-93, which supported a year-long sabbatical, when much of the critical research for the project was begun. The research assistance of Tara Jenness and Meghan Johnson has been invaluable, along with the general support of Dr. Vernon Prosser, principal, Broome High School, Spartanburg School District 3, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Judy Teaford provided expert proofreading. And finally, this work would never have been completed without the assistance of Sheila Quinn Oliver, who graciously agreed to join the project in 2006. Without her knowledge of books and publishing, her technical skills in information retrieval, her expertise in children’s literature, and her dogged, tireless sleuthing for titles and publication information, this bibliography would still be sitting in file boxes on bookshelves. Her dedication to this project revived it and gave it legs. RTH viii

Foreword by George Ella Lyon If what we read is a critical ingredient in how we think and who we are, then the books and stories we read or listen to as children are the foundation of our literate becoming. While we may identify with what is universal in all stories, to feel like full participants in our culture, we have to see ourselves and our place in its story-life. Without that cultural mirror we are excluded or have only the projected images made by outsiders. The world worthy of story is elsewhere. We aren’t the kind of people you meet in books. This is a crippling notion. If we do find characters who are supposed to be us in books and their depiction is demeaning and embarrassing, this reading only alienates us from ourselves. We are not those people, so if they are Appalachian we must not be. With this perception we are displaced, disinherited. Just like that. But what if there are books which depict and reflect Appalachian experience but parents, teachers, and child readers don’t know how to find them or, if they do, how to discern which ones are of interest and quality? Here is the enormous gift this bibliography offers. It has been said that for a region’s literature to become visible and legitimate, it has to be written about by scholars who give it context and present it in ways that we understand and respect. Roberta Teague Herrin has been doing that for twenty-five years. She

is not alone in this work, but she is the prime mover. She has midwifed this field into the world, constantly researching, speaking at conferences, writing essays, providing resource material for scholars and teachers, promoting writers’ and illustrators’ work (my own included), and laboring in innumerable library vineyards to bring us the harvest of this book. In his essay “The Commerce of the Creative Spirit” Lewis Hyde defines a broader context for this bibliography’s contribution: There is a larger self, a species-essence, which is a general possession of the race. And the symbolizations ... all works of art, paintings, songs ... constitute the speech by which that larger self articulates and renews its spirit.... The work of art is a copula: a bond, a band, a link by which the several are knit into one [The Gift, 153].

Hyde goes on to say that you can kill this larger self by destroying or devaluing its art. The reverse of this is likewise true: You strengthen the spirit of that larger self when you gather and value its art. This bibliography stands as a guide to 2,000 articulations of Appalachian experience. It honors, illuminates, and strengthens our culture. It invites general readers to explore the wealth of this material. Most important, it opens the library door for today’s mountain children to meet themselves in a story, to know that they come from a rich, diverse region, and to feel at home in the book world and in themselves. 1

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Preface Appalachian children’s literature became important to me in the 1980s when I was teaching a general survey of children’s literature. Occasionally an Appalachian children’s title would appear in a reference book or a bibliography, and I began to wonder why Appalachian children’s titles were so scarce when the region’s literature for adults was enjoying a renaissance. As I began to search for Appalachian children’s books, it became clear that a rich body of literature existed, but finding these titles would require digging through publishers’ catalogs, other bibliographies, library catalogs, biographies of writers, and references works. With the advent of the Internet in the 1990s, the search became somewhat easier, and so I continued to dig. The result is this volume, representing more than twenty years of research and more than 2000 titles. The sheer number of Appalachian titles for children was a revelation to me because my Appalachian public-school education had not exposed me to this literary heritage. In first and second grades, I attended a one-room school in the Tennessee mountains that had no books other than textbooks. For the third grade, I moved to a larger elementary school that had a “book room,” with a few books that were not cataloged. We had no librarian, and no one encouraged us to browse or read these books. Fortunately, my parents were readers, and my mother routinely read aloud from the funny papers, serialized adventures in Grit

magazine, and Little Golden Books. Early on, she took me to the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library for a library card. The first two books I ever checked out of a library — in my own name — were Robert Lawson’s marvelous fantasies Rabbit Hill and The Tough Winter. During long winter days, I sat on my mother’s lap, my head resting against her chest, listening to her heartbeat and the sound of her voice as she read to me. I was hooked on Father and Mother Rabbit, Little Georgie, and Uncle Analdas, universal characters that connect with all readers, but particularly a child whose daily life included the standard farm animals and wildlife. Later my mother would read aloud Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Jesse Stuart’s Hie to the Hunters. Then I began to read independently books such as Gene Porter-Stratton’s early 20th-century titles A Girl of the Limberlost and Freckles. Except for Stuart’s, these were not Appalachian titles, but looking back on that experience, I remark that we intuitively sought out books that connected with our rural, mountain experience. I wonder how our “interior lives” would have been different if teachers and librarians had guided our reading toward Appalachian titles. This line of thought is anachronistic, because the notion that children’s reading material should mirror and validate their experiences is fairly new. It would have been the rare teacher, in the 1950s, who emphasized regional literature. A related con3

4 • Preface

cept, “bibliotherapy,” was not coined until the late 1960s by Margaret Edwards. But it is noteworthy that my first exposure to an Appalachian title came from my mother, who had an eighth-grade education. Had it not been for her, I would not have encountered an Appalachian book until undergraduate and graduate courses in college, in which we read the Appalachian classics, by writers such as Anne Armstrong, Harriette Arnow, George Washington Harris, Mary Noailles Murfree, Elizabeth Madox Roberts, and James Still. Historically, regional literature and children’s literature have not been given the attention or respect that mainstream, adult literature enjoys, so it stands to reason that a body of regional children’s literature would suffer an even worse fate. Until very recently, it has been ignored as a category in textbooks, anthologies, publishers’ catalogs, and book review sources. The 2006 Crosscurrents of Children’s Literature, edited by Stahl, Keyser, and Hanlon, is the exception; it includes more Appalachian titles than previous general anthologies of children’s literature. In the seventies and eighties, the few available bibliographies were excellent beginning points. Chris Stafford’s Say That You Love Me: A Teacher’s Guide to Appalachian Awareness (Cincinnati: Cincinnati Association for the Education of Young Children, Membership Action Group, 1979) includes a good listing of Appalachian titles, along with books whose themes are merely rural — how a seed grows, why and how trees are useful, and so on. Judy Martin’s Choosing Books for Appalachian Children (Berea, Kentucky: Berea College Draper Service Center, 1982) was for its time an excellent, singular resource, but it also includes many non–Appalachian titles — generic books on quilting, moonshining, riflery, and animals. For many years, a reliable resource for new and out-of-print children’s titles was George Brosi’s Appalachian Mountain Books, but the first significant national publication to focus attention specifically on Appalachian children’s titles did not appear until the 1990s when two

issues of Book Links, May 1991 and May 1996, were devoted to Appalachian literature. In the 1990s, Children’s Books in Print identified fewer than 20 titles as Appalachian, some of which were adult, at least one of which was set in the Ozarks. The common assumption is that the Internet has offset these limitations and made the printed bibliography obsolete. It is true that book lists are readily available on the Internet, such as AppLit, developed at Ferrum College by Tina Hanlon and Judy Teaford and which won the Appalachian Studies Association’s E-Appalachia award in 2002. It is also true that the Library of Congress’ online catalog and commercial databases have made the search for Appalachian children’s books easier. On the other hand, “Appalachian” and “Appalachia” are still not widely used as subject entries, and electronic searches pick up the term in book reviews and titles, not in the subject entries. A case in point is Ruth Yaffe Radin’s 1989 High in the Mountains. This title surfaced because one reviewer surmised that the “lovely, wild” setting “might be the Appalachians” (Publishers Weekly, April 14, 1989). The same search, however, produced a School Library Journal review that identified the setting as the Colorado Rockies. Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) was developed by the Book Industry Study Group, Inc., to establish subject codes and standardize book categories based on content. Neither “Appalachia” nor “Appalachian” is recognized as a descriptor by BISAC. As recently as December 2008, a subject search through EBSCO’s online Book Index with Reviews produced fewer than 100 Appalachian children’s titles. Though the Internet is an efficient research tool, writers and publishers can improve its usefulness by using accurate regional descriptors in the subject entries. Until that happens, the need for print bibliographies of Appalachian materials will remain as strong as it was twenty years ago. When I set out in the 1980s to meet this need, my intent was to publish an exhaustive,

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annotated reference work. The impossibility of that goal became quickly apparent. The search was like digging crabgrass: Every discovery led to a “shoot,” a long, underground root, which led to another author or subject, and that little “set” of information uncovered another “shoot,” and so on. Inclusiveness became the most problematic of the criteria. Where to begin was not an issue, but where to end was. Undiscovered writers and titles surfaced regularly. New writers, titles, topics, and genres increased exponentially in the 1980s and 1990s, the golden age of Appalachian children’s literature, as the genre gained momentum and writers gained national recognition as Appalachian authors. As a consequence, this bibliography is by no means exhaustive; at best, it represents an exhaustive attempt to identify most of the significant Appalachian children’s titles, though some categories have been intentionally pared. Two prime examples are biographies of Andrew Jackson and Rosa Parks. Another category is books about Native Americans. It was impossible to include all the titles about the many tribes historically affiliated with the region. Of necessity, the Cherokee are predominantly represented in the bibliography. Books about the Shawnee are limited, however, except for titles about Tecumseh’s presence in the region. In short, this project could — and almost did — live forever. Of necessity, the bibliography ends with a purely arbitrary date: 2007. Establishing the selection criteria for this bibliography was no easy task because delimitations are mostly arbitrary. For example, this is not a bibliography of books by Appalachian children’s writers, though such a bibliography would be desirable and useful. Rather, it features books written about or set in the region, including books about individuals born in the region. Defining the region geographically was a challenge, but, in the end, adopting the Appalachian Regional Commission boundaries seemed expedient: 420 counties in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,

Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as enumerated in the Appendix. Grade levels, which are identified in bold, are also arbitrary: The line between middle-school and young-adult reading levels is broad, so the decision was made to include books whose lowest reading level was identified in at least one resource as seventh grade. Many titles in this category are suitable for all ages, and my hope is that adults will use this bibliography as a selection guide for their own reading material as well as a research tool. These selection criteria call for the inclusion of titles that do not match popular notions about what is “Appalachian.” The reverse is also true; the criteria compel the exclusion of some titles that match perfectly those same popular notions. These decisions may be questioned, and the approach may, indeed, have flaws, but it has been thoughtful and deliberate. In some cases, decisions about specific titles rested on personal phone conversations or correspondence with writers. A phone conversation with Marc Harshman induced me to include All the Way to Morning and Red Are the Apples; he knew the source material for these books, and I accepted his judgment that they belong in the bibliography. Sheila Quinn Oliver’s phone conversation with Tony Johnston confirmed that Bone by Bone by Bone is set in Chattanooga. One would assume that a finite geographical boundary would promote an easy, though arbitrary, selection process. Unfortunately, not every title has a transparent and obvious setting. A case in point is Robert Burch’s Queenie Peavy, a title that regularly appears on Appalachian children’s literature bibliographies (including some of my own). An excellent essay by Carolyn Mathews Hinson, “Appalachian Literature and the Adolescent Reader” (ALAN Review, fall 1983), promoted Burch’s novel as an effective portrayal of Appalachian mountain life. While the novel includes characteristics that are common to rural, poor communities, including dialect, Burch stated in a telephone interview on Jan-

6 • Preface

uary 19, 2007, that the story, which is set near Newnan, Georgia, just south of Atlanta, is definitively not Appalachian. Sleuthing out details such as these may seem a ridiculous waste of time, but the important point is that geography matters: The mere presence of conventional, rural characteristics is not sufficient to label a work “Appalachian.” But as we have also said, the absence of typical mountain cultural markers is no reason to exclude a book. If the region includes 37 counties in Alabama, then biographies of Rosa Parks, Condoleezza Rice, William C. Handy, and Helen Keller —figures not readily identified with the region — are by definition “Appalachian.” The same is true for fiction set in Alabama, such as Dorothy Baughman’s Piney’s Summer, Christopher Curtis’ The Watsons Go to Birmingham, Faye Gibbons’ King Shoes and Clown Pockets, and Angela Johnson’s Bird. Though demographic data have long shown that “about half of the region’s population now lives in urbanized areas” (Maloney and Obermiller, Encyclopedia of Appalachia, 347), the inclusion of this urban material goes against tradition. Pittsburgh, one of the large urban centers of the region, is the setting for fiction that is incongruent with popular notions of what is Appalachian. Examples include Anika D. Thomas’ Life in the Ghetto, the story of a thirteen-year-old black girl who grows up in a Pittsburgh inner-city neighborhood; Robert J. Norrell’s We Want Jobs! A Story of the Great Depression; and Olive M. Price’s Three Golden Rivers, the story of four orphans who move from their farm to settle in an immigrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh. The inclusion of books about professional sports teams (Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates); biographies of professional and college athletes (Mario Lemieux, Roberto Clemente, and former University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning); and life histories of noted African Americans ( Jesse Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Ida B. Wells) also go against the grain. But these seeming anomalies show the geographical and cultural diversity of the re-

gion. Titles depicting middle-class, urban experiences and stories of contemporary life help to dispel the notion that the region is “stuck” in a frontier time warp. Other decisions about the parameters of the book are worthy of explanation. The bibliography does not include audio or video materials, textbooks, workbooks, or collective editions (such as collective biographies), unless the collection is applicable to the entire region. J. J. Reneaux’s How Animals Saved the People: Animal Tales from the South was excluded because Appalachian tales are but one component, along with Cajun, Creole, African American, and Choctaw. Kathryn Windham’s Thirteen Tennessee Ghosts and Jeffrey includes some Appalachian tales, but they are not predominant. From the outset, the bibliography was designed to include annotations — specifically, evaluations that are contemporaneous with the book’s earliest publication date. Where possible, I have excerpted pertinent evaluations from multiple reviews and have provided comparative analysis of the excerpts, which often disagree about a book’s quality. If information about a book was unclear as to its appropriateness for the bibliography, I made every effort to find the title and read it. If it met the selection criteria, it was included. This process was applied to hundreds of titles included in the bibliography and hundreds more that have been excluded. For approximately 200 titles, where reviews were not readily available or not helpful, I wrote an evaluation. This decision to include annotations was motivated by the desire to give teachers, parents, and scholars a ready platform for research. It is my hope that this bibliography will be a catalyst for scholarship that will nurture and sustain the discipline. The potential for research is great: Theses and dissertations need to explore the lives and work of early writers in the broad context of children’s literature—May Justus and Ellis Credle; Ruth and Latrobe Carroll; William O. and Mary Q. Steele and their literary family, including

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Emily Govan West and Christine Noble Govan; Mary and John Chapman (Maristan Chapman). We need examinations of art and artists’ depictions of the region. We need explorations of class distinctions, along with cultural, political, and social attitudes as they are expressed in the literature, artists’ interpretations, and in reviewers’ perceptions. Relationships between children’s and adult literature of the region also need to be examined. Authors known primarily for their adult literature often write for children as well: Mary Lee Settle, Jim Wayne Miller, James Still, Elizabeth Madox Roberts, Jesse Stuart, Jo Carson, even Truman Capote. One topic that no one has addressed is the national presence of Appalachian children’s literature beginning in the early 1900s. In the first half of the 20th century, nationally prominent authors wrote children’s books about Appalachia: Marguerite De Angeli, Laura Benét, Elizabeth Coatsworth, Jean Fritz, Lois Lenski, Elizabeth Madox Roberts, Evelyn Scott, and Stewart Edward White. Popular series books often featured the region, as in Frank Gee Patchin’s The Pony Rider Boys on the Blue Ridge; or, A Lucky Find in the Carolina Mountains (1924), one of twelve titles in the Pony Rider Boys adventure series. Major publishing houses printed these works, such as Lippincott, Doubleday, Doran, Coward-McCann. Many appeared in major periodicals prior to publication as children’s books. For example, Percy MacKaye’s Tall Tales of the Kentucky Mountains (1926) first appeared under the title “A Mountain Munchhausen” in the July-November 1924 issue of the Century Magazine. Jesse Stuart’s A Ride with Huey, the Engineer (1966) first appeared in Esquire in August 1937. Children’s books set in Appalachia were reviewed by the nation’s major, preeminent periodicals — the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Peabody Journal of Education, the Saturday Review of Literature—and the prominent children’s review sources of the day —Library Journal, Booklist, and Anne Carroll Moore’s Three Owls.

Though the audience for the books was children, these writers, publishing houses, and review sources shaped the nation’s perceptions of and attitudes toward the region as surely as did the travel literature and other major types of writing that have been identified by several decades of scholars. Appalachian language and dialect are often at the forefront of reviewers’ comments about a book. Writing about Payne Erskine’s The Mountain Girl (1912), the New York Times surmises that Erskine “has plainly lived among the people of the mountains, learned the tricks of their odd dialect with its bookish phrases and its errors in grammar, studied their dignity and their simplicity, their wild ways and their kindliness” (March 31, 1912). This view of mountain people as having “dignity and simplicity” along with “wild ways” and “kindliness” is a common theme. A New York Times review of Maristan Chapman’s Mill Creek Mystery (1940) praises Chapman’s handling of dialect as “restrained and skillful,” but the more important assessment is that Chapman provides “a genuine understanding and appreciation of the ... mountaineers” ( January 26, 1941). Genevieve May Fox’s 1930s fiction is said to provide “an excellent picture of a particular section of American life that New England young people need to know” (Library Journal, September 15, 1934). The Library Journal review of Lois Lenski’s 1946 Blue Ridge Billy says, “She presents with accuracy, sympathy, and understanding the colorful natives and their customs,” which include “quaint expressions” (November 1, 1946). Researchers need to explore these early judgments about the “colorful natives and their customs,” many of which originated in the New York Times. A review of Dorothy Scarborough’s Song Catcher in Southern Mountains: American Folksongs of British Ancestry (1937) goes one step further; it juxtaposes “continuity of ignorance” alongside the continuity of the oral tradition. Miss Scarborough’s words, although she is writing of the Southern hill people in the twentieth century, would apply equally well to the people of the Scottish border in those times, centuries

8 • Preface back, when these ballads came into being. The continuity of ignorance, as well as the continuity of language and of customs, accounts for the presence of this folk minstrelsy across 3,000 miles of intervening sea [New York Times, April 11, 1937].

Teachers and scholars need to examine assessments such as these for their influence on generations of parents who selected reading material for their children — and for themselves. Another goal is that this bibliography will influence the future of Appalachian children’s literature by exposing its strengths, weaknesses, and sometimes plain absurdities. A quick overview of genres common to all children’s literature reveals surprising unevenness. Appalachian historical fiction and realistic fiction are fairly complete categories. Appalachian children’s literature owes its beginnings to the historical accounts of early exploration and settlement of the region. A good example is Filson’s Kentucke: A Facsimile Reproduction of the Original Wilmington Edition of 1784, which was reprinted in 1930 and 1966 under different titles. The facsimile edition cited here was published by Burt Franklin in 1972, and appears on several juvenile bibliographies. Today this title would not be classified as juvenile, but it offers a rare piece of historical writing that is accessible to young scholars. Another such title is Robert Montgomery Bird’s Nick of the Woods, a fictional adventure story so popular that it was supposedly reprinted twenty times between 1837 and 1928. Elisha Sterling King’s Wild Rose of Cherokee or Nancy Ward, “The Pocohontas of the West”: A Story of the Early Exploration, Occupancy and Settlement of the State of Tennessee, published in 1895, reprinted in 1938, 1974, and 1980, was typical of literature for children in its time. Written for grades five and above, it delivers a highly-romanticized, frontier Native American story that today would appeal to a much older reader. These writers and dozens of others like them ( Joseph Altsheler, William O. Steele, Rebecca Caudill) established the

tradition of fiction about the early frontier and settlement of Appalachia, including conflicts with Native Americans. The genre is heavy on 18th- and 19th-century history but lacks an equal number of books about the World Wars and the Vietnam War, Houston’s But No Candy, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, and Littlejim stories, and Rylant’s I Had Seen Castles being notable exceptions. Appalachian realistic fiction has received the most notice and acclaim. From the early local color examples, such as Payne Erskine’s 1912 The Mountain Girl, to the Cleavers’ 1969 classic Where the Lilies Bloom, the genre has evolved and matured. Contemporary realistic fiction is flourishing and has received national recognition. Three books in this category have won the Newbery Award: Armstrong’s Sounder, in 1970; Naylor’s Shiloh, in 1992; and Rylant’s Missing May, in 1993. The genre is heavy on rural culture but gaining strength in urban stories, such as George Ella Lyon’s Borrowed Children (1988) and Megan McDonald’s The Bridge to Nowhere (1993). The category of informational books is also fairly balanced, though three sub-categories are surprisingly underrepresented: counting books, ABC books, and concept books. But in general, basic information about a wide variety of topics is covered (geography, social and cultural issues, national parks, the Appalachian Trail, the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad). Two recent gems are Susan Bartoletti’s Growing up in Coal Country— a photo-essay of the immigrant experience in the Pennsylvania mines 100 years ago — and Nancy Hoffman’s Eleanor Roosevelt and the Arthurdale Experiment. Many informational books appear in picture-book format, a rich category. Doris Gove’s One Rainy Night (1994); Marc Harshman and Cheryl Ryan’s Red Are the Apples (2001); and Heather Henson’s Angel Coming (2005) are good examples. From the earliest writers to the present, the picture book has been a favorite with writers and artists and children. In 1983, Cynthia Rylant’s When I Was Young in the Moun-

Preface • 9

tains won a Caldecott Honor Award and focused the national spotlight on Appalachian picture books. But Ruth and Latrobe Carroll, May Justus, Ellis Credle, and others had set the local-color standard in the early to mid– 1900s. In the last half of the 20th century, writers and artists have continued to enrich the genre, which includes dozens of single, illustrated editions of folktales. Many of these draw from Richard Chase’s versions of the Grandfather Tales and Jack Tales. William Hooks’s Snowbear Whittington: An Appalachian Beauty and the Beast and Joanne Compton’s Ashpet: An Appalachian Tale are good examples. Picture-book editions of Cherokee myths and legends also add to this category, many of which draw from James Mooney’s seminal work Myths and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees (1900). Literary folk tales and literary tall tales are plentiful, along with stories of folk characters and heroes, such as John Henry and Johnny Appleseed, most in picture-book format. Another feature of the picture-book category is the artwork. For more than a century, award-winning artists with national and international reputations have illustrated books on Appalachian topics: Aliki, Barbara Cooney, James Daugherty, Paul Galdone, Diane Goode, Gail Haley, Paul Brett Johnson, Ezra Jack Keats, Stephen Kellogg, Robert Lawson, Robert McCloskey, Barry Moser, Feodor Rojankovsky, Glen Rounds, James Stevenson, and Garth Williams, just to name a few. Ironically, the two sparest genres are Appalachian poetry and fantasy, though a hallmark of Appalachian literature for adults is its poetic tradition and imaginative prose. The bibliography contains fewer than 30 titles of poetry, excluding picture books that have rhyming text. Classics include Elizabeth Madox Roberts’ Under the Tree (1922) and Rebecca Caudill’s Come Along! (1969); contemporary editions include Cynthia Rylant’s Waiting to Waltz (1984) and Soda Jerk (1990); and Jo Carson’s Stories I Ain’t Told Nobody Yet (1989). Folk rhymes are usually offered in picture-

book formats: James Still’s Appalachian Mother Goose (1998) and Wolfpen Rusties (1975) and Gerald Milnes’ Granny Will Your Dog Bite? (1990) are examples. Part of the problem may lie with publishers who opt for the lucrative picture-book format over poetry collections. A popular trend in Appalachian children’s literature is the conversion of poems into the picture-book format. Nikki Giovanni’s Knoxville, Tennessee and Jeff Danny Marion’s Hello, Crow are two prime examples. While the poetry hasn’t disappeared, attention to it as an art form has, and I’m not sure that these picture-book “conversions” (lovely though they be) are sufficient to meet the child’s need for a wide range of poetry about nature, the everyday world, nonsense and humor, and so on. Appalachian children’s literature needs the equivalents of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky, Walter de la Mare and Vachel Lindsay, Karla Kuskin and David McCord. One may argue that poetry is less tied to region than fiction or biography, but I don’t think so. A hallmark of Appalachian poetry for adults is its rootedness in place, story, and people. It is logical that Appalachian poetry for children, anchored in place, culture, and people, would be equally abundant. If poetry is the leanest genre on the bibliography, biography is the most bloated. Hundreds of biographies exist about largely mainstream historical figures: Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone, Andrew Jackson, Stonewall Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Helen Keller, Ida B. Wells, Sam Houston, Sequoyah. Most biographies of people such as Crockett and Boone are derivative, repetitive, and stereotyped. One can read twenty books about Helen Keller without learning one new fact. A ray of hope lies with current autobiographies of writers such as Cynthia Rylant and Betsy Byars. These books promote children’s writers in accessible, accurate, interesting formats. Another welcome trend is biographies of ordinary women and men who are not cultural or historical icons but who are, nevertheless, note-

10 • Preface

worthy. Julia Taylor Ebel’s Addie Clawson: Appalachian Mail Carrier is a straightforward biography of a remarkable civil servant in Watauga County, North Carolina, from 1936 to 1966, an era when carrying the mail was considered men’s work. Clawson’s story is also the region’s story, featuring floods, snowstorms, and local characters. In a different vein is Deborah Hopkinson’s Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings, the biography of Alta Weiss, who pitched on an all-male, semipro baseball team and later went on to complete medical school. A recent trend toward biographies of female athletes in general may be a hopeful sign. Examples include Kristi Nelson’s The Chamique Holdsclaw Story (2000), Mark Stewart’s Chamique Holdsclaw: Driving Force (2000), and Joan Anderson’s Rookie: Tamika Whitmore’s First Year with the WNBA, illustrated by Michelle V. Agins (2000). Unfortunately, the quality of children’s sports biographies in general is abysmal, and books about women are faring as poorly as books about men. Publishers and writers need to forego the repetitious mainstream, predictable biographies and turn their attentions to contemporary regional figures, both ordinary and unique: Doc Watson, Myles Horton, Lee Smith, Wilma Dykeman — the potential is limitless. Another spare genre is fantasy—few fantasies for children are set in Appalachia. Perhaps one explanation for the dearth of Appalachian fantasy is the relative youth of the region itself. When British writers such as Lewis Carroll, George Macdonald, Beatrix Potter, and Kenneth Grahame were producing classic children’s fantasies, Appalachian children’s writers were producing moralistic and predictable frontier adventures, mainly for boys, Robert Montgomery Bird being a prime example. Few Appalachian fantasy titles appeared before the 1960s, Evelyn Scott’s Witch Perkins being an exception. But a more central cause may be the nature of fantasy itself. Eleanor Cameron has observed that fantasy worlds provide

a contrast with the everyday world, creating a kind of reverberation arising from the fact that within this everyday world a little pool of magic exists possessing a strange, private, yet quite powerful and convincing reality of its own [Horn Book, February 1983, 23–24].

Some fantasy literature is set wholly in an imaginary landscape, with no reference to the world as we know it, such as Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Just as often, however, the fantasy plot is rooted firmly in the real estate: Perfect examples are The Wind in the Willows, Paddington Bear, and Tuck Everlasting. In these fantasies, magic and the supernatural impinge on comfortable, familiar geography and social conventions. In other fantasies, a patch of familiar geography is the launching pad or the anchor for the fantasy: C. S. Lewis’ World War II English country manor and L. Frank Baum’s Kansas farm are examples. Even Harry Potter’s wizardly adventures shift between the real Muggle world of London and the fantastical world of Hogwarts. Be it Kansas or London, actual geographical landscapes are rarely far from the fantastical worlds. Appalachian landscapes, however, have not readily served for the contrast and reverberation between the everyday and the magical of which Cameron speaks. The dearth of Appalachian fantasy may be owing to the place of the region in the national consciousness. As Alan Batteau (The Invention of Appalachia, 1990), Henry Shapiro (Appalachia on Our Mind, 1986), Helen Hollingsworth and Kevin O’Donnell (Seekers of Scenery, 2006) and other recent scholars have demonstrated, Appalachia is a fantasy landscape in the American imagination. Consequently, it may be unsuitable as a concrete stage from which to launch an imaginary story. If the “jumping off place” for a fantastical voyage must be comfortably recognizable, acceptable, and unobtrusive (New York, Boston, or Kansas), then the writer who is averse to risks will not opt for Appalachia. After all, the real world is incidental to fantasy — it must not upstage the imaginary setting.

Preface • 11

But the assumption that a writer cannot easily spin one fantasy world out of another does not hold true for Appalachia. The most successful Appalachian fantasy builds upon the unique history, geology, mythology, and diversity of the region. Writers who have taken the rare risk, with varying degrees of success, include Alexander Key, Jane Louise Curry, Virginia Hamilton, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Jodi Lynn Anderson, Mary Downing Hahn, and George Ella Lyon. Their work deserves a level of analysis that is not possible here. It may be true that Appalachia cannot serve as an unobtrusive, convenient backdrop for a story in the way that London or New York or Kansas can, but the region offers fertile soil that can “grow” a new strain or species of fantasy. An overlooked piece of fantasy is Evelyn Scott’s Witch Perkins: A Story of the Kentucky Hills (1929), which was reviewed by Stephen Benét in the Saturday Review of Literature and by Laura Benét in The Three Owls: Volume III. Both acknowledge its uniqueness, but Laura Benét argues that Scott’s story “cannot properly be called ‘A Story of the Kentucky Hills’” because it is a “kaleidoscopic” fantasy. Scott has chosen Pikeville, Kentucky, which is well

known to her, and used it as the runway, so to speak, for her “imagination,” giving it a “wide range” (New York: Coward-McCann, 1931). Marly Youmans takes a different sort of risk in Curse of the Raven Mocker (2003). He fashions a fantasy about the mythical Adantans, people of mixed Cherokee, Irish, and Scots blood, in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Booklist calls this a piece of “high fantasy with a truly American setting” that is “original, imaginative” and “well-researched” (September 1, 2003). My hope is that this bibliography will “grow” a variety of good, innovative products, not a new strain of fantasy only. My hope is that biographers will capture the lives of interesting Appalachian people; that the region’s poets will turn their attention to the child’s world; that modern history will make its way into informational and historical fiction books; and that informational books will dig below the surface of cultural clichés. Most important, my hope is that this work inspires quality scholarship and motivates deep reading so that Appalachian children and adults can appreciate their own literary heritage.

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THE BIBLIOGRAPHY Aaseng , Nathan

Adams, Colleen

Billy Graham. New York: Zondervan, 1993.

The Courage of Helen Keller. New York: Rosen, 2003.

3–7 This title in the Today’s Heroes series relates the life of William Franklin Graham, Jr., a Southern Baptist minister and one of America’s most prominent evangelists. Though born in Charlotte, North Carolina, he later moved to Montreat, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

3–6 A brief biography of Helen Keller and the influence wielded by her teacher Annie Sullivan. A title in Rosen’s Reading Room Collection 4: Great Men and Women series.

Adams, James Taylor, ed.

Cherokee Nation Versus Georgia: The Forced Removal of a People. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2000.

Death in the Dark: A Collection of Factual Ballads of American Mine Disasters. Big Laurel, VA: Adams-Mullins, 1941; Philadelphia: R. West, 1977.

7–10 Aaseng’s title in the Famous Trials series “clearly explain[s] the legal issues” surrounding efforts to safeguard the rights of the Cherokee (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 2000).

7–up The 23 ballads in this collection focus on mining tragedies in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee, not the western states. Duncan Emrich writes that “an unfortunate percentage of them were written by observers of mining life rather than by actual participants in the daily round. They suffer further from ‘literary inspiration.’” Emrich also comments that the Foreword “contains much informative and firsthand material about the daily life of a coal camp,” but he can’t resist pointing out the misspelling of “Forward” (California Folklore Quarterly, Jan. 1943). According to a review in Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People, “There is very little beauty in the Appalachian coal fields,” which spawned these tragic songs, and Adams “notes the actual details concerning each situation and from whom the ballad was received” (American Library Association, 1985). It should be noted that having had no wide circulation, these are not folk ballads, per se, but are more properly categorized as literary ballads. This volume has undergone three reprints by various publishers, the most recent being 1977.

Abrams, Dennis Ty Cobb. New York: Chelsea, 2007. 6–up From the Baseball Superstars series, Abrams presents the story of Franklin County, Georgia, native and baseball player Ty Cobb.

Accorsi, William Rachel Carson, illus. by author. New York: Holiday, 1993. 1–3 This picture-book biography of one of America’s most famous environmentalists is illustrated by Accorsi’s own folk art, which Booklist calls “mainly decorative” and questions whether the art style is suitable because it does not allow for distinguishing characteristics of individuals (Nov. 15, 1993). On the other hand, School Library Journal says the illustrations are “colorful and clear” and that the text provides an “adequate overview” of Carson’s life (Dec. 1, 1993). Accorsi covers only the most significant aspects of Carson’s childhood, work, and major life events (summarized in a list of important dates), but unlike many biographies for this age group, he touches on her personal problems as well.

Adams, Julia Davis Stonewall, illus. by Cameron Wright. New York: Dutton, 1931. 13

14 • Adams 7–up This somewhat fictionalized biography of Stonewall Jackson begins with his youth and shows him to be a responsible and religious young man who fought in the Mexican War after graduating from West Point. He eventually taught at what is now Washington and Lee University and entered the Civil War on the side of the Confederacy. He died before the war’s end of a gunshot delivered, ironically and mistakenly, by his own troops. The Saturday Review of Literature says the book does not stint in depicting the “seamy side” of war, though Adams is not entirely objective: “[S]he seems at times to brighten the colors for the Confederacy and shade down those for the North.” Nevertheless, Adams “succeeds admirably in developing his character ... and ... has caught his spirit as it revealed itself in battle, on the march, and among the wounded and the dead” (Oct. 17, 1931).

Adams, Robert G. Nancy Ward: Beautiful Woman of Two Worlds. Chattanooga, TN: Hampton, 1979. 7–up Adams has produced a more attractive book than Pat Alderman’s Nancy Ward: Cherokee Chieftainess, but it is, unfortunately, more romanticized and fictionalized. Adams explains in the Preface, “In order to make this account more human, I have inserted between the facts and legends such actions and words as I feel would likely have been used by my characters under the conditions and situations in which they found themselves.” While such fictionalization is common in biography and history for young readers, the florid style will put off the very age group commonly targeted for biographical fiction. Beyond these flaws, the book is a “good read” which weaves an exciting, historical narrative and includes a bibliography for further reading. (RH)

Adelson, Bruce David Farragut: Union Admiral. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2002. 3–7 Adelson’s biography is a title in the Famous Figures of the Civil War Era series, which is designed collectively to present the opposing perspectives and “relative merits” of both sides of the conflict (The Book Report, May/June 2002). School Library Journal describes the series as “[s]traightforward but flawed overviews”: “The individual problems with these books may be small, but there are enough of them to warrant mention.” Includes a glossary, chronology, a Civil War timeline, list of books for further reading, and index.

Adler, David A. Helen Keller, illus. by John Wallner. New York: Holiday, (1990) 2003. 1–3 Originally published in 1990 as A Picture Book of Helen Keller for grades two through four [see below], this title was adapted in 2003 for grades one

through three. Booklist is more positive about the new edition than about the original: “The elemental narrative is truly inspiring because it is told without rhetoric or direct message” ( July 2003). School Library Journal, on the other hand, points to an error in the 2003 adaptation; the date when Keller “began her work with the American Foundation for the Blind” was 1924, not 1900. Nevertheless, the review acknowledges this beginning reader as an “attractive and accessible introduction” to one of America’s most famous women (Nov. 2003).

A Picture Book of Davy Crockett, illus. by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner. New York: Holiday, 1996. K–3 A Picture Book of Davy Crockett is a slim but notable presentation of legends, tall tales, and significant events of the life of Davy Crockett. In this “straightforward account” (Horn Book, Sept. 1996), Adler demonstrates his “near-miraculous ability to share an entire lifetime in a few words.” He reveals “Crockett’s faults” but also “allows his character and forthrightness to be seen in an admirable light” (School Library Journal, May 1996). Included in the Picture Book Biography series.

A Picture Book of Helen Keller, illus. by John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner. New York: Holiday, 1990. 2–4 A Booklist review says this title “misses the mark,” making Keller’s life seem “pale” and omitting nearly 40 years in the important dates at the end (Dec. 15, 1990). This title, included in the Picture Book Biography series, was adapted in 2003 for grades one through three and issued under the title Helen Keller [see above].

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens, illus. by Robert Casilla. New York: Holiday, 1992. K–3 Adler’s “brief [yet] accurate” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 1992)) biography of Jesse Owens presents a straightforward portrait of his life and accomplishments. Casilla’s “vigorous watercolors” enliven and extend the text (Horn Book, Mar. 1993). A title in the Picture Book Biography series, the biography of the Alabama native includes author notes and a chronology.

A Picture Book of Rosa Parks, illus. by Robert Casilla. New York: Holiday, 1993. 2–4 Included in the Picture Book Biography series, Adler’s volume frames the life of Rosa Parks within the context of the civil rights movement. Emphasizing separate water fountains and torches of the Ku Klux Klan, Casilla’s “dramatic color illustrations show the discrimination that was common when Parks was growing up” (Booklist, Oct. 15, 1993).

Satchel Paige: Don’t Look Back, illus. by Terry Widener. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, 2007.

Alderman • 15 K–3 David Adler’s picture-book biography of Alabama native and baseball great Satchel Paige “ably conveys Paige’s larger-than-life personality” (Horn Book Guide, Oct. 2007). Illustrator Terry Widener’s “acrylic paintings elongate and exaggerate the figures, using a rubbery perspective and old-fashioned hues to great effect” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2007).

Aerial Photography Services Great Smoky Mountains National Park, illus. with photographs by Jim Doane, et al. Charlotte, NC: Aerial Photography Services, 1981. K–up A photographic tour of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Alagna, Magdalena Elvis Presley. New York: Rosen, 2002. 5–9 This title in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers series is naïve and unbalanced in its approach to the life of Elvis Presley. It presents information and vocabulary without adequate explanation or definition, and it glosses over the “seamier” aspects of Elvis’ relationships and career, especially his drug use and association with Tom Parker. “Alagna tries to make it sound as if poor ol’ Elvis just didn’t know what all those gosh darn drugs were and believed he needed the ‘medicine’ his doctors prescribed for him.” The book does not compare favorably with biographies by Denenberg [see below] and Torr (School Library Journal, Oct. 2002).

Albrecht, Val Larger Than Life: Joe Namath, illus. with photographs by Ron Koch and Bruce Curtis. Chicago: Raintree, 1976. 4–6 This and other titles in these sports biographies have little to recommend them, other than the “profuse color photographs.” School Library Journal says the writing is “silly,” “mediocre,” and lacking all “understanding of Namath’s physical grace and magnetism.” Albrecht “presents a misleading portrait of a glamorous superstar who just happens to play football” (Sept. 1976).

Alder, Elizabeth Crossing the Panther’s Path. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2002. 6–8 This is a fictionalized account of the life of Billy Caldwell, a 16-year-old who serves as Tecumseh’s interpreter in the chief ’s efforts to unite native American tribes. A “novel rich in history.... Readers will identify with Tecumseh’s plight and come to understand, if not agree with, the British and American points of view” (Booklist, May, 2002).

Alderman, John Biggs “Pat” Greasy Cove in Unicoi County: Authentic Folklore. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 1975.

7–up Pat Alderman is something of a legend in East Tennessee for his devotion to the history, folklore, and naturalism of the region, particularly Unicoi County. In this little volume of 48 pages, he provides history and folklore, including short sketches of people and places, hiking information, recipes, and blackand-white photographs of the community, the natural beauty, and scenes from the outdoor drama The Overmountain Men. Though the reading level is above sixth grade, Alderman’s books are valuable because locale-specific information of this nature is not available elsewhere. Libraries and homes fortunate enough to have these well-worn titles in their collection should hang on to them. (RH)

In the Shadow of Big Bald, illus. by Edyth Price, Ken Ferguson, and Elene Bond. Mars Hill, NC: Bald Mountain Development Corporation, 1972. 7–up The print is small, the layout unattractive, but the content has merit. Alderman has focused on the geographical, historical, botanical, and cultural milieu of Big Bald Mountain, which straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. The book is arranged somewhat chronologically, beginning with the Native Americans and ending with the Wolf Laurel golf and ski developments in the 1970s. The illustrations consist of sketches, reproduced paintings, and photography — both color and black-and-white. Because Alderman tries to cover too much in 80 pages, the book seems unfocused, but its strength is Alderman’s emphasis on centuries of life evolving and changing, literally “in the shadow” of the mountain. If a young reader can sift through the flowery prose, this is a good informational book (a short bibliography is provided). (RH)

Nancy Ward: Cherokee Chieftainess; Dragging Canoe: Cherokee-Chickamauga War Chief, illus. by Edyth Price. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 1978. 7–up In its format, type, and illustrations, this is not an attractive or easy-to-read book. The style is cumbersome, making the content inaccessible to young readers. Nevertheless, the book contains excellent resource material, a good bibliography, maps, and photographs of artifacts. Alderman also wrote the script for a Public Television (WSJK-TV) documentary based on the book. Excellent details of Cherokee history and culture, including myths and stories, make this an important library holding. (RH)

One Heroic Hour at King’s Mountain. Erwin, TN: Publisher Unknown, 1968; Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 1990. 7–up Published in 1968 as a 94-page booklet, this title is included in The Overmountain Men [see below].

16 • Aliki

The Overmountain Men, illus. by Bernie Andrews, et al. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, (1970) 1986. 7–up Five titles, published previously as small, individual paperbacks, are collected in this 286-page volume. The Overmountain Men: Early Tennessee History (1958, 1960) is devoted to the period between 1760 and 1780. One Heroic Hour at King’s Mountain, October 7, 1780 (1968) contains information that is available in other accounts, but Alderman focuses on the contributions of East Tennessee people and places. The Cumberland Decade focuses on the Cumberland valley and middle Tennessee from 1780 to 1789. The State of Franklin details the events that led up to the creation and ultimate demise of the “Lost” State of Franklin. The Southwest Territory concludes the volume. Because Alderman’s strength is in details, these collected volumes provide excellent resource material, along with good maps, copious photographs, and excellent bibliographies. (RH)

The Wonders of the Unakas in Unicoi County. Erwin, TN: Publisher Unknown, 1964. 7–up A 44-page, illustrated booklet. Contains maps.

Aliki [Aliki Brandenberg] Go Tell Aunt Rhody, illus. by author. New York: Macmillan, 1974. K–3 Publishers Weekly praises Aliki’s prose adaptation of this familiar folk song as “unusually lovely” ( June 3, 1996), an assessment echoed by the Bulletin: The illustrations include “the pond and the millrace, a sampler by a younger Rhoda Jane Kellogg (Aunt Rhody)” making for a “neat, bright little book” ( Jan. 1975). School Library Journal comments that the illustrations convey “nostalgia and a light touch of humor.... Rich in pastoral detail, this is a good addition to the growing collection of single edition songs in picture-book format” (Sept. 15, 1974). In the tradition of Randolph Caldecott, the illustrations extend and complement the text by telling their own story. The lyrics, music, and a note on the song’s history are included.

Hush Little Baby: A Folk Lullaby, illus. by author. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1968. K–2 School Library Journal says that Aliki’s color illustrations of this beloved folk lullaby are “thoroughly reassuring,” “blatantly quaint,” and that they leave “the cloying after-taste of 20th-century saccharin.” Nevertheless, each item in this familiar song (mockingbird, diamond ring, looking glass, billy goat, cart and bull, dog named Rover, and horse and cart) is visually rendered in the context of a child’s world. School Library Journal says further, “The book is strongly reminiscent of Harve and Margot Zemach’s Mommy, Buy Me a China Doll (Follett, 1966), but un-

fortunately suffers in comparison” ( Jan. 15, 1969). The song lyrics and music are included, along with a note that this English lullaby “became a favorite in the Appalachian mountain region.”

The Story of Johnny Appleseed, illus. by author. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1963. 1–2 Simple, cartoon-like illustrations show a smiling, energetic, fun-loving Johnny Appleseed interacting with pioneers, Native Americans, children, and animals. School Library Journal recommends this easy reader as a “brief and simple tale” with “charming illustrations” and text that emphasizes Appleseed’s “gentleness and love of people” (Nov. 15, 1963.)

Allen, Charles Fletcher David Crockett, Scout: Small Boy, Pilgrim, Mountaineer, Soldier, Bear-Hunter and Congressman: Defender of the Alamo, illus. by Frank McKernan. Philadelphia: Lippincott, (1911) 1938; Washington, D.C.: Regnery 2000. 6–up According to the New York Times (Oct. 9, 1938), this title was one of 20 volumes reissued in the Lippincott Junior series in 1938. Allen’s biography was in good company among works by noted authors such as Lewis Carroll, Washington Irving, Johanna Spyri, and Arthur Ransome. Originally published by Lippincott in 1911 under the title David Crockett, Scout, the 309-page book has enjoyed numerous reprints, largely because it is a still readable, wellwritten account that avoids the usual pitfalls of children’s biography, such as fictionalized scenes and dialogue. On the other hand, Allen quotes heavily from Crockett’s own material, which, according to Allen, was “beloved” by children in the mid–19th century (174). Typical of its day, the book includes sparse (five) full-page illustrations, only the first of which is in color. (RH)

Allen, Nancy Kelly Daniel Boone: Trailblazer, illus. by Joan C. Waites. Gretna, LA: Pelican, 2005. K–7 Boone’s biography for children is considered “flawed” by Horn Book, but the reviewer notes that the “stiff illustrations have an appropriate homespun quality” ( Jan, 1, 2006). Despite the School Library Journal reviewer’s dissatisfaction with the “awkward, colloquial language,” she regards Boone’s ability to “shoot a tick off a wildcat’s nose from one hundred yards” a positive indication of his “folk-hero stature” (Dec. 2005).

Aller, Susan Bibin Tecumseh. Minneapolis: Lerner, 2004. 4–6 Included in the History Maker Biographies series, Aller’s biography of Tecumseh is useful for reports, but “the cartoon drawings at the beginning

Altsheler • 17 of each chaplet are awkward and tacky” (School Library Journal, May 2004).

Allman, C. B. (Clarence Brent) Lewis Wetzel: The Life and Times of a Frontier Hero. Scottdale, PA: Mennonite, 1932; Apollo, PA: Closson/William Hintzen, 2002. 6–up Originally issued by Mennonite Publishing Company in 1932 under the title The Life and Times of Lewis Wetzel, this book has since undergone four reprints, most recently in 2002. Wetzel was “a contemporary of Daniel Boone, roaming and fighting in the familiar back country of early Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.... Wetzel’s life story is ... representative of the frontier, both in its better documented details and in what it says of a classic family and folk tradition” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1961).

Alphin, Elaine Marie Davy Crockett, illus. by Tim Parlin. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2003. 2–4 This brief biography in the History Maker Bios series, targeting young readers, “does a good job of separating the man from the myth” (School Library Journal, Dec. 2002). Alphin explains that Crockett did not wear a coonskin cap and was not called “Davy” by his contemporaries. The text covers his boyhood, political career, and his death at the Alamo. A variety of illustrations, including cartoon drawings, and sidebar information add interest to the book.

Ghost Cadet. New York: Holt, 1991. 3–6 When 12-year-old Benjy Stark and his 16year-old sister, Fran, spend the summer with their grandmother, Miss Leota, in New Market, Virginia, Benjy encounters Hugh McDowell, the ghost of a Virginia Military Institute cadet who died in the Battle of New Market in 1864 [see Susan Provost Beller’s Cadets at War, 1991]. The book is “based on [a] faulty premise,” which includes a Civil War reenactment, and the character motivation is not “believable” (Horn Book Guide, Sept. 1, 1991). Publishers Weekly agrees that Benjy’s development from “[b]ookish” and “withdrawn” to “daring and gregarious” is “too abrupt to be believable.” Additionally, it is unfortunate that both the author and Miss Leota “need to teach a romanticized, white, Southern view” of the Civil War (May 17, 1991). Alphin’s “first novel falls victim to its author’s well-intentioned agenda,” and the narrative “voice seems less like Benjy’s than Alphin’s” (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 1991). Booklist offers a kinder assessment of the book, calling this first novel “unusually good.” It possesses “a strong sense of place and a southern sense of time in which past and present sometimes seem to coexist” (May 01, 1991). School Library Journal also praises the book for its “touching climax” but says the ending is “just a bit banal”: “Written from the South-

ern point of view, Ghost Cadet is refreshingly different from other Civil War stories” (May 01, 1991). Two additional novels based on reenactment of Civil War battles are George Ella Lyon’s Here and Then (1994) and Margaret Whitman Blair’s Brothers at War (1997). [Though New Market, Virginia, does not fall within the Appalachian region, technically, the Virginia Military Institute does.]

Altsheler, Joseph Alexander Border Watch. New York: Appleton, 1912. 7–up “He is a bold man who essays to don the mantle of Fenimore Cooper, and Mr. Altsheler may be congratulated if upon nothing else at least upon his courage. He does not even fear to handicap himself by adopting the foolish modern convention that the hero of a book for boys must be a boy himself. His boy hero, Henry Ware, despite his superhuman feats of skill and strength, cuts but a poor figure compared to the immortal Natty Bumpo, whose human weaknesses Mr. Altsheler should have studied more closely had he wished Henry Ware to carry conviction, or his four admiring companions to resemble a Greek chorus less closely. He makes another mistake when he endeavors to ‘combine instruction with amusement,’ providing ethno-graphical details valuable enough in their way, but apt to detract from the ‘go’ of an adventure story. On the other hand, he undoubtedly provides a stirring mélange of exciting incidents of border and Indian warfare, centering round immortal figures of Daniel Boone and Rogers Clark, and his book may be recommended as a vehicle for imparting to American boyhood the earlier history of its own country” (New York Times, May 12, 1912).

The Forest Runners. New York: Appleton, 1908. 7–up “‘The Forest Runners,’ ... is a story of the great war trail in early Kentucky. It is a tale of a wild country with wild savages and wild animals. The frontispiece gives an idea of the adventures of the two boys who are the heroes of the book. A big black bear, disturbed in its Winter quarters, falls through the thatched roof of the hut where Paul, one of the boys and a companion, Shif ’less Sol, are keeping house for the rest of the party. There is excitement until the bear is ‘put to sleep’” (New York Times, Oct. 3, 1908).

The Guns of Shiloh: A Story of the Great Western Campaign. New York: Appleton, 1914. 6–up “The complement of The Guns of Bull Run, this begins with Bull Run and follows events to the battle of Shiloh, giving the northern side. The hero of this tale is also the great-grandson of the hero of an earlier story [Kentuckian Henry Ware]. The stories are unprejudiced and give pretty straight history seen through the eyes of young paragons. Will be popular” (Booklist, June 1914).

Kentucky Frontiersman: The Adventures of Henry Ware, Hunter and Border Fighter, illus. by

18 • Amper

Todd Doney. Nashville, TN: Voyageur, 1988. 6–up This reprint of the 1907 title The Young Trailers: A Story of Early Kentucky [see below] continues the adventures of 15-year-old Henry Ware who “is overwhelmingly attracted” to life in the Kentucky wilderness and “uniquely adept at learning the lessons necessary for survival in it.” In this tale, he is captured by the Indians and assimilates so readily into their culture that he is adopted by Chief Black Cloud. “Much later, a reawakened sense of duty to his family compels Henry to return home with warning of an impending Shawnee attack.” Already the epitome of the frontiersman, his “masterful assimilation of Indian skills” makes him a “legendary warrior within the tribe, a savior to the settlement, and an undefeatable spirit enemy to the Shawnee adversaries.” Altsheler’s fiction is typical of its age, depicting Indians as noble savages and largely ignoring women: “[T]he dramatic excitement of Altsheler’s Kentucky frontier is reserved for men only. His is a tale for boys who would appreciate also such mythmakers as Howard Pyle, Jane Porter, and James Fenimore Cooper” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1989). This characterization of Altsheler’s books sparked opposing letters to the editor in a subsequent issue of School Library Journal. Denice Thornhill objects to labeling Altsheler as an author of boy’s fiction, saying that she has enjoyed his fiction since fourth grade. On the other hand, Katherine Bruner argues that girls “probably won’t” read the books, which “may fit more easily on a collector’s shelf than on a typical reading list for girls and boys” (Sept. 1989). A good research companion to this volume is Filson’s Kentucke: A Facsimile Reproduction of the Original Wilmington Edition of 1784 (1972) [see below].

The Scouts of Stonewall: The Story of the Great Valley Campaign. New York: Appleton, 1914. 6–up “The third of the Civil War series, which continues the fortunes of the hero of Guns of Bull Run.... Harry Kenton now acts as aide on the staff of Stonewall Jackson, and in the narration of the movements in the Valley of Virginia campaign the great southern leader with his army is vividly portrayed” (Booklist, Nov. 14, 1914).

The Sword of Antietam: A Story of the Nation’s Crisis, illus. by Charles L. Wrenn. New York: Appleton, (1914) 2007. 6–up “Dick Mason, who appeared in the Guns of Shiloh ... takes an important part in three great battles, Second Manassas, Antietam, and Murfreesborough, and as in the aforenamed book the northern point of view is given, now with McClellan as the chief historical character” (Booklist, Nov. 14, 1914). This book has undergone multiple reprints.

The Young Trailers: A Story of Early Kentucky. New York: Appleton, 1907.

6–up In 1988, this book was reissued by Voyageur under the title Kentucky Frontiersman: The Adventures of Henry Ware, Hunter and Border Fighter [see above].

Amper, Thomas Booker T. Washington, illus. by Jeni Reeves. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 1998. 1–4 “A fine little biography” in the On My Own series (Booklist, Nov. 15, 1998) that imparts the struggles of a young Booker T. Washington (ages 7 to 16) to obtain an education. School Library Journal calls it an “inspiring story told in a style simple enough for young readers to comprehend” and points out that Patricia and Fredrick McKissack’s Booker T. Washington (Enslow, 1992) and Margo McLoone’s Booker T. Washington (Bridgestone, 1997) “cover his entire life for the same age level” (Nov. 1998). Horn Book Guide recommends it, in spite of its “minor flaws” (Spring 1999). Includes an Afterword and a timeline.

Andersen, Hans Christian The Tinderbox, ad. and illus. by Barry Moser. Boston: Little, Brown, 1990. 2–5 This retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s 1835 story is set in Appalachia just after the Civil War. In fact, Moser’s Afterword specifically identifies the “ogre-curmudgeon” as “an East Tennessee mountain man, the likes of which I saw many a time as I grew up there.” A Horn Book review says it is “inaccurate to credit Andersen as the author” because Moser has so completely “recast” the story and illustrated it with “strikingly imaginative” art ( Jan./Feb. 1991). Booklist agrees, praising all aspects of the book, “From the dark, mysterious painting on the dust jacket to the thoughtful afterword” (Oct. 15, 1990). The design and format of the book are classic, making this old tale new again.

Anderson, J. I. I Can Read About Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Drew Brook Cormack. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 2002. K–3 An introduction to the life of the man whose distribution of apple seeds and trees across the Midwest made him a legend and left a legacy still enjoyed today.

Anderson, Joan Pioneer Children of Appalachia, illus. with photographs by George Ancona. New York: Clarion, 1986. 2–5 Anderson and Ancona have previously collaborated on living-history “documentaries” centered on holidays, such as The First Thanksgiving Feast and Christmas on the Prairie, but this title is a departure in that it focuses on the routine, daily lives of the fictional Davis family at Fort New Salem, West Vir-

Andrist • 19 ginia. Ancona’s black-and-white photographs capture the recreated 19th-century pioneer activities, such as soap making, basket weaving, spinning, making corn husk dolls, and burning out stumps. A Bulletin review says this title “does not flow quite as smoothly” as Anderson and Ancona’s other books. The photographs are “posed,” and the book gives a “laundered” view of “the old mountain way of life” (Dec. 1986). School Library Journal asks, “Were the children (and adults) always that clean performing their strenuous tasks?” But this review deems the book “inviting and accessible” nevertheless (Nov. 1986).

Rookie: Tamika Whitmore’s First Year with the WNBA, illus. by Michelle V. Agins. New York: Dutton, 2000. 4–8 A behind-the-scenes look at the life of Tupelo, Mississippi, native Tamika Whitmore and her career with the New York Liberty, a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Whitmore “reflects on her feelings during the WNBA draft, her difficult adjustment in moving from Tupelo to New York, and a game well played and won” (Booklist, July 27, 2007). Whitmore “became determined to learn basketball at the relatively late age of 13, when she discovered that another girl in her hometown had earned a college scholarship by playing ball” (Publishers Weekly, June 26, 2000). In Rookie, Anderson “touches on some of the WNBA star’s values and feelings and gives ample information about her workouts and pregame rituals” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2000). Includes appealing color photographs.

Anderson, Jodi Lynn May Bird Among the Stars, illus. by Leonid Gore. New York: Atheneum, 2006. 5–7 In the sequel to May Bird and the Ever After, May and her cat are still in the Afterlife, but looking for a way home. “May remains torn between going home and saving the Ever After from Evil Bo Cleevil. In some scenes Anderson deflates the suspense with contrivance, making the danger seem too cartoonish, but her readable novel gives kids a cast of likable characters and a quirky world to explore” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 2006). The Horn Book Guide suggests Anderson’s sequel contains humor that will appeal only to adults, but recommends the title as a “sweet, gentle adventure story” (Spring 2007).

May Bird and the Ever After, illus. by Leonid Gore. New York: Atheneum, 2005. 5–7 This tale of May Bird and her cat, Somber Kitty, evokes strong reactions, both negative and positive. Through a series of eerie events, May gets caught up in the world of Ever After and develops the ability to see ghosts. “The setting of the book is confusing.... Character motivation is also an issue,” making this book a “secondary purchase” (School Library Journal, Dec. 2005). On the other hand, Kirkus calls the

book “Rare fun”: “The Wizard of Oz meets Beetlejuice” in a book that is “vividly envisioned” (Sept. 15, 2005). Booklist says that what “could easily have been just another formulaic story of a loner on a quest” is instead a title that “Kids will love” (Oct. 15, 2005). Whatever the reaction, Anderson’s first title in the May Bird trilogy offers horror, fantasy, terror, and ghoulishness “with a leavening of humor” (Booklist, Oct. 15, 2005).

May Bird, Warrior Princess. New York: Atheneum, 2007. 5–7 In the closing title of the May Bird trilogy, Anderson sends May Bird back to the Ever After to confront Evil Bo Cleevil. Though May Bird, Warrior Princess “needed some padding,” it supplies a “satisfying end to a wonderfully droll and scary series” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 2007).

Anderson, LaVere The Story of Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Kelly Oechsli. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1974. 2–5 Calling the events “speculative” and the narrative “plodding,” School Library Journal suggests that this title “will turn off its intended audience of beginning or slow readers.” Instead, Aliki’s The Story of Johnny Appleseed (1968) is recommended for younger readers and Hunt’s Trail of Apple Blossoms (1968) for older children (Sept. 15, 1974).

Andrews, Peter Sergeant York: Reluctant Hero, illus. by Charles Brey. New York: Putnam, 1969. 2–5 The life of Tennessee’s most famous World War I hero is depicted in this American Hero series biography for the middle grades. A conscientious objector who was nevertheless sent to battle, York distinguished himself as an undisputed hero. This “wellpaced account” gives sufficient “detail ... for readers to appreciate the mountaineers’ life style, York’s difficult decision regarding military service, and his eventual heroism” (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1970). Kirkus Reviews, on the other hand, is not so laudatory: “[York] wouldn’t make the grade — any grade — today because of his paucity of education.” The Kirkus reviewer wonders whether York “is a hasbeen or just too hard to handle” (Oct. 15, 1969).

Andrist, Ralph K. Andrew Jackson: Soldier and Statesman. New York: American Heritage, 1963. 6–up Typical of the American Heritage Junior Library series, this text is attractive, readable, and historically balanced. The excellent illustrations represent a full range of archival materials — maps, political cartoons, engravings, paintings, Matthew Brady daguerreotypes. The treatment of Jackson is honest and objective, as in the discussion of his marriage to

20 • Andryszewski Rachel before her divorce from Lewis Robards. This is good source material for any elementary or middle school library and should not be discarded because of its age. (RH)

Andryszewski, Tricia Step by Step Along the Appalachian Trail, illus. with photographs. Brookfield, CT: TwentyFirst Century, 1998. 4–8 This title is a companion to Step by Step Along the Pacific Crest Trail, both of which begin with the history and geology of the trails and then take readers on a journey that has a “‘you are there’ immediacy.” Students merely looking for report information will “get wrapped up in the vivid descriptions, while nature lovers and budding adventurers will want to pack up and start walking” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1999). The books contain maps, safety tips, sidebar quotations from hikers, and color photographs to illustrate the trail experience. Booklist deems these titles “[u]seful resources for libraries” (Mar. 1, 1999).

Ansley, Delight The Sword and the Spirit: A Life of John Brown. New York: Crowell, 1955. 6–up A somewhat biased biography that “[m]inimizes [the] possibility of Brown’s insanity” and “stresses his humanitarian interest in his enslaved ‘brother.’” “Narrative is episodic and reportorial” (School Library Journal, Apr. 15, 1955).

Appelt, Kathi The Best Kind of Gift, illus. by Paul Brett Johnson. New York: HarperCollins, 2003. K–2 When the Dogwood All Faith Tabernacle gets a new parson, the congregation decides to give him a “pounding,” which is a customary welcoming party where everyone gives the honoree a pound of something — eggs, sugar, flour, or in this case, rocks. Being too small to contribute the usual gifts (a pie or a bucket of fresh milk), Jory Timmons brings a bag of rocks — the sort he would use for throwing. School Library Journal compares this title with the work of Cynthia Rylant and Libba Moore Gray; it “captures the warmth of an Appalachian community, and Johnson’s convivial paintings make both the setting and the characters shine” ( June 1, 2003). Kirkus Reviews calls it a “sweetly old-fashioned tale”; it is a “genuinely warm-hearted story of gift-giving” through which runs the “low thrum of kindliness” (Mar. 1, 2003).

Down Cut Shin Creek: The Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, illus. by Jeanne Cannella Schmitzer. New York: HarperCollins, 2001. 3–6 Though the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and other New Deal programs of the 1930s and 1940s in general have been presented in myriad children’s books, the librarians of Kentucky

have been slighted. This title, along with Rosemary Wells’s Mary on Horseback (1999), corrects this historical faux pas. “Appelt and Schmitzer present an indepth look at this unusual book-delivery system” that existed between 1935 and 1943. “With clear, thorough information, they take readers back to Depression-era Appalachia” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2001). Booklist calls this a “slim but evocative account” of courageous individuals who “rose before dawn and followed dangerous mountain trails” to serve “some of America’s poorest people” ( July 2001). The Bulletin is not so enthusiastic: “The information is a little sketchy,” and the “tone is occasionally unconsciously condescending.” Though “the authors have a tendency toward romanticism,” the Bulletin review concludes that these women nevertheless “deserve laurels and lauds” (Oct. 2001). Historical photographs and a superb bibliography make this volume particularly useful, and when paired with Rosemary Wells’ title and Julia Taylor Ebel’s Addie Clawson: Appalachian Mail Carrier (2002), readers will develop a new appreciation for women as public and civil servants.

Archibald, Alecia Sherard Tallulah Bankhead: Alabama’s Bad Girl Star. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2003. 3–6 Included in the Alabama Roots Biography series, Archibald presents the life of actress Tallulah Bankhead, the political influence of her family, the death of her mother, and her acting career.

Armistead, John The Return of Gabriel, illus. by Fran Gregory. Minneapolis: Milkweed, 2002. 6–up When civil rights workers register black voters in a small town near Tupelo, Mississippi, three friends whose lives are intertwined are put to the test — Cooper Grant, Jubal Harris, and “Squirrel” Kogan. Set in the summer of 1964, the “friendship between Cooper, a white 13-year-old, and his AfricanAmerican neighbor, Jubal, is suddenly threatened when liberal-minded college students arrive from California, determined to bring change to Cooper’s segregated Mississippi town” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 28, 2002). School Library Journal praises the book as “a suspenseful, compelling story of boys having to grapple with decisions that are well beyond their years. Their determination to keep their friendship intact despite all the pressures to end it will resonate with readers” (Dec. 2002). “Armistead tells a powerful story, with solid characterizations and a finely paced, page-turning plot.... [A] potent, thought-provoking political scenario” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 2002).

Armstrong , Jennifer Theodore Roosevelt: Letters from a Young Coal Miner. Delray Beach, FL: Winslow, 2000.

Ash • 21 4–7 First in the Dear Mr. President series, Theodore Roosevelt: Letters from a Young Coal Miner presents fictionalized correspondence between Frank Kovacs, a Polish immigrant working in the coal mines of eastern Pennsylvania, and Theodore Roosevelt after he assumes the presidency on September 14, 1901. Armstrong reveals reasons for the 1902 strike and the hardships endured by the miners, and “[a]s always, [her] research is solid and her prose strong” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2001). Kirkus Reviews identifies a “few bobbles,” but agrees that this is a “well-told story” that “will score with readers” ( Jan. 15, 2001). Includes introductory and concluding essays, archival photographs, websites, bibliography, and index.

Armstrong , William H. The MacLeod Place. New York: Coward, McCann, and Geoghegan, 1972. 6–up During World War II, Angus MacLeod lost two sons, and now he is about to lose his ancestral farm in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to progress—an extension of a national park and a highway. MacLeod had hoped that his ten-year-old grandson Tor would inherit the farm, love it, and work it, but he loses out to the United States government. Almost too predictably, MacLeod’s Mennonite neighbors dismantle, move, and rebuild all the farm buildings on another property. Booklist calls this novel a “slow-moving but thought-provoking story for better readers” (Feb. 1, 1973).

The Mills of God, illus. by David Armstrong. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1973. 5–7 This boy-loves-dog story set in Depression-era Appalachia does not have the intensity or beauty of Armstrong’s Newbery Award–winning Sounder. Twelve-year-old Aaron Skinner has little more in his life than his dog, which he is forced to give up but later retrieves through an odd turn of plot. According to the Bulletin, “The pace of the book is plodding, with long passages of static exposition, and the characterization is superficial.” The review also calls the ending “awkwardly abrupt” (Dec. 1973).

Sounder, illus. by James Barkley. New York: Harper and Row, 1969. 6–up Winner of the 1970 Newbery Award, this is a story of broken spirits and broken bodies, both human and animal. When a black sharecropper is caught and imprisoned for stealing food, his coon dog Sounder attempts a rescue. Ultimately, both die. The dog, the only named character in the book, “roots the story in its historical time and place” in the Appalachian south. “An extraordinarily sensitive book” (School Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1969).

Sour Land. New York: Harper and Row, 1971. 6–up Having won the Newbery Medal for Sounder in 1970, Armstrong once again tells a power-

ful and intense story — the story of Moses Waters, the “intellectual and spiritual leader” in Sour Land. A review in English Journal says, “As a parable Sour Land is superb. As an adolescent novel, it is severely limited.” Calling this novel “a good attempt to dramatize essential conflicts in human nature,” the reviewer’s main criticism is that Moses Waters is “an Everyman who has no personal identity.” Because he is a “saint,” readers — particularly young readers — will find it “impossible” to identify with him (Sept. 1970).

Arneach, Lloyd The Animal’s Ballgame, illus. by Lydia Halverson. Chicago: Childrens, 1992. K–3 Cherokee folktale of a ballgame between the birds and mammals that explains animal behavior. A title in the Adventures in Storytelling series, this book includes suggested storytelling activities.

Arnow, Harriette Simpson Old Burnside. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1977. 7–up Known best for her adult novel The Dollmaker (1954), Harriette Arnow relates the story of her growing up in Burnside, Kentucky, which — like many towns in the region—was inundated by the river that had been its very life. A review in Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People characterizes Arnow’s autobiography as “vivid” and “a clear, sensitive, and engaging picture of life in a small Kentucky town of the early 1900’s” (American Library Association, 1985). Old Burnside is Arnow’s memoir and her final book; it is the tale of a native Kentucky hill woman who realizes at the end that she must leave the mountains (Belles Lettres, Jan. 3, 1988). Old Burnside is a title in the Kentucky Bicentennial Bookshelf series.

Ash, Jerry Wayne, and Stratton L. Douthat West Virginia USA, illus. with photographs by Bill Kuykendall and Harry Seawell. Parkersburg, WV: Seawell Multimedia, 1976. 7–up A title in the Appalachia USA series, this history of West Virginia is told through color photographs and interviews. Designed to reflect spirit and state pride, a wide variety of personal stories and viewpoints is represented. A review in Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People says that “Stereotyped images have been replaced by a realistic portrayal of West Virginia” (American Library Association, 1985), but the book has all the flavor of a public relations effort as opposed to serious history. The thin bibliography and timeline going all the way back to 1200 B.C. cannot redeem the book, though it may be useful for report writing.

22 • Atkins

Atkins, Tonya Smith

Ayres, Carter

The ABC’s of Clemson: For Tigers of All Ages, illus. by Todd Lowe. Spartanburg, SC: Whimsical Creations, 2001.

Chuck Yeager: Fighter Pilot. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1988.

K–3 An alphabet book featuring Clemson University.

Atkinson, Eleanor Johnny Appleseed: The Romance of the Sower, illus. by Frank T. Merrill. New York: Harper, 1915. 5–up Eleanor Atkinson’s review of this title describes John Chapman’s story as a “cross–Appalachian migration.” While Atkinson’s “prose account” is a “pedestrian rendering,” it is nevertheless “a better introduction to the historic legend” than other versions. Merrill’s illustrations “assist but do not distinguish the story,” which overall contains “a certain substitution of sentiment and patriotism for poetry and universal ‘moral’” (The Three Owls, Volume III. New York: Coward-McCann, 1931).

Atkinson, Linda Mother Jones: The Most Dangerous Woman in America. New York: Crown, 1978. 7–up The life of Mother Jones, the most famous female labor activist in America, is rendered for the upper-grade reader in all its harsh detail. Calling it “a grim” but “inspiring” record of the “dedication and courage” of her life, the Bulletin praises the book’s “serious, forthright style” and says it is “well-organized and well-researched” (Oct. 1978). Of Irish descent, Mary Jones lived in Toronto, Tennessee, and later in Chicago, where she became involved with the Knights of Labor. Thereafter and into her nineties, she worked passionately for the rights of coal miners (both in the western United States and in Appalachia), steel workers, textile workers, and for child labor laws. Kirkus Reviews describes her as an “outside agitator par excellence” who is “presented here more crisply and intelligently than in Werstein’s Labor’s Defiant Lady (1969)” (May 1, 1978).

Averill, Esther Daniel Boone, illus. by Feodor Rojankovsky. New York: Harper, 1946. 3–6 This 1945 edition of Rojankovsky’s original 1931 title, published in both French and English, is reduced to a more “practical size,” but none of the “effectiveness” and “jewel-like brilliancy” has been lost. “The balance of pattern and design is a joy; details are authentic and admirably selected.” Additionally, Averill has “enriched” the text, resulting in a “well-rounded account of Boone’s life,” which has “drama and strength” (New York Times, Nov. 11, 1945).

5–7 Ayers’ book is judged to be of lesser quality than Levinson’s Chuck Yeager, The Man who Broke the Sound Barrier (1988). “The title is somewhat misleading since a majority of the book is devoted to Yeager’s life as a test pilot.” Additionally, the “light, breezy text talks down to readers and includes some awkward sentence constructions”; photograph captions are “worded oddly.” A glossary and index would have improved the book (School Library Journal, May 1, 1988).

Ayres, Katherine Macaroni Boy. New York: Delacorte, 2003. 4–7 The title of this book comes from bully Andy Simms, who taunts Mike Costa because his Italian family owns Costa Brothers Fine Foods. Set in Pittsburgh during the Depression, the plot centers on the mysterious illnesses of Mike’s grandfather, the deaths of two hobos, and dying rats. “Ayres peppers her story with vivid period details (including descriptions of the city’s immigrant population), but the historical color cannot salvage a disappointing, often unappetizing plot” (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 20, 2003). Other reviews are more favorable. School Library Journal says the title offers “an involving and informative kid’seye look at several aspects of city life in the 1930s” (Feb. 1, 2003). Booklist emphasizes Mike’s “loving extended family” that offsets the grimness of the novel and “helps him gradually gain a more mature understanding of the world” ( Jan. 1, 2003). A Kirkus review notes that characters are not “ethnically” developed, but that “vivid touches abound.” Boys will be interested in the “grisly rat details” and “bravado”; girls will like the “local color, familial comfort, and historical minutiae” (Dec. 15, 2002).

Voices at Whisper Bend. Middleton, WI: Pleasant, 1999. 3–6 Set in 1942 on the Monongahela River in Pennsylvania, this book tells the story of a young girl’s desire to participate in the war effort. Charlotte’s mother, brother, and father are doing their parts, so she invents a plan to collect scrap metal, which is stolen from the school basement where Charlotte and her classmates are storing it. Ayers handles “social issues” with “sensitivity and thoughtfulness,” especially the bias toward Charlotte’s German friend. The book is characterized by “clarity and a strong sense of place” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 2000). A title in the American Girl Collection series.

Baber, Bob Henry, ed. If I Fell in Love with a Watermelon: Poems and Stories by Children from Whitesburg Elementary. Whitesburg: KY: Letcher County Arts Council, 1989.

Bake • 23 3–up These poems and stories began as writing assignments for school children at Whitesburg Elementary School in Letcher County, Kentucky, which is in the heart of Eastern Kentucky coal-mining territory. George Brosi’s publication Appalachian Mountain Books calls the collection “delightful” and praises Baber as “a promising young regional poet”: “It is important to get this book in the hands of teachers and elementary pupils to show what can be done inside the public schools” (Vol. 5, No. 2, 1989).

Bailey, Bernadine

ing and interpreting history: A Gallery of the Dead (142–149) contains graphic black-and-white photographs of the Antietam dead, by Alexander Gardner, which were displayed in New York by Matthew Brady. An Officer’s View of the Battle (110–119) contains the panoramic paintings of landscape artist Captain James Hope of the 2nd Vermont Volunteers. He was discharged in 1862 and worked on these five paintings for the next 20 years. These sections, the readable prose, and other illustrations will engage casual readers, but the book will disappoint serious scholars of any age because of the unattributed quotations. (RH)

Picture Book of West Virginia, illus. by Kurt Wiese. Chicago: Whitman, (1956) 1965.

Bailey, Tom

K–3 This alphabet book of West Virginia is illustrated by noted German artist Kurt Wiese, whose first illustrated children’s book was the 1928 Bambi.

Bailey, Carolyn Sherwin Stories from an Indian Cave: The Cherokee Cave Builders, illus. by Joseph Eugene Dash. Chicago: Whitman, 1924. 3–up Twenty-five timeless Cherokee tales are included in a format suitable for easy reading. Mostly pourquoi tales, many of these are familiar, such as “Why the Rabbit Has a Short Tale.” Others illustrate the universal nature of folk motifs: “The Rabbit and the Pine-Gum Wolf ” is a Cherokee version of the African-American Tar Baby story, known to most readers as “Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby.” “How Fire Came to the Cave People” and “How the Seasons Came to Earth” are Cherokee versions of the Greek stories of Prometheus and Persephone and Demeter. Other stories in the collection will be familiar because they have appeared recently in picture-book format: “How Strawberries Came to the Earth” has been retold by Joseph Bruchac as The First Strawberries (Dial, 1993). The orange and black illustrations are typical of the era and may strike today’s readers as insensitive, but the collection is excellent for reading aloud and for making important connections among ethnic versions of many common tales. (RH)

Bailey, Ronald H., and Time-Life eds. The Bloodiest Day: The Battle of Antietam. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1984. 6–up A title in the Time-Life Civil War series, this book is not for the very young, but its readable prose, in spite of occasional difficult words, and good narrative flow make it accessible to children below sixth grade who have an interest in the Civil War. Dialogue and direct quotations from primary sources add narrative interest, but they are unattributed in the text. The absence of endnotes is somewhat offset by a good bibliography. Similarly, the photographs, drawings, and tactical maps are unattributed in the captions. Two noteworthy sections make this book useful for a discussion of the role of art in record-

A. G. Gaston: Visionary Businessman. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2003. 3–6 Bailey presents the story of the Alabama businessman Arthur George Gaston who worked his way up through low-paying jobs to owning or controlling nine corporations. Included in the Alabama Roots Biographies series.

Jennifer Chandler: Olympic Champion Diver. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2005. 3–6 This title in the Alabama Roots Biography series presents the life of Alabama native and Olympic Gold Medal winner Jennifer Chandler.

Sam Dale: Alabama Frontiersman. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2001. 3–6 This title in the Alabama Roots Biography series presents the life of Sam Dale, an early 19thcentury adventurer and Alabama frontiersman.

Sequoyah: Genius Cherokee Inventor. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2007. 3–6 This title in the Alabama Roots Biography series presents the life of Sequoyah and emphasizes his work to create a Cherokee alphabet.

Tuskalusa: The Black Warrior. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2007. 3–6 Included in the Alabama Roots Biography series, this is a brief biography of Tuskalusa, Choctaw chief for whom Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was named. Tuskalusa is known for leading a battle against conquistador Hernando de Soto.

Bake, William The Blue Ridge, illus. with photographs by author. New York: Viking, 1977. 6–up This “reflective report” addresses all aspects of the Blue Ridge Mountains, using Bake’s personal experience as a naturalist and his photographs, which communicate “near–Sierra Club splendor” (Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 1977). Bake explores the flora, fauna, and social history, including the work of entities such as the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Appalachian Trail Conference. He “has a rapport with these mountains similar to

24 • Bakeless Ansel Adams’ with the Sierras. His book both interprets the qualities of this ancient mountain range and evokes its essence for the reader who likes the hills (School Library Journal, June 15, 1977). Though not intended for children, the text is accessible to the middle grades, and the photographs will appeal to all ages.

Bakeless, John Edwin Fighting Frontiersman, The Life of Daniel Boone, illus. by Edward Shenton. New York: Morrow, 1948. 5–up Bakeless’ biography for children is adapted from his 1939 adult title Daniel Boone, Master of the Wilderness. The English Journal considers it a “gripping and lively story” about Boone, “the greatest of the Indian fighters and the settlers’ most trusted leader” ( June 1949). The Peabody Journal of Education considers it “realistic” and “well illustrated” ( July 1949).

Baker, Julie Up Molasses Mountain. New York: Wendy Lamb, 2002. 5–up Set in Clay, West Virginia, in 1953, this novel explores the social tensions inherent in coalfield union conflicts. The main characters tell the story in alternating chapters, distinguished by different fonts: 15-year-old Elizabeth, who is talented and sensitive to her cultural surroundings, and 14-year-old Clarence, who is shy and suffers from a disfiguring cleft palate. Baker’s first novel has its flaws, but it is largely successful. The “alternating voices of Elizabeth and Clarence are not well differentiated,” but “the plot is fast paced and exciting, and the layers of personal and working relationships are interestingly depicted” (School Library Journal, July 1, 2002). Kirkus Reviews agrees that shifts between narrators “could be tighter,” but this is “an admirable first novel,” remarkable for its “vivid picture of time and place” (May 1, 2002). This is not “just an issue-driven story”; it offers “a deeply moving psychological portrait of a tormented boy who finds a way outside himself ” (Booklist, May 15, 2002).

Balcziak, Bill Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Jason Millet. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2003. 3–4 In this “dull, unattractive” biography, Balcziak fails to distinguish fact from legend (School Library Journal, July 2003). One of the Tall Tale series, the book contains a bibliography, including websites, a glossary, and an apple muffin recipe.

Ball, Zachary [pseud. of Kelly R. Masters] Bristle Face. New York: Holiday, 1962. 5–up Set in the Mississippi hill country, in 1900, this is the story of Jase Landers, age 14, an or-

phan who leaves his abusive uncle and heads out for Memphis. Along the way, he meets up with a stray dog, Bristle Face, and is befriended by Lute Swank, who gives him a home and begins to court Pansy. The story is told with “humor and restrained pathos.” “Boys mature enough to handle regional dialect will thoroughly enjoy” the book. Ball’s previous titles include Kep and Young Mike Fink (School Library Journal, May 15, 1962).

Sputters. New York: Holiday, 1963. 5–up At the end of Bristle Face, Jase loses his prized dog. In this sequel, Jase is a year older and gets a new dog, Sputters, who is the littermate of Bristle Face. Sputters is so named because he does not bark but makes sputtering sounds, a condition unbefitting a foxhound. The courtship between Lute Swank and Pansy is complicated by the arrival of Pansy’s sister Petunia, but the wedding comes off according to plan. Jase continues his friendship with Emory, who trains foxhounds, and Sputters eventually finds his “bark.” When Emory dies, Jase inherits his hunting horn. This coming-of-age tale is well crafted with a fine balance of humor and feeling, though it is never sentimental. The details of hounds and foxhunts are well drawn, informative, and entertaining. These two books will delight children and adults equally. (RH)

Bang , Molly Chattanooga Sludge, illus. by author. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace, 1996. 2–5 Reviewers react strongly to Bang’s case study of a scientific attempt to clean up Chattanooga Creek, calling it “unique” and “unusual” but also “dense” and “tedious.” The Chattanooga, Tennessee, City Council asks scientist John Todd to employ his Living Machine (bacteria and microbial plants) to literally “eat up” industrial pollutants in the water. Bang provides a prehistory of the Appalachian Mountains to explain how Chattanooga Creek was created, followed by the history of manufacturing that resulted in its toxic pollution. “This is science with a purpose,” and the book is “packed (perhaps overpacked) with information”: “Despite its drawbacks, this unique book will provoke curiosity about microbes, chemistry, and biology, topics that are seldom presented to children in such an involving way” (Booklist, May 1, 1996). The scientific facts are “superbly” illustrated through “exquisite collages that turn the subject of sludge into an airy ode to green, clean living” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1996). School Library Journal faults Bang for “the lack of documentation,” but praises her “stunning collage artwork (perhaps her best to date)” (Aug. 1, 1998). Publishers Weekly stands alone in its thoroughly negative evaluation: The book represents “a tedious dissection of one man’s experiments” and its “writing style and substance are at odds.” Though the subject is important, “it wallows in this particular execution” (Apr. 22, 1996).

Bartoletti • 25

Banks, Sara H. Remember My Name, illus. by Birgitta Saflund. Niwot, CO: Roberts Rinehart, 1993. 3–6 Banks’s novel is a title in the Council for Indian Education series, described in the Council Chronicle as having been “selected for cultural authenticity and accuracy of experience in native traditions and history” (Sept. 1993). Against a backdrop of the 1838 Indian Removal Act, the book explores political and ethnic dilemmas among the Cherokee and African-American populations in Georgia. The main character is 11-year-old Annie Rising Fawn, who is half–Cherokee, half–Scottish. Having lost both her parents, she leaves her Cherokee grandmother to live with an interracial couple, her Cherokee uncle and his Caucasian wife, in the Cherokee capital New Echota, Georgia. When the Cherokee are ordered to join the march to the west, the “Trail of Tears,” she and Righteous Cry, a young slave girl, escape to the north Georgia mountains. Banks’ “simply worded adventure” gives good insight into the Cherokee culture (School Library Journal, June 1, 1993). “Banks undercuts herself in her portrayal of Righteous Cry, who alone speaks in dialect,” but the “novel conveys great feeling” and is “wholly engrossing” (Publishers Weekly, May 17, 1993).

Bannon, Kay Thorpe Uncle Thunder: A Cherokee Legend. Rockport, MA: Lobster Cove, 2005. K–5 The Learning Tree (Fall 2004) considers this third title in the Reverend Robert H. Bushyhead series to represent the “classic struggle between good and evil [which is] found in numerous Cherokee thunder legends.” In this story, the Cherokee spirit Thunder “declares himself Uncle to the Cherokee, and gives them special words ... that can be said” during a thunderstorm to prevent destruction of their corn. According to The Learning Tree, “Mr. Bushyhead, and his daughter, Jean, can remember their mother and grandmother ... whispering the formula to oncoming thunder” (www.tltree.com/TLTSFall042.pdf ).

Banting , Erinn Condoleezza Rice. New York: Weigl, 2007. 3–6

A title in the Remarkable People series.

Barasch, Lynne Knockin’ on Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates. New York: Lee and Low, 2004. 1–4 Barasch presents the inspiring story of Greenville, South Carolina, native Clayton “Peg Leg” Bates who lost a leg in a cotton mill accident in 1919 when he was twelve. Bates, a sharecropper’s son, never let his disability hamper his aspiration to dance, and he became a professional dancer who performed at the Apollo Theatre, the Cotton Club, and resorts and

clubs throughout the world. “This biography balances the impact of discrimination ... with his irrepressible spirit” (Horn Book, Oct. 2004). “Sprightly ink-andwatercolor art ably depicts both the poverty of Bates’ early life and the colorful world of entertainment ... [and shows] many small images of Bates in various tap dancing positions” (Booklist, June 1, 2004).

Barnes, James Midshipman Farragut. New York: Appleton, (1896) 1902. 4–7 Barnes’ book is listed in the December 5, 1915, New York Times article “Three Hundred Books Boys Like Best,” compiled by the Library Commission of the Boy Scouts of America as “a practical help for parents purchasing holiday books.” Includes maps.

Barrett, Tracy The Trail of Tears: An American Tragedy. Logan, IA: Perfection Learning, 2000. 4–8 A 72-page history of the Cherokee Indians from the Ice Age to the 20th century included in the Cover to Cover series.

Bartoletti, Susan Campbell A Coal Miner’s Bride: The Diary of Anetka Kaminska. New York: Scholastic, 2000. 4–up In 1896 Anetka Kaminska’s father forces her to leave Poland for an arranged marriage in America. At age 14, she weds a coal miner in Lattimer, Pennsylvania, and becomes stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage. The story is told through diary entries, a format that “makes the story immediate and accessible” but is at bottom “totally ridiculous”: “Anetka, who works like a mule ... and who regrets that she can’t find a minute to write a letter to her beloved grandmother in Poland” would hardly have time to keep a diary (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2000). A review in School Library Journal points to the Epilogue, which may confuse readers. On the one hand, it provides a “historical note that describes the characters as fictional”; on the other, it explains what happens to them after the book ends. In spite of these flaws the book is “accessible and evocative” (Aug. 2000). Additionally, it contains good historical information on the Lattimer Massacre, labor conflicts, ethnic prejudice, and immigration.

Growing up in Coal Country, illus. with photographs. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1996. 5–up This photo-essay about 19th-century boys working in the coal mines in northeastern Pennsylvania offers “compelling” black-and-white historical photographs, some taken by Lewis Hines. Bartoletti shows “eight-year-old breaker boys sorting coal surrounded by deafening noise and black clouds of dust, steam, and smoke; what it was like to be a mule driver underground; what it meant to be a spragger,

26 • Basel a butty, a nipper” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1996). Bartoletti has also used oral histories and archival documents to render this nonfiction appraisal of child mining labor. This well-researched book is “a first-rate, accessible study of a time and place that played an important role in American economic and social history” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1997).

Basel, Roberta Sequoyah: Inventor of Written Cherokee. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2007. 5–8 Basel’s biography of Sequoyah, a title in the Signature Lives series, is “not a top choice,” but “adequately fulfills report needs” (School Library Journal, July 2007). Includes photographs, bibliography, chronology, a glossary, index, and suggested reading.

Bates, Artie Ann Ragsale, illus. by Jeff Chapman-Crane. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995. K–5 Bates tells the story of four Appalachians (grandmother, mother, and two sisters) searching “ragsales” (known also as garage sales or tag sales) for second-hand items that they can afford. According to the Kingsport Times-News, Bates, a native of Letcher County, Kentucky, “thought [the book] needed to be illustrated by somebody from the Appalachian region” because the characters are based on actual “residents of Letcher County.” Kingsport, Tennessee, native Chapman-Crane was selected: “We sat on Artie’s front porch and read through the story, decided where to divide the text, and came up with ideas for each scene’” (May 1, 1995). Though praising Chapman-Crane’s illustrations as “[n]early photographic in their precision and clarity,” Publishers Weekly says the “art seems likelier to strike a chord in adults than to engage children,” making the book “narrow in its appeal” (Feb. 20, 1995). Horn Book is more complimentary, saying that Bates and Chapman-Crane have delivered “a realistic slice of life ... part social, part economic, part treasure hunt.” The book “reaffirms traditional values” and celebrates “innate dignity and pride.” It presents “a warm and affectionate look” at Appalachia, “a region too little understood and too often stereotyped” (Sept./Oct. 1995).

Bates, Martine G. Chris Sheats: The Man Who Refused to Secede. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2004. 3–6 This title in the Alabama Roots Biography series presents the life of Chris Sheats. Although Sheats was elected a member of the secession convention in 1860, he refused to sign the ordinance of secession.

Heather Whitestone: Inspirational Miss America. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2007.

3–6 Bates presents a brief biography of Heather Whitestone. Deaf since the age of 18 months, Whitestone won the 1995 Miss America Beauty Pageant. Included in the Alabama Roots Biography series.

William Lowndes Yancey: Alabama Secession Leader. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2006. 3–6 Included in the Alabama Roots Biography series, Bates’ biography presents an examination of the life and career of William L. Yancey, American journalist and politician who campaigned for the state of Alabama to secede from the Union.

Bathurst, Dana Brewer Eva Dykes: A Star to Show the Way, illus. by John Gilbert. Huntsville, AL: Writers Consortium, 1989. 2–4 This title in the Recollections of Valor: Alabama series presents the life of Eva Dykes, one of the first black women in the United States to receive a Ph.D. In 1944 Dr. Dykes joined the faculty of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, where she chaired the English Department.

Bauer, Jennifer A. Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Wild Activities: Exploring Southern Appalachia, illus. by Janet Brown. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 2006. 4–6 Includes suggested activities to promote exploration and study of Southern Appalachian flora and fauna. Illustrated in part with photographs by Ken Murray and Jerry Nagel.

Baughman, Dorothy Piney’s Summer, illus. by Tom Allen. New York: Coward, McCann, and Geoghegan, 1976. 2–5 Piney’s Summer, set in rural Alabama, is the tale of a young boy’s “typical” summer adventures. “Episodic” and “colloquial” are words used to describe the events, which include the usual trickster pranks and coming-of-age experiences. This title is suited “to readers wading from picture books to novels” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 1977). Kirkus Reviews observes that Baughman “has kept her childhood memories spruce and accent agile” but that the book “soon cloys” (Nov. 1, 1976).

Bealer, Alex W. Only the Names Remain: The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears, illus. by William Sauts Bock. Boston: Little, Brown, 1972; illus. by Kristina Rodanas. Boston: Little, Brown, 1996. 4–6 This solid history of the Cherokee, which begins prior to the coming of the white man in 1540 and ends with the Trail of Tears, “is as interesting for its inherent drama as it is useful.” Bock’s black-and-

Beebe • 27 white illustrations are described in 1973 as “effective” and “authentically-detailed” (Bulletin, Apr. 1973). Reprinted in 1996, the “unrevised” text “remains elegantly elegiac, bringing both clarity and immediacy to a complicated story.” Rodanas’ illustrations for the 1996 edition “soberly present Cherokee artifacts ... and make this slender work even more accessible and vital” than it was in 1972 (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1996).

Beatty, John, and Patricia Beatty

5–up This fact-based novel explores the littleknown story of how the Civil War affected southern mill towns. When Union soldiers send Hannalee and her brother Jem north to Indiana, they escape and find their way back to Georgia. “More serious than most of Beatty’s stories,” this novel is “effective” in “structure, characterization, and style” (Bulletin, Nov. 1984). School Library Journal calls this “A fast-moving novel based upon an actual historical incident with a spunky heroine and fine historical detail” ( Jan. 1985). Excellent historical notes provide background.

Who Comes to King’s Mountain? New York: Morrow, 1975.

Who Comes with Cannons? New York: Morrow, 1992.

6–up In typical Beatty fashion, this historical novel is well researched, well written, educational, and entertaining. In this Revolutionary War story of the Battle of King’s Mountain, South Carolina, the authors present “a facet of the American Revolution that is little known: the divided loyalties of the Scottish southerners” (Bulletin, Jan. 1976.) Alec MacLeod and his father are loyal to the crown, though his grandfather believes Prince Charles to be the true monarch, but events cause Alec to join Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. Ironically, Alec ends up pressed into service with the British and, consequently, fights in the Battle of King’s Mountain. “The Beattys’ final collaboration is one of their best, a tight weave of historical fact and good storytelling that informs under the guise of expert entertainment” (Booklist, Nov. 1, 1975). The Beattys provide excellent historical background notes.

Beatty, Patricia Charley Skedaddle. New York: Morrow, 1987. 5–7 In this coming-of-age story set in 1864, 12-year-old Charley Quinn, an Irish-Catholic Bowery Boy, joins the Union army —140th New York Veteran Volunteers — as a drummer boy. He is enamored of war and hopes to revenge the death of his brother, who was killed at Gettysburg. His name, “Charley Skedaddle” is given to him when he runs from battle. He is taken in by Granny Bent, an old woman in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and eventually their attachment to each other grows. “The setting is vivid, the characterization strong, and structure solid” (Bulletin, Oct. 1987). “Beatty brings history to life with thorough research, unusual characters and events, and fascinating historical detail” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1987). Kirkus Reviews praises the book’s “shimmer and forward thrust,” and its “rich detail,” as Charles adjusts to mountain life and gains self respect (Sept. 15, 1987). Publishers Weekly says this is a “well-crafted, somewhat episodic novel” and “one of Beatty’s best” (Oct. 9, 1987). As usual, Beatty provides extensive historical background, including an explanation for her use of Appalachian mountain dialect.

Turn Homeward, Hannalee. New York: Morrow, 1984.

5–up When Truth Hopkins becomes orphaned just prior to the Civil War, she goes to live with her relatives in North Carolina. Her family are Quakers, involved in the Underground Railroad, whose activities Truth soon joins. Published after Beatty’s death, this novel takes the risk of creating “a heroine who plays a passive role for much of the story” but it “succeeds in the end,” as readers “view the Civil War from the perspective of a group persecuted by both sides” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 14, 1992). Horn Book describes the book as “believable, nicely paced, and rich in historical detail” ( Jan./Feb. 1993).

Becker, Helaine John Brown. Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch, 2001. 4–7 This title in the Triangle Histories series covers the entire life of John Brown, the man who led the 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It explores Brown’s childhood in Connecticut and the development of his abolitionist perspective as he grows into an adult, “examining the impact of the man’s life and work within the context of his times and beyond” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 2002). The Horn Book Guide says this is a “readable, factually sound” depiction of Brown’s life (Spring 2002). The format makes use of sidebars as well as archival materials and portraits. A bibliography, index, and glossary round out the book.

Beckman, Pat R. From the Ashes, illus. by Paulette Livers Lambert. Boulder, CO: Rinehart, 1996. 4–7 Included in the Council for Indian Education series, Beckman’s novel is set in Ohio in the late 1700s. Davey Jones is determined to rescue his brother who has been kidnapped by the Shawnee.

Beebe, Burdetta F. Appalachian Elk, illus. by James Ralph Johnson. New York: McKay, 1962. 5–up Told from the perspective of forest ranger Dave Beebe, this is the biography of one elk, Smoky, in Virginia’s Jefferson National Forest. The

28 • Beecher writing is solid, but the narrative stalls amid details of forestry, wildlife, reintroduction of native species, and park management, and the author frequently attributes human thoughts and qualities to Smoky. On the other hand, patient readers who can overlook these weaknesses will come away from the book with a wealth of knowledge. Appalachian Elk is a nice companion volume for George Laycock’s similar but more interesting story of a black bear, Big Nick (1967). (RH)

Beecher, Elizabeth Walt Disney’s Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, illus. by Walt Disney Studio and adapted by Al Schmidt. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1955. K–3 Fictional portrayal of Davy Crockett. Included in the Big Golden Book series.

Belew, M. Wendell The Dark’s a-Creepin’, illus. by H. Don Fields. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1964; Nashville, TN, B & H, 1979. K–6 After their mother dies and their father is disabled with black lung disease, 11-year-old Chip and his younger sister receive assistance from the minister in their Appalachian community.

Bell, Corydon John Rattling-Gourd of Big Cove, illus. by author. New York: Macmillan, 1955. 3–6 This 1955 collection of Native American folktales is a forerunner to the many collections and picture-book editions available today. “Unified by a narrative framework, these Cherokee nature myths describe how various animals acquired their coats or other characteristics or positions in the animal world.” The narrator, John Rattling-Gourd, is the Cherokee storyteller who renders these “simple, quiet tales” (School Library Journal, June 15, 1955).

Bell, Thelma Harrington Mountain Boy, illus. by Corydon Bell. New York: Viking, 1947. 1–3 Randy is a “mountain boy” who can “read” animal and weather “signs” but refuses to learn “the three R’s.” His mother enlists the “unwitting” assistance of their mule, Jinny, to convince Randy of the “virtues of education,” including reading and writing. “The moral is presented, quite simply, quietly.” While the book lacks “drama,” it does have “humor and a sense of the mountain background,” in both the text and the illustrations (New York Times, Aug. 10, 1947).

Pawnee, illus. by Corydon Bell. New York: Viking, 1950. 1–4 Pawnee is an Indian doll, dressed in buckskin, which comes alive, though Bobby’s parents do

not quite believe that it is Pawnee who creates disturbances and havoc. Much of the humor lies in the discrepancy between Pawnee’s reported actions and what the parents (and the reader) believe and know. Pawnee then joins a Wild West show, “with consequences which are surprising and satisfactory.” This doll’s “yearning” to be free is wistful, humorous, and exciting, and while the illustrations are “not inspiring,” the “action and fun” somewhat compensate (New York Times, Mar. 9, 1950).

Yaller-Eye, illus. by Corydon Bell. New York: Viking, 1951. 1–5 The protagonist of this book, Randy Reed, lives in the Carolina mountains. When his cat YallerEye loses a paw in a trap, his father pronounces the animal useless, much to his son’s dismay. Daddy Reed attributes more importance to work and a realistic view of life than to pets. A predictable plot ensues, wherein the family and the teacher “contrive” to change the father’s mind. “Although the story presents friendly rural folk and a beautiful country background it is not as convincing as the author’s earlier book, Mountain Boy” (New York Times Book Review, Jan. 13, 1952).

Beller, Susan Provost Cadets at War: The True Story of Teenage Heroism at the Battle of New Market, illus. with photographs. White Hall, VA: Shoe Tree, 1991. 5–7 On May 15, 1864, in New Market, Virginia, cadets from nearby Virginia Military Institute in Lexington were enlisted to fight under the command of General Breckinridge against Union soldiers and suffered significant casualties. Beller uses “carefully researched” primary materials, including letters, “to give a fascinating, readable account” (School Library Journal, June 1, 1991). A Bulletin review agrees that the book is “carefully detailed” but argues that it “has more tedious facts than historical flow”: “The writing style is plodding, the book an amalgam of military fervor and romanticizing of war” that is “not likely to have broad appeal” ( July/Aug. 1991). Includes an index, bibliography, and notes.

Belton, Sandra From Miss Ida’s Porch, illus. by Floyd Cooper. New York: Macmillan, 1993. 3–6 Sandra Belton, born in Bluefield, West Virginia, sets her first book on Miss Ida’s front porch, on Church Street. It is a summer evening, and the children have gathered round to listen to the adults reminisce, telling stories about the days of Jim Crow laws, Duke Ellington, and Marian Anderson. “In an easy conversational style which is layered with rich, descriptive language, the author successfully blends together fact and fiction” (Horn Book, Dec. 1993). Belton’s “historical continuity” is complemented by Cooper’s illustrations, “in which past and present mingle in warm medleys of brown and gold” (Kirkus

Benge • 29 Reviews, Sept. 1, 1993). Publishers Weekly also praises Cooper’s “full-page paintings,” which “capture the fading light on the young and old faces and complement the nostalgic quality of the story” (Sept. 26, 1993).

McKendree. New York: Greenwillow, 2000. 6–9 McKendree is the name of an assisted living home for elderly African Americans where Tilara Haynes, age 14, volunteers. Though she lives in Boston, she has come to spend the summer of 1948 with her Aunt Cloelle in West Virginia, the ancestral home of her father. Over the course of the summer, she struggles with her own notions of beauty and the intraracial prejudice against dark-skinned African Americans. “The mountain scenery provides an elegant backdrop for the action, but the strength of this book is the evocative, finely crafted characterizations” (School Library Journal, July 2000). Though Belton “seems too anxious to teach her readers lessons, ... her love for the characters and for the time and place of her period setting is infectious” (Booklist, Aug. 1, 2000). A Publishers Weekly review finds the novel “too cluttered with tangential issues and unresolved romantic triangles” ( June 5, 2000), but Kirkus Reviews finds “the romantic entanglements” to be “realistically resolved”: “What distinguishes this book is its honest exploration of prejudice as it existed within a culture — and perhaps still does” (May 1, 2000).

Benagh, Jim Terry Bradshaw: Superarm of Pro Football. New York: Putnam, 1976. 5–7 This biography of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, a title in the Sports Shelf series, does not do justice to its subject. Though Benagh defends Bradshaw “against the cavils of fans and sportswriters,” he does not succeed in “beefing up the Bradshaw image.” Other flaws are typos and the “short shrift” the author gives to Super Bowl X and the playoffs leading up to it (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 1976). “Unfortunately, the author’s skill and candor in exploring Bradshaw’s personal problems ... are not matched by an ability to capture the excitement” of the game. Benagh’s prose sounds “like dry newspaper accounts”; nevertheless, the biography is “a cut above” the usual sports book (School Library Journal, Sept. 1976).

Benét, Laura Caleb’s Luck, illus. by Ellis Credle. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1937 (1942). K–3 Caleb Waters, age 10, lives in Turkey Creek Bottom, which is 15 miles from the High Ridge Community School in the North Carolina mountains. He hopes to “git schoolin’” there because his “skullpiece is better’n [his] pa’s” and he “kin nuther read nor write” (np), but he doesn’t have the money. When he walks to High Ridge School, Miss Cranston, the teacher, befriends him by helping him find a place to stay and telling him about a garnet mine nearby. He

mines a packet of gems and takes them to Ed Jones, who will sell them to the “summer folks.” On the way back home, Caleb picks up a piece of quartz for a doorstop that, unknown to him, holds a rare blue beryl. Two weeks before the opening of school, he goes back to High Ridge to claim his money for the garnets; Ed Jones gives him 25 cents and says he threw most of the gems away, but a geologist gives him ten dollars for the blue beryl, assuring that he can go to school and buy his mother a ring. The plot of this Story Parade Picture Book is slight and predictable: Caleb’s father is an angry moonshiner who has no use for “schoolin’”; his mother is supportive and encouraging. The dialect is heavy, and the text features typical foods (corn pone, black-eyed peas, bacon) and events (Caleb gets sprayed by a skunk). Credle’s illustrations, both black-and-white and four-color, depict the mountain culture but do not extend or interpret the text. Her illustrations for her own stories are more successful. (RH)

Benét, Rosemary, and Stephen Vincent Benét Johnny Appleseed, illus. by S. D. Schindler. New York: McElderry, 2001. K–2 Illustrator S. D. Schindler “convey[s] the spirit as well as the humor of [the] legend” of Johnny Appleseed (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2001), first published as a poem in the Benéts’ Book of Americans (1933). “The poem’s simple structure, pulsing cadence and clever thematic imagery ... boost its impact as a read-aloud” (Publishers Weekly, June 25, 2001). The endnote from Thomas C. Benét provides background information and explains the “stalking Indian” (School Library Journal, Aug. 2001), which Booklist considers “a bit of political incorrectness” ( June 15, 2001).

Benét, Stephen Vincent The Ballad of William Sycamore, illus. by Brinton Turkle. New York: Little, Brown, (1959) 1972. 1–5 Steven Vincent Benét’s poem first appeared in 1923 as a biography in verse of a Kentucky pioneer. Fifty years later, the poem seems a little dated: “the rhyming ... is sometimes forced and the imagery tired.” But Brinton Turkle’s illustrations are deemed “superior,” “stunning,” and “more impressive than the text” (New York Times Book Review, Jan. 28, 1973). This picture-book version of an older Benét poem will make a nice companion to the Benéts’ Johnny Appleseed, originally published in 1933 and issued as a picture book in 2001.

Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge Helen Keller: Facing Her Challenges, Challenging the World, illus. by Kennon James. Houston, TX: Advance, 2000.

30 • Benjamin 2–3 Though Helen Keller led a remarkable life, all aspects of this biography are “of rather poor quality,” from the “lackluster” formatting, to the “bland, cartoony illustrations” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2001).

Benjamin, Anne Young Helen Keller: Woman of Courage, illus. by Julie Durrell. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1992. 1–4 A simple, easy-to-read biography, Benjamin’s book focuses mainly on Keller’s childhood and the influence of her teacher and companion Annie Sullivan. As with many biographies, this title adds little or no new information, and does not compare favorably with David Adler’s A Picture Book of Helen Keller (1990). Though the illustrations are “sprightly,” they “are not outstanding” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1992).

Young Rosa Parks: Civil Rights Heroine, illus. by Ellen Beier. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1995.

The “interesting” style “never really engages the reader” because Bennett’s narrative has a “distancing nostalgic patina”; “the book is not particularly memorable” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1987). On the other hand, School Library Journal praises the novel as “done skillfully.” The writing is “elusive and ambivalent in meaning,” but “it catches a profundity”: “Candid and profane at times, the novel’s overall texture is one of vibrant moral revelations of the human condition during adolescence” (Dec. 1, 1987).

Bernstein, Ross Randy Moss: Star Wide Receiver. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2002. 4–10 From the Sports Reports series, this biography of West Virginia native Randy Moss covers his experience as a high school, college, and professional football player. Intended for reluctant readers, this title covers Moss’s “determination to overcome some poor decisions he made as a young adult” (Horn Book, Oct. 1, 2002).

K–3 Included in the First Start Biography series, Young Rosa Parks is a “visually appealing” life story intended for young readers (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1996).

Berry, Erick [pseud. of Allena Champlin and Herbert Best]

Bennett, Barbara J.

One-String Fiddle, illus. by author. Chicago: John C. Winston, 1939.

Stonewall Jackson: Lee’s Greatest Lieutenant, illus. by Alex Bloch. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett, 1991. 5–up This well-documented, attractive biography is liberally illustrated with maps, photographs, and interpretive timelines, making it an excellent educational tool. The battle accounts are especially well done and easy to follow. In the tradition of late 20thcentury biographers, Bennett’s prose succeeds in presenting an objective picture of the whole man, not a paragon of virtue. Good index and bibliography. (RH)

Bennett, Paul Follow the River. New York: Orchard, 1987. 7–up Bennett’s first novel receives mixed reviews for its plot and writing style. Set in a small Ohio town, the book is divided into four sections, one each for 1930, 1934, 1936, and 1937. (A note on the book jacket places it in Appalachia.) Harry Lighthorse Lee is one of seven children born into a poverty-stricken family; Harry falls for Nancy Sutton, the beautiful daughter of a banker and an alcoholic mother. “The connections between the two families seem “deliberate” and “contrived.” The plot is “uneven in pace, occasionally obtrusive in writing style.” The characterization is “variable.” “Not a bad first novel, but it has a concocted quality (Bulletin, Feb. 1988). A Publishers Weekly review says the novel “fails to form a coherent whole,” and that Bennett’s interspersed poetry is “more compelling than the ... prose” (Nov. 13, 1987).

3–7 This 1939 book is typical for its time, and though the story may seem too tame by today’s standards, it represents the classic boy-loves-dog plot. Irby’s dog Billiam needs a collar. To earn money to buy a collar, Irby makes up a fiddle tune and enters a fiddling contest, where he plays his handmade, onestring, cigar-box fiddle, which has no bow. Interspersed throughout the text is the music for Irby’s song. “A spontaneous book, of humor and charm, with a feeling for Tennessee mountain folk” (Booklist, Sept. 1939). Includes music by Lillian Webster. The story is reminiscent of the work of May Justus, Ellis Credle, and Ruth and Latrobe Carroll.

Bethell, Jean Three Cheers for Mother Jones, illus. by Kathleen Garry-McCord. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1980. 1–3 Bethell tells the story of the 1903 Children’s Crusade, when Mother Jones led a march of mill children to the gates of President Roosevelt’s Long Island summer home, in an attempt to promote change in child labor laws. A Kirkus Reviews evaluation is wholly negative toward Mother Jones —“What she accomplished then or ever is tenuous.”— and toward all aspects of the book. Bethell’s prose is described as “inadequate, easy-readerese,” and “perfunctory”: “A well-intentioned wide miss” (Sept. 1, 1980). Booklist is more positive, calling the book a “worthwhile account of a grim historical time” (Dec. 15, 1980).

Bice • 31

Bial, Raymond Mist Over the Mountains: Appalachia and Its People. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. 4–7 Bial is often praised for his photo essays [see With Needle and Tread (1996), Shaker Home (1994), Portrait of a Farm Family (1995)], but this one does not strike a happy chord with all reviewers. His “portrait [of Appalachia] is no more than a basic sketch,” and while the cultural elements are “touched on,” they “are never quite given life.” The full-color photographs “offer some gorgeous glimpses of the area and its inhabitants but not a real sense of the landscape” (School Library Journal, May 1, 1994). Another review notes that the “text deals frankly with the more troubled aspects” of the Appalachian region, but Bial “consistently emphasizes the strengths of the people, their unique traditions, and the beauty of the landscape.” Bial has presented no images of strip mining or poverty, for example (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 1997). Booklist says the book is “too limited to fully illuminate Appalachia,” but that Bial has presented the material “with care and respect” (Mar. 1, 1997). “Though somewhat touristy and pristine, this is not an entirely romanticized view of life in the mountains” (Bulletin, June 1997). A list of suggested reading is including, but the book has no bibliography, no map, and no glossary. School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews compare it unfavorably with Cynthia Rylant’s Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds (1991), and School Library Journal suggests that Jo Carson’s Stories I Ain’t Told Nobody Yet (1989) gives “a deeper look at a vibrant way of life.”

The Cherokee. New York: Benchmark, 1999. 4–7 Included in Marshall Cavendish’s Lifeways series, The Cherokee presents information on the history and traditions of the Cherokee people. “Lavishly illustrated ... [and] clearly written” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 1999). Bibliography, chronology, and a list of notable Cherokee people are appended.

The Shawnee. New York: Benchmark, 2004. 5–up Included in Marshall Cavendish’s Lifeways series, The Shawnee is “handsome and useful.” It includes good material and a “thoughtful discussion” from a historical perspective, making for a “respectful and informative” book (Horn Book, Oct. 1, 2004). Includes brief biographies of notable Shawnee people, a directory, a reading list, timeline, websites, bibliography, glossary, and index.

Bice, David A. The Legend of John Henry, the Steel Driving Man, illus. by Larry Pauley. Charleston, WV: Jalamap, 1980. 4–6 The text is static and sometimes vague: “Before [the railroad] could be built, a person had to ride out to look at the land.” Nevertheless, Bice tells succinctly the story of John Henry and explains the

exact function of the “steel drivin’ man” as well as the drill. Most picture-book versions omit the technical details such as the roles of the surveyor, the “shaker,” the “powder monkey,” and the “shooter.” The basic information of building a railroad “a long time ago” is solid and useful. Pauley’s illustrations clarify the text but do not add interest or action to the story. A version of the “Ballad of John Henry” is included. (RH)

Mad Anne Bailey, illus. by Rebecca Wilson. Charleston, WV: Jalamap, 1980. 4–6 This is the story of a frontier woman in western Virginia (prior to the creation of the state of West Virginia) who serves as an indentured servant, becomes a farmer’s wife, and when she is widowed, takes on the persona of Mad Anne Bailey, a “feared and respected” male Indian fighter. “This amusing look at a truly liberated heroine is reminiscent of Jean Fritz’s approach to biography” (Mertins, Barbara, ed. Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People Series. American Library Association, 1985).

The Pringle Tree, illus. by Charles Fry. Charleston, WV: Jalamap, 1977; Charleston, WV: David A. Bice, 1981. 2–4 This is the story of two brothers, John and Samuel Pringle, who were cowardly British soldiers. They deserted their fort during the French and Indian War and fled to what is now West Virginia. Without shelter, they discovered a hollow tree and survived there for four years. They became eager to return to civilization but were afraid they would be caught, so John went to seek civilization while Samuel stayed behind. When John returned, he explained that “the soldiers no longer were looking for them. The French and Indian War was over.” The book ends with the moral: “All of the Pringle brothers’ fears had been unnecessary.” The story is supposedly set in Buckhannon where a descendant of the hollow Pringle tree still stands. This 54-page, large-print book seems to have been designed as a beginning reader, but it lacks motivation and plot. The three-color cartoon drawings add little interest. It is probably of local interest to residents of Buckhannon, West Virginia. (The 1977 edition, in hardback, has 32 pages, small print, and four-color illustrations, published by Jalamap.) (RH)

Bice, David A., and Helen Jones West Virginia and the Appalachians, illus. by Jack Crane. Charleston, WV: Jalamap, 1983. 7–up This attractive book contains 12 chapters: History, Geography, Forming West Virginia, Animals and Vegetation, Natural Resources, Transportation, Communication, Manufacturing and Industry, Recreation, Education, Housing, and Reliving the Past. The appendix, glossary, bibliography, and index make it especially usable, as do the excellent activi-

32 • Bigland ties interspersed among the chapters—projects such as collecting oral histories and stringing leather britches beans make this a good resource for teachers. The illustrations — photographs, drawings, and maps — extend and illustrate the text. The book presents the past and the present without glorifying either. (RH)

Bigland, Eileen Helen Keller, illus. by Lili Cassel. New York: S. G. Phillips, 1967. 7–up This story of Helen Keller’s life compares unfavorably with previous biographies, such as Peare’s Helen Keller Story (1959), Waite’s Valiant Companions (1959), and Keller’s autobiography, Story of My Life (1903). Described as a book that “offers no new materials or interpretations,” this title should be purchased by libraries only if they hold no Keller biographies in their collections, in which case, this will serve as a “smoothly-told, informative account of her life” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1967).

Bildner, Phil Shoeless Joe and Black Betsy, illus. by C. F. Payne. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2002. K–3 Joseph Jefferson Jackson earned the nickname of “Shoeless Joe” when he played a baseball game in his stocking feet. He made his way from the minor leagues to the majors, where he played from 1908 to 1920, and was involved in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, which ended his career. This picture-book biography focuses on Shoeless Joe’s bat Betsy, which is made by South Carolinian Charlie Ferguson. Through trial and error (spiced with a healthy dose of superstition), “Ol’ Charlie” and Shoeless Joe finally create the perfect bat and the right frame of mind for Joe. “Rookie Bildner hits a home run here, zeroing in on the bat as just the right lens through which to view” this baseball legend. The text is “conversational” and punctuated with “appealing colloquialisms.” Payne’s illustrations are described as having “a tall-tale quality” and “a riveting blend of humor and gravity” (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 2001). Booklist calls Bildner’s book “an amusing picture-book tall tale,” and also praises Payne’s illustrations, which “do the story justice, capturing the look of baseball in the teens and ’20s.” This review notes that the author glosses over Jackson’s involvement in the 1919 scandal (Feb. 1, 2002), a perception also voiced in School Library Journal: “Bildner’s bias in favor of his subject is evident in the afterword describing the allegations against Joe and his teammates” (Apr. 1, 2002). But Kirkus Reviews says “Bildner sticks mostly to the main facts and resists a romanticization of the game.” In keeping with all evaluations of this book, Kirkus praises the illustrations: “The fuzz is in the flannel and the light is just right” (Dec. 15, 2001). The Afterword gives full historical detail that is omitted in the text, including in-

formation on the 1919 scandal, along with Shoeless Joe’s baseball statistics.

Billus, Kathleen Judy Johnson. New York: Rosen, 2002. 6–9 This text presents the life of the famed Negro League third baseman and discusses segregation in America, the formation of the Negro Leagues, and the integration of professional baseball in 1947. Billus presents an “unvarnished picture of racism and how it impacted amateur and professional baseball from 1868 onward” (Book Report, Sept./Oct. 2002).

Birchfield, D. L. Cherokee. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 2004. 4–8 This title in the Native American Peoples series provides “both current and historical information” about the tribe. “In spite of ... errors,” this volume will provide good information for reports” (School Library Journal, May 2004). Birchfield’s text is “quite brief and full of generalizations” (Horn Book, Fall 2004). The book is illustrated with photographs and makes extensive use of sidebars. The back matter includes a reading list, glossary, and timeline.

Tecumseh, Leader. Parsippany, NJ: Modern Curriculum, 1994. 1–4

Included in the Beginning Biographies se-

ries.

Bird, Robert Montgomery Nick of the Woods: Or the Jibbenainosay, A tale of Kentucky. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea and Blanchard, 1837. 7–up Robert Bird’s Nick of the Woods was first published in 1837, and according to the Saturday Review of Literature, it “went through some twenty editions” between 1837 and 1928. Typical of its time, this Kentucky pioneer adventure story, set in the years after the Revolutionary War, presents a “highly prejudiced impression” of Native Americans as “bloody, base, and merciless savages,” a view contrasted to “the noble red man of Fenimore Cooper.” This review laments the fact that Bird’s book “has been kept available in the cheap fifty-cent reprints that today have an obscure but constant sale” (Saturday Review of Literature, Sept. 29, 1928).

Bird, Traveller (Tsisghwanai) The Path to Snowbird Mountain: Cherokee Legends, illus. by author. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1972. 4–6 The stories in this collection will feel familiar to readers well versed in classic fables and myths, but they are presented here in “the original Indian style,” which School Library Journal compares unfavorably with Scheer’s Cherokee Animal Tales

Blackhurst • 33 (1968). “Unfortunately, the introductory paragraphs to each tale are sometimes self-conscious or trite.” Collections holding Scheers’s book “will not need this one” (Dec. 15, 1972). Since 1972, a number of collections of Cherokee tales and picture-book editions have appeared, but Bird’s volume should not necessarily be cast aside; his native voice has the ring of authenticity.

Birdseye, Tom Look Out, Jack! The Giant Is Back!, illus. by Will Hillenbrand. New York: Holiday, 2001. 1–4 After Jack kills the giant in the English folktale “Jack and the Beanstalk,” he and his mother take their booty and move to a farm in the mountains of North Carolina. All is well until the giant’s revengeful brother comes to the United States in search of his brother’s killer. “Birdseye’s forced story line and descriptions never gel”; this post–fairy tale/tall tale is just humdrum” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 10, 2001). Though the text may not be to everyone’s liking, most agree that “Hillenbrand captures the spirit of the text with lively, humor-filled illustrations.... [R]eaders will love this tale about Jack (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2001). Booklist agrees that the “comedy is a bit tame,” but the humor is “mostly in the down-home twang of the telling ... and in the pictures” (Sept. 1. 2001). The “folksy style” and “American vernacular” are also noted by Kirkus Reviews, which pronounces the book to be “Great fun” (Sept. 1, 2001).

A Regular Flood of Mishap, illus. by Megan Lloyd. New York: Holiday, 1994. K–3 When six-year-old Ima Bean inadvertently brings a string of calamities to her family, she packs her bag with every intention of leaving Mossyrock Creek. In the tradition of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Ima is naively well-meaning and, unfortunately, a typical child. Of course her family brings her back home with love and reassurance. “Expressive, humorous language ... combined with a backwoods setting and dialect,” “ludicrous situations and a reassuring ending” will make the book a hit (Booklist, Feb. 1, 1995). School Library Journal pronounces it “a winner, and a great readaloud choice” Mar. 1, 1994). Kirkus Reviews calls it a “comical, reassuring tale” (Feb. 15, 1994). Publishers Weekly stands alone in saying the “plot devices are strained, and [Birdseye’s] often vivid mountain-folk lingo gets buried by laggardly pacing and awkward use of repetition” (Dec. 20, 1993).

Soap! Soap! Don’t Forget the Soap!: An Appalachian Folktale, illus. by Andrew Glass. New York: Holiday, 1993. K–2 Though Birdseye doesn’t identify Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales as the source of this variant, it follows the familiar pattern of “Soap, Soap, Soap.” Horn Book calls it an “amusing Appalachian version of

the Epaminondas theme” (May/June 1993). The main character in Birdseye’s version is named Plug Honeycutt, a name that, like the illustrations, “underscores conventional, even stereotyped, images of Appalachian hill people” (Bulletin, May/June 1993). “Birdseye’s vivid language, use of repetition, and tone invite oral readings” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1993). According to Kirkus Reviews, “Glass’s affectionately caricatured mountain folk cavort in sunny colored pencils and watercolor” (May 1, 1993). Publishers Weekly calls the 1996 reprint an “engagingly retold yarn” with “suitably slapdash” illustrations ( Jan. 1, 1996).

Birdseye, Tom, and Debbie Holsclaw Birdseye She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain, illus. by Andrew Glass. New York: Holiday, 1994. K–3 Based on the popular song, this story adds interest with Oma and Opa Sweet, the twins, and an upscale Tootie who arrives in a fancy car and evening attire. The Birdseyes’ “characters are hillbilly folk,” rendered in Glass’s illustrations as “jiggly, bony figures” (Publishers Weekly, Aug. 1, 1994). This is a “rather rural Appalachian family” depicted in Glass’s art with “just the right rusty twang” and in the Birdseyes’ text with appropriate “homespun colloquialisms” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1994). The Sweets’ “world is a combination of Grand Old Opry and everybody’s backyard” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1994). Includes eight verses of the song, the music, and background on this favorite American folk song. According to the Authors’ Note, the song is based on an African-American spiritual (“When the Chariot Comes”), which “became a popular Appalachian song during the 1800s.”

Bjarkman, Peter C. Roberto Clemente. New York: Chelsea, 1991. 4–6 A “succinct and appropriate” tribute to Puerto Rico’s most famous baseball star, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (Horn Book, Sept. 1991). Clemente died in an airplane crash in 1972. Includes bibliography and index.

Blackburn, Joyce Martha Berry: Little Woman with a Big Dream. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1968. 7–up Martha Berry’s dream was to get “underprivileged Southern mountain children to the Berry Schools” where they could study basic academics and learn skills that made them employable; “charged with love, charm and genius, she inspired both poor and wealthy” to join her campaign for education (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 14, 1968).

Blackhurst, W. E. Of Men and a Mighty Mountain. Parsons, WV: McClain, 1965.

34 • Blair 7–up Using the first-person points of view, 45 different characters relate fictionalized accounts of the early history of Cass, West Virginia. The stories, strongly autobiographical, represent the diverse ethnic makeup of the town, along with “sketches that paint a picture of the kinds of people whose labors, dreams, disappointments, and fulfillments became the history of Cass” (Barbara Mertins, ed. Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People Series. American Library Association, 1985).

Blair, Margaret Whitman Brothers at War. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 1996. 4–7 Brothers participating in a Civil War reenactment are transported to 1862 to the Battle of Antietam. “The time travel device works well in this story, allowing the characters to experience events from the past without romanticizing them” (Booklist, Aug. 1997). This title in the White Mane Kids series echoes George Ella Lyon’s Here and Then (1994) and Elaine Marie Alphin’s Ghost Cadet (1991).

Blakely, Gloria Condoleezza Rice. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2003. 6–12 Biography focuses on Dr. Rice’s position as National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush. Content covers “aspects of social history relevant to the time period” (Horn Book, Oct. 1, 2004).

Blanton, Catherine Trouble on Old Smoky, illus. by Anne Merriman Peck. New York: Whittlesey, 1951. 5–up Sunny Anderson’s family sells land to the Federal government to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, though they retain a life interest in it. Set in the vicinity of Mount LeConte, this is a typical story of a young boy’s ambition in conflict with “his father’s prejudice against book learning and outsiders.” An “interesting story [that] gives a realistic picture of mountain people” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 1952). According to the New York Times, the author “has drawn ... a moving portrait” of a child caught “between the traditions of his people and a new world.” The characters represent the “independence of the mountain people,” but they are “individuals, not types” (Sept. 23, 1951).

Blassingame, Wyatt How Davy Crockett Got a Bearskin Coat, illus. by Mimi Korach. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1972. 2–5 This “flat and over-long yarn” is a pourquoi tale of why the bear has a short tail. “Mimi Korach’s illustrations picture Davy as a stocky, stupid lumber jack,” and “Blassingame does nothing to provide depth of focus” for early readers, “nor does he substantiate his picture of Crockett” (School Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1972).

John Henry and Paul Bunyan Play Baseball, illus. by Raymond Burns. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1971. 2–5 This typical tall tale takes two folk heroes out of their native regions and pits them against each other in a game of baseball — John Henry pitching to Paul Bunyan. The game is new to both heroes who are not only larger than life but larger than the game itself. The ball is too small for John Henry, so he forms one by squeezing a bale of cotton; Paul Bunyan breaks a limb from an oak tree for a bat. While there is no Appalachian setting or content ( John Henry is identified simply as “the greatest steel-driving man in the South”), the story illustrates the extension of an Appalachian hero beyond his original geographical milieu through tall-tale exaggeration. The story is flat and predictable but contains some good puns — Bunyan thinks “batter” is “pancake batter.” (RH)

Bleeker, Sonia The Cherokee: Indians of the Mountains, illus. by Althea Karr. New York: Morrow, 1952. 3–7 Bleeker surveys Cherokee cultural and social history, including Sequoyah and the Trail of Tears. The “format is good, with clear print and suitable illustrations in black and white” (School Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1953). Includes an index.

Blevins, Wade And Then the Feather Fell, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. K–8 In this title from the Cherokee Indian Legend series, a young Cherokee girl copes with her grandmother’s illness.

A-ta-ga-hi’s Gift, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. 4–7 Near disaster jeopardizes Tommy’s hopes to be a ceremonial dancer, but he looks to a challenging Cherokee ceremony for a remedy.

Ganseti and the Legend of the Little People, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. 2–up In this title from the Cherokee Indian Legend series, Ganseti hears the tale of the Little People from his grandmother and searches for them in a cave.

Legend of Little Deer, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. 2–up In this title from the Cherokee Indian Legend series, a young Cherokee boy finds his humanity in his own generosity.

Path of Destiny, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. 2–up Jenny’s grandmother explains that a nightmare can mean an Old One seeks to communicate with the young girl about her future.

Boraas • 35

Se-lu’s Song, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. 4–7 In this title from the Cherokee Indian Legend series, Blevins tells the story of a Cherokee family forced to leave the Smoky Mountains and settle in Oklahoma. The family had no luck growing corn in their new home until they prayed to Se-lu the Corn Maiden.

The Wisdom Circle, illus. by author. Prairie Grove, AR: Ozark, 1996. K–8 A favorite uncle’s calm declaration that he is dying forces Jamie to reflect on the Cherokee wisdom circle of life.

Blevins, Wiley Once Upon a Hill: An Appalachian Tale, illus. by Fian Arroyo. New York: Scholastic, 1998. 1–3 Except for the subtitle, there is nothing Appalachian about this Scholastic Phonics Chapter Book. The cartoonish illustrations look western, and the weak version of “Cinder-Elly” that accounts for half the book bears no regional characteristics. (RH)

Block, Irvin The Lives of Pearl Buck: A Tale of China and America. New York: Crowell, 1973. 7–up Not usually thought of as an Appalachian, Pearl Buck was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. The daughter of missionaries, she lived in China for the first half of her life. Block’s biography “truly conveys the warmth and vitality of her personality” and briefly discusses Buck as a writer. The work is “smoothly-written and balanced,” giving a portrait of Buck as “forceful and compassionate” (Bulletin, Mar. 1974). Includes a recommended reading list and index.

Bodie, Idella The Old Wagoner. Orangeburg, SC: Sandlapper, 2002. 2–3 This biography of Daniel Morgan for young readers covers his childhood and military life, with emphasis on the American Revolution in the South.

The Wizard Owl. Orangeburg, SC: Sandlapper, 2003. 3–up This biography of General Andrew Pickens, a title in the Heroes and Heroines of the American Revolution series, focuses on Pickens’ role in the defeat of British troops at the Battle of Cowpens in the Revolutionary War. After the war, General Pickens established his home in the upper northwest part of South Carolina and served as the state’s first United States representative from the Pendleton district.

Bolden, Tonya Through Loona’s Door: A Tammy and Owen Adventure with Carter G. Woodson, illus. by Luther Knox. Oakland, CA: Corporation for Cultural Literacy, 1997; San Francisco: Cedar Grove, 2003. K–5 Aided by an eccentric bookseller, two children travel back in time to meet Carter G. Woodson, the father of black history. A title in the America’s Family Books series.

Bolton, Linda Andy Warhol. New York: Franklin Watts, 2002. 4–up This title in the Artists in Their Time series portrays the life, art, and influence of Pop artist Andy Warhol, who was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An index and timeline are included.

Bone, Patrick Aliens of Transylvania County. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 2002. 4–8 This title in the Silver Dagger Mysteries series is based on a legend about Devil’s Mountain, near Brevard, North Carolina. Set in the 1950s, the firstperson narrative “combines mild chills, authentic Appalachian folklore, and atmosphere” in a story about abduction by aliens who steal blood. The plot involving Chester Cumberland, John Croshaw, and Hannah Jane Goins is “somewhat rambling,” though “Bone has a fine ear for dialogue” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2002). Bone’s “novel is seriously hampered by poor pacing and an amateurish writing style.... Marginal, seriously flawed” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2002).

Bontemps, Arna Young Booker: Booker T. Washington’s Early Days. New York: Dodd Mead, 1972. 4–up Bontemps outlines Booker T. Washington’s youth and early career.

Boraas, Tracey Daniel Boone: Frontier Scout. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2003. 3–4 Apparently published to support National Standards for History, Daniel Boone: Frontier Scout is one of six titles included in the Let Freedom Ring biographical series. “[D]ry prose and poor followthrough on significant events and people” render these volumes less than helpful (Horn Book, Apr. 2003).

Sam Houston: Soldier and Statesman. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2003. K–4 A title in the Let Freedom Ring biographical series, Sam Houston: Soldier and Statesman includes information on Houston’s early life with the

36 • Borland Cherokee. Considered “marginal” and “seriously flawed” by the Horn Book Guide (2003).

Borland, Kathryn, and Helen Speicher Good-by to Stony Crick, illus. by Deanne Hollinger. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1974. 4–6 This novel addresses the familiar problem of assimilation when the seven Weatherheads move from Kentucky to Chicago. Reminiscent of Arnow’s adult novel The Dollmaker, the characters have difficulty fitting in and suffer from prejudiced attitudes, especially the oldest child, Jeremy. The Bulletin compares this novel with the Cleavers’ Mimosa Tree (1970) and Raymond’s Up from Appalachia (1966). The work “is weakened by the inclusion of so many minor themes and characters” and the characterization is flat, but “the writing style is adequate” (Sept. 1975). The emphasis throughout is on Jeremy’s feelings rather than events; “his efforts to find a niche in a strange environment will strike a responsive chord in middle graders” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1975). For a similar nonfiction account, see Gail Hardin and R. Conrad Stein’s The Road from West Virginia (1971).

Borton, Lady Junk Pile!, illus. by Kimberly Bulcken Root. New York: Philomel, 1997. K–3 Jamie Kay is shy and stutters, so she spends her days in her father’s junkyard, learning about automobile parts and exercising her imagination. According to the Bulletin, Borton’s story “celebrates invention” in a “run-down” Appalachian setting (May 1997). Booklist says that “Root’s line-and-watercolor illustrations perfectly express the intricate glory of the junkyard” as well as the characters (Apr. 15, 1997). “Deceptive in its simplicity,” this is an “effervescent, life-affirming tale” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 10, 1997). “Told with a minimum of words that effectively portray the characters,” this book offers a “bibliotherapeutic message” that is “understated but firmly interwoven into the tale” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1997).

1950s” (Feb. 15, 2000). “Sam’s introspective voice rings true for his age and background,” and his maturity and the setting lend a “slightly sophisticated one” to this beginning reader” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2000).

Bowman, James Cloyd John Henry: The Rambling Black Ulysses, illus. by Roy La Grone. Chicago: Whitman, 1942. 5–up This life of folk hero John Henry begins with Aunt Liza conjuring a “boy-chile” because Uncle Dan complains that they have nothing but daughters. Her trips to the “black bayou” on the Virginia coast and her “goofer dust” result in the magical appearance of “an overgrown black boy,” floating in the bayou, who tells her that his name is John Henry (15–27). Thus is born the larger-thanlife African-American hero who falls in love with Polly Ann, is separated from her, and searches for her throughout the southeastern United States — New Orleans, Mobile, Nashville, Charleston, Hopkinsville, Montgomery. In every location, he solves labor conflicts by leading and motivating workers. Bosses beg him to stay, but he searches on. Eventually he and Polly Ann are reunited and married; he wins the contest with the steam drill in the Big Bend Tunnel; and he collapses immediately afterward. The wandering–Ulysses theme is a repetitive frame for folklore, song, and the nation’s labor and transportation history, including cotton, mining, railroads, and steamboats. (Lyrics and melodies are included for many of the songs.) The African-American characters and dialect will be considered stereotyped and offensive in the 21st century, and young children will not be able to master the book, but scholars will find it useful on many levels. Bowman’s endnote, “How I Uncovered the Folklore for JOHN HENRY,” credits his oral-history sources, one of whom claims to have worked with three men who worked with John Henry on the Big Bend Tunnel. (RH)

Bowman, John

Bowdish, Lynea

Andrew Carnegie: Steel Tycoon. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett, 1989

Brooklyn, Bugsy, and Me, illus. by Nancy Carpenter. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000.

4–8 This “simple yet balanced” life of Carnegie emphasizes his “remarkable energy,” paternalism, and “philanthropy.” A title in the American Dream series (Horn Book Guide, 1989).

2–5 Set in 1953, this is the first-person story of nine-year-old Sam, whose father was killed in World War II. Having lost her job, his mother decides to move from West Virginia to live with Gramps, known as Bugsy, in Brooklyn. An urn containing Sam’s father’s ashes travels with them. “This quiet tale of adapting to a new home will likely offer comfort to readers faced with unexpected change” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 14, 2000). Booklist calls this a “funny and touching chapter-book retake on Brooklyn in the

Boyd, Lorenz Follow the Butterfly Stream, illus. with photographs by the author. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1971. 3–up Boyd explores the path of a mountain stream in the Great Smoky Mountains. The color photographs extend the text and display the mountain scenery.

Bradley • 37

Brackett, Virginia John Brown: Abolitionist. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2002. 3–7 Brackett’s biography is a title in the Famous Figures of the Civil War Era series, which is designed collectively to present the opposing perspectives and “relative merits” of both sides of the conflict (The Book Report, May/June 2002). School Library Journal considers these titles to be “[s]traightforward but flawed overviews”: “The individual problems with these books may be small, but there are enough of them to warrant mention.” For example, “a photo caption ... cites [John Brown’s] meeting with Frederick Douglass as ‘1948,’ instead of ‘1848’” (May 1, 2002).

Bradby, Marie More Than Anything Else, illus. by Chris K. Soentpiet. New York: Orchard, 1995. K–4 More Than Anything Else is a fictionalized account of Booker T. Washington’s quest to learn how to read because he instinctively knew that literacy is the key to success. “Bradby frequently crosses the line between inspiration and sentimentality, attributing to the boy somewhat florid and adult verbiage.” The author also fails to identify Washington’s full name as well as his “identity and historical significance” (Bulletin, Oct. 1995). Kirkus Reviews, on the other hand, deems this title “an immensely satisfying, accomplished work” and praises the Soentpiet’s illustrations as “beautifully executed, luminous” (Aug. 1, 1995).

Braden, Beulah Brummett When Grandma Was a Girl, illus. by Clifford Smith. Oak Ridge, TN: The Oak Ridger and The Clinton Courier-News, 1976. 4–up This nostalgic “memoir” of Grandma’s life as a child may be of more interest to adults than children. Each chapter is devoted to a question about the past, such as “What did Grandma do for fun?” This “well-designed” book may “stimulate a young person’s interest in family history” (Barbara Mertins, ed. Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People Series. American Library Association, 1985).

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker Half way to the Sky. New York: Delacorte, 2002. 5–8 The Appalachian Trail figures prominently in the life of 12-year-old Dani. Her parents met and were married on the Trail, and she and her brother were named for its two anchoring mountains: Katahdin (Dani) and Springer (her brother). So when 13-year-old Springer dies from muscular dystrophy and her parents divorce soon afterward, Dani naturally runs to the Trail. When her mother finds her on

her third day out, Dani convinces her to come along. The resulting two-month hike brings healing and coming of age. It is implausible that Dani’s mother would be able to leave work for two months, but “The book’s setting provides a unique backdrop to their mutual journeys of discovery” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 2002). “Teenagers will readily relate to the angst and anger,” as well as “the details about the Trail” (Kirkus Reviews, Jan. 15, 2002). An “outdoorsy bonding story about women” that presents “affecting” family tension and “drama” (Bulletin, May 2002). The journal format is suited to the plot, and “[c]haracterization is honest and very real.” These features, along with the fast pace, makes the book “hard to put down” (Book Report, Nov./Dec. 2002). Booklist deems the story “remarkably affecting” for its “gutsy heroine” (Apr. 1, 2002). Contains an Afterword with historical information on the Appalachian Trail.

Weaver’s Daughter. New York: Delacorte, 2000. 4–6 Set in the Southwest Territory in the 1790s, this is a remarkable story of asthmatic ten-yearold Lizzy who falls seriously ill every autumn. Her family sells a prized handwoven coverlet to raise the money to take Lizzy to a doctor in Jonesboro, Tennessee, for treatment that is ultimately ineffective. Narrated by Lizzy, the story draws the reader into her suffering and sense of her own mortality. “Bradley describes the frightening sensations of a severe asthma attack with the authenticity of personal experience” and “gives thoughtful treatment to the dubious morality of slavery.... A surprisingly rich book, given its slimness” (School Library Journal, Oct. 2000). “Bradley is careful neither to sentimentalize nor exploit” Lizzy’s illness, lending “complexity” to the characters and “an aching sadness” to the novel (Booklist, Aug. 2000). Publishers Weekly says the book offers “a comforting message” (Mar. 18, 2002), and a Kirkus review says the book is “charming” (Oct. 15, 2000). An Afterword gives information on 18th-century treatments for asthma and discusses Bradley’s personal battle with the affliction.

Bradley, Michael Peyton Manning. New York: Benchmark, 2004. 3–6 One of the best children’s biographies of Peyton Manning, Bradley’s contribution to the Benchmark All-stars series emphasizes hard work and dedication as the keys to success. Bradley’s experience as a sports writer and broadcaster lifts the prose above the usual formulaic writing of a series and renders its subject as a real and flawed human being, not a star. The narrative is interesting and easy to follow. Though the book is not didactic or preachy, young readers will come away from this book understanding the value of persistence, dedication, and focus. The photographs extend rather than decorate the text, and the end matter is useful: Statistics, Glossary, Web Sites, Books, and an Index (RH). Horn Book praises these Benchmark biographies as “noteworthy” because they

38 • Brandt provide “interesting anecdotes and well-balanced accounts” (Spring 2004).

Brandt, Keith Daniel Boone: Frontier Adventures, illus. by John Lawn. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, (1983) 1997. 3–5 Brandt’s biography is a “straightforward, mostly unfictionalized” account, reissued in 1997 as a title in the Easy Biography series. There is an unbalanced emphasis on Boone’s youth, leaving little room for his adult life and “scant mention of anything negative”; nevertheless, these are “viable introductions” to important figures (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1983).

Braun, Eric Booker T. Washington: Great American Educator, illus. by Cynthia Martin. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2006. 2–6 A title in the Graphic Biographies series, this beginning-reader biography is considered “[r]eadable and inviting” and a “good basic introduction” to Washington. “While not outstanding, the art is engaging and bright, and the format will appeal to graphicnovel fans as well as reluctant readers searching for a simple biography” (School Library Journal, Mar. 2006). Formatting allows readers to distinguish between directly-quoted primary sources and fictionalized conversations.

Braun, Thomas Football’s Powerful Runner: Franco Harris. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1977. 2–6 A beginning-reader biography of Franco Harris, running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Franco Harris, illus. by Harold Henriksen. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1975. 3–6 A biography of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back and MVP in the 1974 Super Bowl IX.

John Havlicek, illus. by John Keely. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1976. 3–7 Biography of NBA basketball player, John Havlicek, born in Martins Ferry, Ohio.

Breeding , Robert L. Appalachian Haven. Maynardville, TN: Ireland Cooke, 1981. 4–7 A revised edition of the 1979 self-published title, From London to Appalachia [see below].

From London to Appalachia, illus. by Erin C. Moore. Self Published, 1979; Knoxville, TN: Thriftecon, 1991. 4–7 This 219-page story, a cross between Moll Flanders and Oliver Twist, stretches some 40 years, from London in the early 1700s to East Tennessee. It begins when six-year-old Jamie, an orphan, is purchased to become a chimney-sweep. He runs away

and eventually finds a protector in Doc Bing. When Doc dies, Jamie is kidnapped at age 12 and shipped to America, where he works as an indentured servant in the tobacco fields. Eight years later, in 1740, he runs away into the hills of southeast Virginia and travels westward, meeting up with a Scottish woman, Mary, who has been traded to the Cherokee Indians. Jamie and Mary create a family and settle in East Tennessee, building a home in the Pellisippi Valley. The book’s cover says they “become the first non–Indian people (other than the Melungeons) to enter the hidden valleys west of the Appalachian Mountains.” The book is too ambitious in its scope and perspective; children will not like the overuse of narration and absence of action and dialogue. For example, all of Chapter 5, pages 111–163, is a history lesson with Jamie telling the history of Europe, and Mary of the Cherokee. Cherokee stories and ceremonies, along with mention of the “Melungos,” add historical interest, and the maps of London and the illustrations are high quality pen and ink drawings. Simple sentences make the text readable for early grades; vocabulary words are emphasized in bold print. (RH)

Brenner, Barbara A Killing Season. New York: Four Winds, 1981. 6–up Sixteen-year-old Allie Turner lives in Pennsylvania with her 21-year-old brother Billy after their parents are killed. Allie respects the black bears, but her brother does not share her view — thus their “prickly relationship.” This is a novel of young love and developing self confidence. “The bears’ story and Allie’s are skillfully combined into a satisfying read,” though the book suffers from “stereotyping.” Nevertheless, “the characterizations will appeal” and the book will “draw browsers, especially girls” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1981).

Brestensky, Dennis F., Evelyn A. Hovanec, and Albert N. Skomra Patch Work Voices: The Culture and Lore of a Mining People. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Center for International Studies, (1978) 1991. 6–up In the early 1900s, immigrants from a vast array of cultures poured into the Pennsylvania coal-mining towns (called “patches”). The editors of this volume have collected these mixed “voices” or oral histories to document the stories of their lives, including the work, the animals, social activities, and labor conflicts. KLIATT Review calls this “a labor of love,” that “deserves a wider audience” and compares it with the Foxfire books (Apr. 1992). Contains a bibliography and glossary.

Bridgers, Sue Ellen Permanent Connections. New York: Harper and Row, 1987.

Bruchac • 39 7–up Rob Dickson is forced to accompany his father to visit Uncle Fairlee, Aunt Coralee, and Grandpa in the hills of North Carolina. A typical “morose and sullen” 17-year-old, Rob is left behind to help on the farm when his father returns home to New Jersey. A love-interest develops with Ellery, a young woman who exercises “a strong stabilizing influence” during Rob’s entanglement in a drug raid. “All of the characters have depth and substance”; Bridgers has written a novel with the “rich intricacy of a Persian rug” (Bulletin, Mar. 1987). “A moving, emotionally-charged novel” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 1, 1987).

Brill, Marlene Targ The Trail of Tears: The Cherokee Journey from Home. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1995. 4–6 From the Spotlight on America series, The Trail of Tears is a “fast-paced but uninspired” account of the Cherokee removal from their homeland in 1838 (Horn Book, Sept. 1995). School Library Journal compares Brill’s Trail of Tears to Alex W. Bealer’s Only the Names Remain (Little, 1972) and R. Conrad Stein’s The Story of the Trail of Tears (Childrens, 1985) noting that this title “is a thorough account of the history of the Cherokee Nation’s conflicts with white colonizers ... and a handsome volume that is a fine addition to literature on the subject” (Apr. 1, 1995).

Brimner, Larry Dane Davy Crockett, illus. by Donna Berger. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2004.

Brown, Elizabeth Ferguson Coal Country Christmas, illus. by Harvey Stevenson. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2003. 1–4 Coal Country Christmas is a solemn tale of a child’s Christmas visit to her grandmother’s home in a coal mining region of Pennsylvania. “Harsh, yet upbeat,” this is a “moving seasonal story of a real place (Booklist, Oct. 15, 2003).

Brown, John Mason Daniel Boone: The Opening of the Wilderness. New York: Random House, 1952. 5–up According to School Library Journal, this biography of Daniel Boone offers “a fresh life” that “gives a vivid picture of the dangers of the frontier, Indian and white treachery and massacres, and the struggle between the English and French” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1952).

Brown, Jonatha A. West Virginia. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 2007. 3–4 A title in the Portraits of the States series, West Virginia is an exploration of the land, history, government and people of the state.

Bruchac, Joseph The Dark Pond, illus. by Sally Wern Comport. New York: HarperCollins, 2004.

Brondfield, Jerry

5–8 Bruchac sets this tale in Upstate New York and combines the elements of Native American mysticism with a horror story. Armin Katchatorian, a Shawnee-Armenian-American senses an unnatural presence coming from a pond behind the school and teams with a classmate to discover its secret. “Effectively illustrated by Comport, this eerie story skillfully entwines Native American lore [and] suspense” (School Library Journal, Aug. 2004).

Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pirates, illus. by Victor Mays. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1976.

The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story, illus. by Anna Vojtech. New York: Dial, 1993.

4–7 Included in the Sports Library Books series, this biography of Roberto Clemente is “bland” (School Library Journal, May 1976).

K–2 A Cherokee folktale about the first man and woman and their first quarrel. The strawberry is sent as a gift from the Sun, intended to heal marital disharmony. When the woman stops to pick the sweet fruit, her pace slows so that her husband can catch up and apologize. Bruchac’s “own telling” of a story he supposedly learned from “an elderly Cherokee friend” is “skillfully rendered” (Bulletin, Sept. 1993). “Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations” make this book a success. “Bruchac ... brings simplicity and lyricism” to this Cherokee tale (Publishers Weekly, June 28, 1993). “Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely” (Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 1993).

3–4 Published as part of the Imagination series, Davy Crockett is a “serviceable tall-tale” (School Library Journal, July 2004). The title includes historical facts, a chronology, a website, glossary, and a recipe for grits.

Brooks, Maurice The Appalachians. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. 7–up Born in West Virginia, Maurice Brooks, was a forester and professor at the University of West Virginia who knew Appalachia and the Appalachian Trail well. Brooks “has looked with a knowing, sensitive and loving eye” on the region, “attentive and alert all the while to the richness and wholeness of the life to be found on, above, and below its many angled surfaces.” This “warm, hand-in-hand tour” is a “delight” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1965).

The Journal of Jesse Smoke: A Cherokee Boy. New York: Scholastic, 2001.

40 • Bruchac 4–9 Written in diary format, this title in the My Name is America series tells the story of 16-yearold Jesse Smoke, beginning in 1837, as he and his family prepare for and endure the Trail of Tears. “Bruchac demonstrates his extensive knowledge the Cherokee people,” folding into the narrative the folklore, religion, history, and political issues of the Cherokee (Booklist, July 2001). Unfortunately, Bruchac’s “need to tell a story vies with the imperative to educate, all within a patently artificial format,” which makes the text “acutely self-conscious.” Nevertheless, a “likable character emerges,” and readers cannot help but learn the story of the forced removal (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2001). Horn Book argues that the inclusion of so much factual material “strains at the confines” of the novel’s “format” and “slows the pace” (Fall 2001). School Library Journal agrees that “the characters are bland” and the events “numb rather than touch readers’ hearts.... The characters are names only” ( July 1, 2001). In spite of these flaws, the appended material is excellent, including Bruchac’s explanatory and historical notes, photographs, and a map.

The choice to set the tale in the 1800s is explained in the appended notes.

The Trail of Tears, illus. by Diana Magnuson. New York: Random, 1999.

K–4 Brusca and Wilson present an Argentine folktale that parallels a well-known motif that is found in many cultures, including the well-known Appalachian version “Wicked John and the Devil,” from Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales [see below]. This story is “humorously realized” through Brusca’s “lively, satirical illustrations” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1992). School Library Journal (Nov. 1, 1992) compares the book with Mary Calhoun’s Big Sixteen (1983), and Publishers Weekly identifies the motif as “the Faust legend” (Oct. 26, 1992). Issued in both English and Spanish (El Herrero y el Diablo), this picture book presents a good story and a good opportunity for comparative research. It will be particularly useful in Appalachian classrooms with a mix of Hispanic students.

2–4 This title in the Step into Reading series is a nonfiction (and perhaps more successful) precursor to Bruchac’s The Journal of Jesse Smoke (2001). Telling the story of how the Cherokee endured the forced removal of their people from north Georgia to Oklahoma in 1838, Bruchac places the events “within a wider, quite detailed narrative of the Cherokee nation’s struggle and resistance.” Magnuson’s illustrations are a “little bright” for such a bleak topic, but the book is largely successful (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1999).

Bruchac, Joseph, and Gayle Ross The Story of the Milky Way: A Cherokee Tale, illus. by Virginia A. Stroud. New York: Dial, 1995. K–4 This traditional Cherokee pourquoi tale, which explains the creation of the Milky Way, is “gracefully told” and successfully illustrated in picture-book format (Horn Book, Oct. 1995). By casting the book as “a story recounted by a father to his children,” the authors “underscore the role of tradition in shaping narrative” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 2, 1995). Booklist praises the book as “beautifully illustrated” and a “charming retelling” of a folktale that will attract all ages (Sept. 1, 1995). School Library Journal agrees that the “clear, straightforward style” makes the book “accessible on many levels.” Stroud’s illustrations make use of “sprigged calicoes,” placing the events in the 1800s, “a time when clothing was made of cloth rather than buckskin” (Sept. 1, 1995). Though the tale is ancient and comes from “a time when the world was new,” Stroud accurately demonstrates that this type of clothing was “fashionable among the Cherokee” in the early 19th century (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1995).

Bruchac, Joseph, and James Bruchac How Chipmunk Got His Stripes: A Tale of Bragging and Teasing, illus. by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey. New York: Dial, 2001. K–3 This father and son team explain in their Introduction that this version of an old Cherokee pourquoi tale reflects Abenaki and Mohawk variants, which they have expanded by using their storytelling experience and artists’ license. “The result is polished, cohesive, and energetic. While the story begs to be told, Aruego and Dewey’s vibrantly hued trademark watercolors add significantly to the humor” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 2001).

Brusca, María Cristina, and Toña Wilson The Blacksmith and the Devils, illus. by María Cristina Brusca. New York: Holt, 1992.

Bryant, Bernice Morgan Dan Morgan: Wilderness Boy, illus. by Nathan Goldstein. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, (1952) 1962. 3–7 A biography of Morgan in the Childhoods of Famous Americans series.

Buck, Ray Dave Parker: The Cobra Swirl. Chicago: Childrens, 1981. 3–4 A biography of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball star.

Buckley, James Jr. Peyton Manning. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001. K–4 Buckley has written an appealing biography of Peyton Manning: “Sure to interest young fans”

Burgan • 41 (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2002). This is a title in the Dorling Kindersley Reading Alone series.

ten to win the popularity it deserves” (Booklist, Nov. 15, 1995).

Roberto Clemente. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2001.

Burch, Robert

2–3 A title in the Dorling Kindersley Reading Alone series, this is a biography of the Puerto Rican who played right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Bulla, Clyde R. Daniel’s Duck, illus. by Joan Sandin. New York: Harper and Row, 1979. 1–3 An I-Can-Read book, this title gives “a glimpse of life years ago in the Tennessee hills where the long winters are given over to quilting and carving for the spring fair.” Sandin’s “beautiful muted illustrations,” combined with “an ending which gives insight on the nature of art,” make this early reader a winner (School Library Journal, Dec. 1979). This is an “account of a traditional Appalachian family” and a boy struggling to feel competent and affirmed (Horn Book, Dec. 1979).

White Bird, illus. by Leonard Weisgard. New York: Crowell, 1966; illus. by Donald Cook. New York: Random, 1990. 4–6 This story of a boy’s love of a white crow, which he raises from a chick, is “[c]hildlike in its simplicity, adult in the spare beauty of the writing.” Like the crow, Luke is a foundling who is “reared by a hermit in the wilderness of the Tennessee mountains” in the 1800s. At the end, Luke must face the death of the crow but also the possibilities of a new future. “A fine, dignified, moving story of pioneer days, with excellent illustrations” (School Library Journal, June 15, 1966). Horn Book Guide says that Cook’s 1990 illustrations “lack the artistry of the original Weisgard” art (Fall 2005).

Christmas with Ida Early. New York: Viking, 1983. 4–6 This sequel to Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain continues the story and adventures of Ida as she cares for the Sutton children. This seasonal story, filled with humor, “culminates in an animated Christmas program.... A blithe and comic tale” (Bulletin, Nov. 1983).

Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain. New York: Viking, 1980. 4–6 “A Depression-era, Blue Ridge Mary Poppins” comes to rural Georgia to care for the four Sutton children and their father after the death of their mother. Ida Early is “a real, zesty original” who “won’t hesitate to teach a hard lesson when it’s called for” (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 1981). The plot is “episodic” but “written with a light, sure touch” (Bulletin, Dec. 1980). “A lovely, earthy, human comedy,” this title continues to be reprinted (Publishers Weekly, Nov. 16, 1990). In a telephone interview, Burch confirmed that the setting of the Ida-Early books is the Appalachian region of north Georgia, but that Queenie Peavy, which is often identified as Appalachian, is set outside the region. (RH)

Burchard, Marshall Sports Hero: Terry Bradshaw. New York: Putnam, 1980. 5–7

A title in the Putnam Sports Heroes se-

ries

Burchard, Marshall, and Sue Burchard

Bunin, Sherry

Sports Hero: Joe Namath. New York: Putnam, 1971.

Dear Great American Writers School. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.

3–5 An easy-to-read biography of the New York Jets’ quarterback and Alabama native.

6–up Bobby Lee Pomeroy is a 14-year-old girl, not a boy, as she must frequently point out. Bobby Lee enrolls in a correspondence course for writers, and beginning in 1944, she spends sixteen months writing letters to the editor of the correspondence school, relating the events of Twin Branch, Kentucky. “A stereotypical ‘coming of age’ novel” with a “satisfying conclusion,” this is Bunin’s first book for this age group (School Library Journal, Oct. 1995). The Appalachian setting “is rendered without sentimentality,” and Bobby Lee’s naïve view of the world is “refreshingly untouched by tragedy.” Readers who liked Sharon Creech’s Walk Two Moons (1994) will like this book (Bulletin, Nov. 1995). A “well-executed first novel, with a remarkable heroine” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1995), the book may not have wide appeal because it is “too innocent, too wise, and simply too well writ-

Burchard, S. H. (Sue) Franco Harris. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1976. 1–5

A title in the Sports Star series.

“Mean” Joe Greene. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1976. 1–5

A title in the Sports Star Series.

Burgan, Michael The Trail of Tears. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2001. 3–5 This nonfiction account of the Cherokee removal from Georgia to Oklahoma is “less detailed” than similar books (see Joseph Bruchac, David K. Fremon, and R. Conrad Stein), but “gives a concise,

42 • Burke blow-by-blow account of the events” preceeding the actual march to Oklahoma: “The brief text makes the full impact of the injustice amply clear without losing objectivity.” The result is a book that is “well suited to the informational needs of younger students” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2001). Appended material includes a glossary, chronology, list of important names, bibliography, index, and a “Did You Know?” section.

Burke, Rick Andrew Jackson. Chicago: Heinemann, 2003. K–4 A title in the American Lives series, these biographies of U.S. presidents are “so brief as to be misleading.” Considered “marginal, seriously flawed, but with some redeeming quality” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2003). Contains photographs, maps, a suggested reading list, glossary, and index.

Daniel Boone. Chicago: Heinemann, 2004. K–4 This title in the American Lives series includes a bibliography and index.

Davy Crockett. Chicago: Heinemann, 2004. 3–5 Burke’s biography includes factual as well as legendary information about Davy Crockett. Part of the American Lives series, this title is easy to read and visually appealing. Includes bibliography and index.

Burnham, Brad Mammoth Cave: The World’s Longest Cave System. New York: Rosen, 2003. 4–6 This title in the Famous Caves of the World series explains how this Kentucky cave system was formed and gives information about ancient explorers, size, and Mammoth Cave National Park activities.

Bushyhead, Robert H. Curious One: A Cherokee Story, illus. by Ravina Rene Sneed. Gloucester, MA: Lobster Cove, 2001. K–5 Kay Thorpe Bannon has adapted the Reverend Robert H. Bushyhead’s telling of a tale about curiosity, obedience, and peaceful co-existence between humans and nature. Foreword by Joseph Bruchac.

Yonder Mountain: A Cherokee Legend, illus. by Anna Lombardo. Gloucester, MA: Lobster Cove, 1999; illus. by Kristina Rodanas. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2002. K–4 Kay Thorpe Bannon’s text for this picture book is adapted from Reverend Robert H. Bushyhead’s previously unpublished version of a Cherokee “teaching story,” a genre that Joseph Bruchac explains in the Foreword to the 2002 edition. Rodanas’ illustrations “effectively capture the Smoky Mountains in

all their autumnal glory,” but “the faces of the three young men are virtually identical. This flaw aside, the book makes a solid contribution to folklore shelves in need of more and better representation in this area” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2002). “Beautifully illustrated ... this story folds its altruistic message into a vivid, entertaining tale” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2003). Bannon writes “clear and straightforward prose that reads well aloud” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 2002). The Horn Book Guide lauds Rodanas’ “detailed, near-panoramic images” and the story’s “timeless reminder to look beyond our own suffering to acknowledge that of others” (Fall 2003). A glossary is included.

Byars, Betsy C. After the Goat Man, illus. by Ronald Himler. New York: Viking, 1974. 5–7 This novel about Figgy and his grandfather, called the Goat Man, is the take of an old man’s loss of his land to a superhighway and Figgy’s role in the drama of relocation and adjustment. Byars’ “characterization” of the four main players and “deft dialogue” achieve a “fine balance; her writing style flows smoothly and the plot is tightly structured and convincing” (Bulletin, Mar. 1975). Kirkus Reviews is not so enthusiastic about the book, calling the plot and ending “pat”: “Slight in body, trite in plot, but very nicely handled” (Oct. 1, 1974).

The Glory Girl. New York: Viking, 1983. 5–7 Anna Glory belongs to a gifted musical family, but having no talent of her own, she is relegated to support tasks (such as selling the family’s recordings) when the Glory Gospel Singers go on the road. Through a series of events, she earns the respect of all, especially Uncle Newt, who is seriously flawed but redeemable. Though “capably written, with firm characterization and dialogue,” the book does not manifest Byars’ usual “cohesion” or “emotional impact” (Bulletin, Dec. 1983). This is a “gratifying and entertaining picture” of a young girl “coming into her own” amid “an unglamorous, snappily projected family” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 1983).

Good-bye, Chicken Little. New York: Harper and Row, 1979. 3–6 After Jimmie Little’s father dies in a mining accident, Jimmie deems himself a coward and adopts the name “Chicken Little,” a moniker that is intensified when he watches his irresponsible Uncle Pete fall through the ice and drown in the river. Byars tells Jimmie’s story “with sympathy but not with sentimentality” (Bulletin, June 1979). Though Byars has difficulty balancing “Pete’s tragic childishness” with the “amusing ... foibles” of the Little family, she nevertheless renders “in depth” the feelings of a young boy; “the story hums with the currents that flow between him and the others” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 1,

Cammarano • 43 1979). Byars’ “master strokes of characterization” motivate Jimmie’s “final solace” as he discovers that his odd family is a “life-affirming force” (Booklist, Mar. 15, 1979). Horn Book praises Byars’ “extended terse dialogue” and “understated, often wry humor” (Apr. 1979).

The Moon and I. New York: Messner, 1991. 4–7 The “Moon” of this title is a big blacksnake, which Betsy Byars uses as the frame for a memoir that links her childhood experiences with her fiction and gives readers a glimpse into her craft. Using Moon as the “centerpiece” of the book “is a truly inspired choice” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1992). “How Byars writes her books, and the way that method’s changed, is carefully curlicued (like a snake) throughout” (Booklist, May 15, 1992). All reviewers agree that this piece of nonfiction is above the usual cut. Kirkus Reviews uses descriptors such as “adroit,” “ingenuous,” “nifty,” and “ebullient.” This autobiographical book “is so delightfully informal that it may seem artless; actually ... [it] is extraordinarily skillful” (Mar, 15, 1992). Publishers Weekly praises Byars’ “appealingly idiosyncratic narrative that seamlessly weaves together the Newbery winner’s life and art.... It is pure pleasure and privilege to be thus invited into the world of such a warm and engaging artist” (Apr. 20, 1992). Includes black-and-white photographs.

The Summer of the Swans, illus. by Ted CoConis. New York: Viking, 1970. 5–7 Though 14-year-old Sara Godfrey is consumed with teenage angst and self-consciousness, she becomes newly aware of her “beloved small brother, Charlie, as retarded.” When he goes in search of the swans that attracted his attention on a lake, Sara sets out to find him and grows “from awkward flight” to “confidence.” Byars presents “sharp characterization” along with “good dialogue” and sufficient action (Bulletin, Feb. 1971). “Percipient characterization and realistic dialogue heighten the impact of the low-keyed but penetrating story of human relationships and emotions” (Booklist, June 15, 1970).

Bynum, Rusty Julia Tutwiler: The Pathfinder, illus. by Carla Ring. Huntsville, AL: Writers Consortium, 1989.

stein High School travel from Manhattan to Hominy Knob, West Virginia, as volunteers in the Northeast Division of Housing for the Hopeful. The general goal is to build a 1200 square-foot home for the Harmeyer family, who lives in a double-wide trailer, but Mia’s personal goal is to have quality make-out time with her boyfriend, Michael. The story suffers from the usual Princess Mia conventions and the usual patronizing attitudes toward the Appalachian poor, with references to Nell, Christy, and Deliverance. But there is also a refreshing exchange between Mia and Mrs. Harmeyer, who asks Mia why a princess is spending her spring break in West Virginia. Mia tells her that she came out of a “keen sense of duty and a desire to learn new skills,” which Mrs. Harmeyer doesn’t “buy.” So Mia tells her the truth: “I was there to make out with my boyfriend,” a statement that Mrs. Harmeyer fully understands. The book could be set anywhere; West Virginia merely offers a readymade and contrived backdrop for another Princess Mia story. (RH)

Calhoun, Mary [pseud. of Mary Huiskamp Wilkins] The Traveling Ball of String, illus. by Janet McCaffrey. New York: Morrow, 1969. K–3 Widow Tuckett is a woman who saves things, especially string, which she winds into a giant ball. The ball of string gets so big that it bursts through the shed where she stores it and rolls through the community, leaving a wake of destruction. This is a “slaphappy tall tale” with illustrations that “are as bold and funny as the tale” (Horn Book, Dec. 1969).

Calvert, Patricia Daniel Boone: Beyond the Mountains. New York: Benchmark, 2002. 4–8 The Horn Book Guide considers the Great Explorations series to be “useful” for report writing because the titles offer “engaging introductions” to the subjects’ lives (Spring 2002). School Library Journal suggests that Calvert’s biography of Boone will complement “social-studies curricula” because it “include[s] a good deal of personal detail” about Boone’s life. This is a “user-friendly” title” (Mar. 1, 2002).

7–up Presents the life of Julia Tutwiler, Alabama native and educational leader. Included in the Recollections of Valor: Alabama series.

Cammarano, Rita

Cabot, Meg

5–8 A title in the series Who Wrote That?, which focuses on children’s authors. Information about Byars’ personal life is “elided or sanitized”; some details are “skimpy.” Illustrations are “tangentially” significant, and the books are “of limited use” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2003). On the other hand, Book Report judges these titles to be “well-indexed” and “an excellent resource” (Nov./Dec. 2002).

The Princess Diaries, Volume IV and a Half: Project Princess. New York: Harper Trophy, 2003. 5–7 This 50-page vignette covers seven days in the ongoing saga of Princess Mia. She and her classmates in the Gifted and Talented class of Albert Ein-

Betsy Byars, illus. with photographs. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2002.

44 • Campbell

Campbell, C. W. Sequoyah. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1973. 5–up “A well-written, succinct biography” in which Campbell “grippingly describes” the Trail of Tears and the life of the Cherokee Sequoyah, who invented a syllabary for his people. “Unfortunately, the later fate of the Cherokees in Oklahoma, especially the ruthless suppression of their schools in the 1890’s, is not mentioned; however, this is otherwise an excellent account” (School Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1974).

Campbell, Carlos C., William F. Hutson, and Aaron J. Sharp Great Smoky Mountains Wildflowers, illus. with photographs. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1962. 7–up “This small field guide is [s]imple in format and direct in language.” The descriptions of approximately 170 species are “short and informative”; the photographs “range from adequate to exceptional” (Southern Living, Sept. 1978). Contains an index.

Campbell, Marie Cloud-Walking, illus. by John Adams Spelman. New York: Farrar and Rinehart, 1942. 7–up School Library Journal praises Campbell’s work largely for its depiction of a people and interpretation of their lives. These “simple narratives” of “Kentucky mountain folk” in a settlement-school community are collected first hand by Campbell, who taught in the school. “Language of the people is reproduced with great exactness, and the major part of the thoughts and actions of the characters is set down in the folk speech. Recommended for public libraries as a further contribution to sympathetic understanding of a still little-known section of our Southern mountain region” (Oct. 15, 1942).

Tales from the Cloud Walking Country, illus. by Clare Leighton. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press (1958) Greenwood, 1976; University of Georgia Press, 2000. 7–up This reprint of a collection of Kentucky, first-hand narratives was originally published in 1942 under the title Cloud-Walking; this reissue contains a “new nine-page introduction” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1971).

Campbell, Peter A. Boston Pilgrims vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: The First Modern World Series, illus. by author. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2003. 3–6 A paperback reissue of Old-Time Base Ball and the First Modern World Series [see below].

Old-Time Base Ball and the First Modern World Series, illus. by author. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2002.

3–6 Campbell gives a history of baseball, beginning in the 18th century, includes information on the first regulated game (1846), and provides details of the first World Series (1903), in which the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Boston Pilgrims. Readers in the 21st century “will appreciate this informative look” at the evolution of this sport (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2003). In 2003, this title was issued as a paperback under the title Boston Pilgrims vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: The First Modern World Series.

Cannon, Bettie A Bellsong for Sarah Raines. New York: Scribner, 1987. 7–up Sarah Raines, age 14, and her mother move from Detroit back to Kentucky after her father kills himself. Set during the Depression, the novel depicts the urban poverty of Detroit in contrast to the large, comfortable home, with a housekeeper, to which the family returns in Hanlon, a coal-mining town. Cannon’s debut as a children’s author is “overburdened with too many themes and sub-plots,” but it is “strong in characterization, establishment of setting, and authorial voice” (Bulletin, June 1987). School Library Journal agrees that the “characters are wellrounded and fully realized.... A compelling story, filled with vitality and resonating with emotion” ( July 1, 1987). As Sara Raines struggles to deal with her father’s death and the move to a small, unfamiliar community, she comes of age: “At times diffuse and focused,” the story is “nevertheless rich” in its characterization and “truly felt descriptions of time and place” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1987).

Canyon, Christopher John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads, illus. by author. Nevada City, CA: Dawn, 2005. K–3 Canyon’s illustrations for this picturebook adaptation of Denver’s song add the story of a family reunion, depicted through a quilt motif, which stylizes the West Virginia mountain setting. The illustrations are so realistically detailed that “even hardcore quilters might be fooled into thinking this was the work of a needle and thread” (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 2005). Publishers Weekly praises the “[j]aunty artwork with the busy color and texture” (Oct. 10, 2005). A review in Horn Book Guide is not so enthusiastic, saying that the song “doesn’t lend itself to a children’s book format,” and “some imagery will confound young readers” (Spring 2006). A CD is included.

Capote, Truman I Remember Grandpa: A Story by Truman Capote, illus. by Barry Moser. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree, 1987. 3–6 Capote wrote this “innocuous, very faintly charming short story” for his aunt, supposedly as a

Carroll • 45 tribute to his uncle, when he was only 22; it was published in December, 1986, in Redbook and is here presented with little success for young readers. Moser’s illustrations are both “striking” and “saccharine,” and the text is “at best a minor ... footnote to the author’s work” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1987). This story of a boy and his parents who leave their West-Virginia farm so the boy can get an education is flawed by “the absence of characterization” and the “blandness of the prose.” On the other hand, Moser’s paintings “vigorously render ... the hard-working folk we imagine them to be and add credibility” to Capote’s weak story (Publishers Weekly, July 17, 1987).

Capps, Mary Joyce Yellow Leaf, illus. by Don Kueker. St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 1974. 5–6 On the Trail of Tears, a young Indian girl, Yellow Leaf, becomes lost from her family and winds up with a trapper, Cagle, who dies and leaves her his property. She sets out to find her family and return them to their original home in the Appalachian mountains. Booklist calls this tale “enjoyable though patly constructed”: “Her arduous journey works primarily as a device to display the strong anti–Indian sentiment of the times.” The action is “predictable,” but young readers “will derive emotional satisfaction from the story” (Apr. 15, 1974).

isfactory version of an exciting incident in American folklore” (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1965).

Carpenter, Allan Stonewall Jackson: The Eccentric Genius. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1987. 7–up Carpenter’s biography of this Civil War hero is a “boring, dull, bland” book characterized by “wordiness, poor organization, awkward transitions, and generally clumsy writing.” It is plagued by “misspellings, incorrect punctuation, internal inconsistencies, and major factual errors,” as well as “inadequate background information.” This book pales beside Jean Fritz’s Stonewall (1979), which “is a superb, fascinating, skillfully written biography that conveys a true empathy for an understanding” of the man known as Stonewall Jackson (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 1988).

West Virginia, illus. by Phil Austin. Chicago: Childrens (1968), 1979. 4–up Included in the Enchantment of America series, this historical survey of West Virginia includes prominent citizens, natural resources, and points of interest. Includes a chronology, list of annual events, list of notable West Virginians, and an index.

Carpenter, Eric

Carlson, Judy

Young Davy Crockett: Frontier Pioneer, illus. by Jenny Williams. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1996.

“Nothing Is Impossible,” Said Nellie Bly, illus. by Mike Eagle. Milwaukee: Raintree, 1989.

K–2 This title in the Troll First Start Biographies series offers a brief look at the life of Tennessee’s woodsman, politician, and soldier.

K–3 Biography of Pennsylvania native and journalist Nellie Bly. Included in the Real Readers series.

Carlson, Natalie Savage School Bell in the Valley, illus. by Gilbert Riswold. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1963. 4–7 Belle Mundy, age 10, moves from the backwoods to Keep Tryst, Maryland, a town on the Virginia-Maryland Border near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Set in 1900, the story focuses on literacy and attitudes toward schooling, particularly, Belle’s desire to read. According to the New York Times Book Review, Carlson’s “touch is simple, warm, light and firm. She handles well and credibly connects” three “levels” of social life in the small town: “the securely respectable, the precariously decent, the blatantly abandoned.” A “richly human story” (Nov. 10, 1963).

Carmer, Elizabeth, and Carl Carmer Tony Beaver: Griddle Skater, illus. by Mimi Korach. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1965. 3–5 This tall tale pits the West-Virginia folk hero Tony Beaver against his Minnesota “cousin,” Paul Bunyan, in a skating contest on a giant griddle. “Sat-

Carroll, Ruth, and Latrobe Carroll Beanie, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Oxford University Press, 1953. K–4 Because all the Tatums except Beanie have a pet, he gets a special birthday gift — a puppy named Tough Enough. Feeling just a bit selfish, he runs away with Tough Enough, intending to hunt bears, and almost loses the dog in the bargain. But all works out at the end when both get home in time for Beanie’s birthday celebration. “This beautifully illustrated story of the Great Smoky Mountains should captivate children six-to-ten years old” (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1953). The New York Times describes Ruth Carroll’s illustrations as “real-life.... The music provided for the hillbilly song, however, is decidedly unappealing” (Oct. 11, 1953).

The Managing Hen and the Floppy Hound, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1972. K–3 A hound dog, “Floppy,” appears in Miss Lucy Gudger’s barnyard and drives Hester, the hen, to distraction. Ultimately, the hound wins the praise and approval of the animals and Miss Lucy. “Animal and human characters speak in the vernacular of the Great Smoky Mountains area.” The “engaging story” and

46 • Carson its “realistic black-and-white drawings of back-country farmlife” will appeal to this age group (School Library Journal, June 15, 1972).

“There is a rich and distinctive world in the smoky illustrations and colorful language.... Regional values too” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 1958).

Runaway Pony, Runaway Dog, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1963.

Tough Enough’s Indians, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1960.

2–5 Like the Carrolls’ other books about the Tatum family, this tale is set in Sourwood Cove, Hemphill Valley, Haywood County, North Carolina. It is dedicated to “the children in the Asheville Orthopedic Hospital.” The main characters are Beanie’s pets Tough Enough, the dog, and Sassy, his pony friend. When Sassy gets a lame right foreleg, Tough Enough goes with him to the animal hospital to keep him company. They escape and are picked up (stolen) by Will Bumgarner who takes them to Tennessee and puts them in “the Great Bumgarner Zoo,” a menagerie of animals he has acquired under suspicious circumstances — a wild boar, a bear, a wildcat, an opossum, a skunk, a raccoon, a fox, and a hawk. Will dresses Tough Enough and Sassy in human clothes to hide their markings and turns them into a “new attracshun.” When a storm comes, the two escape again and make their way back home. They arrive during a church service, and a happy reunion ensues. This is typical Carroll fiction — the poor-but-happy Tatums, the humanized animals: “Often [Tough Enough] would dream of the Tatum farm—dreams bright with remembered good times with Beanie and Beanie’s brothers and sisters” (15). Nevertheless, this is wholesome, good reading and good fun. (RH)

3–7 The Tatum children, their dog Tough Enough, and their pony Sassy are featured in yet another story about this popular Smoky Mountain family and pets. While Pa is off fighting a forest fire, Beanie and his brothers and sisters go off to hunt firewood, find refuge from the fire under a waterfall, and seek help from a Cherokee Indian family. As usual, Tough Enough’s nose saves the day and leads the scared, lost children “right into the back yard of the Indian family.” The book is “warmly told and authentically illustrated” (Peabody Journal of Education, May 1961).

Salt and Pepper, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1952. K–3 “Salt” is a dog belonging to “Pepper,” an irritable little boy. The move to a new home upsets both, but the outcome is positive. “This is one the authors’ best stories” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1952).

Tough Enough, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Oxford University Press, 1954. 2–4 This story continues the tale of Beanie and his dog Tough Enough, who has developed into a typical, troublesome young dog. But he redeems himself when a flood threatens Beanie and his sister. This is an “agreeable story” whose “illustrations ... reflect the drama and humor” as well as “the beauty of the setting, the Great Smoky Mountains” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1954). This is a book that “will prove alluring” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1954).

Tough Enough and Sassy, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1958. 3–7 Because the Tatums suffer financial difficulties, Beanie is faced with having to sell Sassy, the wild pony that they brought home with them from a trip to the Outer Banks [see Tough Enough’s Pony below]. But in true Carrolls fashion, the pony accidentally provides the means by which the family can make attractive crafts, which the tourists readily purchase.

Tough Enough’s Pony, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Oxford University Press, 1957. 2–4 When the Tatums venture outside their Smoky Mountain home to visit great-grandparents on Shackleford Banks, off the coast of North Carolina, Tough Enough discovers an injured wild colt. Beanie nurses “Sassy” back to health, and she goes back to the mountains with the family when they depart the island. “The subject and pictures of the present heart-warming story are likely to have even more appeal than those of the earlier books” (Booklist, Sept. 15, 1957). This is the fourth story about Beanie and Tough Enough.

Tough Enough’s Trip, illus. by Ruth Carroll. New York: Walck, 1956. 2–5 This third Carroll book about Beanie and Tough Enough finds the entertaining dog hiding under quilts so that he can go with the Tatum family to visit grandparents in the North Carolina Outer Banks. “Of all the Tatum Clan stories, this best catches the warmth, simplicity and kindliness of the Great Smoky Mountain People” and gives an “unobtrusive geography lesson” along the way (New York Herald Tribune, Nov. 18, 1956). “Attractive duotone illustrations by Ruth Carroll enliven the text” (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1956).

Carson, Jo Pulling My Leg, illus. by Julie Downing. New York: Orchard, 1990. K–3 When the red-haired, freckled protagonist of this story gets a loose tooth, her Uncle Tom “pulls her leg” by sending her to fetch an assortment of tools that he will use to extract it: a hammer, screwdriver, pliers. School Library Journal praises Downing’s “colorful pencil drawings, with a hint of Gammell’s style” and Carson’s “jovial story” (Nov. 1990). The Horn Book calls attention to the “cheery colored-pencil illustrations” that add to the humor (Feb. 1991). Though the threat of losing a tooth may be traumatic,

Caudill • 47 the illustrations clearly show that Uncle Tom is not serious: “This glimpse of a warm, irrepressible family” offers a “slight” but “engaging” book (Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 1990).

Stories I Ain’t Told Nobody Yet: Selections from the People Pieces. New York: Orchard, 1989. 7–up Though Carson’s 49 pieces included in this volume are intended for oral presentation, and they are best heard in Carson’s own voice, they also read well. Her Preface explains that she has snatched these pieces from conversations she heard in East Tennessee. They are arranged in five categories: Neighbors and Kin, Observations, Relationships, Work, and We Say of Ourselves. “These are voices roughened by labor and tried by tribulation.... Students taking speech or drama classes will find some inspiring pieces here, as will those interested in collecting oral history or researching their roots” (Bulletin, Feb. 1989). Kirkus argues that these pieces are not easily categorized as poetry or prose, but they “capture dialogue well” ( Jan. 15, 1989). These “poetically distilled” pieces “celebrate the bonds of community and also voice its pain” (Booklist, Jan. 15, 1990).

You Hold Me and I’ll Hold You, illus. by Annie Cannon. New York: Orchard, 1992. K–2 When Great-Aunt Ann dies, a little girl and her father go to Tennessee for the funeral. In trying to figure out the nature of death, she remembers the death of Henry, her sister’s hamster; her goldfish; and her parents’ divorce. Because “precious few” books deal with the “stress-ridden occasion of a funeral,” parents “will welcome the book” (Bulletin, July/Aug. 1992). The author “has created an engaging and straightforward heroine” and “a family of reassuringly lovable people” (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 30, 1992). “Lovely watercolor paintings ... capture the moods and feelings ... and convey the love and security shared in this intergenerational family” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 1992). Horn Book calls this a “fresh and poetic first-person narration” (Sept. 1992). “Without preaching or false sentiment,” Carson gives a “realistic, consoling picture” of grief (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 1, 1992). This book “charms as it comforts” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1992).

Carter, Forrest The Education of Little Tree. New York: Delacorte, 1976. 7–up Forrest Carter initially claimed that this book was autobiographical, a stance that was later proven to be false. In spite of the controversy, the book remains a good read and continues to be endorsed by Native American proponents of reading. Booklist, like so many review sources, calls it a “tender reminiscence from the author’s boyhood.” Though Little Tree, the main character, is clearly not Carter, the fact remains that this is indeed a “tender” story, set in the East Ten-

nessee mountains. “Held firmly in a circle of love,” Little Tree’s education is “a mixture of Indian and mountain folklore.” (Sept. 1, 1976). This story of the strong relationship between a child and his grandparents is generally considered engaging, heartwarming, and uplifting, but not all reviewers agree: “Unfortunately, the down-home manner of narration is so heavy-handed, so larded with sentimentality, pseudonaiveté, and cracker-barrel philosophy, that all serious intentions are rendered bathetic.” The presentation of “the fatuous whites and freedom-loving Indians” is “stereotypic and wooden.” The book’s only “saving grace is its detailed descriptions of natural phenomena in the mountains” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1976).

Caudill, Rebecca Barrie and Daughter, illus. by Berkeley Williams. New York: Viking, 1943. 7–up Caudill’s first novel, set in the Kentucky Hills in the early 1900s, is highly autobiographical. This father-daughter story is a welcome change from the typical views of fathers in Appalachian fiction. Fern Barrie shares a unique bond with her father, along with an “imagination,” “a sense of beauty,” “sympathy for others” and “courage.” “The story has to do with real people and with keenly invigorating situations” (Horn Book, Nov. 1943.)

The Best-Loved Doll, illus. by Elliott Gilbert. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1962; Holt, 1992. 2–4 Susan Anderson invites Betsy to a party and asks that she bring a doll; prizes will be handed out for various categories, such as the oldest, the best dressed, and most talented. After much deliberation, Betsy takes her “best-loved” doll, which—of course— wins a special prize. “A grand story for little girls” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1962). “Direct writing” and “endearing line drawings” make this reprint attractive “for a new generation of doll-lovers” (Horn Book, Mar. 1993).

A Certain Small Shepherd, illus. by William Pene du Bois. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1965. 2–4 Expectant parents traveling on Christmas Eve can find no place to stay during a snowstorm, so they are allowed to stay in the church. Jamie, who is a mute child, is moved to speak when he witnesses the birth of the baby in the church setting. This remarkable and “gentle” story is all the more unique because the illustrations reveal the new parents to be black; there is no hint of their ethnicity in the text. A Saturday Review article by Zena Sutherland notes that a “national magazine that circulates in grocery stores reprinted the story, but used another illustrator” who depicted the parents as white (Mar. 16, 1968). Only one review notes that Jamie is Appalachian (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 6, 1997), demonstrating that the point of

48 • Caudill Caudill’s text and William Pene du Bois’s illustrations is lost on most reviewers — the importance of a black family traveling in an Appalachian community in the 1960s. Fortunately, this story of a mute child who is moved to speak transcends ethnicity and prejudice and remains a favorite Christmas story. (RH)

Come Along!, illus. by Ellen Raskin. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969. K–5 This collection of haiku is marked by “fleeting moods and metaphoric images” that are captured in “splendidly brilliant pictures” on rice paper (Horn Book, Dec. 1969). Though a Booklist review calls it “formal and cramped,” it is at the same time “inviting,” “notable,” and “pleasing” (Dec. 1, 1969).

Did You Carry the Flag Today, Charley?, illus. by Nancy Grossman. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966. 2–4 Charley is a typical “nearly-five-year-old” who has difficulty settling in and conforming at school. Every day one child is allowed to carry the flag as a reward for good behavior, and when Charlie comes home each afternoon, his family asks, “Did you carry the flag today, Charley?” Finally, his behavior is rewarded and he is selected to carry the flag to the school bus. This is a “humorous story, wryly written and filled with the simple activities young children know” (Grade Teacher, Mar. 1972). “Small children may not recognize the Appalachian setting, but they can hear the authenticity of the speech patterns and the fact that Charley’s comments and observations sound the way a five-year-old’s should” (Zena Sutherland and May Hill Arbuthnot, Children and Books, 8th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 1991).

The Far-Off Land, illus. by Brinton Turkle. New York: Viking, 1964. 6–8 Caudill writes for an older audience in this “adventurous romance,” set in the wilderness of Kentucky and Tennessee in 1780. Sixteen-year-old Ketty is an orphan who has been taken in by Moravians and has adopted their beliefs of human equality. She leaves this community for an arduous flatboat trip with her brother to French Lick, and her beliefs are tested when she witnesses the white man’s attitude and violence toward the Indians. “Story is weakened by too many melodramatic incidents and sentimentality and lacks the strengths and freshness of author’s Tree of Freedom” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1964).

grades, but third graders can read it alone (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 1948). Caudill published some of the episodes previously in Trails and Child Life.

The House of the Fifers. New York: Longmans, Green, 1954. 6–up Monica Fifer spends the summer on the family’s homeplace, a Kentucky farm, with her uncle, aunt, and cousins. As she watches the family endure a devastating drought, she matures and ends the summer with “self-reliance” and a new understanding of “fortitude.” “The theme is serious but the tone is never too heavy” (New York Times Book Review, June 6, 1954).

My Appalachia: A Reminiscence, illus. with photographs by Edward Wallowitch. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966. 7–up Rebecca Caudill’s memoir of growing up in Poor Folk, Kentucky, is considered “nostalgic” but worthwhile: “Her compelling narrative is enhanced by beautiful, delicate imagery which vividly brings to life her beloved mountains and youthful remembrances.” Wallowitch’s black-and-white photographs “help to make this an unusually attractive book” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1967).

A Pocketful of Cricket, illus. by Evaline Ness. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1964. K–3 A little boy takes his pet cricket with him on his first day of school. Grade Teacher describes him as a child “who knows and appreciates nature” (Apr. 1972). School Library Journal has this to say: “A little pastoral with a simple plot that molds the verse-like prose into a warm picture-story for children.... Adults reading this story aloud will appreciate the perfect blend of text and pictures; they, too, will savor the smell of the apples and the sight of the corn ripening on the stalks” (Nov. 15, 1964).

Schoolhouse in the Woods, illus. by Decie Merwin. Philadelphia: Winston, 1949. 3–5 Bonnie Fairchild’s first-grade experiences, capped by a Christmas party, are the topic of this highly-praised continuation of the Fairchild family stories. “While younger children will want this story read to them, girls who like old-fashioned family stories will enjoy reading” this book alone. “Profuse black-and-white illustrations by Decie Merwin add much to the book’s atmosphere. Format, too, is good” (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1949).

Happy Little Family, illus. by Decie Merwin. Philadelphia: Winston, 1947.

Schoolroom in the Parlor, illus. by Decie Merwin. Philadelphia: Winston, 1959.

3–5 Set in Appalachian Kentucky in the early 1900s, this episodic story of four-year-old Bonnie Fairchild is called a “heart-warming” account of a “lovable” child “in a large, harmonious family.... Decie Merwin’s ... illustrations are in perfect keeping with the text.” The book is a nice read-aloud for the K–2

3–5 In this fourth book about the Fairchilds, set in the Cumberland Mountains, Caudill presents “strong values and satisfaction in an old-fashioned picture of family solidarity and simple pleasures.” Because school is closed between January and August, the children continue lessons at home, led by the

Chaffin • 49 mother and oldest daughter. “The story is as real as a grandmother’s reminiscence, which makes the extraspecial goodness of the children natural.” Horn Book compares Caudill’s stories of the five Fairchild children with Wilder’s Little House books (Aug. 1959).

June 1969). Caudill’s tale is listed in the New York Times Book Review, November 9, 1969, as an outstanding book of the year.

Susan Cornish. New York: Viking, 1955.

Daniel Boone and the Opening of the Ohio Country. New York: Chelsea, 1991.

7–up Set in the community of Pickwick Mill, this novel explores a downtrodden community’s attitude toward education. At age 18, Susan Cornish refuses to return to college to finish her senior year; instead, she takes a teaching job in a one-room school and sets out to revive the community’s spirit by instilling the love of life and learning among its children. Caudill’s characters “all have individuality,” and “the whole community comes alive” in a story where “teaching is pictured as a challenging and rewarding vocation” (Horn Book, Aug. 1955).

Tree of Freedom, illus. by Dorothy B. Morse. New York: Viking, 1949. 6–up Set on the Kentucky frontier in 1780, this is the story of Stephanie Venable, age 13, and her brother Noel, who have moved from the Carolinas to Harrod’s Fort, Kentucky. School Library Journal says they represent the “best traditions of the past and a hope for their country’s future.” One criticism of the book is that the “profusion of incident hampers the dramatic impact of the story. Lack of romance will limit interest” for ages 10–14. Nevertheless, it is “highly recommended for historical or ethical values” (May 15, 1949). The New York Times calls this a “welcome” pioneer story because “it deals with the opening up of Kentucky, a phase rarely dealt with.... It is doubtful that Stephanie was quite as far-seeing about the ... Revolution” as Caudill implies, but the narrative is, nevertheless, “sound, rich in perspective,” and “rewarding” (May 8, 1949).

Up and Down the River, illus. by Decie Merwin. Philadelphia: Winston, 1951. 3–5 This title is the third in a series about the Fairchild family, which is supposedly based on Caudill’s own childhood in the Kentucky mountains. In this story, Bonnie and her sister Debbie set out to earn money and “get rich.” “Real little girl adventures pleasingly illustrated” (Booklist, May 15, 1951). A shortened version of the story was previously published in Jack and Jill magazine.

Caudill, Rebecca, and James Ayars Contrary Jenkins, illus. by Glen Rounds. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969. K–3 This tall tale about a Tennessee mountaineer whose contrariness sets off a chain of exaggerated events is deemed a “superb collaboration.” The illustrations are typical of Glen Rounds, a “perfectly chosen illustrator” for this tale. He “contributes his own lusty humor,” depicting Contrary “in angular sketches that spread freely over the pages” (Horn Book,

Cavan, Seamus 3–6 This title in the World Explorers series includes an index, chronology, and biography.

Ceder, Georgiana Dorcas Winter Without Salt, illus. by Charles Walter. New York: Morrow, 1962. 3–6 Peter, age 12, must contend with hardships of Kentucky frontier life in the winter, which include the lack of salt. He is also obsessed with anger toward the Indians, who killed his parents. Somewhat stereotypical, the book is nevertheless recommended, and its characterization is considered “fine” and “sympathetic.... Not a great book, but a good one” (School Library Journal, Apr. 15, 1962).

Celsi, Teresa Jesse Jackson and Political Power. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1991. 3–6 Biography of U.S. Presidential hopeful Jesse Jackson from the Gateway Civil Rights series. Booklist notes there is “nothing extraordinary about either text or format,” but recommends the title for its clear presentation of information and appealing photographs ( Jan. 1, 1992). School Library Journal adds its endorsement, citing “the combination of a high-interest subject, profuse illustrations, and an easy vocabulary,” which will appeal to reluctant readers ( Jan. 1992).

Chadwick, Bruce Joe Namath. New York: Chelsea, 1995. 4–6 This biography in the Football Legends series includes an Introduction by Chuck Noll.

Chaffin, Lillie D. Coal: Energy and Crisis, illus. by Ray Abel. New York: Harvey, 1974. 4–7 While this title is not specifically Appalachian, it deserves attention because Chaffin grew up in Pike County, Kentucky, and understood first-hand the issues surrounding coal. The Instructor considers the book “comprehensive,” with a “balanced” view of the subject and attention to current issues, such as “the environmental destructiveness of unrestricted strip mining” (May/June 1975).

Freeman. New York: Macmillan, 1972. 4–7 Set in “bleak” Kentucky strip-mining territory, this is the story of Freeman Sloan, whose family isolates itself because of a feud. He discovers that his parents are alive and that he is actually living with

50 • Chaffin his grandparents. “Like his close cousin John Henry McCoy (1971) Freeman grows to meet the demands of a difficult family situation.” This book may appeal to readers whose family histories are clouded and whose circumstances are less than ideal (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 1973).

John Henry McCoy, illus. by Emanuel Schongut. New York: Macmillan, 1971. 4–6 This story of a young boy’s desire to keep his family in their Kentucky home instead of moving with the father to Columbus, Ohio, is a refreshing change from the typical assimilation narratives [see Borland and Speicher’s Good-by to Stony Crick (1975)]. The Bulletin considers this to be a “sensitive story” that accurately recreates “locale and speech-patterns.” While the “pace” may be “sedate,” it suits the plot, and “the characters ring true.” Chaffin’s novel describes well the “plight of the Southern Appalachian worker” but avoids becoming a “treatise.” This is a subtle book, not an adventure story, marked by “depth and tenderness” (Apr. 1972).

We Be Warm Till Springtime Comes, illus. by Lloyd Bloom. New York: Macmillan, 1980. 1–3 Abject poverty is at the core of this book about an Appalachian family surviving the winter. Told from the perspective of young Jimmy Jack Blackburn, the narrative emphasizes his efforts to gather coal and firewood to keep the cabin warm, where his mother and sister, Baby Mary, huddle in bed for warmth. His trips to haul coal in a toy wagon are emblematic of his heroic efforts. “A somber story, somberly illustrated with billowy, windswept, luminous black-and-white paintings” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1980). The New York Times Book Review is not enthusiastic about the title: “Neither story nor pictures ignite more than a momentary glow” (Dec. 7, 1970).

Chaffin, Lillie D., and R. Conrad Stein A World of Books. Chicago: Childrens, 1970. 6–up A World of Books is a title in the Open Door Books series, which focuses on individuals who have succeeded despite such negative forces as poverty, social limitations, and prejudice. Lillie Chaffin’s autobiographical account of her poverty-stricken, Kentucky, upbringing is inspirational in its emphasis on imagination, belief in self, and hard work. “She attributes her achievements to self-confidence and the compulsion to write — certainly prerequisites in this highly competitive field” (School Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1972).

Chaplik, Dorothy Up with Hope: A Biography of Jesse Jackson. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1986. 5–7 Chaplik provides a creditable biography of Jackson, though it is not without flaws. “Many of

the black-and-white photographs are identical” to illustrations in Westman’s Jesse Jackson: I Am Somebody (1980) and Halliburton’s The Picture Life of Jesse Jackson (1984), but this title is intended for older readers. Its format is “appealing,” and its style is “smooth” and “straightforward,” but it is “sexist” in that the Appendix lists only men among other significant AfricanAmerican biographies (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 1987).

Chapman, Maristan [pseud. of John Stanton Higham Chapman and Mary Isley Chapman] Clue of the Faded Dress, illus. by James Daugherty. New York: Appleton-Century, 1938 4–6 A display advertisement in the January 22, 1939, New York Times describes this Tennessee-mountain mystery as a “lively exciting story” about a sleuthing “group of boys and girls.”

Eagle Cliff, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1934. 6–up The third in the Glen Hazard series, Eagle Cliff again sets the four boy-heroes (Dale Gillow, Sadler, Vester, and Martin) on an adventure that is not dependent on the other titles. “The description of the mountain people and the handling of the mountain speech are wholly admirable,” demonstrating the Chapmans’ “thorough knowledge” of and “respect for a fine people.” They deliver “a vivid and trustworthy picture of a characteristic part of the country.” This title compares favorably with Govan’s Those Plummer Children (New York Times, Jan. 6, 1935).

Flood in Glen Hazard, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1939. 6–up The Tennessee hill country of Glen Hazard is the setting of a disastrous flood in this continuation of the adventure-mystery series. “There is enough of tragedy and terror implied in the story to make it realistic, but it is saved from too much horror by the gallant spirit of the people who are struggling to survive.” The “exciting” plot “escapes being merely sensational. It may even awaken some interest in the problem of flood control; for the description of the flood water sounds all too familiar. It has a feeling of validity to which older boys and girls will respond” (Library Journal, June 15, 1939).

Girls of Glen Hazard, illus. by James Daugherty. New York: Appleton-Century, 1937. 5–7 The Chapmans deliver a mystery with girls at center stage in this latest Glen Hazard story. According to Library Journal, “The distinctive speech of the mountains is modified but still pungent, and the characterization is good.” The relationships among the girls —“fussing and spats”— are “lifelike,” and the plot has “flavor and vitality.” Library Journal ques-

Chapman • 51 tions the girls’ ethical stance and the permissive attitude toward their “injudicious and dangerous acts.” “Perhaps mountain children are more used to roaming than others” (Feb. 1, 1938).

Glen Hazard, illus. by Horace Raymond Bishop. New York: Knopf, 1933. 7–up Set in the Tennessee mountains, this mystery story continues the tale of Glen Hazard, a small, “undisturbed” town. The Chapmans invoke “the same rich and expressive mountain dialect” that characterized their other tales. This title, however, “is less important and less moving than the earlier novels” because it relies “chiefly upon intricacy of plot” for its “effect.” “Nevertheless, it is an adroit and amusing tale, capable of providing any reader with a more than usually pleasant hour or two” (New York Times, Mar. 5, 1933).

Glen Hazard Cowboys, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1940. 6–up The ninth volume in the Glen Hazard series takes the Tennessee boys, and the dog Rock Bottom, to Arizona. The plot is a “little slow” and “does not have quite the same immediate punch as some of its predecessors,” but its tone and humor are consistent with the series, and the “writing is as picturesque and effective as ever” (New York Times, May 26, 1940).

Marsh Island Mystery, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1936. 6–up This Glen Hazard mystery includes the typical adventure that readers have come to expect of the series. “The atmosphere of the Tennessee mountains is delightful, and the wise simplicity of the mountaineers will appeal to older boys and girls.” The Chapmans’ “distinctive style” and “humorous drawing of the characters” raises this title above the level of the “average adventure story” (Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1936). According to the New York Times Book Review, the Chapmans “have mingled humor and action with the authentic flavor of the mountain country.” The dialogue is marked by “picturesque and highly idiomatic speech not only as typical hillmen but as distinct personages in themselves” (Mar. 15, 1936).

Mill Creek Mystery, illus. by Edward Shenton. New York: Appleton-Century, 1940. 6–up Set on Christmas Eve, this book features the four Glen Hazard girls, one of whom — Jane — disappears when the community searches for her lost baby brother. A New York Times display advertisement, August 25, 1940, promises another “perilous adventure” from the girls of Glen Hazard. A later review says that these girls “are less well developed than the boys of the first stories,” but “they are nevertheless real individuals.” The review praises the Chapmans’ handling of dialect as “restrained and skillful”: They use “mountain speech” to give “flavor to the dialogue

without confusing the young reader.” The Chapmans “write with humor and knowledge of human nature” and provide “a genuine understanding and appreciation of the North Carolina mountaineers” ( Jan. 26, 1941). [This review mistakenly identifies the setting as North Carolina, rather than Tennessee.]

Mountain Mystery, illus. by Edward Shenton. New York: Appleton-Century, 1941. 4–6 Another East Tennessee, Glen-Hazard mystery is set in motion when Beth Gillow and Lyn Wayland receive a note of warning from Marcia Morgan. The note, encased in an apple, tells them to avoid Marcia’s Uncle Lum, because “Something terrable is going to happen.” Lum Morgan is trying to reclaim Broken Key farm, which was restored to Marcia’s parents by the Glen Hazard boys in the sixth Chapman mystery [see Mystery of the Broken Key below], and the girls, of course, save the farm a second time. Their adventures, such as being jailed and getting caught up in a circus, require the reader to suspend all disbelief, and the characters’ language (they say “efn” instead of “if ”) does not wear well. These books may be of interest to 20th-century researchers, but not to young readers. (RH)

Mystery of the Broken Key, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1938. 4–6 The sixth Chapman mystery about the Glen Hazard boys involves their friend Martin Morgan, who is a “poorland boy,” in the usual escapades, including a lion hunt in a winter blizzard. The New York Times comments that the Glen Hazard books “are becoming more expertly and compactly constructed as regards plot and action,” but this volume fails to develop the individual natures of the characters. This aside, the series continues to be marked by “that flavorsome portrayal of the upland people.” Other positive characteristics include “their pride and generosity and forthrightness,” as well as “their mouthfilling, idiomatic speech,” which creates for these titles a “distinctive place among contemporary stories for boys” (Mar. 20, 1938).

The Mystery Dogs of Glen Hazard, illus. by Kurt Wiese. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1941. 4–6 This volume in the Story Parade Adventure series is “A story of the Tennessee mountains for younger children” (New York Times, Apr. 13, 1941).

Mystery of the Missing Car, illus. by Alice Caddy. New York: Appleton-Century, 1939. 6–up Following the pattern of Girls of Glen Hazard, the Chapmans again give girls center stage in this mystery. Beth, Lyn, Jennifer, and Marcia enjoy adventures that are equal to the Glen Hazard boys’ escapades. “Older children who like the Glen Hazard stories will find this quite as enjoyable as the preceding ones, possibly a little easier to follow, but with so many of this series now on hand perhaps the librarian

52 • Chase will wish to make a selective list of only the best of these Tennessee mountain tales” (Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1939).

Rogue’s March. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1949. 7–up Saturday Review of Literature begins its highly unfavorable review of this novel with the following: “Coonskin drama in the frontier mountains of Tennessee.” Set during the Revolutionary War, “Cornwallis struts, Whigs and Tories vie for untrammeled spoils, while the wild woodlands shelter oldstyle heroes. Villains come neatly packaged, as do lovely ladies.” The review continues with the observation that “the unpillared South” is on display in this Chapman novel, along with “half-breeds [who] fight side by side with contented slaves to push the dream to Yorktown.” The book is marred by a plot that doesn’t support “ideas” (Dec. 10, 1949). The New York Times agrees that the story is “confused and melodramatic,” but it is a “clean book which is unusual” for historical novels (Nov. 13, 1949). The New York Herald Tribune, on the other hand, says this is the first book to give King’s Mountain its due. The novel “does it justice” in a “professional” rendering of “backwoods tradition brought to life” (Oct. 23, 1949).

interesting section of the United States” (Sept. 10, 1933).

The Treasure Hunters, illus. by Mary Stevens. New York: Appleton-Century, 1945.

6–up In this title, the four “intrepid Tennessee mountain boys” continue in “the best adventure stories of contemporary American life”: “Vigorous and swift paced, they do not depend on action alone for interest, but combine an authentic portrayal of regional life with a humorously understanding delineation of boyish characters and enthusiasms” (New York Times, Mar. 28, 1937).

6–up During World War II, Beth Gillow’s parents close Gillow’s General Store in Glen Hazard, in East Tennessee, and go to Kentucky because Uncle Merle has been “called up” and Aunt Tempe needs help with the children, who have measles. Beth is sent to Aunt Lori’s big house in Grassy Cove, and she doesn’t want to go, but she manages to take with her three other Glen Hazard children and a dog: Marsha Morgan, Jane and Teddy Lister, and Teddy’s Skye terrier Pip-pip. Being an imaginative child, Beth wants to explore Marsh Island, the setting of Marsh Island Mystery (1936), a Glen Hazard boys mystery. Beth expects to find “all kinds of valuable stuff in that swamp that people had forgotten about” (15). What she and her companions find is a stolen Chinese baby and a cache of guns. The girls wind up in serious peril, which is diffused by the authorities. Underlying the story is the very real tension surrounding Japanese internment camps, but the heaviness of the wartime setting is offset by Beth’s temperament and the humor of her escapades. At the end, Aunt Lori’s house is burned by a mob, and she and the children travel back to Glen Hazard to stay in Travett’s Hotel, which has collapsed from age and being too near the train tracks. Beth writes her parents a hilarious, incendiary letter, which is, ironically, intended to lay their fears to rest. While the events seem “over the top,” the humor is rich, and children will identify with the main characters’ exploits. The book also demonstrates that the effects of World War II reached the most remote parts of the country. (RH)

Secret of Wild Cat Cave, illus. by James McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1944.

Wild Cat Ridge, illus. by James McKell. New York: Appleton, 1932.

6–up In this Glen Hazard mystery set during WWII, the four boys are young adults but not quite old enough to go to war. “This story isn’t as full-bodied as most of its predecessors, but, after all, any Glen Hazard story is better than none” (New York Times, Apr. 9, 1944).

5–up The New York Times praises the Chapmans’ latest mystery, its Tennessee mountain town, and its inhabitants: “It is a delight to find a picturesque district and a distinctive idiom treated with such complete understanding and freedom from self-consciousness.” The main characters “are genuine boys, likable, resourceful and plucky.... The story, like the boys, ... wastes no time in getting on its way.” Avoiding “elaborate descriptions,” the Chapmans create “swift and dramatic” action that gives “an understanding and appreciation of both the mountain country and the mountain people” (Sept. 11, 1932).

Rogues on Red Hill, illus. by James C. McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1937.

The Timber Trail, illus. by James McKell. New York: Appleton-Century, 1933. 6–up The four Glen Hazard boys get involved with “an unscrupulous representative of a lumber company.” The result is another adventure for these Tennessee mountain boys (Booklist, Nov. 1933). The New York Times considers this sequel to Wild Cat Ridge “better than its predecessor.” The plot is “wellwoven,” and the authors never resort to “melodrama” or “stock villains and heroes.” The characters have the “mixed qualities of human nature” and are “presented with the charm and humor native to the mountain country.” The “idiom is perfectly reproduced” in this “faithful description of life in a picturesque and

Chase, Richard, ad. American Folk Tales and Songs and Other Examples of English-American Tradition as Preserved in the Appalachian Mountains and Elsewhere in the United States, illus. by Joshua Tolford. New York: New American Library, 1956. New York: Dover, 1971.

Chase • 53 4–up In 1971, Dover Publications reprinted Richard Chase’ collection of American Folk Tales and Songs, originally published by Signet in 1956. This 1972 review cites Warren E. Roberts’ assessment that the original “cheap and pulpy” publication “was largely limited to the Southern Appalachians, that texts were rewritten, the notes were inadequate, and the volume of material was small.” Nevertheless, the volume was and still is useful, especially to classrooms and folklorists, and particularly for the accompanying LP recording (Journal of American Folklore, Oct.-Dec. 1972).

Billy Boy, illus. by Glen Rounds. San Carlos, CA: Golden Gate, 1966. K–up In his Introduction, Richard Chase says that this old, beloved folk song is rendered here “mostly as folks sing it in the southern Appalachian mountains. That is why our pictures show Billy as a mountain boy.” He goes on to say that, while there are “many versions” of the song, he has compiled these verses from many sources. The illustrations are typical of Rounds’s work. (RH)

Grandfather Tales: American-English Folk Tales, illus. by Berkeley Williams, Jr. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1948. Multiple reprints. 4–up Chase’s 24 tales and a mummers’ play, from North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, are framed by a storytelling “bee” on Old Christmas, or Twelfth Night. Since its original publication, it has enjoyed multiple reprints and remains in print today. In 1948, Library Journal praises the book: “The magic of the festival prevails, though many of the tales are richly humorous. Colorful mountain speech comes to life” (Sept. 1, 1948). In 2003, Publishers Weekly says the tales originated in England but “have taken on a distinct American flavor” including “backcountry characters” (Aug. 18, 2003). In 2004, Horn Book calls this title and Chase’s Jack Tales “two stellar collections,” that are “robust” and tinted with “colorful Appalachian dialect” (Apr. 1, 2004). Includes an Appendix of source notes.

Hullabaloo and Other Singing Folk Games, illus. by Joshua Tolford. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1949. 2–6 This collection of English-American singing games and folk games is deemed “[e]ssential for school and public libraries.” Tolford’s illustrations are “[l]ively and helpful,” as is the inclusion of the music, lyrics, and good instructional material for teachers (Library Journal, May 1, 1949).

Jack and the Three Sillies, illus. by Joshua Tolford. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1950. 1–3 A review of this picture book in the New York Times Book Review compares it with similar “fools” tales, such as the English “The Three Sillies” ( Jacobs); the German “Clever Elsie” (Grimm); and

the Scandinavian “Gudbrand.” “The pictures are delightful, giving the feeling of the Great Smoky Mountains where this story originated” (Nov. 12, 1950). Library Journal considers it a “successful collaboration” Between Chase and Tolford: “The figures are as folksy as the dialogue, the action depicted as inane as it is described” (Aug. 1950). Booklist says that the text “gives the effect of an oral telling” (Sept. 15, 1950).

The Jack Tales: Folk Tales from the Southern Appalachians, Told by R. M. Ward and His Kindred in the Beech Mountain Section of Western North Carolina and by Other Descendants of Council Harmon (1803–1896) Elsewhere in the Southern Mountains; with Three Tales from Wise County, Virginia — Set Down from These Sources and Edited by Richard Chase, illus. by Berkeley Williams, Jr. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1943. Multiple reprints. 4–up “Humor, freshness, colorful American background, and the use of one character as a central figure in the cycle mark these 18 folk tales, told here in the dialect of the mountain country of North Carolina” (Booklist, Sept. 1943). Since its first publication, multiple reprints have kept this collection in print. In 2003, Publishers Weekly notes that Williams’ illustrations continue to “add to the handsome package” (Aug. 18, 2003). Horn Book comments on the “colorful Appalachian dialect” as well as the “scholarly notes” in the Appendix (Apr. 1, 2004).

Old Songs and Singing Games. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1938. 4–up Chase’s Foreword, written from Beech Creek, North Carolina, in 1937, states, “These songs are not ‘mountain music,’ although many of the people who have given us tunes or verses do live in the Appalachians.” Includes 21 songs and notes for teachers, as well as information on modes and shape-notes. (RH)

Singing Games and Playparty Games, illus. by Joshua Tolford. New York: Dover, (1949) 1967. 4–6 First published in 1949 under the title Hullabaloo and Other Singing Folk Games [see above].

Wicked John and the Devil, illus. by Joshua Tolford. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1951. 3–6 This picture-book edition of one of the Grandfather Tales is similar in format to the 1950 Jack and the Three Sillies, which was taken from Chase’s Jack Tales. These “tales of the southern mountain folk” are “profusely illustrated by Joshua Tolford” and “have an unlimited appeal. They may seem rather expensive [$2.00] for small libraries with limited funds” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1951). For an Argentine version of this tale, see Brusca and Wilson’s The Blacksmith and the Devils (1992).

54 • Cheek

Cheek, Angie, and Lacy Hunter Nix , eds.

solid Andrew Jackson (1965)” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1976).

The Foxfire 40th Anniversary Book: Faith, Family, and the Land, illus. with photographs. New York: Anchor, 2006.

Chiltoskey, Mary Regina Ulmer

7–up To commemorate 40 years of the Foxfire movement, begun by Eliot Wigginton in 1966, the Foxfire Fund has assembled this “treasury” of material from previous Foxfire magazines. Booklist says the core of the volume is “the life lessons of men and women of few possessions but a wealth of know-how, faith, and humor” (Sept. 1, 2006). Library Journal is more enthusiastic in describing “the almost hypnotic quality of these voices, which transport the reader to a place of harsh beauty peopled by proud survivors” (Aug. 1, 2006). In spite of these positive views of the book, Publishers Weekly views the Preface negatively: “Prefatory comments from the editors are more admiring of the culture described ... and condemning of modern society than they are informative and objective. Best to overlook them and let the Appalachian elders speak for themselves” ( July 17, 2006).

Cheek, Pauline Binkley Appalachian Scrapbook: An ABC of Growing up in the Mountains, illus. by author. Boone, NC: Appalachian Consortium, 1988. 3–6 Pauline Cheek, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, illustrated and wrote this book with the help of her children and students. Told through the eyes of Emma Carter, who is nine years old, the book “reminds us that American culture is not lying silent in museum display cases, but wakes up every morning and continues on. This charming book ... is a sort of Whole Earth Catalog for school children interested in finding out how Americans still live in an area where tall tales were hatched and heroes were born” (Curriculum Review, Jan. 1989). Appalachian Scrapbook was the only children’s book ever published by the Appalachian Consortium Press. Still in use today, it is a serviceable model and format for students and teachers who wish to engage in personal, cultural, and historical research. (RH)

Aunt Mary, Tell Me a Story: A Collection of Cherokee Legends and Tales as Told by Mary Chiltoskey, illus. by John B. Galloway and Libby Lambert. Cherokee, NC: Cherokee Communication, 1991. 4–7

A collection of 30 Cherokee legends.

Cherokee Words with Pictures, illus. by Lib Lambert Langdale. Asheville, NC: Stephens, 1972. 4–up Using the unfinished work of Will West Long, who began a dictionary of Cherokee words and phrases in the late 1940s, Chiltoskey has created a simple, 55-page book, which she dedicates to “boys and girls of all ages who like Indians and especially for those who are interested in the Cherokee language.” The first half of the book translates simple words into Cherokee using Sequoyah’s syllabary; the second half translates phrases and proper names. In addition to the translations, Chiltoskey includes photographs of herself, her husband Goingback, and her brother-inlaw Watty Chiltoskie [sic], both of whom helped her with the book. Also useful is the brief background on Sequoyah, Long, and the Cherokee people. This small volume is, indeed, appropriate for readers of all ages who have an interest in the Cherokee and their language. (RH)

Chittum, Ida A Nutty Business, illus. by Stephen Gammell. New York: Putnam, 1973. 1–4 Farmer Flint makes a slim living on his persimmon and sassafras farm, but not enough money to put his wife and daughter in new dresses. To supplement his income, he decides to gather nuts, but he doesn’t count on having to fight squirrels for them. Slapstick comedy “and a good deal of corny punning” provide humor, along with Gammell’s illustrations “of long-nosed, toothy hillbillies and capering squirrels in sneakers” (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 1973).

Chidsey, Donald B.

Christensen, Bonnie

Andrew Jackson, Hero. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 1976.

The Daring Nellie Bly: America’s Star Reporter, illus. by the author. New York: Knopf, 2003.

7–up This biography of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States and “the first non-aristocrat to hold that office” is for older readers. “Chidsey is at his best describing dramatic action or confrontation, and there was much of both in Old Hickory’s stormy life.” Chidsey’s prose is “vigorous,” even though his use of uncommon words makes it seem pedantic. “Such false erudition mars an otherwise animated, useful contribution — one which should supplement, but not supplant, Margaret Coit’s

2–6 With “lively” illustrations and “exciting” prose (School Library Journal, Mar. 2006) Christensen provides a “rousing profile” (Kirkus, Sept. 15, 2003) of Nellie Bly, pseudonym of Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, Pennsylvania native and renowned journalist.

Christopher, Matt On the Ice with Mario Lemieux. Boston: Little, Brown, 2002.

Clark • 55 3–6 A biography of the professional ice hockey center who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Clark, Billy Curtis The Champion of Sourwood Mountain, illus. by Harold Eldridge. New York: Putnam, 1966. 7–up Clark delivers “another very pleasant ramble along the same path in the backwoods of eastern Kentucky” that he traveled in previous books. This boy-wants-dog story provides a hefty dose of humor, wit, and wisdom in the characters of Eb Ringtom, 13-year-old Aram Tate, and Ringtom’s “old and sly” hound dog Thusla (School Library Journal, June 1, 1966).

Goodbye Kate, illus. by Harold Eldridge. New York: Putnam, 1964. 6–up Clark’s style is described as “delightfully folksy,” which is appropriate to this “charming” episodic story of a Kentucky boy and a mule. The vignettes are “well told”; the plot “moves swiftly after a slow start and the character development is excellent. In addition, the customs and language of the people in the story are faithfully reproduced.” Clark’s story compares with the work of Jesse Stuart and Ralph Moody (School Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1965).

The Mooneyed Hound, illus. by Nedda Walker. New York: Putnam, 1958. 3–6 In this sequel to Trail of the Hunter’s Horn, Mooneye wins the Kentucky Championship Coon Dog Field Trial. “Libraries where the first book was popular will want this one which has more action” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1958).

Riverboy, illus. by Seymour Fleishman. New York: Putnam, 1958. 4–6 Set in the Kentucky hills, this is the story of Bard and his relationship with riverman Dan Tuckett. “Conflict between old and new is vividly portrayed in the boy’s doubts and loyalties. Well-written and thoughtful story, but moves slowly, and its theme will probably be meaningful to only a few children. Good regional material” (School Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1959).

Song of the River, illus. by Ezra Jack Keats. New York: Crowell, 1957. 4–6 Clark’s first novel is set on the Big Sandy River in eastern Kentucky and centers on the Scrapiron, the big catfish, and Old John’s attempts to hook him. “Song of the River is a simple and moving story and should be in large fiction collections” (School Library Journal, July 1957).

Sourwood Tales, illus. by Harold Eldridge. New York: Putnam, 1968. 7–up Clark’s 18 stories about the Sourwood community in the mid–1900s, is set in the Big Sandy Valley. “Clark is one of the ablest local color writers of

our time.... [He] knows the sounds and smells of his home country, and the mongrel dogs, small boys, and rustic music of the region.” Characterized by “subtle Kentucky humor and an abundant insight into basic human motivations,” the stories may be “autobiographical,” a “circumstance” that “lends a special authenticity to the collection” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1968).

The Trail of the Hunter’s Horn, illus. by Veronica Reed. New York: Putnam, 1957. 3–6 When Jeb finally gets the two things he really wants, a hunter’s horn and a hound dog, “the Kentucky mountaineer’s symbols of manhood,” he is disappointed to find the dog has a “moon eye.” The dog’s “patient devotion” wins Jeb’s heart. Clark’s story is missing “the universal appeal” of May Justus’ Appalachian stories, but Reed’s “illustrations make this a beautiful book” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1957).

Useless Dog. New York: Putnam, 1961. 5–7 “Fine regional story” is the School Library Journal assessment of Clark’s tale about Caleb, a 13year-old, and his hound dog. “Simple, direct action, such as hill farmers swapping and hunting despite the danger of rattlers,” frames the “relationship of boy and family and neighbors. Kentucky speech is suggested but difficult dialect avoided” (Sept. 15, 1961).

Clark, Electa Cherokee Chief: The Life of John Ross, illus. by John Wagner. New York: Crowell-Collier, 1970. 5–up Though this well-known story “leads inevitably to the Trail of Tears,” this book offers “a change from the usual Indians-cavalry motif.” Clark’s story focuses Ross’s “diplomatic efforts” and “gives a capable introduction to the Cherokees and their way of life. The tribal council scenes are especially well done.” Avoiding “Indian stereotypes,” Clark’s “writing is brisk and concise, making this a highly readable book.” Wagner’s “muted pencil drawings capture the essence of a temporarily defeated but nevertheless resolute people” (School Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1970).

Clark, Joe Back Home. Kingsport, TN: Tennessee Squire Association, 1965. 4–up These black-and-white photographs (approximately 40) make a nice companion to other pictorial studies of Appalachia by photographers such as Earl Palmer and Kenneth Murray, as well as Wendy Ewald’s collection of student photographs and essays Portraits and Dreams. The Foreword, written by Tom Flaherty, Associate Editor of Life Magazine, offers a tribute to Joe Clark, known as the “Hillbilly Snap Shooter” and explains — accurately — that the book is

56 • Clark not a history; rather, it “sings a paean” to Tennessee. The photographs capture early rural scenes of all phases of everyday life from early– to mid–20th century, the most noteworthy of which are the individual portraits. The photographs are accompanied by poetry, which is undistinguished but often amusing and sometimes poignant in its simplicity. Though not intended for children, the book is an excellent research tool for young readers. (RH)

Tennessee Hill Folk. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 1972. 4–up Clark’s career was “launched” in the 1920s when he photographed mountain people from his native Tennessee. Eighty pictures make up this collection, which includes an Introduction by Jesse Stuart. “Every page shows something pertinent to a study of regional folkways, from dances, cabins, farms, and fences to craftsmen, work bees, loafers’ benches, and folk religious practices” (Journal of American Folklore, Apr./June, 1973). American Notes and Queries describes the work as “having “historical interest and literary appeal.” The Introduction, written by the “always felicitous” Jesse Stuart, reflects “the poetic mood” of the “handsome” photographs (Nov. 1972).

Clark, Michael J. Lazar and Boone Stop Strip Mining Bully to Save Apple Valley and Buttermilk Creek: A Story for Children and Mature Adults, illus. by Margaret Gregg. Huntington, WV: Appalachian Movement, 1973. 2–6 Boone is a “long-eared” mule; Lazar is a toad who can read. These two characters act in concert with Farmer Caudill to thwart the strip mine bully, a bulldozer who terrorizes the valley. Lazar tries to reason with it and, failing in the attempt, acts with Farmer Caudill to blow up the bully with dynamite. This is a moral tale with thinly disguised connections to real life. A “backward” written by the “other” Mike Clark and printed at the end of the story explains, “The story of Lazar and Boone and Farmer Caudill proves, once again, that mountain people and their friends will solve their own problems if they can find the necessary tools.” Simple line drawings illustrate the text. (RH)

Claro, Nicole The Cherokee Indians. New York: Chelsea, (1992) 1999. 3–5 Claro’s book for middle grades, a title in the Junior Library of American Indians series, “describes the changing ways of life of the Cherokee people,” with emphasis on the consequences of their contact with white settlers. Booklist labels the prose “undistinguished” and notes that many of the illustrations appeared in Theda Perdue’s The Cherokee (1989) (Oct. 15, 1991). Kirkus agrees that the style is “undis-

tinguished ... and overabbreviated,” but the book is “well organized and useful” (Sept. 1, 1991).

Cleaver, Vera, and Bill Cleaver A Little Destiny, illus. by Wendell Minor. New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1979. 6–up Fearing that Mr. Clegg was instrumental in the death of her father, Lucy Commander confronts him but finds “that revenge is too bitter an emotion.” The Cleavers’ “plot verges on turgidity ... and the book is marred by other passages that are ornate and by phrases that are redolent of an earlier time” though the north Georgia setting appears to be modern (Bulletin, Nov. 1979). According to the Horn Book, “evil and peril” and “moral questioning of unusual depth” are the hallmarks of the book, which also exhibits “occasional flashes of humor” and “immense courage and fortitude” (Dec. 1979).

The Mimosa Tree. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1970. 6–up Like Mary Call Luther, Marvella, age 14 and the eldest of five, must take on the responsibilities of an adult. The family moves from their “moribund” farm in North Carolina to Chicago, where their plight worsens. With a blind father and a stepmother who abandons the family, Marvella herself drives the family back to their farm, where they are “inexplicably” welcomed by previously unkind neighbors. The Bulletin considers the ending “unconvincing,” though the “squalor and deprivation are real.” The book has similarities with Where the Lilies Bloom (1969) but lacks its “vitality” (Mar. 1971). This novel provides a good contrast to stories of successful, happy assimilation, such as Charles Raymond’s Up from Appalachia.

Trial Valley. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1977. 6–up In the sequel to Where the Lilies Bloom, Mary Call has matured to age 16 and becomes the love interest of Thad Yancey and Gaither Graybeal. Still proud and independent, she continues to shoulder the responsibilities of an adult, especially when she finds an abandoned child, Jack, in the forest. The Bulletin calls the prose “fluent” and the “dialogue excellent,” except for the Cleavers’ “heavy” use of “local idiom,” which makes Mary Call sometimes sound “like a young, poetic philosopher” and sometimes “like an educated hillbilly.” Nevertheless, the setting and characters are “vividly evoked” ( June 1977). The Cleavers “have fashioned” a novel that is “bracing and resolutely unsentimental” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1977).

Where the Lilies Bloom. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1969. 6–up When Mary Call Luther’s father dies, she promises him that she will keep the family together. At age 14, she is the caretaker of an older “cloudyheaded” sister, and two younger siblings, all of whom resent her harshness and determination. Set in

Coatsworth • 57 the North Carolina mountains, the book is a veritable compendium of “wildcrafting,” the gathering and selling of medicinal herbs, which is their only means of support. Mary Call is “an unforgettable character, tough and courageous, tenacious as a bittersweet vine.” When cold weather comes, she moves the farm animals into the house; later she moves the family to a cave, adding the final gruesome touch to a “fascinating” setting and the Cleavers’ “distinctive” style (Bulletin, Dec. 1969).

Climo, Shirley A Month of Seven Days. New York: Crowell, 1987. 5–7 Set in the north Georgia mountains in 1864, this Civil War novel earns mixed reviews. Zoe and her mother survive the absence of the father, who is fighting in the Confederate Army, and the Yankee occupation of their home and farm. The Bulletin says the writing is adequate and the characters “are well defined,” though “nuance” is not Climo’s strength. The “structure seems too dense” and relies too heavily on the Yankee Captain Hatcher’s susceptibility to Zoe’s scare tactics (Oct. 1987). Kirkus Reviews praises the characterization: “Zoe is believable,” and her “mother is memorable.” The other characters “seem rudimentary,” making for a story that is “slight but effective” (Nov. 15, 1987).

not need to share Esta Lea’s religious beliefs in order to appreciate her conflicts and to become engrossed in her concerns” (Publishers Weekly, Aug. 6, 2001). Booklist describes the language as “rich with down-home southern humor,” though the story itself “places unusual, gripping moments into a predictable plot that loses momentum.... Teens will appreciate the comic approach to such an earnest subject” (Booklist, Oct. 1, 2001). The Horn Book Guide agrees that “the novel’s tone is uneven,” though the religious topic is “respectfully portrayed” (Spring 2002). “Clinton has a good ear for language, but this offering needs some work” (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2001). School Library Journal says Climo’s first book is a “humorous, sincere account of faith healing” that “begs for a sequel” (Aug. 1, 2001). A superb companion to Clinton’s book would be Rylant’s A Fine White Dust (1986) [see below].

Coatsworth, Elizabeth Down Tumbledown Mountain, illus. by Aldren Watson. White Plains, NY: Row, Peterson, 1958.

Clinton, Cathryn

2–5 Randall’s mother sends him down Tumbledown Mountain to get corn ground at the mill. He tells his mother, “I’ll remember every pretty thing I see and tell you about it when I get home” (12). As he rides Speckles the mule, he sings “The Swapping Song,” whose verses mirror his experience in the reverse. He accumulates ten “things to remember.” Some are small, such as seeing birds and butterflies; some are important, such as helping Aunt Mandy catch her pig, seeing his first truck, and learning that a road is being built in the mountains. There is little plot, but the juxtaposition of the song with Randall’s journey adds subtle depth that is often absent from this type of book. Coatsworth’s prose is clear and easy to read; she conveys dialect not through altered spelling but through vocabulary and colloquial language. Set in the Cumberland Mountains, the story is never condescending or patronizing, unlike many children’s books of the period. Watson’s black-andwhite ink sketches do not always accurately interpret the text, but they add visual interest. The music and lyrics to Jean Ritchie’s version of “The Swapping Song” [see below] are appended. (RH)

The Calling. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick, 2001.

The Golden Horseshoe, illus. by Robert Lawson. New York: Macmillan, 1935.

5–up Clinton’s first novel, set in South Carolina in the early 1960s, will prepare children for later reading of adult novels such as Sinclair Lewis’ classic Elmer Gantry (1927) and Lee Smith’s Saving Grace (1995). Children’s fiction rarely tackles religious issues that The Calling explores, head-on. Twelve-year-old Esta Lee discovers that she has healing powers, a beginning that seems “like farce,” though the novel ultimately deals with serious “questions of religious faith and practice,” including charlatan ministers and human frailty in a “taut story line. The audience does

5–8 Coatsworth’s historical novel begins on the James River, where Tamar, half Indian and half white, lives with her father Colonel Stafford and her half-brother Roger. Tamar’s most cherished possession is the crown that her mother, an Indian princess, wore at Williamsburg. When she learns from her Indian Uncle Opechancanough that the French plan to take the land west of the Virginia mountains, she warns Governor Spotswood, who forms a party to explore the western lands. Unfortunately, she is not allowed to go along because she is a girl. Disappointed

Cline-Ransome, Lesa Satchel Paige, illus. by James E. Ransome. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000. 1–5 With “conversational prose” and “spectacle-filled pictures,” Lesa Cline-Ransome and husband James Ransome team to present a picture-book biography of Alabama native and baseball great Satchel Paige (Horn Book, Mar. 2000). Cline-Ransome “plays up [Paige’s] mythic elements in her rollicking narrative” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1999). Ransome’s “rich oil illustrations establish a sense of time and place” (School Library Journal, Mar. 2000), and “capture the on-field prowess as well as the personality of the quick-witted, feisty Paige” (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 10, 2000).

58 • Cober and angry, she bets her mother’s crown against Roger’s horse that she will eventually join the group. Roger has boasted that “it will be like the knights of old riding out on a quest” (82). Disguised as the Indian boy Raccoon and aided by her Indian relatives, she crosses the mountains with the party, wins the wager, and saves the day. In addition to the naming of Mount Spotswood, the Governor also names Mount Raccoon in her honor. According to the New York Times Book Review, “Tamar’s story is a wholly charming one, in which a character is truly created, and a deeply felt sense of the past is conveyed in fresh and vivid prose” (Oct. 27, 1935). While the setting is not strictly within the Appalachian region, this historical event became the foundation for the Knights (and Ladies) of the Golden Horseshoe award for excellence in West Virginia history, an educational tradition that still thrives today [see Frances Gunter’s The Golden Horseshoe and The Golden Horseshoe II below]. (RH)

Old Whirlwind. New York: Macmillan, 1953. 3–5 Coatsworth uses a factual story from Davy Crockett’s life for this “fictionalized account of his trip to Baltimore, when at the age of twelve he was hired out to a drover by his father.” An “exciting ... and ... interesting introduction” to Crockett and a “[w]ellwritten story, with good illustrations, print, and binding” (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1953).

Cober, Mary E. The Remarkable History of Tony Beaver, West Virginian. New York: McKay, 1953. 4–up This life of Tony Beaver, the well-known West Virginia tall-tale, folk hero, is recounted here “with a contagious humor,” that will “have regional appeal ... but will be just as valuable for its subject and simple text” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 1953).

Coblentz, Catherine Cate Sequoya, illus. by Ralph Ray, Jr. New York: Longmans, Green, 1946. 7–up Library Journal says that this 1946 life of the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet is “told for the first time” for young readers. Coblentz “has used the most consistent of the folklore about” Sequoyah, including “sequential and definite information gathered from authorities on the Cherokees” (Dec. 15, 1946). A 1958 reprint is described as “[i]mportant because it gives the Indian point of view of the westward movement” and the “tragic yet glorious history of the Cherokees” (Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1958).

Cohen, Carol Lee Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett, illus. by Ariane Dewey. New York: Greenwillow, 1985. 2–3 A tall tale in which Davy Crockett’s wife bests Mike Fink in a “match ... arranged by Davy and

easily won by Sally Ann.” Though characterized by the expected exaggeration, the book “lacks contrast”; the “illustrations have a rough vitality” (Bulletin, June 1985).

Cohen, Joel H. Manny Sanguillen: Jolly Pirate. New York: Putnam, 1975. 5–up Cohen presents a biography of Panamanian-born Pittsburgh Pirate Manny Sanguillen. From the Putnam Sports Shelf series, this title describes the day-to-day routine of the baseball player.

Cohlene, Terri Dancing Drum: A Cherokee Legend, illus. by Charles Reasoner. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1990. 4–6 The first part of this title in the Native American Legends series relates the Cherokee version of the Demeter and Persephone myth. In this story, Grandmother Sun becomes angry and dries up the earth. Dancing Drum assumes the shape of a snake and bites Daughter of the Sun, who dies. Dancing Drum travels to the Darkening-land and the Land of the Spirits to capture the spirit of Daughter of the Sun and return her to Grandmother Sun. When her spirit is tightly sealed in a basket, Dancing Drum is warned not to look inside, but he disobeys, and as he lifts the lid, she flies away in the form of a redbird. At this, Grandmother Sun begins to weep and floods the land. Dancing Drum plays his special drum to appease her, and she is so pleased that once again she smiles on her “Children of the Mountain” (30). Reasoner’s flat, collage-like illustrations are well designed and appropriate to the text. Unfortunately, the second part of the book weakens the story and conflicts with Reasoner’s art. It presents over-simplified information on the Cherokee, including the statement that the Cherokee removal in 1838 was the direct result of the discovery of gold on Cherokee land. The map, photographs (both historical and contemporary), glossary, and important dates are too insubstantial to be of use, but the story itself is excellent. (RH)

Coit, Margaret Andrew Jackson, illus. by Milton Johnson. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. 6–up The author of this title is a winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Here she delivers the biography of Jackson with “verve and color, with compassion and feeling.” Biographies by Genevieve Foster (1951) and Jeanette Nolan (1949) [see below] “lack the sparkle and intensity” of Coit’s book, though they are written for younger readers. “Miss Coit’s enthusiasm for her subject and her considerable talent as a writer are combined here in a decidedly superior biography” (School Library Journal, June 15, 1965).

Collier • 59

Cole, Norma The Final Tide. New York: McElderry, 1990. 6–up Set in 1948 on the Cumberland River, in Appalachian Kentucky, this novel explores a common regional theme: the displacement of families by TVA dams. Fourteen-year-old Geneva Haw, her family, and her community are faced with the obliteration of their “personal landmarks.” “Resourcefully mixing humor and melancholia, Cole skillfully backlights some subcultural cross-currents of thought that are still operational today. She reconstructs the speech patterns of rural Kentucky” making them “much easier to read than the dialect found in Janice Holt Giles’ novels.” Described as “a good story by a talented outsider,” the novel “distill[s] what is rare and special about a time and a region so that readers can find some new level of understanding about people and the choices they make” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1990). Horn Book calls the book “predictable” (Feb. 1991), but Kirkus Reviews describes it as “full of mountain grit and stubbornness and humor” (Nov. 1, 1990).

Collard, Sneed B. David Crockett: Fearless Frontiersman. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2006. 2–6 With “unique anecdotes and clear thoughtful descriptions [Collard] skillfully manages to provide young readers with a true sense of [David Crockett’s] ... humanity [and] accomplishments” (Library Media Connection, Aug/Sept. 2007). Included in the American Heroes series, this well-designed title provides information on Crockett’s political views and adventures. Large print format with a glossary, bibliography, and index (Children’s Bookwatch, Feb. 2007).

Rosa Parks: The Courage to Make a Difference. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2007. 3–5 Included in the American Heroes series, Rosa Parks: The Courage to Make a Difference is a “basic, accurate overview” of Parks life and her contribution to the American civil rights movement (School Library Journal, Mar., 2007). Illustrated with reproductions, the title includes a chronology, lists for further reading, a glossary, an index, and suggested websites.

Collier, James Lincoln The Tecumseh You Never Knew, illus. by Greg Copeland. New York: Childrens, 2004. 4–8 Included in the “inviting” You Never Knew series, Collier’s biography provides information about Tecumseh’s life, achievements, success, and failures. “Easy-to-read type on spacious white pages may tempt children into reading biographies” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2005).

Collier, James Lincoln, and Christopher Collier The Bloody Country. New York: Four Winds, (1976) 1985. 6–up Ben Buck and his family move from Connecticut to the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary War. As other families join them, they fall victim to the Pennamites, Pennsylvanians who tried to rid the territory of Connecticut settlers. Ben’s mother, brother-in-law, and childhood friend are killed; later his sister Annie goes back to Connecticut. The New York Times Book Review deems this an “interesting” and “convincing” historical novel, “well based historically and smoothly written” by two Newbery-Honor-Award-winning brothers (May 2, 1976). Language Arts praises the book as an “authoritative, honest look at brutal fighting and killing” over a property dispute; it is in many ways a “disturbing book,” but it gives a “real feeling for the times” ( Jan. 1977). Horn Book agrees that this is a “gripping and dramatic presentation of the personal problems, attitudes, emotions, and controversies” of Revolutionary War times ( June 1976). The Bulletin argues that the book is “especially valuable for its exploration of issues and philosophy,” which makes it a “fine example of historical fiction” (Dec. 1976). According to Booklist, the “smooth storytelling in modern speech patterns is sharp and speedy.” It is good that the Colliers have avoided the “bleakness” of My Brother Sam Is Dead, which would have made this novel “sensationalized” ( June 1, 1976).

With Every Drop of Blood: A Novel of the Civil War. New York: Delacorte, 1994. 6–9 Like characters in many titles for this age group, 14-year-old Johnny makes a deathbed promise to his father that he will keep the farm and take care of his mother and sisters. Johnny’s family, which has strong Confederate sympathies and highly-prejudicial attitudes toward African Americans, lives in the White Top mountains in the Virginia Blue Ridge, and the opening is set near Harrisonburg. School Library Journal compares this title with Patricia Beatty’s Turn Homeward, Hannalee (1994) [see above]: “Richly drawn,” main characters Johnny and Cush, who is black, “exhibit many of the foibles found in people everywhere, and their developing friendship is believable” (Aug. 1994). Book Report recommends the title highly as “quality historical fiction” (Mar./Apr. 1995). In spite of the “sense of the Southern kid who’s not at all sure what he’s fighting for,” both characters come to “know that racism is still a bitter reality” (Booklist, July 1994). Horn Book calls it a “gripping story” (Mar. 1995). One of the most useful features is the Foreword entitled About the Use of the Word Nigger in This Book, which explains the evolution of the epithet.

60 • Collier

Collier, Kristi Jericho Walls. New York: Holt, 2002. 5–6 Collier’s first novel is set in 1957 Jerico, South Carolina, where Jo Clawson, age 11, and her family have moved from Illinois. Jo’s father is a Baptist minister whose opinions are decidedly narrower than those held by Jo and her part–Cherokee mother. Jo’s friendship with African-American Lucas is the source of much of the tension and conflict, played out against the national backdrop of the civil-rights movement. Jo sometimes appears “more sophisticated than her years might allow,” and her action sometimes “strains believability.” The recurring mockingbird “motif ” is “overdone”: Collier “strikes the right notes, but she hits them a little too hard” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 15, 2002). School Library Journal says that “the unimaginative and predictable plot detracts from the book’s overall effectiveness” (Apr. 1, 2002). Kirkus Reviews is more positive: “The story’s climax is realistic,” showing that “actions based on moral choices may have unpredictable outcomes” (Apr. 15, 2002). Booklist disagrees, calling the book a “didactic” tale with characters that “simply serve as mouthpieces” (Apr. 1. 2002).

Collier, Peter When Shall They Rest? The Cherokees’ Long Struggle with America. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973. 5–up The Cherokees’ decision to assimilate with white culture did not save them from removal to the West and the Trail of Tears. Collier’s narrative is “sympathetic but factual”; it “criticizes the present tribal organization,” which, in his view, is “more interested in constructing tourist attractions than in providing much needed assistance” for the Cherokee (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1974).

Collins, James L. John Brown and the Fight Against Slavery. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1991. 4–8 This biography of abolitionist John Brown, a title in the Gateway Civil Rights series, includes a bibliography and index.

Collins, Kaye Carver, and Angie Cheek, eds. Foxfire 12: War Stories, Cherokee Traditions, Summer Camps, Square Dancing, Crafts, and More Affairs of Plain Living. New York: Anchor, 2004. 7–up After a five-year lapse in publication, this Foxfire volume “has the familiar charm” of previous volumes but suffers from “repetitiveness.” Nevertheless, fans of the series will “relish” the material. “There is an informative chapter about Cherokee stories and some very interesting accounts by people who at-

tended three different summer camps in the area” (Publishers Weekly, Aug. 30, 2004).

Collins, Kaye Carver, and Lacy Hunter, eds. Foxfire 11: Wild Plant Uses, Gardening Wit and Wisdom, Beekeeping, Tool Making, Fishing and More Affairs of Plain Living. New York: Anchor, 1999. 7–up Volume number 11 in the popular Foxfire series.

Colman, Penny Mother Jones and the March of the Mill Children. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1994. 3–6 Coleman relates the story of the 1903 child-labor protest march, led by Mary Harris Jones, which wound up on the doorstep of President Theodore Roosevelt’s home at Oyster Bay. Unfortunately, the historical importance of the march takes back seat to Jones’s biography and the cause of child labor. “Photographs of working children and of the march, along with clippings and editorial cartoons that appeared at the time, will attract readers” (Booklist, May 1, 1994). “A solid biography” and “a good introduction to the labor movement” (Horn Book, Sept. 1994). Includes important dates, a bibliography, and an index.

Compton, Joanne Ashpet: An Appalachian Tale, illus. by Kenn Compton. New York: Holiday, 1994. K–2 This picture-book adaptation of Richard Chase’s Appalachian Cinderella, from the Grandfather Tales, offers “frisky dialogue” and “zesty” characters, though it loses the “romantic underpinnings of the tale.” The illustrations “set amiably doltish cartooned figures against a gentle landscape” (Bulletin, June 1994). Publishers Weekly calls this a “capably handled hillbilly version of Cinderella”: “Joann Compton dots the tale with ‘backwoods’ lingo,” and Kenn Compton “opts for the artistic” touch in his illustrations (Feb. 14, 1994).

Sody Sallyratus, illus. by Kenn Compton. New York: Holiday, 1995. K–2 Following on their success with Jack the Giant Chaser (1993) and Ashpet (1994), the Comptons adapt another of Richard Chase’s Appalachian folktales from the Grandfather Tales. The illustrations have “exaggerated action and characterization,” which “add immensely to the humor of the story” (Booklist, Feb. 1, 1995). “Traditionalists may holler” about the changes to the original tale, but “stories that are still alive are always changing” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1995). This tale about a journey to buy baking soda (which was once called “sody sallyratus”), is peopled with a “hillbilly cast” and “the occasional

Cooper • 61 colloquialism” (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 30, 1995). This Appalachian variant of the “Three Billy Goats Gruff ” motif is a nice addition to the growing number of picture-book adaptations of Appalachian folktales.

Compton, Kenn, and Joanne Compton Jack the Giant Chaser: An Appalachian Tale, illus. by authors. New York: Holiday, 1993. K–2 This picture book is a somewhat tame adaptation of “Jack and the Giants’ Newground” from Richard Chase’s collection of Jack tales. The “slapstick watercolors ... will appeal mightily to the cartoon crowd” (Bulletin, June 1993). The Comptons offer a “direct, folksy view of down-home mountain kin” along with a “ubiquitous pooch” that adds humor (Publishers Weekly, May 10, 1993). Kirkus Reviews suggests that older readers will be able to compare this adaptation with Chase’s original (Apr. 15, 1993), and with the European version. School Library Journal notes that the Comptons include “regional details,” such as “cornbread, greens, and ham” (Apr. 1, 1993). “The informal speech patterns and the jaunty black line and color wash drawings reflect a Southern Appalachian setting” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 1993). Others may find the illustrations stereotypical and not at all flattering of the region.

Conley, Philip Mallory West Virginia Reader: Stories of Early Days. Charleston, WV: Education Foundation, 1970. 5–up According to Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People, Conley “has helped West Virginia history come to life for young readers” in this collection of stories about West Virginia. Individuals discussed include Cornstalk, the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, “Mad” Anne Bailey, Lewis Wetzel, James Rumsey, John Brown, Stonewall Jackson, Belle Boyd, and Booker T. Washington, along with factual information on a wide variety of topics. Photographs, drawings, and an index make the book useful for the classroom (American Library Association, 1985).

Conley, Robert J. The Witch of Goingsnake: And Other Stories. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1988. 7–up According to Publishers Weekly, Conley is “a Cherokee Indian and a leader in the indigenous literature movement,” credentials that lend authenticity to these traditional and contemporary tales. “Powerful, often dealing with cruel events, ... these stories reflect the range of Cherokee culture and the differences among the full and mixed-blood inheritors” (Sept. 9, 1988). Booklist judges Conley’s prose to be “repetitious” and absent of “imaginative power.” Its

strength lies in the details of “Cherokee heritage” (Sept. 1, 1988).

Conn, Frances G. Ida Tarbell, Muckraker. Nashville: Nelson, 1972. 6–up A biography of the woman who pioneered a new style of journalism by exposing the malpractices of the oil industry at the turn of the century in her 1904 book The History of the Standard Oil Company.

Connell, Kaye These Lands Are Ours: Tecumseh’s Fight for the Old Northwest, illus. by Jan Naimo Jones. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1993. 3–6 Included in the Nonfiction Bookbag series, this title presents the life of Tecumseh and his effort to unite Native Americans in their quest to prevent the loss of their land. “Recommended, with minor flaws” (Horn Book, Sept. 1993).

Cooke, David C. Tecumseh, Destiny’s Warrior. New York: Messner, 1959. 6–up Included in the Messner Biography series, Cooke’s biography presents the life of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and his attempt to prevent the American Government from taking land inhabited by Native Americans.

Cooper, Ann Goode Lawyer Will: The Story of an Appalachian Lawyer, illus. by Diana Jessee. Boone, NC: Parkway, 2004. 3–5 Cooper’s 72-page biography of her uncle, William Harrison Bowlin, is two books in one: She relates the non-fictional account of his life on the lefthand pages and a fictional account on the right. This format makes for an awkward publication that will be confusing to young readers, and Jessee’s stiff sketches contribute little to the book. Other illustrations, consisting of archival documents and photographs, are more appropriate to the text. In spite of its flaws, Goode’s biography is important because it renders the life of an extraordinary, ordinary man, born in Virginia and educated totally in Appalachia, who practiced law in Kingsport, Tennessee, and was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Children’s books of this nature are rare and should be promoted in local school systems [see also Ebel’s Addie Clawson: Appalachian Mail Carrier, Parkway, 2003]. (RH)

Cooper, Jason Great Smoky Mountains. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1995. 2–6

A title in the Natural Wonders series.

62 • Cooper

Cooper, Richard

3–5 Biography of the U.S. Supreme Court justice, who grew up in Ashland, Alabama, and practiced law in Birmingham.

poignancy of this bleak chapter in history should rivet even the most callous readers,” but the book has its flaws. “Truncated conversations in clipped sentences” mar the book, “and the self-conscious dialogue adds little to the story’s overall impact.” The ending is “uncharacteristically rosy,” but children will probably respond positively to the book, which includes a historical note at the end (Bulletin, Dec. 1998). According to Booklist, the “historical facts are authentic ... but the writing is flat, with idealized characters, a contrived subplot, and purposive bits of culture and history patched on to the story.” Nevertheless, readers will be held by the “personal drama of the terror” rendered here through a child’s eyes (Aug. 1998). The Horn Book Guide considers Cornelissen’s fictionalized account “accessible and poignant” (Fall 1999).

Julia Tutwiler: Teacher, Leader. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1987.

Cornelius, Kay

Billy Graham: Preacher to the World. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1985. 3–5 A biography of the internationally-known evangelist.

Dr. Mary Martin Sloop: The Woman Who Moved Mountains. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1988. 3–5 This title in the Famous Tar Heels series tells the life story of Mary Martin Sloop who, along with her husband Eustace, built the Crossnore School in Crossnore, North Carolina.

Hugo Black. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1987.

3–5 A biography of the Alabama educator and social reformer who fought for women’s rights and better conditions for prisoners.

Chamique Holdsclaw. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2001.

3–5 A biography of the famous Appalachian novelist who lived in Asheville, North Carolina.

4–8 This title in the Women Who Win series employs “a simple, colloquial style” and focuses on Holdsclaw’s “childhood, influences, career, and success.” The illustrative photographs are “of excellent quality and frequently are interspersed throughout the text” (Book Report, Mar./Apr. 2001).

W. C. Handy: Doctor of the Blues. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1987.

Countess, Mary Alice

3–5 Biography of the “father of the Blues,” who grew up in Florence, Alabama.

Cowpath Days, illus. by Susan Daggett. Pleasant Garden, NC: Viewpoint, 2001.

Corfman, Ann

4–8 Cowpath Days presents the story of four children living on their grandparents’ farm in Stokes County, North Carolina.

Thomas Wolfe: Voice of the Mountains. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1985.

A is for Appleseed, illus. by Sherry Farmer. Urbana, IL: Urbana University Press, 2006. 3–5 To appreciate this book, students will already need to know the story of Johnny Appleseed ( John Chapman). Corfman’s biography, told in rhyming quatrains with forced syntax and near rhyme, will be difficult for young readers, and the ABC format will not appeal to older readers. The illustrations are not successful. For example, “R is for rescue” is illustrated with a gun and bow and arrow. “Q is for quiet” shows a sleeping rabbit, and “Z is for Zeal” is illustrated by a photo album. Layout is inconsistent, and the use of two fonts on each page is unattractive. A bibliography, glossary, and activities are included, but the instructions for each activity are poorly written. An adult would need to supervise and interpret. Both the author and illustrator are members of the Johnny Appleseed Society. (RH)

Cornelissen, Cornelia Soft Rain: A Story of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. New York: Delacorte, 1998. 3–6 Set in North Carolina, this novel relates the story of Soft Rain’s family who is forced to join the Trail of Tears along with their fellow Cherokee. “The

Cox , Clinton Fiery Vision: The Life and Death of John Brown. New York: Scholastic, 1997. 7–up The Bulletin praises this biography of John Brown as “highly readable,” “sympathetic without being sentimental,” and it provides “insights into the complexities of a man that devoted his life and his family to the cause of abolition.” Cox has written a “riveting narrative that will galvanize readers up to the fateful meeting at Harpers Ferry” ( July/Aug. 1997). Booklist says the biography contains “minutiae,” making for “too much chronological detail,” but the “particulars are powerful” in the “accounts of slavery” (Feb. 15, 1997). According to Horn Book, Cox “places a human face on the historical icon” who “was destined” to advocate for justice (Mar. 1998). School Library Journal agrees that “the man ... often summed up as a martyr, a madman, or a mystery” is revealed in “this thorough and clearly written biography” as “a loving family man and not-too-successful businessman” ( June 1997). Contains archival black-and-white photographs, a prologue, epilogue, bibliography, and index.

Creech • 63

Craats, Rennay The Cherokee, illus. by Marilyn “Angel” Wynn. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2004. 3–5 From the American Indian Art and Culture series, Craats presents the history and culture of the Cherokee for middle-grade readers.

Credle, Ellis Big Doin’s on Razorback Ridge, illus. by author. New York: Thomas Nelson, (1956) 1978. 5–6 Razorback Ridge gets ready for a visit from the President to honor a new dam. “Wonderfully consistent in its Blue Ridge Mountain flavor,” this book displays “originality and suspense.” Credle shows “affection and respect for the people about whom he [sic] writes (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1956). A 1978 reissue of the book is praised by Booklist as homey and old fashioned”: “Still resonant with the old Appalachian ways,” its appearance is welcome after a 17-year absence (Oct. 1, 1978).

Down, Down the Mountain, illus. by author. New York: Thomas Nelson, 1934. K–3 Hetty and Hank, who live in the Blue Ridge Mountains, raise turnips, hoping to swap them for shoes. “A short, delightful story that gives a simple, pleasant picture of mountain life.” The format and illustrations suit the text (Booklist, Nov. 1934). Library Journal calls it “[o]ne of the most distinguished picture-story books of the year.... The story and the pictures alike give the full flavor of the mountain folk and country side” (Nov. 1, 1934). The New York Times agrees that Credle’s illustrations “have zest and humor and a sympathetic understanding of the mountain country” (Nov. 4, 1934).

The Goat That Went to School, illus. by author. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1940. K–3 Hubert is a mountain boy who wants store-bought clothes to wear to school, but his pet goat thwarts his plans. He “butts and eats his ingratiating way through the story,” but all ends happily. Credle brings to this book “her easy, fluid style” in both text and illustration (New York Times Book Review, June 16, 1940).

Janey’s Shoes, illus. by author. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1944. K–3 Granny tells the story of riding and walking without shoes from South Carolina to the Appalachian mountains, specifically the trail to White Doe Mountain. Credle’s “pictures point up [Granny’s] courage” (New York Times, July 1, 1945).

Johnny and His Mule, illus. with photographs by Charles Townsend. New York: Oxford University Press, 1946. 2–5 Johnny bids five cents on a balky old mule and must get it home. Though Johnny fears his fa-

ther will be angry with him, he is thrilled. The book attracts “special interest for its photographs of scenes and people of the Great Smoky mountains” (Booklist, Oct. 15, 1946).

Pig-O-Wee, illus. by author. New York: RandMcNally, 1936. K–4 Pig-O-Wee is so skinny that the storekeeper refuses to accept her in trade for a music box, which Lem wants for the family. When Pig-O-Wee has four piglets, the storekeeper relents, and the Blue Ridge community folk reward their skinny pig. “Delightful illustrations” make this a book of typical Credle quality (Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1936). The “sturdy simplicity,” along with “humor” and “liveliness,” convey a sense of Credle’s “Blue Ridge country and the mountain folk she knows so well” (New York Times, Apr. 19, 1936).

Tall Tales from the High Hills and Other Stories, illus. by Richard Bennett. New York: Nelson, 1957. 6–up This collection of 20 “gay, lively tales handed down by word of mouth among mountain folk of the Blue Ridge” includes the “universal themes of folklore.” Credle relates the stories “with the color and flavor of the Southern Highlands” (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1957). The New York Times describes the collection as “little-known, freshly flavored yarns from the North Carolina Blue Ridge” (May 13, 1962).

Creech, Sharon Absolutely Normal Chaos. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. 5–8 Newbery-Award-winning writer Sharon Creech receives mixed reviews for this novel. Mary Lou Finney, age 13, lives in Euclid, Ohio, and relates this story through journal entries, which are a summer English assignment. She struggles with the various trials of being a teenager, including acceptance of her “slovenly and monosyllabic” cousin Carl Ray, who is visiting from West Virginia. The plot is “over-thetop” and “seems weakly contrived.” Additionally, Carl Ray’s “circumstances ... are well-nigh unbelievable.” Creech “seems as oblivious as Mary Lou herself to [the book’s] hokey devices” (Bulletin, Nov. 1995). Booklist offers a more positive review: “Absolutely Normal Chaos is absolutely normal 13-year-old angst” (Oct. 1, 1995). School Library Journal says, “Those in search of a light, humorous read will find it; those in search of something a little deeper will also be rewarded” (Nov. 1, 1995). According to Kirkus Reviews, Mary Lou’s “voice rings 100 percent true,” along with the “playful use of language.” The implausible plot is offset by “believable” characterization (Aug. 15, 1995). Publishers Weekly calls the plot “formulaic” and “creaky.” Nevertheless, Mary Lou’s “bouncy” journaling is “a lot of fun” (Aug. 14, 1995).

64 • Crewe

Chasing Redbird. New York: HarperCollins, 1997. 6–9 Zinnia Taylor (called Zinny) is 13 and the middle child in a large family. This book “isn’t as tightly woven as Walk Two Moons,” which won the Newbery Award, but it contains similar “themes,” “lyricism, tenderness, and wonder” (Bulletin, Mar. 1997). It is similar to other books “about the rural South with wonderfully quirky characters and a focus on the setting of the natural world,” and it is “much fresher and tangibly more in the present than most” books (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1997). Another School Library Journal review of a 1999 sound recording of the novel says that when Zinny sets out to clear a 20-mile trail between Bybanks and Chocton, she “emerges more assertive and with a new level of self-awareness” ( July 1, 1999). “The characterizations are strong,” but some aspects of the novel are “overdone” and “unbelievable.” Better readers will be able to master the novel’s “more ponderous moments” (Booklist, Mar. 15, 1997). Though the plot is sometimes “capricious,” the “wonderful characters, proficient dialogue, bracing descriptions, and a merry use of language” save the novel (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 1997).

Crewe, Sabrina, and Michael V. Uschan The Scopes “Monkey” Trial. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 2005. 3–6 This title in the Events That Shaped America series tells the story of John Scopes, who in 1925 was tried in Dayton, Tennessee, for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in the public schools. In 2005, Uschan produced a book by the same title but in a different series designed for grades 5–8 [see Uschan, Michael V., below]. Includes a bibliography and index.

Cribben, Patrick Uniquely West Virginia. Chicago: Heinemann, 2004. 3–6 This title in the Heinemann State Studies series includes an index and bibliography.

Crist-Evans, Craig Moon Over Tennessee: A Boy’s Civil War Journal, illus. by Bonnie Christensen. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1999. 3–up The 13-year-old narrator relates this Civil-War story, set in 1863, in free-verse diary entries; he and his father leave their Silver Bluff, Tennessee, farm to fight for the Confederacy (a map traces their journey). Book Report says the novel “is an excellent example of the use of journals” (Nov./Dec. 1999). Though the African-American character of John, the narrator’s best friend, “apparently exists only to show readers that a person could have been against slavery and still have fought for the South,” the book is “an

otherwise evocative” work, with “vibrant” language” (Booklist, May 15, 1999). Publishers Weekly says, “Some readers may think the book’s disavowal of slavery as a decisive factor in the war teeters close to revisionist history,” but the writing makes this “stance” consistent (May 24, 1999). The “ripe elements” in the plot “are dropped almost as soon as they are introduced.” Additionally, the prose is often “too loose and merely adequate.” The book, nevertheless, “has moments of real poetry” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1999). Includes an Afterword.

Crook, Beverly Courtney Fair Annie of Old Mule Hollow. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1978. 6–up This stereotype-laden novel, set in the 1960s, receives more positive reviews than it deserves (RH). “Down in Appalachia,” Fair Annie lives “a bittersweet existence” that is threatened by strip mining. This “slice-of-life picture” of Appalachia has been better-drawn by Bill and Vera Cleaver. “But this view has credibility” (Horn Book, Apr. 1979). “Occasional didacticism mars the telling,” but this is a “quiet, inarticulate love story” with a “powerful conclusion” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1979).

Crook, James F. Jack in the Mountains, illus. by Charles Livingston Bull. Boston: Page, 1926. 4–7 Jack Calhoun, age 10, has moved with his parents from New York to a small city in South Carolina. During hog-killing season, his Uncle Dick takes him to Spreading Rock, a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina, for a two-day visit with the Williams family. There is much discussion of the differences between mountain life and city life. Uncle Dick tells Jack, “Indeed it has been truly said that it is here that the real Anglo-Saxon stock is to be found” (100). The plot is a small, weak thread on which are strung explanations of mountain life, moralistic tales, and history lessons. For example, on the way to Spreading Rock, they pass King’s Mountain, and Jack gets a lesson on the battles of King’s Mountain and Cowpens, as well as the value of pigeons and black birds. Later history lessons ensue on the Battle of Hastings, Robin Hood, and the settling of Australia. Jack learns (or is told how to) hunt quail, catch wild turkey, roast quail heads, render lard, make sausage, smoke hams, tell time by the sun, skin a rattlesnake, shoot a bow and arrow, set traps, catch a fish, and hunt possum. Jack’s parents are absent from the book, as are women in general, except as household workers. The women do all of the work in processing the hog meat, for example. While contemporary children will have little interest in this book, it is a good example of the type of story written for Appalachian children in the first quarter of the 20th century. (RH)

Cummings • 65

Cross, Helen Reeder

Culin, Charlotte

Isabella Mine, illus. by Catherine Stock. New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1982.

Cages of Glass, Flowers of Time. Scarsdale, NY: Bradbury, 1979.

5–6 Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, near Ducktown, Tennessee, in the Copper Basin, this 1930s story is deemed weak by reviewers. The main characters, Molly and Kate, attend a small school populated by the children of mining officials. Some “period details” make the story realistic, as when Molly learns the Charleston and writes a poem for St. Nicholas magazine, but in spite of its “regional flavor,” there is “no strong story line” (Bulletin, June 1982). The book’s “weaknesses are many”: “Nowhere do characters really achieve full dimension.” The prose is “condescending,” the beginning is “weak,” and the ending is “inconclusive” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1982).

6–up Claire Burden, age 14, is the child of generational abuse, in a small Carolina mountain town. “The book has strong characterization, and a fluent writing style,” which depict Claire’s confusion “with insight and conviction.” Its pace is “slowed” by episodes that “halt rather than expedite” the plot (Bulletin, Mar. 1980). Such features as a “beer-guzzling” mother who breaks Claire’s arm make the book “too serious and too chilling for comfortable reading” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1979).

Crum, Shutta My Mountain Song, illus. by Ted Rand. New York: Clarion, 2004. K–3 Brenda Gail loves to hear her Kentucky Gran Pap’s morning song; he tells her that all mountain people have a song inside them, composed of life. Brenda Gail seeks to create her own song and learns that “the best songs (and families) encompass a variety of emotions. Crum’s lyrical words work well with Rand’s fluid watercolors,” resulting in “a delight for the senses that harmonizes the coziness of a close-knit family with the gentle ambience of old-fashioned farm life” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2004). “Written in folksy language,” this is a “tender story” for young readers (Booklist, May 1, 2004). Kirkus Reviews is less kind in its evaluation of the book: “Pleasant but bland watercolors” are disproportional to the “length and complexity” of the text (May 1, 2004). Publishers Weekly calls Rand’s illustrations “bucolic” ( June 14, 2004).

Spitting Image. New York: Clarion, 2003. 3–6 Crum’s first novel is set in Baylor, Beulah County, Kentucky, in 1967. Narrator Jessie Bovey is an illegitimate child whose life is affected by President Johnson’s War on Poverty, including Head Start and a VISTA worker. Kentucky-born Crum tells the story “without sentimentality ... and does a great job of humanizing the backwoods stereotypes, even as she’s honest about the hardscrabble poverty” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2003). “Through Jessie’s authentic, resounding voice,” Crum “ably balances the humorous and the heart-wrenching” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 21, 2003). Library Media Connection points to a few flaws, including “uneven” prose, a weak portrait of the setting, and the fact that “Jessie talks as if she’s an adult in a child’s body” (Feb. 2004). “Backwoods, small-town flavor” and “bigotry, hatred, moonshiners, and religious snake-handling” are woven throughout (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 15, 2003). School Library Journal compares the book with White’s Belle Prater’s Boy (1996) for its “cultural truth” (Apr. 1, 2003).

Cullen, Lynn Little Scraggly Hair: A Dog on Noah’s Ark, illus. by Jacqueline Rogers. New York: Holiday, 2003. K–3 This Appalachian take on Noah’s Ark is also a pourquoi tale, explaining why a dog’s nose is always cold and wet and why a deep bond exists between dogs and human beings. Reviews are contradictory and mixed. Cullen’s decision to set the story of Noah’s Ark in Appalachia is “disconcerting and confusing.” “The text is written in a southern Appalachian dialect. The soft, realistic watercolor illustrations bring in the visual elements of this region — wooden cabins, rag rugs, mountains — as well as the drama of the Flood” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2003). Booklist has a more favorable view: “Cullen’s sprightly storytelling is well matched by Rogers’ watercolor illustrations” (Nov. 1, 2003). The Horn Book Guide takes the opposite view, saying the “illustrations fail to match” the prose, though the “Southern mountain dialect” is a positive feature (Spring 2004). Publishers Weekly calls the book a “dog-lover’s delight” (Nov. 10, 2003). Kirkus Reviews deems the book a “refreshing take on the biblical story, less religious, more human nature” (Oct. 1, 2003).

Cummings, Betty Sue Hew Against the Grain. New York: Atheneum, 1977. 7–up Set on the “new” border between Virginia and West Virginia, this Civil-War tale of a politically-divided family is “often harsh.” Mattilda’s life and home are destroyed; she is raped at age fifteen and mortally wounds the attacker; and she struggles to hang on to “resources, courage” and “spirit.” Cummings’ “style lacks finesse, and characterization is never more than adequate, but she is effective at portraying the inglorious, unglamorous aspects of war” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1977). The “blood and death ... are disproportionately powerful.” Modern readers “are better prepared to accept rape and disembowelment” than the subtle “dilemma” of slavery and war. Though Mattilda is “an empathic character,” she may be “too much of the typical

66 • Cunningham breed of adolescent heroine” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 1, 1977).

Cunningham, Kevin Condoleezza Rice: U.S. Secretary of State. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2005. 5–8 An easy-to-read title in the Journey to Freedom series, this volume is “quality ... both in content and design. Cunningham describes the many successes that led to Rice’s current position as secretary of state.” The book is illustrated with archival and contemporary photographs (School Library Journal, Aug. 1, 2005).

Cunningham, Maggi The Cherokee Tale-Teller, illus. by Patrick Des Jarlait. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1978. 3–5 This collection of tales is interwoven with the history and folk traditions of the Cherokee and stresses “the roles of child protagonists and the advice of their teachers.” This device “slows the plot.” The prose is “flat and occasionally solecistic,” but the illustrations are “oddly attractive in spite of the look-alike faces of most of the characters.” Corydon Bell’s John Rattling-Gourd of Big Cove (1955) is a better choice (School Library Journal, Nov. 1979).

Cupper, Dan The Pennsylvania Turnpike: A History. Lebanon, PA: Applied Arts, (1990) 2001. 5–up This history of the famous expressway that connected eastern and western Pennsylvania was authorized by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on the occasion of the highway’s 60th anniversary in 2000. When the first section of the toll road opened in 1940, it was considered the first “rural” expressway in the United States.

Curry, Jane Louise The Big Smith Snatch. New York: Macmillan/ McElderry, 1989. 4–7 The Smiths cannot afford to join their father in Pittsburgh and wind up living with the homeless. When the mother falls ill, four of the children go to live with a foster family, J. D. and Peachie Dockett, who are burglars. “The plot is delightfully complex, and the children believable individuals” (Publishers Weekly, July 18, 1989). “The narrative’s “delight” lies in the “poverty, warmth, and loyalty” of this large family. “A good, involving story” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1989). Though the plot relies on “coincidence,” and the Docketts’ “modus operandi is all too plausible,” Curry gives her readers excellent “suspense” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1989).

The Birdstones. New York: Atheneum, 1977 5–6 In this sequel to The Daybreakers (1970), mischievous sixth-grade girls make up a fictional stu-

dent named Dayla Jones, and then discover that she is real. “Dalea” has used three magic stone birds to time-shift from pre–Columbian times to the present. Though Curry’s prose is an able mixture of “fantasy and realism,” the novel is “marred” by “coincidences” and the “complexity of ... a too-large cast of contemporary and time-shift characters” (Bulletin, Dec. 1977). According to Kirkus Reviews, the book “rings false.” The “italicized hints of ancient mystery read almost like a parody of fantasy,” and the “self-consciously contemporary slang and multi-ethnic casting” do not gel (Sept. 1, 1977).

The Daybreakers, illus. by Charles Robinson. New York: Harcourt, Brace and World, 1970. 4–6 Callie Rivers lives in Apple Lock, West Virginia, a mill town. When she climbs a hill and makes seven snowmen, she sets in motion a time-shift experience, which takes her and her classmates to Abaloc, “an ancient community of an Ohio Valley mound culture” (Horn Book, June 1970). Like its sequel, the complex plot demands focus; not a book for all readers, even lovers of fantasy.

The Great Flood Mystery. New York: Atheneum, 1985. 4–6 Young sleuths look for gold coins lost in the Johnstown Flood of 1889. “While the resolution depends heavily on coincidence, ... this mystery ... provides satisfying, if undemanding, entertainment” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1986).

The Great Smith House Hustle. New York: Macmillan, 1993. 4–7 In this sequel to The Big Smith Snatch (1989), the Smiths face eviction from their Pittsburgh home, where they live with their grandmother. “The premise of kids solving a crime that has baffled police is an appealing one,” and the mystery is “plausible” (Booklist, May 1, 1993). True to Curry’s talent, “the setting is carefully drawn” and the plot is “zippy,” making for “good humor” and “nail-biting suspense” (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 1993). The Horn Book disagrees: “The characters defy credibility, and the dialogue is “awkward” (Sept. 1993).

A Stolen Life. New York: McElderry, 1999. 5–8 In 1758, Jamesina Mackenzie is stolen away from the Scottish Highlands by “spiriters” who transport her to America and sell her to a Virginia plantation owner. After a series of adventures, including being captured by the Cherokee Indians, she is somewhat implausibly returned to her family. “From a literary standpoint, the novel isn’t entirely successful” because “Jamesina functions more as an observer than as a participant,” and “younger readers may have difficulty with the liberal use of Gaelic and Cherokee words.” In spite of these “minor flaws,” however, Curry excels at “depiction of the various lifestyles and interests that existed during the time of

Dadey • 67 the French and Indian Wars” (Booklist, Nov. 1, 1999). Publishers Weekly considers this to be a “densely layered, fast-paced historical novel [that] encompasses an impressive range of settings.” The author “paints the corrupt injustice of indentured servitude and slavery, and she textures the varied settings with detail and colorful language.” Unfortunately, “relationships among the characters are not always convincing ... but the likable, brave heroine and the energetic storytelling are well worth the suspension of disbelief ” (Oct. 1999). Kirkus Reviews concurs: “Curry successfully combines little-known facts about US history with a page-turning tale of hardships overcome” (Oct. 15, 1999).

The Watchers. New York: Atheneum, 1975. 5–7 Ray, age 13, is sent to live with relatives in Twillys’ Green, a “hick” West Virginia town. He gets caught up in the story of an ancient place, Tul Isgrun, and modern coal-mining complexities. The title comes from the “ancestral Watchers,” who time shift to guard the sacred site. “The two themes are adroitly meshed,” with Curry’s “colorful set of characters, a well-constructed story, and a vivid setting” (Bulletin, Mar. 1976). The book is “resonant and eerie” and requires a “dizzying leap into a twice removed, remote mountain hideaway” (Oct. 1, 1975).

What the Dickens! New York: McElderry, 1991. 4–6 Based on an undocumented episode in Charles Dickens’ life and a fictional manuscript theft, this book is set in 1842 on the Juniata Canal in Pennsylvania. Three children in the Dobbs family become involved in the mystery because they work on their father’s canal boat. “The plot has more momentum than believability,” and the heavy “idiom and dialect” are ineffective; “coincidence” figures too heavily, though the writing is “capable” (Bulletin, Jan. 1992). Booklist calls 11-year-old Cherry, the main character, “a delight.” The book may inspire students to read Dickens (Oct. 1, 1991). Some characters are “romanticized,” but the “adventure” is “rip-roaring” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1991). Curry delivers “engagingly off beat subjects” and a “lighthearted historical adventure” that will teach readers “a lot about an esoteric aspect of American history” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1991).

Curtis, Christopher Paul The Watsons Go to Birmingham —1963. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1995. 6–up The “Weird Watsons” live in Flint, Michigan, but decide to return to Birmingham, where their mother’s family lives. The trip reveals the cultural texture of the Jim Crow era, and the plot involves a civil-rights conflict. “Written in a fullthroated, hearty voice, this is a perfectly described piece of past imperfect.” The author has crafted a story about the “strength of family love and endurance,”

spiced with “humor, sly sibling digs, and a totally believable child’s view of the world” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1995). The Bulletin praises Curtis’ “unexpectedly subtle fiction.” A “startling, innovative, and effective” first novel with a powerful ending (Bulletin, Jan. 1996). Curtis’ first novel won a Newbery Honor award and the Coretta Scott King Honor award.

Cwiklik, Robert Sequoyah and the Cherokee Alphabet, illus. by T. Lewis. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett, 1989. 5–up This title in Alvin Josephy’s Biography of the American Indians series is “carefully researched” and characterized by “involving narratives and dialogue.” Cwiklik “captures the clash within the Cherokee nation between a desire to adapt to the white man’s ways and to preserve their unique culture.” Though the book is “well organized and readable,” and it contains maps and drawings, the absence of an index limits its usefulness (School Library Journal, Apr. 1990).

Tecumseh: Shawnee Rebel. New York: Chelsea, 1993. 7–up Cwiklik’s biography of Tecumseh presents the Shawnee Chief in an admirable light and portrays him as an “effective political leader, a thoughtful counselor, and arbiter” (School Library Journal, July 1993). Included in the North American Indians of Achievement series.

Dadey, Debbie Cherokee Sister. New York: Delacorte, 2000. 4–6 Set in the autumn of 1838 in north Georgia, this is a different twist on an Indian-captivity story. Twelve-year-old Allie, a white girl, is visiting her Cherokee friend, Leaf Sweetwater, when U.S. soldiers force the Indians to abandon their homes and set out on the Trail of Tears for Oklahoma. Because Allie has dark skin and was wearing Leaf ’s buckskin dress, she is mistaken for a Cherokee and forced to go with Leaf ’s family. Booklist says the plot “moves along somewhat mechanically” and the book contains “some pejorative language,” but there is value in the focus on “friendly relationships between local whites and Cherokees” (Apr. 1, 2000). The Horn Book Guide says that Allie’s rescue “strains credulity” (Spring 2001). On the other hand, Library Talk sees the story as “welltold with strong female characters” (Sept./Oct. 2000). School Library Journal agrees that the story is “interesting and thought-provoking” with “vivid descriptions of objects and surroundings.... Unfortunately, the setting is not revealed until almost the middle of the book,” and “the reasons for the Cherokee’s threatening attack on Allie’s family are not sufficiently explained.” In spite of these flaws, however, Dadey “presents a balanced account of both the Native and white experience” (Apr. 2000).

68 • Dahlstedt

Whistler’s Hollow. New York: Bloomsbury, 2002. 4–6 When Lillie Mae is orphaned at age 11, she is sent to live with Great-Aunt Esther and Uncle Dallas on their Kentucky farm, where moonshine is made in the attic. Set in the 1920s, the novel’s “carry through and resolution” are weak, though Lillie Mae’s character “is highly empathetic and understandable” (Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 2002). Publishers Weekly criticizes the “heavy-handed revelations and forced dialogue [that] exacerbate the feeling of melodrama” ( June 10, 2002). School Library Journal, on the other hand, finds the novel to be “a quiet, lovely story about extended family, acceptance, and the power of secrets” ( July 1, 2002).

Dahlstedt, Marden A. The Terrible Wave, illus. by Charles Robinson. New York: Coward, McCann, and Geoghegan, 1972. 4–7 The 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood has positive effects on a previously shallow teen-age girl as she strives to be reunited with her family and friends.

Daily, Robert Elvis Presley: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. New York: Watts, 1996. 6–9 Daily’s biography of Elvis Presley offers “an upbeat but honest look at the man who changed (some would say invented) the face of rock and roll” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1997). Presenting “a roller-coaster ride of the singer’s ups and downs, ... we watch [Presley] go from a two-room shack in Tupelo, Mississippi, to the shag-carpeted splendor of Graceland” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 1997).

Daniels, Jonathan Stonewall Jackson, illus. by William Moyers. New York: Random, 1959. 6–up This biography is “succinct,” rendering Confederate General Jackson’s life “with vividness, revealing the character and abilities which won him the love and respect of his men.” The book also includes details of battle in the Shenandoah Valley and maps (Booklist, Feb. 1, 1960).

Dash, Joan The World at Her Fingertips: The Story of Helen Keller. New York: Scholastic, 2001. 4–up Though this biography begins with Keller’s childhood, it affords “riveting” accounts of her life as a young woman and adult, of which many children are unaware. “The use of primary-source material (although not footnoted) brings the subject’s vibrant personality, intelligence, and sensitivity to life in a way no narrative alone could (School Library Jour-

nal, Apr. 2001). Booklist praises the biography as “well researched,” “straightforward,” and “closer to reality than the more idealized” accounts of Keller’s life (Feb. 15, 2001). Kirkus Reviews notes that Dash “does not shrink from describing the social and class divisions” that idealized biographies omit (Dec. 15, 2000).

Daugherty, James Henry Daniel Boone, illus. by author. New York: Viking, 1939. 4–up In 1926, James Daugherty illustrated Stewart Edward White’s Daniel Boone: Wilderness Scout. Thirteen years later, he wrote and illustrated his own story of Boone, which earns unusually high praise, both for the text and the art. “We thought we knew these pioneers, but a sharp new focus, wrought by a great artist’s pen and brush, brings us face to face with their ‘tough true breed.’” Daugherty has given us a “stirring portrait,” with “fine drawings and bloodtingling prose.... The abundance of illustrations in bronze and green make [sic] a biography that will catch the eye of readers ten years old, or in high school, or of booklovers of any age. Every detail in the production is worthy of the contents” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1939). The Horn Book reviewed it in two issues, calling it “the most important book” of 1939 — “a beautiful book in every sense of the word” (Sept. 1939). In January 1940, this same publication again drew attention to its “ringing words and buoyant pictures,” coupled with “humor,” “power and exuberance.” According to Library Journal, “A great book. It reaches back to the freedom, stillness, and danger of the untrod forests, beyond the borders of settlement. Its singing, muscular prose” renders Boone “as every child should know him” (Nov. 1, 1939). “This is a book to be loved and treasured by Americans of all ages” (New York Times, Nov. 12, 1939). Commonweal says this is “no more a children’s book than would be a good piece of limburger cheese. Fine for adults” (Dec. 1, 1939).

Davidson, Margaret Helen Keller, illus. by Wendy Watson. New York: Scholastic, 1969; illus. by Vicki Fox. New York: Hastings, (1969) 1971. 2–5 Davidson “recreates” Keller’s “bewildering and frustrating growing-up experiences and her education under the guidance of ‘Teacher’ Annie Sullivan.” Her life after graduating from Radcliffe College is covered in a single chapter. School Library Journal says the “easy vocabulary and appealing format” make the book appropriate for older, slower readers ( June 15, 1972). Includes the finger alphabet for the deaf. This title has undergone multiple reprints.

Davidson, Sue Getting the Real Story: Nellie Bly and Ida B. Wells. Seattle, WA: Seal, 1992.

Davis • 69 4–6 Davidson presents a fictionalized portrayal of journalists Nellie Bly and Ida B. Wells in parallel biographies of the two women. The book is “readable and interesting” in spite of Davidson’s “imaginative reconstruction of events” (School Library Journal, July 1992).

Davis, Burke Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers, illus. by Douglas Gorsline. New York: Coward, McCann and Geoghegan, 1978. 2–up On October 15, 1860, Grace Bedell, age 11, of Westfield, New York, wrote Abraham Lincoln a letter suggesting that he grow a beard.

Davis, C. L. The Christmas Barn, illus. by Raul Colon. Middleton, WI: Pleasant, 2001. 4–6 Twelve-year-old Roxie Dockery lives with her family in Depression-era western North Carolina. When a fallen tree destroys their log cabin, they move into the barn and shift the animals to the damaged house, an arrangement that works surprisingly well for Christmas. Though Davis’ attempt at dialect “gets a little tiresome,” he succeeds with “vivid descriptions of everyday life and a believable, funny, and-above all-loving family” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2001). Publishers Weekly compares the “heartwarming” story with Laura Ingalls Wilder’s fiction (Sept. 24, 2001). Booklist agrees that the dialect “quickly becomes tiresome,” but the “narrative otherwise reads well” (Sept. 2001). The Horn Book Guide echoes the “heartwarming” assessment, but says that the characters are poorly developed (Spring 2002). An endnote explains that this story is autobiographical; 1930s family photographs are also included.

Davis, Donald Jack Always Seeks His Fortune: Authentic Appalachian Jack Tales. Little Rock, AR: August, 1992. 6–up A natural-born storyteller, Davis relates these 13 Jack tales with the skill of someone who learned them as a child in western North Carolina. The Foreword, Introduction, and brief introductions to individual tales give good background information. “While many collections of oral tales seem flat on the printed page, Davis’ stories capture the flavor of Appalachian storytelling so well that you can almost hear his voice as you read. He keeps dialect to a minimum, instead using humor, a lively conversational style, and a rural American flavor to add color” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1993).

Jack and the Animals, illus. by Kitty Harvill. Little Rock, AR: August, 1995. K–2 This Jack tale is an Appalachian version of the classic Grimms’ “Bremen Town Musicians,” re-

lated here by a master storyteller. “Children will delight” in Davis’ inventive use of animal sounds and in the “riotous paintings,” though some of the composite scenes “may be confusing.” The inclusion of notes makes this a valuable addition to the genre (Booklist, Oct. 1, 1995). Horn Book suggests that “the writing lacks polish” (Mar. 1996), but School Library Journal finds the “simple text” and illustrations to be sufficient ( Jan. 1996). Includes source notes.

Mama Learns to Drive. Little Rock, AR: August, 2005. 4–7 This collection of eight stories for older readers, previously released as a CD, centers on Davis’ mother — specifically, her growing up in 1930s western North Carolina. “The heavy nostalgic tone” makes the book unsuitable for today’s young readers, but “baby boomers” will be “enthusiastic” about it. The “timeless family scenarios” will be easily recognized by 21st-century readers of all ages (Booklist, Aug. 1, 2005). “Adults may identify with or be charmed by these stories. Children may find the slow pace and somewhat fusty voice of the storyteller off-putting, but they’ll also envy Donald’s freedom and the coziness of his family life, school, and community” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2005).

The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday: An Appalachian Folktale, illus. by Jennifer Mazzucco. Little Rock, AR: August, 2001. K–4 This Appalachian variant of the classic “The Three Little Pigs” includes “mountain wisdom” and “big and bright” artwork “that echoes the Appalachian Mountains.” In an endnote, Davis gives background on the folktale and autobiographical information related to the story (School Library Journal, Aug. 2004). Though Davis bases the tale on his grandmother’s telling of this story, which features a red fox instead of a wolf, not all reviewers find its “uninflected writing and heavy-handed message” attractive. The “flat illustrations ... may well have kids wishing for the classic’s huffing and puffing wolf ” (Publishers Weekly, July 12, 2004).

Davis, Jenny Checking on the Moon. New York: Orchard, 1991. 5–up Thirteen-year-old Cab, who earned her name for having been born in a taxi, and her older brother Bill are left in the care of their grandmother while their mother and her new boyfriend tour Europe. Told in first person, this is the story of a girl’s view of what it takes to turn a bad Pittsburgh neighborhood, Washco, into a “safer place to live.” The tone is “sometimes a little too cozy” for the dangers of the neighborhood, and the “happy, tidy ending seems like wishful thinking” (Bulletin, Nov. 1991). Booklist, on the other hand, praises the novel’s “strong portrait of community solidarity, the power of people pulling to-

70 • Davis gether” (Sept. 15, 1991). Horn Book sees it as “fastpaced, positive” (Mar. 1992). Publishers Weekly is willing to forgive the sometimes “unwieldy” plot because the “array of generous, vividly depicted characters” and the town are “very nearly palpable” ( July 15, 1992).

Good-Bye and Keep Cold. New York: Orchard, 1987. 7–up Edda Combs narrates this story from the perspective of a 22-year-old, looking back to her life at age eight in Cauley’s Creek, Kentucky. When Edda’s father is killed in a mining accident, her mother abdicates responsibility to Edda and her uncle Banker. In Davis’ first novel, she effectively invokes the motif of the child-parent, as Edda becomes the emotional support for her mother. This “impressive” work is made up of a solid “style, good characters, a good read” (Bulletin, Sept. 1987). “This is a fine first novel, rich in character, plot, and meaning” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1987). Davis has written a “moving and powerful story” that “never talks down to its audience” (Publishers Weekly, July 10, 1987). Davis’ subtle humor gives balance to an otherwise serious tone. The title is borrowed from Robert Frost’s poem.

Davis, Julia A Valley and Song: The Story of the Shenandoah River, illus. by Joan Berg. New York: Holt, 1963. 5–up Julia Davis is a sixth-generation resident of the Shenandoah River valley, the subject of this “chronicle.” “The thorough treatment of the Revolutionary and Civil War periods will attract lovers of war history” (School Library Journal, Feb. 12, 1964).

Davis, Kenneth C. Don’t Know Much About Rosa Parks, illus. by Sergio Martinez. New York: HarperCollins, 2005. 4–7 Presents the life story of Alabama native and civil rights activist Rosa Parks in a question-andanswer format. “Far from the myth of the naive little seamstress, this biography shows Parks as a longtime human rights activist whose refusal to give up her seat on the bus in 1955 grew from her many years of political work” (Booklist, Feb. 1, 2005). This title in the Don’t Know Much About series includes a chronology and a bibliography.

Davis, Ossie Just Like Martin. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1992. 5–up Isaac Stone is 16 when his two classmates are killed in a bomb explosion at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. As a result, he parts with his father to take up the civil rights cause and organize a children’s march in the autumn of 1963.

Davis, Terry Roll Tide! The Alabama Crimson Tide Story. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 2000. 4–7 Included in the College Sports Today series, Roll Tide! provides information on significant individuals and key moments in the history of University of Alabama football.

De Angeli, Marguerite Up the Hill, illus. by author. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Doran, 1942. 3–6 Set in a “little Pennsylvania mining town,” this story begins on Christmas Eve and ends on Easter morning. Told from the perspective of Aniela, the text brings the reader into the warm circle of her Polish family, which includes her older brother Tadek, who wants to be an artist; her mother, who works at a factory; and her father, who is a classical musician. Details of everyday life form the center of the book, including religious rituals, food, and the cultural diversity and heritage of the community: Bohemians, Slovaks, Poles, Russians, Welsh, English, Scotch, and Germans. A subtext is Tadek’s desire to be an artist, though he is working in the coal mines as a child. De Angeli’s characteristic illustrations (black-and-white sketches and full-color plates) capture the warmth of the story. While there is little action, the details of Polish immigrant life are rich. A two-page front glossary of Polish words and letters is especially useful. (RH)

DeAngelis, Therese The Cherokee: Native Basket Weavers. Mankato, MN: Blue Earth, 2003. 3–5 This title in the America’s First Peoples series, which focuses solely on basket weaving, is of limited value. The format makes use of sidebars, which include historical information, but the recommended websites are “too advanced for this age group.” Illustrated with good photographs and paintings, but, unfortunately, no maps (School Library Journal, Oct. 2003).

De Capua, Sarah The Wilderness Road. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 4–7 This title in the We the People series focuses on Daniel Boone’s role in establishing the Wilderness Road that facilitated settlement west of the Appalachian mountains.

Deegan, Paul Jerry West: Superstar. Mankato, MN: Creative Education/Childrens, 1974. 3–4 Deegan “fails to score” in this biography of Los Angeles Laker Jerry West. Though “the roughness of the sport and the high incidence of injuries

deLeeuw • 71 among players” is discussed, the book fails to deliver the core of West’s personality and popularity. “The citing of games played, championships won or lost, point totals, and years played wears thin (School Library Journal, May 15, 1974).

Deem, James M. 3NBs of Julian Drew. Boston, MA: Houghton, 1994. 7–up The Horn Book says this novel “must have been a copyeditor’s nightmare” because the 15year-old diarist, Julian, tells his story in code. Julian is an abused child, ignored by his one-dimensional father and stepmother, who are “unrelievedly monstrous.” He runs away from home and returns to West Virginia as a young adult who is trying to come to terms with his past, an ending that is “entirely implausible” (Dec. 1994). Many readers will be too put off by the code to make their way through the book; others may be fascinated and intrigued. On the other hand, in 2008, the code may not seem so odd to teens who are accustomed to text messaging.

DeFelice, Cynthia Bringing Ezra Back. New York: Farrar, 2006. 4–7 DeFelice waited 16 years to deliver this “worthy Sequel” to Weasel. When Nathan Fowler learns that Ezra Ketcham may be the “White Injun” who is now connected with a western Pennsylvania freak show, he sets out to find him. Along the way, Nathan learns to “read people” and to “hone his instincts.” Narrated in first person by Nathan, “this adventure treats readers to a double-dip cliff-hanging plot and heart-searing maturation” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2006). DeFelice uses characterization to “capture the historical setting,” and “Nathan is everyboy,” trying to know himself and the world (Horn Book, Sept./Oct. 2006). According to Kirkus Reviews, the first-person narrator is successful, the “adventures are exciting,” and readers will not be disappointed with DeFelice’s “long-awaited sequel” ( July 1, 2006). Booklist considers this book “not as tightly focused as” Weasel, but a “thoughtful adventure,” nevertheless (Aug. 1, 2006).

Weasel. New York: Macmillan, 1990. 4–7 Eleven-year-old Nathan Fowler narrates this story of two motherless children on the Ohio frontier in 1839. Nathan and his younger sister, Molly, go into the wilderness to find their father, Ezra, who has been left to die in an abandoned cabin by an evil and destructive man, Weasel. Nathan later rejects his opportunity to avenge the cruelty visited on his father (and his community) but has matured sufficiently to know that revenge is not a solution. Horn Book says that DeFelice “never successfully conveys” the “maleficence implied in the action” (Sept. 1990). A Publishers Weekly review judges the story to be some-

times “moralistic,” and the conclusion “too neat,” but DeFelice is adept at “building tension” and at presenting the dilemmas of “human frailties” (Mar. 4, 1990). Defelice’s prose is “fairly smooth, the characters colorful but lacking depth” (Bulletin, May 1990). School Library Journal offers a more positive review: “Written in spare, vivid language, often poetic, the novel is plausible historic fiction that deals with the inhumane treatment of native Americans from a different angle — by turning the brutal results of hate back on the white race itself. The character of Nathan is unforgettable” (May 1990).

DeGering , Etta Wilderness Wife: The Story of Rebecca Bryan Boone, illus. by Ursula Koering. New York: McKay, 1966. 5–7 This biography of Rebecca Boone, Daniel Boone’s wife, “falls short” because it relies too much on the life of her husband for its “adventure” and the genealogy is cumbersome. On the other hand, the book presents “much excellent background material” on frontier life, and the plot is “fast moving.” In spite of its “wide gaps and unevenness of time sequences and the many clichés, this will have general appeal” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1966).

De Kay, Ormonde Meet Andrew Jackson, illus. by Isa Barnett. New York: Random, 1967. 1–3 De Kay’s “skillful shaping of a factual, biographical narrative ... doesn’t overwhelm the progressing reader and yet offers him a fair challenge (New York Times Book Review, Nov. 5, 1967).

deLeeuw, Adele John Henry: Steel Drivin’ Man, illus. by Gordon Laite. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1966. 2–5 This version of the tale of John Henry is well written, with a good pace, and illustrated with the cartoon art of Gordon Laite. The Journal of Negro Education objects to the illustrations, however, and to the descriptions of food as “exceedingly stereotyped and quite offensive.” While it is true that everything about this larger-than-life folk hero is exaggerated, this is, after all, a tall tale. Most readers probably won’t agree that John Henry is singled out for ridicule and “depicted as a grinning, moronic, black man.” True, he is “dressed in an orange-red shirt and large checkered black and white trousers,” but all the characters are exaggerated, including the ethnically diverse railroad workers. Even the animals are depicted with humor and over-the-top facial expressions. On the other hand, the Journal’s final assessment may ring true for some readers: “It seems a pity that Miss deLeeuw has allowed her book to be ruined for all black people by the illustrations of Mr. Laite” (Fall 1969).

72 • Dell

Uncle Davy Lane: Mighty Hunter, illus. by Herman B. Vestal. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1970. 2–5 This title in the Reading Shelf Books series tells the story of Uncle Davy Lane, a North Carolina hunter whose tall-tale experiences include “a snake with horns and a deer with a peach tree growing on its back.” The book is “average-quality,” but may “be useful for remedial reading in the upper grades.” “It is unfortunate that the stories’ sources have not been listed” because tales about Uncle Davy Lane rarely appear in collections for children (Library Journal, May 1971).

Dell, Pamela Aquila’s Drinking Gourd: A Story of the Underground Railroad. Excelsior, MN: Tradition, 2003. 4–6 A title in the Scrapbooks of America series, this piece of historical fiction tells the story of an 11-year-old slave girl, Aquila, who is taken from her home at Oak Rest Plantation in West Virginia and sold to the Widow Brockett. Aquila takes one prized possession with her, a drinking gourd carved by her father on her eleventh birthday, May 17, 1859. Her father had also carved lines on the gourd “in the shape of stars” representing the Big Dipper, the North Star, and the path to freedom. The Widow Brockett locks Aquila in a cellar, from which she is rescued by Moss and taken to freedom across the Ohio River at Gallipolis. There is little motivation for the events of the story, but the scrapbook format, including photographs, captions, and notations, is visually interesting and offers good historical information (RH). School Library Journal says of the entire series, “Unfamiliar words are highlighted in the text ... and defined in the glossary. Each book concludes with a time line, suggested activities for creative writing and discovering family history, and a craft” (May 1, 2003).

Denenberg , Barry All Shook Up: The Life and Death of Elvis Presley. New York: Scholastic, (2001) 2003. 5–up All Shook Up “chronicles ... the turbulent life of Elvis [and] the sweeping shifts he brought to popular culture.” It will give readers “a new appreciation of the pop icon” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 8, 2003). School Library Journal agrees that Denenberg’s book is a “good introduction to the magic and mystique that was Elvis Presley and a true portrait of the mid–20th-century U.S. music scene.” Its “casual, chatty tone ... will keep readers engaged,” and its “distillation of many adult biographies” makes for an excellent first look at the origin of rock and roll ( Jan. 2002). Kirkus Reviews says that it “constructs the tragedy of Elvis Presley’s life” in a book that is “extremely accessible” (Oct. 1, 2001). Only the Bulletin gives the biography a negative review, calling it “opin-

ionated,” “choppy,” and “an incomplete portrait” (Oct. 1, 2001).

Dennis, Yvonne Wakim Sequoyah, 1770–1843. Mankato, MN: Blue Earth, 2004. 3–4 Published in the American Indian Biographies series, Sequoyah, 1770–1843 is “well illustrated with maps, photographs, and paintings, and offer[s] an introduction to American Indian history as well as specific information for reports.” It includes a chronology, glossary, reading list, and websites, which are “useful and appropriate” (Booklist, June 1, 2004). “Easy to read prose amplified by handsome works of art” (School Library Journal, July 2004).

Denzel, Justin F. Champion of Liberty, Henry Knox. New York: Messner, 1969. 5–up Knox was the first Secretary of War of the United States and a founder of the state of Maine. Contains a bibliography.

Depew, Lanette A Bridge Spanning Time. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 2002. 6–up The story of the 1882 covered bridge that spans the Doe River in Elizabethton, Tennessee.

Devaney, John Bo Jackson: A Star for All Seasons. New York: Walker, (1988) 1992. 4–8 This biography of the first major leaguer to play professional baseball and football presents a realistic look at Birmingham, Alabama, native Bo Jackson. An exceptional athlete, Jackson played football and baseball at Auburn University and was awarded the Heisman Trophy for his performance in the 1985 football season. Though the “fictionalized dialogue ... seems forced” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1989), Devaney’s “above average” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 1992) portrayal of Bo Jackson’s childhood and career provides young readers with a glimpse of “the human he is, not [an] unblemished deity” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1992). Illustrated with photographs and indexed.

The Picture Story of Terry Bradshaw, illus. with photographs. New York: Messner, 1977. 4–6 A biography of the famous Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.

DeVillier, Christy Davy Crockett. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2004. K–4 Included in Abdo’s Buddy Books: First Biographies series, this title presents Crockett’s life as a “choppy ... outline” that “won’t excite many readers” (Horn Book, Apr. 2005). Includes a timeline, glossary, and index.

Dixon • 73

Helen Keller. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2004. 2–3 Included in Abdo’s Buddy Books: First Biographies series, this title is considered a “short, choppy ... outline,” characterized as “flatly” presented and “[l]ackluster” (Horn Book, Apr. 2005). Includes a timeline, glossary, and index.

Dewey, Ariane The Narrow Escapes of Davy Crockett from a Bear, a Boa Constrictor, a Hoop Snake, an Elk, an Owl, Eagles, Rattlesnakes, Wildcats, Trees, Tornadoes, a Sinking Ship, and Niagara Falls, illus. by author. New York: Greenwillow, 1990. K–2 With this title, Dewey has illustrated seven picture books featuring tall-tale characters, which “do a lot to restore that dusty and faded genre.” The “animated” and “brightly colored” illustrations are compared with “the non-stop style of an Indiana Jones movie, as the hero jumps from one adventure to the next.... Lively and gruesome” (Bulletin, June 1990). School Library Journal notes that the “rollicking prose” and “outlandish exploits” make this “a merry picturebook tribute” to Crockett (May 1990).

The Tea Squall, illus. by author. New York: Greenwillow, 1988. K–4 When Betsey Blizzard’s pet buzzard delivers invitations to the annual spring Tea Squall, folkheroines (Florinda Fury, Katy Goodgrit, Zipporina, and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett) arrive in Kentucky from all points. “Folkloric exaggeration, eccentric tall tales and delightful peculiarities” complement the “catalogue” of teas and 40 varieties of cornbread (Publishers Weekly, May 13, 1988.)

Di Piazza, Domenica West Virginia. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, (1995) 2002.

Condoleezza Rice: National Security Advisor. New York: Franklin Watts, 2003. 5–8 A biography in the new Great Life Stories series, relates “blazing success, without a hint of criticism or failure.” The author relates Rice’s growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, during the era of segregation and traces her rise to become the first woman to hold the post of National Security Advisor. Ditchfield’s book has “an open design, with lots of photos and boxed insets” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 2003). Includes a chronology and index but weak source references.

Dixon, Franklin W. [pseud. of Edward Stratemeyer and Harriet S. Adams] The Hardy Boys #169: Ghost of a Chance. New York: Pocket, 2001. 3–7 Frank and Joe Hardy engage in their usual sleuthing, but this time they are working on a movie set in the Great Smoky Mountains, near the fictitious town of Crosscook, “high in an isolated area of eastern Tennessee.” They are “assistant” wranglers for tame animal actors, Gus the black bear and Omar the mountain lion, who feature prominently in the movie based on the life of Jake “Jumper” Herman, Dropped into Danger. Jumper supposedly stole a large cache of Canadian “archaeological treasures” that were lost when his plane crashed in the Smokies 25 years earlier. Because he was never seen again, stories of him and his treasure abound, and the Hardy Boys get caught up in the intrigue of sabotaged stunt gear, disguises, and encounters with bears (or is it an Appalachian Big Foot?) in the woods. The plot is thin, the characters lack motivation, the mystery is contrived. This is the usual Hardy Boys fare and will appeal to avid readers of the series, but there is nothing specific to the locale. The setting is rendered in the most generic of “mountain” characteristics. (RH)

4–6 This title in the Hello U.S.A. series features information on the history of the Mountain State, including mining, the economy, and the environment. Includes a bibliography and index.

Dixon, Max

Disney (Walt) Productions

7–up This story of the Watauga Association is a title in the series called Tennessee in the Eighteenth Century, which was created to commemorate America’s bicentennial. President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the Watauga Association as the first “free and independent community on the continent,” according to the Dixon’s preface. Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People says the Association “was formed by the rugged settlers in the mountainous and fertile valley area of what is now the northeast corner of Tennessee.” This 76-page booklet, not originally intended for children, is nevertheless a source of good historical information about “the period from the 1760’s to the 1770’s.” The book

Walt Disney Legends of Davy Crockett. Racine, WS: Whitman, 1955. 5–up Fictionalized account of the legends associated with Davy Crockett.

Ditchfield, Christin Condoleezza Rice: America’s Leading Stateswoman. New York: Franklin Watts, 2007. 6–8 This biography in the Great Life Stories series covers Rice’s life from her childhood to her position as one of the most powerful women in the world. Includes a bibliography and index.

The Wataugans. Nashville, TN: Tennessee American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, 1976.

74 • Doak contains inset tidbits of information, maps, photographs, drawings, two appendices with archival documents, and suggestions for additional reading (American Library Association, 1985). Not all photographs and drawings are sufficiently captioned, and the writing may be a bit dull for young readers, but students interested in this time period will find this a good resource, in spite of the absence of an index. (RH)

Doak, Robin Santos Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson: Confederate General. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 4–6 This biography in the Signature Lives series covers the life of Stonewall Jackson, including his fortunes and misfortunes and his legacy.

Dolan, Sean Helen Keller. New York: Childrens, 2005. 1–2 This title in the Rookie Biography series includes an index.

Dolan, Terrance The Shawnee Indians. New York: Chelsea, 1996. 4–7 The Horn Book considers Dolan’s narrative “informative” but notes that his explanation of why “little is known about Shawnee history” could give readers the impression that the Shawnee were “mysterious” (Mar. 1, 1997). Included in the Junior Library of American Indians series, the title includes a glossary and index.

Dolson, Hildegarde Disaster at Johnstown: The Great Flood, illus. by Joseph Cellini. New York: Random, 1965. 4–8 Dolson details the May 31, 1889, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood that killed 2,000 people and destroyed the town when the South Fork Dam burst. According to the New York Times Book Review, Dolson provides a “fresh, swiftly paced account”: “Dozens of moving vignettes animate her pages — poignant” (May 9, 1965).

The Great Oildorado: The Gaudy and Turbulent Years of the First Oil Rush: Pennsylvania, 1859–1880. New York: Random, 1959. 7–up A February 17, 1959, New York Times review of this title says that Dolson “strike[s] where the irony is hot,” emphasizing personal stories of “lavish” success and lost wealth in the Titusville, Pennsylvania, oil rush. One colorful example is Coal Oil Johnny, who supposedly earned $7,000 a day during the Civil War. Another interesting story involves John Wilkes Booth, who sought his fortune in the Pennsylvania oil fields. A New York Times Book Review essay, on February 22, 1959, offers more historical background and cultural analysis: “Thus began an industry which sparked wars and the automotive and aviation ages,

displaced the iron horse and thousands of coal miners, revolutionized home heating, paved roads, killed insects, aided low-calorie diets, brought us artificial rubber and fabrics and other synthetics, and turned the Middle East upside down and inside out.” Written 50 years ago, this prophetic statement is matched by Dolson’s “irreverent and chatty” style, which “is as sure a preventative of sleepiness as Benzedrine or caffeine.”

Dominic, Gloria First Woman and the Strawberry: A Cherokee Legend, illus. by Charles Reasoner. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1996; Mahwah, NJ: Troll, (1999) 2003. 2–5 This Cherokee tale is part of the Native American Lore and Legend series by Troll and Rourke. The original version of this legend was meant to be a “profound story of conflict and resolution ... [and] a metaphor for all fights.” Dominic has simplified and distorted the tale and “demonstrate[d] a lack of respect for both the story and the children for whom it was intended” (A Broken Flute, 2005). Joseph Bruchac’s The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story, illustrated by Anna Vojtech (Dial, 1993), is a far superior rendering of this classic Cherokee tale.

Donovan, Sandra Billy Graham. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty–First Century, 2007. 5–up This biography of one of America’s most prominent evangelists begins with his rural boyhood and follows his life as a spiritual leader and political personality. A title in the A and E Biographies series.

Doolittle, Jerome The Southern Appalachians. New York: TimeLife, 1975. 6–up One of the American Wilderness series, this Time-Life book examines the southern Appalachian mountains in 179 pages of text and photographs, both black-and-white and color. The opening essay, Mountains of Subtle Majesty, is a lyrical, personal tribute and introduction to the majesty and mystery of the mountains from one who knows them as a hiker, a writer, and a photographer; Doolittle “spent his youth in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.” Subsequent chapters feature the flora and fauna, forest floor and scenic heights, rivers and mountain peaks that make up the Appalachians. The sections on Linville Gorge, the black bear, the Chattooga River, and winter in the Smoky Mountains are as informative as they are aesthetically pleasing. Though the book is not designed for children, it makes an excellent source for research about this great mountain chain. Its color photographs of wildflowers and salamanders will make any reader eager to explore; its black-and-white images of 1913 loggers will

Du Bois • 75 encourage additional research. More importantly, it introduces explorers and botanists such as Bartram, Fraser, and Michaux in highly readable text. The index and short bibliography will also serve child readers well. (RH)

life and character of the Appalachian mountain people” (Barbara Mertins, ed. Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People. American Library Association, 1985).

Douty, Esther Morris

Young Helen Keller, illus. by James Flux. Mahwah, NJ: Educational Reading Service, 1970.

The Story of Stephen Foster, illus. by Jo Polseno. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1954. 3–5 Douty’s “breezy, warmhearted” (Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1955) presentation of the life of Stephen Foster “indicates his weaknesses without detracting from [his] wistful charm” (New York Times, Nov. 14, 1954). Included in the Signature Books series.

Dowell, Frances O’Roark Dovey Coe. New York: Atheneum, 2000. 4–9 Twelve-year-old Dovey Coe narrates this first novel about a family in 1928 Indian Creek, North Carolina, where they have lived since 1844. Dovey has a younger brother, Amos, who is deaf, and a 16-yearold sister, Caroline. As Caroline gets ready to attend college in Boone, North Carolina, she gets a marriage proposal from Parnell Caraway, who is murdered. Dovey is accused of the deed, and what follows is a series of events that could be implausible, but the result is solid. “Dowell does a good job of balancing out the pre-crime and post-crime narrative.... The book also keeps pretty clear of Appalachian stereotypes” (Bulletin, June 2000). Library Talk comments on the use of dialect, which “does take a while to get used to” (Nov./Dec. 2000). School Library Journal acknowledges Dovey’s “mountain twang that brings the vivid setting to life without distracting from the plot. The background and characters are carefully developed and appealing” (May 2000). “Dovey’s fresh, clear voice in southern dialect cuts through the social behavior of the locale and time period to speak the truth.” Dovey is a “fabulously feisty heroine” (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2000). Booklist describes Dovey as “quick-witted and honest to a fault.... Although the mountain dialect is occasionally jarring,” the book has “substance” (Apr. 15, 2000). Publishers Weekly concurs that in spite of the book’s flaws (a “rushed” ending, for example), “This is an author well worth watching” (May 22, 2000).

Dressler, Muriel Miller Appalachia. Charleston, WV: MHC Publishers, 1977. 3–up Dressler writes poetry about her native region, in general, and West Virginia, in particular. Some of the subject matter may be too adult for the very young readers (such as “Graveyard Monologues” and Absentee Landlords”), but all age groups can find something appropriate in the collection. “This modern West Virginia poet effectively portrays the way of

Drexler, Carol Joan 2–4 Though half the book is devoted to Helen’s life before the coming of Anne Sullivan, this is essentially The Miracle Worker retold in picturebook format. Both black-and-white and color illustrations effectively interpret the text. The emphasis on Helen’s naughtiness and temper tantrums is climaxed with the famous scene at the water pump. The remainder of her life is summarized in three pages. Drexler has presented a bare-bones introduction to Keller’s early life through episodes that young children will probably find interesting enough to spark further reading about her. (RH)

Driskill, Frank Davy Crockett: The Untold Story. Austin, TX: Eakin, 1981. 5–up Because this biography fills in the details of the time between Crockett’s leaving his wife Betsy for Texas (1835) and his death at the Alamo (1836), it is a good addition to the glut of Crockett biographies, which typically emphasize his early years and his Indian fighting. The first chapter quickly tells the story of his childhood. Chapter 2 focuses on his marriage to Mary (Polly) Finley in 1806 and Chapter 3 his marriage to Elizabeth Patton. Thereafter, the emphasis is on his interest in the Texas cause (a good map is included) and his relationships with Jed Roberts, Adolph Sterne, and Andy Gossett. The final chapter details events leading up to the Battle of the Alamo, the battle itself, and Houston’s subsequent defeat of Santa Anna. Dialect is used sparingly but effectively (“Meskins,” for example); the interest level and format are fairly adult. The Epilogue describes various tributes and statues to Crockett. (RH)

Dubois, Muriel L. Helen Keller. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2003. 2–3 A Horn Book Guide review judges this biography to be “[o]ccasionally dry” but “adequately” told. The format causes confusion between images and captions (Fall 2003). Includes a timeline, suggested further readings, glossary, index, and websites (Fall 2003).

Du Bois, Shirley Graham Booker T. Washington: Educator of Hand, Head, and Heart. New York: Messner, 1955. 5–up School Library Journal considers this a “sympathetic” and “warm and human” biography of

76 • Dubowski the extraordinary man who established the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. In 1955, this was one of few biographies about Washington for children, and the only “source of bibliographical material,” other than Washington’s own Up from Slavery, for young readers (Nov. 15, 1955). Includes a bibliography and index.

Dunnahoo, Terry

Dubowski, Cathy East

Durbin, William

Andrew Johnson: Rebuilding the Union. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett, 1991. 4–up With an Introduction by Henry Steele Commager, this 126-page biography in the History of the Civil War series contains an index, timetable, bibliography, and suggested reading. It opens with an effective Civil War time line showing events between 1854 and 1869. Because the focus of the book is on the Civil War, Johnson’s early life, from 1808 to 1843, is covered in four chapters. The rest of the biography features his rise in politics as Tennessee’s Governor, a U.S. Senator, Vice President, and finally President. The use of primary sources, photographs, and good summaries of information in outline format make this an excellent resource book. One of the more interesting illustrations is a newspaper drawing of his deathbed scene. Dubowski’s biography is excellent in that it explores the conflicts and contradictions of Johnson without making him a saint yet preserves his integrity and judgment. The Epilogue states that Johnson is the “only President ever humiliated by an impeachment trial” (116)—a reminder that even good, recent biographies can quickly become outdated. (RH)

Dunham, Montrew Roberto Clemente: Young Baseball Player, illus. by Meryl Henderson. New York: Aladdin, 1997. 4–6 This title in the Childhood of Famous Americans series traces the personal life and baseball career of the Puerto Rican baseball superstar, from his childhood love of the game through his professional career and untimely death to his election to the Hall of Fame in 1973.

Dunn, Marion Herndon Tenase Brave, illus. by June Moore. Nashville, TN: Aurora, 1971. 3–5 A pre–Columbian Cherokee boy named Brother sets out to earn “a real name” through a series of brave deeds. School Library Journal calls this a “poorly executed adventure” whose writing is “forced.” The book also includes folk stories “to teach lessons to Cherokee children, ... and Indian customs are interestingly described,” but “a better picture of the Cherokee way of life for the age group can be gained from the more effectively written Cherokee Animal Tales by George Scheer” (1968) (School Library Journal, May 15, 1972).

Nellie Bly: A Portrait. Chicago: Reilly and Lee, 1970. 6–8 Biography of Pennsylvania native Nellie Bly, who became a newspaper reporter over objections that journalism was not a suitable career for young women in the 1880s.

Arnold Palmer. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 1998. 4–7 Biography of one of the most popular golfers in the United States. “Recommended with minor flaws” (Horn Book Guide, Sept. 1998).

Durden, Robert F. Carter G. Woodson: Father of African-American History, illus. with photographs. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1998. 6–up This is a “balanced and documented” biography of the man who promoted the study of African-American history through a “research association and journal, ... a publishing company, and ... a nationwide observance of Negro History Week.” It includes his flaws as well as his positive features. School Library Journal points out that “Patricia and Fredrick McKissack’s Carter G. Woodson (Enslow, 1991) is the only other biography of Woodson for young people and Durden does a good job of highlighting his contribution toward raising an awareness of AfricanAmerican cultural heritage” ( Jan. 1999). Contains black-and-white photographs.

Durrant, Lynda Betsy Zane: The Rose of Fort Henry. New York: Clarion, 2000. 4–8 Betsy Zane was a real woman who moved from Philadelphia to the wilderness of Virginia (what is now West Virginia). Told in first person, Betsy relates her arduous journey on the Buffalo Trail to Pittsburgh, and a trip down the Ohio on a flatboat, which takes her to her brothers (Eb, Silas, Jonathan, and Isaac) at Zane Station. During an attack on Fort Henry by British and Indian forces, Betsy makes “a heroic dash for gunpowder.” The story starts out “as a mild frontier road trip ... but the pace accelerates and provocative questions emerge” (Bulletin, Oct. 2000). Durrant “has delved deeply into the complex, shifting relations between European settlers and native populations” (Booklist, Sept. 15, 2000). She “weaves in historical data from 17 sources,” making this book a “real winner” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 2000). Though this is a “compelling work of period fiction strongly rooted in fact,” Durrant “has trouble letting [her family’s] exploits speak for themselves.” Nevertheless, this is a remarkable book about “a mere child who risked her life in a bloody battle rather than surrender” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2001). Contains an Afterword with excellent source notes.

Duvall • 77

Dutton, Sandra Tales of Belva Jean Copenhagen, illus. by author. New York: Atheneum, 1989. 4–6 First-person narrator, Belva Jean, who moves to Ohio from “the south,” tells this episodic story with “sprightly humor” and forthright “exaggerations” in a “pure country” dialect, which is the topic of the final chapter. This is the story of a “likeable” child in an “ordinary, lower-middle-class — and benevolent”— situation. The “gawky” illustrations look as though they may have been done by Belva Jean herself (Bulletin, Mar. 1989). “Some of the stories reveal self-discovery, while others seem to be simply notations on special occurrences such as a picnic or a family visit. The lack of plot and continuity may leave some readers with a feeling of dissatisfaction, but the humor and brevity may appeal to reluctant readers (School Library Journal, May 1, 1989). The narration is “authentic-sounding, readable” and “brims with funny, quirky perceptions about life,” which are “matched” by Dutton’s illustrations (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 10, 1989).

Duvall, Deborah L. The Great Ball Game of the Birds and Animals. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2002. K–3 A retelling of the Cherokee tale in which animals challenge birds to a game of stickball, this title is volume one in the Grandmother Stories series. The Horn Book lauds the “patterned borders and animals in traditional costume [which] convey the spirit and origins of the tale” (Apr. 2003), but School Library Journal finds the writing stiff and the illustrations “static” ( Jan. 2003).

How Medicine Came to the People: A Tale of the Ancient Cherokees, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2003. K–4 This pourquoi tale, volume two of the Grandmother Stories, explains the origin of illness as well as healing. The animals sent physical illness to humans who refused to live with them peacefully but hunted and killed them instead. The plant kingdom took mercy on human beings and sent them healing, medicinal knowledge. The white-on-black scratchboard illustrations are mostly circular discs that cleverly use the medicine-wheel motif, though the rectangular double-page spreads are also effective. The busyness of the drawings is a nice contrast to the simplicity of the text, as are the white-on-green endpapers. However, the illustrations for the appended herbarium are not effective because the detail does not aid in identifying the plants. No source notes or bibliography is included. (RH)

How Rabbit Lost His Tail: A Traditional Cherokee Legend, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albu-

querque: University of New Mexico Press, 2003. K–4 Duvall’s retelling of this Cherokee pourquoi tale is “entertaining” and “sophisticated” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2004). This title is number three in the Grandmother Stories series.

The Opossum’s Tale: A Grandmother Story, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2005. K–4 According to Cherokee legend, Opossum once had a large furry tail of which he was extremely proud. For his arrogance, Rabbit played a trick on him, which resulted in a permanent loss of fur. Duvall changes the ending of this traditional tale so that Opossum saves Rabbit’s life. According to the Horn Book Guide, the modified ending “softens the traditional” tale “but offers its own satisfactions” (Fall 2006). School Library Journal disagrees: “This ending alters the rhythm of the story; it feels tacked on and makes a questionable purchase out of an otherwise lovely book” (Feb. 2006). All reviewers are in accord in their admiration of Jacob’s illustrations and have high praise for “the elaborately patterned, intricate, black-and-white ink drawings [which] bring this entertaining, instructive story to life” (Booklist, Mar. 15, 2006). This title is number seven in the Grandmother Stories series.

Rabbit and the Bears: A Traditional Cherokee Legend, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2004. 4–7 Fourth in the series of Grandmother Stories, this is the tale of Yona the bear, who takes Ji-Stu the rabbit to Lake Ata-Gahi, a place sacred to all animals in the Smoky Mountains. Jacob’s “intricate white-on-black illustrations teem with Smoky Mountain wildlife,” (Horn Book, Oct. 2004) and “take on a vintage printmaking quality” (Publishers Weekly, May 10, 2004).

Rabbit and the Wolves, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2005. K–4 Rabbit and the Wolves, the sixth volume in the Grandmother Stories series, is a combination of two Cherokee legends. This retelling finds Rabbit failing in his attempt to become an accomplished singer like the Redbird and having to use his wits to avoid being eaten by wolves. Duvall’s “conclusion about finding one’s own song seems tacked on to [Rabbit’s] amusing adventures” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006).

Rabbit Goes Duck Hunting: A Traditional Cherokee Legend, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2004. K–4 Number five in the Grandmother Stories series and a finalist in the 2005 Oklahoma Book

78 • Eady Award, this is the story of Trickster Rabbit who goes on a “hare raising” flight in the clutches of the Chief of All the Wood Ducks. Jacob’s black-and-white illustrations “add a contemplative dimension to this amusing folktale” (Horn Book Guide, Apr. 2005).

Rabbit Plants the Forest: A Cherokee World Story, illus. by Murv Jacob. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2006. K–4 Rabbit Plants the Forest is based on ancient Cherokee lore that squirrels are useful creatures and should not be hunted for food. Jacob’s “handsome detailed illustrations ... depict woodland flora and fauna” and complement the plant listing at the end of the book (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006).

Eady, Ellen Pardon Me — Is That the Chattanooga ChooChoo?, illus. by Kelly Guhne. Chattanooga, TN: Majestic, 2000. K–3 Harry, a hopping mouse, and his family are on their way to Chattanooga for a stay in the historic train. Harry becomes lost and learns about the city as he searches for his family and the Choo Choo.

Earley, Tony Jim the Boy. Boston: Little, Brown, 2000. 6–up Ten-year-old Jim, whose father died before he was born, is being raised by a still-grieving mother and three stern but compassionate uncles. “Earley creates memorable, parable-like stories while maintaining mesmerizingly simple language and a child’s emotional point of view” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Dec. 2000). “While the narrative is free-flowing and loose, it is anchored by the constancy of its characters, a constancy which provides the firm context of Jim’s slow, unsteady coming of age” (Five Owls, Jan./ Feb. 2001).

Easton, Richard A Real American. New York: Clarion, 2002. 4–7 Easton’s first novel is about racism and prejudice in Manorville, in western Pennsylvania, in the 1890s, a time when coal mines were replacing farmland and Italian immigrants were moving into the region. Eleven-year-old Nathan McClelland, the only first-generation American boy left in the neighborhood, becomes friends with Arturo Tozzi, who is Italian, and predictable conflicts ensue. Reviews of the book are mixed. Library Talk deems it a “wonderful read aloud” (Nov./Dec. 2002). School Library Journal finds the story “engaging,” with a plot that “flows swiftly and builds to a satisfying conclusion” (Mar. 1, 2002). According to Booklist, “The setting is realistic, and the characters are drawn with complexity. There are neither saints nor demons among the natives or the newcomers.” Easton makes “the labor history comes alive” in this “fine companion to Susan

Bartoletti’s Growing up in Coal Country (1996)” (May 15, 2002). Horn Book Guide is slightly less favorable in its assessment that the pace is “occasionally bogged down” by didactic comments but the story is “believable” and the setting is “well realized” (Fall 2002). Kirkus offers the most negative assessment, arguing that the only fully-developed characters are Arturo, Nathan, and his mother. The story is “mired in its stylistic faults” (Apr. 15, 2002).

Ebel, Julia Taylor Addie Clawson: Appalachian Mail Carrier, illus. by Sherry Jensen. Boone, NC: Parkway, 2003. 2–5 Ebel has written a straightforward biography of Addie Clawson, who became a rural mail carrier in Watauga County, North Carolina, from 1936 to 1966, an era when carrying the mail was considered men’s work. The story is filled with vignettes and details: Miss Addie wore jodhpurs, which were frowned upon for women; she had to cover part of the route on a horse because some of the route was inaccessible by car; she brought the first Army Jeep to the area; she made two runs on Christmas Eve so that catalog orders would reach children by Christmas Day; and her daughters wrote letters for her to deliver to Tommy Critches who wanted to receive “real” mail. Readers may wish for more factual information about this woman’s life, such as dates of birth, death, and marriages, but the story is refreshing among the sea of trite and repetitive children’s biographies. The book contains good historical information, and the photographs and sketches add visual interest. (RH)

Eckert, Allan W. Blue Jacket: War Chief of the Shawnees. Boston: Little Brown, 1969; Ashland, KY: Jesse Stuart Foundation, 2003. 7–up This is the story of Marmaduke Van Swearingen and his younger brother who were captured by Shawnee warriors in 1771 western Virginia. Marmaduke negotiated his brother’s release by joining the Shawnee tribe and became known as Blue Jacket, an Indian warrior in every aspect: “in fealty, in life style, in consuming hatred for the white man.” Eckert approaches his subject with “precise fidelity to the facts” (Horn Book, Apr. 1969). Blue Jacket won notoriety as the only white Shawnee war chief. The title was reprinted in 2003 by the Jesse Stuart Foundation.

Johnny Logan: Shawnee Spy. Boston: Little, Brown, 1983. 7–up In Blue Jacket, Eckert tells the true story of an American boy who becomes a Shawnee. In this novel, he relates the true story of a young Shawnee boy named Spemica Lawba, Tecumseh’s nephew, who

Emerson • 79 leads a life of cultural turns and twists, eventually becoming Johnny Logan, an American spy. At his death, he was given military honors. The story is set in the late 1770s Ohio and includes the War of 1812. Kirkus Reviews finds the narrative “curiously sterile.... Heavy on bare-bones research but scanty on illumination,” the book is “disappointing” (Oct. 1, 1983). Booklist finds the dialogue to be “authentic” but suggests that Eckert could have developed more fully the fascinating character of Logan. The author’s strength “lies more firmly in his vivid depiction of frontier history and Shawnee culture and customs, which he details with both care and control” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1983).

Edge, Laura Bufano Andrew Carnegie. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2004. 6–up With “clear text” (Booklist, June 2004) and “nicely reproduced black-and-white images” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2004), this title in the Lerner Biographies series will give children a solid impression of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Includes a bibliography, glossary, and list of websites.

Edwards, Pat Little John and Plutie. Boston: Houghton, 1988. 4–6 Set in 1897 in the South, this is the story of friendship between Little John Greer, who is white and from a farm family, and Plutie, who is black and street-wise. The two meet when Little John and his mother leave their alcoholic father to live with the grandmother. The interracial friendship is “smoothly fused, and Edwards writes perceptively of racial conflict, of prejudice on both sides, and of the integrity and compassion that could, at times, supersede prejudice, even in the South, even in 1897.” Characterization and dialogue are “strong,” and the conclusion is “credible” (Bulletin, Oct. 1988). Kirkus deems this a “serious story” and an “honest look at racial prejudice” (Sept. 15, 1988). Publishers Weekly finds the climax “too muted” but the “contradictions of bigotry and the suffering it causes” are handled “forthrightly” (Oct. 28. 1988). School Library Journal suggests that the offhand inclusion of elements such as the Ku Klux Klan and minstrel shows do not “work to create a sense of time and place,” but the book has “well-written dialogue, felicitous insights, and well-realized characters all slightly out of focus in time” (Nov. 1, 1988).

Ehrlich, Elizabeth Nellie Bly. New York: Chelsea, 1989. 5–up Included in the American Women of Achievement series, Ehrlich’s portrayal of journalist Nellie Bly is merely a “cursory view of [her] background and character” (Booklist, June 1989). A chronology, bibliography, and index are included.

Eldred, Patricia Mulrooney Joe Namath, illus. by John Keely. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1976. 3–6 A biography of Joe Namath, whose ability to pass has made him an outstanding professional quarterback.

Football’s Great Quarterback, Joe Namath. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1977. 2–6

Brief biography from Creative Allstars se-

ries.

Elish, Dan The Trail of Tears: The Story of the Cherokee Removal, maps by Rodica Prato. New York: Benchmark, 2002. 5–up This title in the Great Journeys series tells the story of the 1838–39 forced march of the Cherokee from Georgia to Oklahoma. The “photographs and illustrations are well placed,” but the “concepts and presentation are difficult to understand,” and the narrative is “dry” (Book Report, Mar./Apr. 2002). The plot “is related in a clearly written text.” It makes use of oral histories from governmental representatives and the Cherokee, which give “opposing perspectives” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2002). School Library Journal considers the entire series to be “[e]xcellent resources for middle-school students and useful starting points for older researchers” (Mar. 1, 2002). Includes historical photographs, maps, a bibliography, and an index.

Elliott, Lawrence The Long Hunter. New York: Reader’s Digest, 1976. 6–up Atlantic Monthly considers Elliott’s biography of Daniel Boone to be “brisk, unpretentious.” The author opts for historical accuracy and casts aside the “mass of frontier tall tales,” giving “considerable information on why settlers rushed west into Kentucky’s bloody ground” (Apr. 1976). Kirkus agrees that this book presents a “successful blend of narrative flair and history,” along with Boone’s “flaws and failures.” The result is a “convincing picture” of this American hero (Mar. 1, 1976). Contains source notes and a bibliography.

Emerson, Kathy Lynn Making Headlines: A Biography of Nellie Bly. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1989. 4–8 Emerson traces the life and achievements of Nellie Bly, the reporter who pursued a career in journalism at a time when such a career was not proper for a woman. Included in the People in Focus series, “Emerson’s highly readable text is bolstered by many black-and-white photographs and other reproductions” (Booklist, July 1, 1989).

80 • Emery

Emery, Anne

Hearts of Stone. New York: Dutton, 2006.

Mountain Laurel. New York: Putnam, 1948.

6–8 When Hannah Cameron, age 15, her brother, Jasper, and twin sisters are orphaned during the Civil War, they leave their Cumberland Mountain, Tennessee, farm for Nashville. Hoping to live with Aunt Ellen, they find instead that she, too, has died. Reminiscent of Vera and Bill Cleaver’s Where the Lilies Bloom, this is a novel about children surviving without adult support. While Ernst gives excellent details of Nashville life during wartime, “the value of the story lies not in its historical content, but in the description of the mixed emotions and suffering of friends and neighbors who suddenly find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict, the desperation of civilians in wartime, and the unending attempt of a teen to uphold a promise” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2006). “Ernst movingly shows ... the calamity and upheaval of war” (Booklist, Nov. 1, 2006). Her prose is described as “lively,” and the action “dramatic.... Historical details never overwhelm the story” (Kirkus Reviews, Nov. 1, 2006).

5–up Laurel, age 15, would like to be a nurse, but instead of leaving her home in the Great Smoky Mountains to get an education, she must take on the adult responsibilities of caring for her family, whose mother has died. “Here are Americans to be proud of—dignified mountaineers with a well preserved culture as creative weavers and folk musicians, and a stalwart integrity despite inadequacies in educational opportunity, physical comforts, and medical care. Teen-age girls will appreciate the touch of romance and find excitement in the surviving remnants of feuding” (Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1948).

Engel, Trudie We’ll Never Forget You, Roberto Clemente. New York: Scholastic, 1999. 7–up A biography of the famous Puerto Rican baseball superstar right-fielder, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Englar, Mary The Cherokee and Their History. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 3–5 A title in the We the People series, this book follows a series template: “Each book begins by detailing a major historical conflict and its outcome,” in this case the “Trail Where They Cried.” Englar “describes the tribe’s history as it relates to its geography, environment, religion, and customs before and after European contact,” as well as “life today, and tribal achievements.... These clearly written books are suitable for reports” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2006). The binding and paper quality make these books “a good choice for heavy use situations” (Christian Library Journal, June 2006). Includes color and blackand-white photographs and drawings.

Epstein, Sam, and Beryl Epstein Willie Mays: Baseball Superstar, illus. by Victor Mays. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1975. 4–6 This biography in the Sports Library series offers the usual “catalog of ... accomplishments”: “While information is accurate, the writing style is pedestrian and any discussion of a player’s prowess rapidly develops into overt adulation” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1975).

Ernst, Kathleen The Bravest Girl in Sharpsburg. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 1997. 6–up Friendships are tested when three young girls take sides during the Civil War. “All of the characters are well drawn [and] historical photographs of the real Sharpsburg ... add to the atmosphere of the novel” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1998).

Midnight in Lonesome Hollow: A Kit Mystery. Middleton, WI: American Girl, 2007. 3–6 While Kit is visiting her Aunt Millie in the Kentucky mountains, Lucy Vanderpool, a folklorist from Chicago, arrives to document basket weaving, and predictable cultural clashes ensue. This title contains every theme, topic, and motif recognizable to students of Appalachian literature, but all is cloaked in political correctness: the Craft Revival, pack-horse libraries, dulcimers, outsiders, timbering, mining, moonshining, and dialect. The tone is patronizing and preachy. For example, the locals object to being made to “look like quaint old-fashioned hillbillies” (47). In spite of these flaws, it towers over other series books set in Appalachia, such as The Hardy Boys #169, a Great Smoky Mountain mystery; The Bobbsey Twins: The Smoky Mountain Mystery; and Out of Place, Sweet Valley Twins #22, in which a “hillbilly” from Stony Gap, Tennessee, visits her aunt in Sweet Valley. Booklist mistakenly applauds Ernst for “showing not only the poverty of Appalachia during the Depression but also the ingenuity of its people” but correctly observes that “The historical backdrop is bolstered by the back matter” (May 15, 2007). School Library Journal echoes the Booklist assessment: These series mysteries “integrate historical information” well (May 1, 2007). (RH)

The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 1996. 6–9 When 17-year-old Solomon Hargreave, a Union Army scout, rescues Mahalia from the Potomac River, he becomes involved with her and her family while the battle at Harpers Ferry plays out. According to School Library Journal, “the action and the dialogue keep the story moving briskly; and both female and male characters defy stereotype and surprise readers” (May 1997). Ernst’s first-person narrative

Evernden • 81 “conveys the strain of divided families, misguided loyalties, and the hardscrabble existence” of the Civil War era (Booklist, Jan. 1, 1997). Includes archival photographs.

Retreat from Gettysburg. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 2000. 5–9 After the conclusion of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1963, Chigger O’Malley, age 14, narrates this tale of emotional and national conflict as the Confederate Army retreats. Set in Williamsport, Maryland, near the Potomac River, this story is “perhaps too large to develop well in such a short novel,” but Ernst’s “[m]eticulous attention to history” is its strength (Booklist, Sept. 15, 2000). Chigger’s first-person account is “clear and compelling. An excellent example of how to teach history through fiction” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 2000).

Ernesto, Lilly

Evans, Mari-Lynn, et al, eds. The Appalachians: America’s First and Last Frontier. New York: Random, 2004. 6–up This title is a companion to the PBS documentary produced by Mari-Lynn Evans, a figure in West Virginia television. It presents “an engaging overview of Appalachian life in words, songs, and art” and features interviews with public figures, such as Johnny Cash and Senator Robert Byrd, as well as historians, educators, scholars, and traditional artisans. The book gives readers “a new understanding of ” and “appreciation for” a region that is “much misunderstood and ... maligned.” It is as “intriguing as a ride through Appalachia’s back hills” and comes “highly recommended” (Library Journal, Apr. 15, 2004). The appearance of both the documentary and the book coincided with the Smithsonian Institution’s declaration of 2004 as “The Year of Appalachia.”

How Grandmother Spider Got the Sun: A Cherokee Tale, illus. by Michael Grejniec. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1995.

Everett, Gwen

K–3 A 16-page title in the Invitations to Literacy series.

3–up Annie Brown, the 16-year-old daughter of abolitionist John Brown, narrates this “stirring picture book” about the raid on Harpers Ferry. The narrator provides historical background from a personal perspective and, by adding her emotional misgivings about the raid and the Civil War, makes the history “dynamic.” The inclusion of African-American artist Jacob Lawrence’s gouache paintings depicting the events of the Raid is particularly significant. Sixteen of the original series of 22 “are reproduced here — bold, dramatic artwork that will stay with readers like dreams at night” (Booklist, June 1, 1993). Horn Book agrees that this is a “striking and unique picture book.” That Lawrence’s 1941 “paintings have been made available in a book format is a wonder.... Together, words and images give new meaning to history” (Oct. 1993).

Erskine, Payne The Mountain Girl. Boston: Little, Brown, 1912. 7–up According to the New York Times, this novel has “little originality, but much sweetness.” Its “commonplace plot has little to recommend it.” The main character, Cassandra Merlin, is an “untrained creature of the hills” who marries David Thryng, “a man of education and social position.” Nevertheless, the Times finds “real charm” in Erskine’s character as well as the other “appealing human folk. The author of The Mountain Girl has plainly lived among the people of the mountains, learned the tricks of their odd dialect with its bookish phrases and its errors in grammar, studied their dignity and their simplicity, their wild ways and their kindliness. It is too bad that Mr. Erskine has wasted so much of charm upon such a hackneyed situation and has doomed his delightful Cassandra to the stupid and circumscribed life of an English chatelaine.” Erskine’s story is so “strained and unnatural” that the reader finishes it “with a feeling of irritation. The Mountain Girl ought to be much better than it is” (Mar. 31, 1912).

Ethan, Eric Winston 500. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 1999. 1–up A “randomly organized, uninspired” description of the Winston 500, an automobile race held at the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama (Horn Book, Sept. 01, 2000). Glossary and index are included.

John Brown: One Man Against Slavery, illus. by Jacob Lawrence. New York: Rizzoli, 1993.

Evernden, Margery Lyncoya. New York: Walck, 1973. 4–6 This book covers the lives of Andrew Jackson’s adopted sons, particularly the life of a Native American boy, Lyncoya, as told by Andrew Jackson, Jr.

Wilderness Boy. New York: Putnam, 1955; Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2001. 5–8 In the summer of 1794, 16-year-old Jonathon Garrett finds his courage and family loyalties tested when a group of farmers demands Jonathon help them erect a liberty pole in protest to a new tax. The Foreword and Afterword by Mary Margaret Kimmel provide historical background on the Whiskey Rebellion. A Golden Triangle publication.

82 • Eversole

Eversole, Robyn Harbert The Magic House, illus. by Peter Palagonia. New York: Orchard, 1992. K–2 Eversole identifies the setting for this book as Bridgeport, West Virginia, though the setting is really immaterial. The book is about the transformative power of a child’s imagination. April sees her house as filled with magical, incongruent wonders, but her older sister, Meredith, is of a more mature, matter-of-fact bent; thus a conflict between a child and a “know-it-all” big sister evolves and resolves itself. “The dreamlike quality of the illustrations is perfect for this story,” though it “does not leave much to readers’ imaginations.” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1992). Kirkus Reviews calls the combined efforts of Eversole and Palagonia “excellent debuts” and praises the “carefully structured surreal art.” This is “a story with real substance and appeal” (Feb. 15, 1992). Publishers Weekly agrees that “this is a magical and promising first effort” ( Jan. 6, 1992). Booklist calls it “both weird and cheerful” ( Jan. 1, 1992).

Faris, John T. Nolichucky Jack, illus. by D. Cammerota. London: Lippincott, 1927. 6–up A fictionalized biography of John Sevier. Includes maps.

Fast, Howard The Tall Hunter, illus. by Rafaello Busoni. New York: Harper, 1942. 3–5 Fast relates the story of Richard Hammon, his great-grandfather, “who followed Daniel Boone into the wilderness [and] his years of wandering interrupted by brief periods of happiness with Ellen, his wife.... Moving but slight story.... Style vigorous and graphic but uneven. Outstanding format, with black-andwhite illustrations” (Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1942).

Fazio, Wende West Virginia. New York: Childrens, 2000. 4–6 This title in the America the Beautiful series describes the geography, plants, animals, history, economy, religions, culture, sports, arts, and people of the Mountain State. Includes a bibliography and index.

Feeney, Kathy Davy Crockett. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2002. 2–4 Published in the Photo-Illustrated Biographies series, this title chronicles Davy Crockett’s life and “clearly separates fact and legend” (School Library Journal, July 2002).

Feinstein, Stephen Read About Helen Keller. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2004. 2–3

A title in the I Like Biographies! series.

Read About Johnny Appleseed. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2006. 2–4 Included in the I Like Biographies! series, Feinstein’s biography of John Chapman “suffers from poor editing” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006).

Felton, Harold W. John Henry and His Hammer, illus. by Aldren A. Watson. New York: Knopf, 1950. 5–up Library Journal praises Felton’s book as “especially beautiful and moving.” The story of this railroad hero is depicted as gifted with a “generous and great spirit coupled with great physical strength. Harold Felton has made John Henry more than a legend; he has made him alive. Aldren Watson’s illustrations make this a beautiful book to look at as well as to read” ( Jan. 1, 1951).

Nancy Ward, Cherokee, illus. by Carolyn Bertrand. New York: Dodd, 1975. 4–6 Nancy ward, the daughter of a Cherokee woman and an English soldier, was known as Ghigau — Beloved Woman — and was so revered as the leader of the Cherokee people that she was invited to sit with the Tribal Council. She supported the American cause during the Revolutionary War but was unable to prevent the Trail of Tears. Felton “does her little service by the repeated use of adulatory and fulsome remarks. The writing style is a blend of choppy writing and trite or flowery phrases, and the book is further weakened by uneven treatment” of Ward’s two marriages (Bulletin, Nov. 1975). School Library Journal considers the book “well written.” Though it states that this was in 1975 “the only fulllength biography of Nancy Ward” (May 1975), Elisha Sterling King’s Wild Rose of Cherokee or Nancy Ward was first published in 1895 and was kept in print at least into the 1980s.

Fenton, Edward Duffy’s Rocks. New York: Dutton, 1974. 7–up Kirkus opens its review of Fenton’s novel with this observation: “This sort of bleak naturalism is no longer the fashion in adult fiction, but the longing for escape from a depressed, aging town and a claustrophobic, aging family must still be a powerful theme for young people” (Mar. 1, 1974). Duffy’s Rocks, a small, poor town near Pittsburgh, is the setting of this Depression-era story about Timothy Francis Brennan, who seeks a way out of poverty and family dysfunction. He runs away to New York but returns to a family who voices prejudice and bigotry toward Italian and Slavic immigrants. This is a story of father’s abandonment and a son’s search for his cultural and social place in the world. This title was reprinted in 1999 by the University of Pittsburgh Press with a Foreword and Afterword by Margaret Mary Kimmel. (RH)

Fitterer • 83

Fetty, Margaret Helen Keller: Break Down the Walls! New York: Bearport, 2007. 3–up series.

A biography in the Defining Moments

Filson, John Filson’s Kentucke: A Facsimile Reproduction of the Original Wilmington Edition of 1784. New York: Burt Franklin, 1973. This title was first published in 1784 under the title The Discovery, Settlement, and Present State of Kentucke, Wilmington, DE: James Adams. Reprinted in 1929, by J. P. Morton; in 1930 by J. P. Morton as # 35 of Filson Club publications; and in 1966, under the title The Discovery and Settlement of Kentucke, by University Microfilms. 7–up Not a children’s book, this title is important for young readers because it is one of the earliest histories of Kentucky, and it includes early material on Daniel Boone that supposedly gave rise to his legendary status. This facsimile of the 1784 edition includes the first published map of Kentucky, which was printed separately from the book. According to Barbara Mertins’ Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia: Reading for Young People Series, Filson traveled to Kentucky in 1782 or 1783, and his history includes all aspects of the state (American Library Association, 1985).

Finlayson, Ann Greenhorn on the Frontier, illus. by W. T. Mars. New York: Warne, 1974; Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2000. 5–8 Just before the Revolutionary War, 19year-old Harry and his 23-year-old sister, Sukey, move their few possessions by hand cart to start their own farm on the western Pennsylvania frontier. The Foreword and Afterword by Mary Margaret Kimmel provide historical background. A Golden Triangle Book.

Fischer, David Roberto Clemente. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library, 2005. 4–6 This biography in the Trailblazers of the Modern World series includes a bibliography and index.

Fischer, Laura Life on the Trail of Tears. Chicago: Heinemann, 2003. 2–4 Life on the Trail of Tears draws attention to the impact of the forced relocation on the children of the Cherokee. “Well-organized [and] heavily illustrated” (School Library Journal, June 2004), this title in the Picture the Past series includes a recipe, map,

photographs, a time line, list of titles for additional reading, a glossary, and index.

Fitch, Bob, and Lynne Fitch Grandfather’s Land, illus. with photographs. Mankato, MN: Amecus Street, 1972. 5–up An endnote explains that Bob and Lynne Fitch conceived of this and a series of similar books (published under the Amecus Street imprint) when they worked on the staff of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Lynne was secretary to Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. The purpose of the book is clearly to introduce a region and its people through one example — the Townsend family. Though young Gary Townsend narrates the text in first person, there is no story. Its matter-of-fact flow is bland, and the people are never revealed, but the details are excellent as reference or resource materials. After a brief description and history of Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, the text and photographs turn quickly to the immediate and extended Townsend family, then to the “Townsend place” in Avery County and the Boone area — Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Foscoe, Valle Crucis, and Mast’s Store. The book is an inventory of daily life: farm chores (milking, churning butter, making cottage cheese, butchering hogs, growing and preserving food), typical meals, hunting, fishing for blue gill, harvesting herbs. Gary laments the growing tourist and ski developments and gives details of his parents’ and grandparents’ lives — how much items used to cost, (forty cents for a wedding dress) and how they lived before electricity. The book is a good resource for children interested in rural life in Appalachia 30 or 50 years ago. The weakness is its impersonal tone; Gary is but an excuse for the inventory. The blackand-white photographs document the culture well and provide personal glimpses of the Townsend family — especially the children. (RH)

Fitterer, C. Ann Sequoyah: Native American Scholar. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2002. 2–4 This title in the Spirit of America: Our People series provides fundamental information about the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet and “presents a balanced look at our government’s mistreatment of Native peoples” (School Library Journal, Dec. 2002). Includes a glossary, suggested reading, a chronology, websites, and index.

Tecumseh: Chief of the Shawnee. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2003. 2–4 Included in the Spirit of America: Our People series, Fitterer presents the life of Tecumseh, a Shawnee warrior, orator, and leader who united a confederacy of Indians in an effort to save Indian land from the advance of white soldiers and settlers. Includes reproductions, a chronology, further reading,

84 • Fitzgerald a glossary, index, and suggested websites. The title covers the “basics” and presents a “balanced” view of the mistreatment of native people (School Library Journal, Dec. 2002).

Fitzgerald, Stephanie The Scopes Trial: The Battle Over Teaching Evolution. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 5–8 This title in the Snapshots in History series recounts the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, in 1925. Includes bibliography, photographs, diagrams, timelines, and an index.

Flaherty, Mildred The Great Saint Patrick’s Day Flood. Pittsburgh: Local History, 2004. 3–6 Flaherty draws upon family history and first-hand accounts to tell the story of the March, 1936, Pittsburgh flood, when the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio Rivers rose well beyond their banks. Told from the perspective of Billy Flynn and his Irish-Catholic family, the book is better-than-average, with believable child responses, such as the naïve glee when school is dismissed, the loss of a pet kitten, and Billy’s feelings of shame that his father works for the WPA digging ditches. The writing, including dialogue, is mostly natural and flows well. The format includes isolated news bulletins that document the gradual rise and ebb of the flood waters, and the details of living in a big city without electricity and water add authenticity. Descriptions of the aftermath are especially vivid, as is Billy’s growing appreciation for his father, who rescues stranded flood victims and helps remove mud and water-soaked materials from buildings when the waters recede. The back matter includes excerpts from oral histories, flood trivia, including a map showing the flooded areas near the rivers, and a bibliography. The one major flaw in an otherwise good book is the placement of archival photographs in a center section so that they interrupt the text. (RH)

Flanagan, Alice K. Mrs. Scott’s Beautiful Art, illus. by Romie Flanagan. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

Fleischer, Jane Tecumseh, Shawnee War Chief, illus. by Hal Frenck. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, (1979) 1997. 4–7 Included in the Native American Biographies series, this title presents the life of Tecumseh who tried to unite the Native American Indians against the invasion of white settlers.

Fleischmann, Glen The Cherokee Removal 1838: An Entire Indian Nation Is Forced Out of Its Homeland. New York: Watts, 1971. 6–up This is “a lucid, forthright account” of the 1838 forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from its homeland. Fleischmann begins with an account of the Cherokees’ peaceful, “prosperous, settled way of life” at the turn of the 19th century and ends with their “journey in which one fifth of the Cherokees died” (Booklist, June 15, 1971). Illustrated with photographs and maps and documented with primary sources.

Fleming , Alice Mulcahey Ida Tarbell: First of the Muckrakers. New York: Crowell, 1971. 4–7 This biography of the woman who pioneered a new style of journalism in exposing the malpractices of the oil industry at the turn of the century is included in the Women of America series. Tarbell’s 1904 book The History of the Standard Oil Company exposed the malpractices of the oil industry at the turn of the century. Bibliography included.

Fontes, Justine, and Ron Fontes Rachel Carson. New York: Childrens, 2005. 2–5 A biography of America’s most famous female science writer and environmental advocate. Included in the Rookie Biographies series.

West Virginia: The Mountain State. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac Library, 2003. 4–6 This title in the World Almanac Library of the States series presents the history, geography, people, politics and government, economy, culture and lifestyle, state events and attractions, and notable people of West Virginia. Includes a bibliography and index.

K–3 Included in the Our Neighborhood series, this title illustrates traditional Cherokee artistry using natural materials. “Recommended, with minor flaws” (Horn Book, Sept. 1999).

Fontes, Ron, and Justine Korman

The Shawnee. New York: Childrens, 1998.

3–4 A biography in the American Frontier series, which is said to be “written with an eye toward historical accuracy.” The events depicted in this Disney product may not be factual, but young readers “should enjoy Crockett’s outwitting and capturing of a group of scoundrels who are terrorizing settlers to get

2–4 Included in the True Books series, Flanagan’s title presents a “well-organized,” fact-filled portrayal of the Shawnee Nation (School Library Journal, Aug. 1998). Includes a list of websites for additional information.

Davy Crockett and the Highwaymen: A Historical Novel, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1992.

Forman • 85 their land” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1993). This title in Disney’s American Frontier series includes maps and factual statements that offset the exaggeration and myth.

Davy Crockett Meets Death Hug: A Historical Novel, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1993. 2–5 This title in Disney’s American Frontier series tells the story of Davy Crockett and his friend Georgie Russel who decide to hunt down Death Hug, a rogue bear that is making trouble for the local farmers in Tennessee.

Ford, Anne Davy Crockett, illus. by Leonard Vosburgh. New York: Putnam, 1961. 1–2 The necessary “oversimplification” for an easy reader “eliminates the adventure, romance, and humor” that characterize Crockett. “A tame, dull, recital, with little to whet the appetite for later reading” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1961).

Ford, Carin T. Andy Warhol: The Life of an Artist. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2002. 1–5 This short biography provides a “strong picture” of artist Andy Warhol’s life and work. Though published for primary grade readers, the “language and sophisticated ideas make the book more appropriate for middle graders” (Horn Book, Oct. 1, 2003). Included in the Artist Biographies series.

Andy Warhol: Pioneer of Pop Art, with illustrations by Andy Warhol. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2001. 6–up Included in the People to Know series, Ford’s biography of Andy Warhol is “flatly written ... [with] little analysis” of the man’s work (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2002). The School Library Journal assessment of this title is somewhat more positive: “Readers will be drawn into the narrative more through the accounts of the man’s idiosyncrasies than through its compelling prose.... [T]his is a well-documented title that will be useful where there is an interest in the subject” (Oct. 2001).

Helen Keller: Lighting the Way for the Blind and Deaf. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2001. 6–up “This well-researched and well-documented biography provides keen insight into the life of this extraordinary woman.” The “clear, concise prose” and “crisp design” help make this a “welcome research tool and a readable narrative” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2001).

Helen Keller: Meet a Woman of Courage. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2002. 3–4 This biography in the Meeting Famous People series emphasizes Keller’s overcoming her lim-

itations to become a speaker, writer, and advocate for people with disabilities.

Roberto Clemente: Baseball Legend. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2005. 4–7 A title in the Latino Biography Library series, this biography includes both the positive and negative aspects of Clemente’s life. In spite of “the frequent disconnect between the main text and adjacent pull-quotes and photos,” the book “ensures an exciting read” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 2005). According to Horn Book, Ford could have provided “better photos” and “more attention” to Clemente’s childhood, but this is nevertheless a “balanced portrait of the first Latino Hall of Famer” (Apr. 1, 2006). Library Media Connection notes the “engaging text and informative sidebars” (Feb. 2006). Includes timeline, source notes, suggested readings, and websites.

Ford, Ernest J. Tennessee Ernie Ford’s Book of Favorite Hymns. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1962. 4–up This collection contains words and music for 50 hymns (including six Christmas carols), each with a brief, first-person introductory note written by Ford himself. An index of titles, of first lines, and a chord chart make it an extremely usable book, especially for beginners. Ford’s introductory essay, Music in My Life, contains good autobiographical material about his life in Bristol, Tennessee, and his road to fame. Throughout, the tone is folksy, comfortable, inviting, and celebratory — much like Ford’s popular persona. (RH)

Forman, James A Ballad for Hogskin Hill. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1979. 7–up “This entertaining, thought-provoking novel” explores issues of strip mining among “independent hill folk.” The biblical David-versus-Goliath theme of the weak pitted against the strong is even born out by the names. The main character is David Kinkaid, who with his father, Samson, stages the battle against the “machine,” both literally and figuratively: the strip-mining machinery and the Utopia Coal Company. Forman’s “adventure is high and the pace is fast”: “A book with a lot of spirit and some ideas worth pondering” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1980). The story’s “vitality and its direction” lie with the characters. The “expansive, larger-than-life humor and humanity” cause readers to “like and line up with” the “hillbilly family” and its community (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 1979).

Song of Jubilee. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1971. 7–up Horn Book compares Forman’s novel with William Styron’s The Confessions of Nat Turner and deems it a “success.” Told from the first-person

86 • Foster point of view by Jim Chase, a slave on the McAdam farm, the book is set in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia between 1860 and the era of Reconstruction after the end of the Civil War. Forman develops the friendship between Myles and Jim, but the “peculiar” friendship between Jim and Myles’ sister Sharon is “skirted.” In spite of the characterization, the “richly detailed” setting, and a story that is “smoothly and excitingly told,” “clichés” emerge and some characters are “pigeonholed glibly.” On the other hand, this is a good examination of the political and social era and a “balanced and solid adventure story” (Aug. 1971).

Foster, G. Allen Impeached: The President Who Almost Lost His Job. New York: Criterion, 1964. 7–up Foster’s biography of Andrew Johnson depicts the “crucial period” of Reconstruction, 1865– 1868, and Johnson’s mammoth task of trying to keep the Union together. School Library Journal points to the “style flaws” and the author’s use anachronistic language, which “seems to strain for adolescent attention” (Dec. 15, 1964). The author also misspells the name of Johnson’s home, Greeneville, Tennessee.

Foster, Genevieve Andrew Jackson. New York: Scribner’s, 1951. 4–6 Booklist considers this “a well-rounded, authentic portrait of Andrew Jackson—boy and man, personal and public life — in an animated style for younger readers” (Dec. 15, 1951).

Foster, Leila Merrell David Glasgow Farragut: Courageous Naval Commander. Chicago: Childrens, 1991. 4–up From the People of Distinction Biographies series, Foster presents a biography of Knoxville, Tennessee, native David Farragut.

The Story of Rachel Carson and the Environmental Movement. Chicago: Childrens, 1990. 4–6 In 30 pages, The Story of Rachel Carson (Cornerstones of Freedom series) emphasizes Carson’s achievements as an environmentalist. The book offers spare biographical information, but provides excellent details on the publication history of each book, its success or failure, public reaction to Carson’s “cause,” and her many awards and honors. Sounding a bit like an encyclopedia entry, the large print will aid early readers, but the photographs are not appealing. An index is helpful for researchers, but the absence of a bibliography is limiting. On the other hand, because so little is written for children about this native of Springdale, Pennsylvania, the book is important: It makes available the basic facts of Carson’s life and lauds her influence as a pioneer in the environmental movement. (RH)

Fox , Genevieve May Cynthia of Bee-Tree Hollow. Boston: Little, Brown, 1948. 6–9 Fox’s story examines a common theme in Appalachian literature, the displacement of families and whole communities by “progress.” In this case, when Cynthia is displaced by the building of a dam, she adapts. She is typical of Fox’s female characters in that she is enterprising and desires an education. “Slight but good picture of the reactions of Southern Mountain people of many ages and temperaments to the building of dams and to the various people who try to turn them to more modern ways” (Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1949).

Mountain Girl, illus. by F. W. Orr. Boston: Little, Brown, 1932. 6–up Booklist compares Fox’s novel with Ester Greenacre Hall’s The Here-to-Yonder Girl (1932) as having a similar “purpose and scene.” Set on Wildcat Ridge in the Kentucky mountains, this is the story of Sairy Ann Hall who battles her family and community to complete high school, become a nurse, and embark on “bettering the life of the mountain people.” Unfortunately, Fox’s book is “a much more usual story” than Hall’s (May 1932.)

Mountain Girl Comes Home. Boston: Little, Brown, 1934. 7–up In this sequel to Mountain Girl, Sairy Ann is married to a doctor. When she brings him back to Wildcat Ridge, the “hill folks” are suspect — both of him and his medical knowledge. Predictable events, including a flood and a feud, give him sufficient opportunity to prove himself and become accepted. “The mountain dialect is used sparingly enough to keep the story pleasant reading.” This “is an excellent picture of a particular section of American life that New England young people need to know” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1934).

Fradin, Dennis Brindell The Trail of Tears. New York: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2007. 4–up A title in the Turning Points in U.S. History series, this account of the Cherokee Indian removal is divided into seven chapters and offers sidebar information on major Cherokee figures, including Wilma Mankiller.

West Virginia in Words and Pictures, illus. by Richard Wahl. Chicago: Childrens, 1980. 3–4 A History and description of the Mountain State.

Fradin, Dennis Brindell, and Judith Bloom Fradin Ida B. Wells: Mother of the Civil Rights Movement. New York: Clarion, 2000.

Fremon • 87 6–up Ida B. Wells-Barnett was born a slave but became a teacher, editor, journalist, activist, crusader against Jim Crow laws and lynchings, and one of the founders of the NAACP. In this remarkable biography, the Fradins provide “brutal, explicit accounts of several lynchings and race riots,” as well as “horrifying photos that alternate with formal portraits of Wells’s family and prominent associates.... Of the several recent biographies of this colorful reformer for young readers, this is by far the most moving and complete” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2000). This is a “wellsustained” account that uses primary materials to advantage. The authors “have remained constant to Wells as a person amidst the history” that could well have overwhelmed her story (Horn Book, May/June 2000). The “well-researched” book provides a “concise ... chronology of Wells’s life” along with “societal views during the late 1800s” (Book Report, Nov./ Dec. 2000). The Fradins include information on Wells’ contemporaries as well as later advocates for civil rights and show how her work made the “civilrights movement of the 1950s and 1960s” possible. This biography is “stellar” and “compelling” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2000). Contains a bibliography and index but no direct citations for primary source materials.

West Virginia. Chicago: Childrens, 1994. 4–6 This history of the Mountain State in the Sea to Shining Sea series includes an index.

Frankl, Ron Terry Bradshaw. New York: Chelsea, 1995. 3–7 This biography in the Football Legends series includes a bibliography and index.

Frazee, Maria Hush, Little Baby: A Folk Song, illus. by author. San Diego, CA: Browndeer, 1999. Pre–K Capitalizing on this song’s “Appalachian roots, Frazee sets the traditional lullaby in the hills of West Virginia” and through her illustrations adds the unique twist of a jealous sister, who purposely wakes the baby. “Frazee’s clear narrative pictures in acrylics and pencil capture the rhythm of the words, the historic particulars of the place, the nighttime farce, and the universal family scenarios of jealousy and love” (Booklist, Nov. 15, 1999). This is a “unique, imaginative interpretation” that results in a “perfect picture book” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1999). Publishers Weekly finds that “a few too many exaggerated gestures and bugged eyes send the illustrations from the animated toward the cartoonish,” with results that are “mixed” (Aug. 30, 1999). “A funny, earthy interpretation, with plenty of scenic details to pore over” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1999). Lyrics and music are included at the end.

Fredeen, Charles Nellie Bly: Daredevil Reporter. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 5–9 Fredeen presents an “engaging” biography of Pennsylvania native and journalist, Nellie Bly (School Library Journal, Mar. 2000). Includes bibliographical references and an index.

Freedman, Russell Martha Graham: A Dancer’s Life. New York: Clarion, 1998. 4–up Freedman captures the essence of Martha Graham’s life and art in this “elegant” biography (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 1, 1998). “Photographs of startling imagery further illuminate” the expressive prose (Horn Book Guide, 1998).

Freedman, Suzanne Ida B. Wells-Barnett and the Anti-Lynching Crusade. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1994. 4–6 According to School Library Journal, this biography of Ida B. Wells “may seem stranger than fiction to today’s students, but the historical blackand-white photographs are compelling and chilling” (School Library Journal, May 1, 1994).

Freeman, Martha The Year My Parents Ruined My Life. New York: Holiday, 1997. 5–8 Kate, age 12, moves with her parents from California to Bellatoona, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. She is not happy with the shift from sun to snow and runs away to return to her best friend Molly and her boyfriend. Back in California, she is faced with the realities of an insincere Molly and fickle boyfriend, so she returns to her family. “The dialogue is brisk, and the action (even if snowbound) is quick.” This is “well-written, character-driven light fiction” that excels over “generic series grindouts” (Bulletin, Feb. 1998). Though the book is generally “predictable,” Freeman “plants enough surprises to keep readers alert and satisfied” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 15, 1997). “The author captures the dilemma of young people when they must leave behind people and places they know and love” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1997).

Fremon, David K. The Trail of Tears. New York: New Discovery, 1994. 7–up A title in the American Events series, this book is deemed “attractive,” with an “accessible” style and “unobtrusive documentation by chapter at the back of the book” (Booklist, July 1994). Horn Book calls this a “somber, detailed account” of the forced move of the Cherokee people from their Appalachian mountain homelands. This tragic story in American history is told “clearly and poignantly” (Sept. 1994).

88 • Frisaro

Frisaro, Joe

Fritz, Jean

5–up Confederate General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson is a “singularly unattractive personality,” but Fritz manages to show how his “compulsive regimens” and “exaggerated attention to detail” made him a superb military tactician and disciplinarian. Fritz has produced a “superior example of biographical writing” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1979). Here she delivers a “penetrating view of Jackson’s character. His rigid sense of duty and awkward, humorless intensity made Jackson out of place in civilian life ... but war provided him with the opportunity” to excel (Horn Book, Oct. 1979). “Fritz’s battle reporting is another victory for her method.... Well done” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 1979). Contains a bibliography.

Brady, illus. by Lynd Ward. New York: CowardMcCann, 1960; New York: Puffin, 1987.

Frost, Helen

Peyton Manning: Passing Legacy. Champaign, IL: Sports, 1999. 4–7 Peyton Manning, former quarterback for the University of Tennessee, is featured in Sports Publishing’s Football Superstar series. This attractive title covers Manning’s family, high school career, reason for selecting the University of Tennessee, work ethic and career. The “numerous pictures, large print, nonthreatening vocabulary, and short chapters” will appeal to reluctant readers (Voice of Youth Advocates, June 1, 2000).

5–8 In the 1830s, Brady Minton experiences ambivalence about slavery in his farming community of Washington County, Pennsylvania, though his father is a minister with abolitionist convictions and is a conductor on the Underground Railroad. When Brady encounters a runaway slave, he decides to keep the secret and takes pride in his decision.

Let’s Meet Booker T. Washington. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2004.

The Cabin Faced West, illus. by Feodor Rojankovsky. New York: Coward-McCann, 1958.

Let’s Meet Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2004.

2–5 In 1784, ten-year-old Ann Hamilton moves to the western Pennsylvania frontier from Gettysburg. A lonely little girl, her dull life is enlivened when General George Washington comes to dinner, giving Ann’s mother a reason to display the seldomused good dishes. The episode, which is based on the true story of Fritz’s great-great-grandmother, gives Ann reason to be proud of her family’s role in settling the frontier. Fritz tells “an appealing story with good characterizations. Format is good, with illustrations in black and white” (School Library Journal, Apr. 15, 1958).

Make Way for Sam Houston, illus. by Elise Primavera. New York: Putnam, 1986. 6–up Fritz depicts the “colorful, almost largerthan-life figure” of Sam Houston, who became President of the Republic of Texas and then Governor and Senator of the state of Texas. “Fritz’ wry voice lends interest to her vigorous and thoroughly documented account,” which includes primary sources that create “a sense of the authentic dimensions of his character.... Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography children need” (Booklist, June 1, 1986). The author “never fails to give him credit for achievements ... but she never makes him a likable man, perhaps intentionally.” In spite of a few “lapses in style,” this is a most “competent” book (Bulletin, May 1986). Includes a bibliography, good source notes, and an index.

Stonewall, illus. by Stephen Gammell. New York: Putnam, (1979) 1997.

3–4 According to the Horn Book Guide, Frost’s biography is “engaging and clearly written,” though the “brevity” is sometimes bothersome (Fall 2004). This title in the Let’s Meet Biographies series includes photographs, a reading list, websites, glossary, and index.

K–3 This title in the Let’s Meet Biographies series uses simple text and photographs to introduce the life of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a journalist who wrote about and spoke against the unfair treatment of African Americans. Includes a bibliography and index.

Frost, John Pictorial Life of Andrew Jackson; Embracing Anecdotes, Illustrative of His Character. For Young People. By the Author of “Life of Washington.” Philadelphia: Lindsay and Blakiston, 1845. 5–up Published shortly after Andrew Jackson’s death, this title represents one of the earliest biographies of Jackson for children. It remains surprisingly readable today and would be suitable for 21st-century middle-schoolers, though attitudes toward Native Americans do not meet today’s standards of political correctness, and Frost is unabashedly biased toward Jackson. His marriage to Rachel Donelson before she was divorced is glossed over. The duel with Charles Dickinson, which resulted in Dickinson’s death, is excused thusly: “There are few, however, except the immediate friends of Dickinson, who attach any blame to Jackson” (39). Beginning with Jackson’s birth and background, the 27 chapters cover the major points of his life, including dueling, the War of 1812, the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson’s presidency, and his death. Because digital copies of this book are available on the Internet, it can be used at any age level for comparative research. (RH)

Furstinger • 89

Fry, Annette R. The Orphan Trains. New York: New Discovery, 1994. 7–up This “compelling” title in the American Events series draws “on the personal letters, interviews, and snapshots of poor and abandoned slum children who were sent on the orphan trains to homes in the West.” Fry’s account covers the “social conditions at the time, but the drama is in the stories of what it was like for the young people: where they went, what happened to them in their new families, how they grew up, and how some of them repressed the past while others went searching for their roots” (Booklist, July 1994.) The phenomenon called “orphan trains” was begun in 1854 by the Children’s Aid Society of New York and continued into the first quarter of the 20th century. The routes generally began in the East, some running through the Appalachian areas and ending in the South and West. This “[i]nformative, well researched” volume is mostly “upbeat,” focusing on “the placements that turned out well, only hinting at the mistreatment that some of the children encountered in their foster homes” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1, 1995).

Frye, Dennis E. 1862 Facts About the Battle of Antietam. Collingswood, N.J.: C. W. Historicals, 2001. 6–up An informational book about the Battle of Antietam for the middle grades.

Fugate, Clara Talton From Massacre to Matriarch: Six Weeks in the Life of Fanny Scott, illus. by Caren Ertmann Gallimore. Blacksburg, VA: Pocahontas, 1989. 4–7 This Indian captivity story, a title in Fugate’s Tales of the Virginia Wilderness series, is based on an historical event that took place on June 29, 1795, in the Powell River Valley, Virginia. When Archibald Scott and his family, including four children, traveled the Wilderness Road on their way to the Ohio Valley, they were beset by Cherokee Indians. All were massacred except Fanny, who escaped and walked the 60 miles back to Clinch, Virginia. This account is “notable for its Virginia setting and for its balanced portrayal of the heartache endured by both the pioneers and the Indians.” The book is bilingual — both English and Spanish (Roanoke Times and World-News, June 24, 1990). At the end, there is a mention of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Grundy, Virginia.

The Legend of Natural Tunnel, illus. by Caren L. Ertmann. Blacksburg, VA: Pocahontas, 1986. 4–7 Fugate’s bilingual story (English and Spanish) relates the legend of thwarted lovers. Black

Hawk, Chief of the Sac and Fox Indians, refused to allow his daughter Winnoa to marry Swift-Foot, so they jumped to their deaths from Lovers’ Leap in what is now Natural Tunnel State Park near Duffield, Virginia. The story may be of interest to pre-teens, but the lackluster prose and wooden illustrations will not attract readers. This title is the first in the Tales of the Virginia Wilderness series. Contains maps by Vera G. Good. (RH)

Furbee, Mary Rodd Anne Bailey: Frontier Scout. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds, 2002. 4–7 Anne Bailey immigrated to America from her poverty-stricken circumstances in Liverpool, England, in 1761. When her husband died, and she was left to survive on her own in western Virginia, she became legendary as a Revolutionary War scout. “Despite a lengthy bibliography, this biography is ... short on facts” and contains “fictionalized” emotional details. This is a “lightweight title” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 2002). Booklist is more positive about Furbee’s “straightforward ... brisk, engaging” book about a “courageous” but “whiskey-swigging roustabout,” who is ultimately someone young readers will want to know (Mar. 1, 2002).

Shawnee Captive: The Story of Mary Draper Ingles. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds, 2001. 5–8 In “a readable biography of a daring frontier woman” (School Library Journal, June 2001), Mary Rodd Furbee recounts the true tale of the abduction of Mary Draper Ingles, her two sons, and her sisterin-law by Shawnee Indians in 1745. This title in the Women of the Frontier series includes a bibliography and an index.

Wild Rose: Nancy Ward and the Cherokee Nation. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds, 2002. 6–up Furbee’s well-researched biography is “linear” and “somewhat romanticized,” but it “captures both the adventure and scope” of Nancy Ward’s life. Ward, born in 1737, became the respected “Beloved Woman” and tribal leader of the Cherokee who sat on the Council of Chiefs. She married a white man and advocated for peace between the whites and the Indians. “The style is lively, engaging, and accessible, and the story is fascinating” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2001). Horn Book Guide takes an opposite view, saying the tale is “told in overwritten prose that gushes over the natural beauty of the frontier and falls into numerous stereotypes about Native Americans” (Spring 2002). Includes maps and line drawings.

Furstinger, Nancy Davy Crockett. Mankato, MN: Weigl, 2003. 3–7

A title in the Folk Heroes series.

90 • Gage

Gage, Wilson [pseud. of Mary Q. (Quintard Govan) Steele] Big Blue Island, illus. by Glen Rounds. Cleveland, OH: World, 1964. 4–6 Darrell, age 11, is abandoned by his father, so when his mother dies he is sent from Detroit to live with his curmudgeonly great-uncle. The real story is Darrell’s transition from urban street life to life in a hovel on an island in the middle of the Tennessee River. The title comes from the big blue herons that live on the island, which is a game preserve. Much like the main character in Byars’ The Midnight Fox, Darrell comes of age through his relationship to these creatures, whose values are also mirrored “in the proud, free-spirited old man living in perfect communion with nature. The author’s deep conviction and honest, dispassionate writing give intense realism to both characters and story” (Horn Book, Feb. 1965).

The Crow and Mrs. Gaddy, illus. by Marylin Hafner. New York: Greenwillow, 1984. 1–4 This title in the Greenwillow Read-Alone series features Mrs. Gaddy’s struggle with a crow who eats the grains of corn that she tries to plant, pulls her laundry off the line, and generally thwarts her work. In every case of “preposterous” and “mutual trickery,” both the crow and Mrs. Gaddy enjoy “each other’s discomfiture” and plans for “further bedevilments” (Horn Book, June 1984).

Cully Cully and the Bear, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 1983. K–2 When Cully Cully shoots an arrow into a bear’s nose, a chase ensues. As the two speed round and round a tree, the distinction between chaser and chasee is soon lost, making for a “clever,” “laugh out loud” story. “Stevenson’s irrepressible watercolor illustrations provide rollicking fun” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1983). An “amusing go-round” and an “invigorating runaround” that is “a surefire read-aloud activator” (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 1, 1983).

Down in the Boondocks, illus. by Glen Rounds. New York: Greenwillow, 1977. 1–3 This title in the Greenwillow Read-Alone series features a farmer who is unbothered by all the noise on the farm because he is deaf. The lines of poetry “almost sing themselves,” and the illustrations are “brisk, flyaway ... comic” interpretations of the rhymes (Bulletin, Feb. 1978). Rounds’s “characteristic line drawings ... appropriately depict the shabby rusticity of the farmer’s way of life” (Horn Book, Feb. 1978). School Library Journal is a bit more critical: “The irony may be a little subtle for the intended audience,” and this title “lacks the stimulating plot” of the GageRounds Squash Pie (Dec. 1977). While the “boondocks” setting is fairly generic, the illustrations and content have a decidedly regional slant.

The Ghost of Five Owl Farm, illus. by Paul Galdone. Cleveland, OH: World, 1966. 5–7 When Ted and his family move to a farm, his pleasure in their new home is dulled by a visit from two cousins, Winkie and Bobbin, who are younger than sixth-grade Ted. He and his father set out to entertain the twins by creating a “ghost,” in the barn, but they are surprised when a “real” ghost appears. Throughout the mystery, Ted ceases to think of his cousins as “thin, pale, and not quite with it” and begins to see them as “courageous and intelligent.” The “characterization is good, the twins being odd but not exaggerated; the country background is evocatively described; and the story has pace and an economy of construction” (Bulletin, Sept. 1966). “A regular comedy of errors” with “plenty of suspense” (Library Journal, May 15, 1966).

Mike’s Toads, illus. by Glen Rounds. New York: World, 1970; New York: Greenwillow, 1990. 3–5 Bobby Madison is going away for the summer, so Mike volunteers his brother David to babysit Bobby’s terrarium — without first asking. He has forgotten that David is going to camp, so he must take care of the toads, and in the process, he learns a great deal of “amphibialia,” along with “compassion for the encaged.” Unfortunately, the book is “[b]landly intra-terrarial” (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 15, 1970). The Bulletin is more positive than Kirkus: The style is “easy, natural”; Gage melds information about toads “unobtrusively” (Feb. 1971). Top of the News agrees that Gage provides “attention-holding information on toads and frogs,” and Glen Rounds’s illustrations are “delightful” ( Jan. 1971). In August 1970, the Horn Book observes that Gage is “at her best when she combines her realistic understanding of boys with her enthusiasm for the world of nature.” Twenty years later, Horn Book finds the 1990 reissue still “spontaneous, funny,” and filled with “natural conversation and interesting predicaments” ( July/Aug. 1990). The Reading Teacher agrees that this is a “funny, perceptive” book (May 1991). Though the setting is not identified, the language (particularly Mrs. Dunwoody’s exchanges) and the geography are typical of southeastern Tennessee or western North Carolina. This book, paired with Gage’s 1961 title A Wild Goose Tale, offers excellent reading for all ages; 21st-century adults may enjoy these tales more than children. (RH)

Miss Osborne-the-Mop, illus. by Paul Galdone. Cleveland, OH: World, 1963. 4–6 While spending the summer in the western North Carolina mountains with her cousin Dill, who is something of a pain, Jody accidentally turns him into a squirrel and thereby learns that she has unusual powers. Thinking that her newfound talents will provide endless summer entertainment, the children get a surprise when their mop turns into a female taskmaster. Horn Book points to the “humor” and

Gage • 91 Gage’s “ability to create realistic children” (Aug. 1963). According to the New York Herald Tribune, “The magic appears rather abruptly ... but it wins our willing suspension of disbelief ” because Gage has delivered “such natural youngsters” (May 12, 1963). Saturday Review pronounces the book “Good fun” (May 11, 1963).

Mrs. Gaddy and the Fast-Growing Vine, illus. by Marylin Hafner. New York: Greenwillow, 1985. 1–4 Mrs. Gaddy buys a vine that grows so fast that it takes over her life. A title in the Greenwillow Read-Alone series.

Mrs. Gaddy and the Ghost, illus. by Marylin Hafner. New York: Greenwillow, 1979. 1–4 This title in the Greenwillow Read-Alone series features Mrs. Gaddy’s hilarious feud with a hungry ghost who destroys her peaceful farm life. At the end of her wits, she decides to write the ghost a letter, politely asking it to move elsewhere. When the “benign creature” reads the letter, it is so distraught that Mrs. Gaddy decides to let it stay. The “witty and imaginative detail” of the illustrations complement the “simple text” (Horn Book, Oct. 1979).

My Stars, It’s Mrs. Gaddy!: The Three Mrs. Gaddy Stories, illus. by Marylin Hafner. New York: Greenwillow, 1991. 1–4 This “attractive volume” contains three previously-published Mrs. Gaddy stories, which makes for a “good introduction” to her “rollicking adventures” on the farm: Mrs. Gaddy and the Ghost (1979), The Crow and Mrs. Gaddy (1984), and Mrs. Gaddy and the Fast-Growing Vine (1985) (Booklist, Oct. 15, 1991).

The Secret of Fiery Gorge, illus. by Mary Stevens. Cleveland, OH: World, 1960. 4–5 Marjorie, Tom, and Jeff spend a summer in the Appalachian mountains with their botanist father and get caught up in “mysteries,” some of which are fed by imagination, that are explained at the end. “A satisfying conclusion brings a logical explanation of the puzzling events, but all along, there are lots of amusing, pleasant family incidents. Authentic nature lore is brought in quite naturally to add to the good mystery” (School Library Journal, Apr. 15, 1960). Booklist agrees that this is a “lively mystery story with a logical solution, good characterization, and pleasant family relationships” ( June 15, 1960). Horn Book suggests that the mystery has a “rather ordinary outcome,” but children will find the attempts to solve it humorous. The book is “deftly” narrated with good characterization (Aug. 1960). The New York Times Book Review agrees that the mystery is “flimsy,” but concludes that no one cares because Gage draws her “family group portraits ... so ebulliently” ( June 12, 1960).

Secret of the Indian Mound, illus. by Mary Stevens. Cleveland, OH: World, 1958; New York: Washington Square, 1969; New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974. 3–7 Thievery and a mystery develop when two cousins, Alec and Jimmy, one from the city and one from the country, practice amateur archaeology by excavating an historic Indian burial mound with their Uncle Zan. The result is a “good mystery for boys from eight to twelve” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 17, 1969). The Chicago Sunday Tribune notes the “excellent characterization, lots of humor, and a fine regional flavor” ( July 16, 1958). According to the New York Times, the title is “Genial, leisurely, with a nice sense of the region” ( June 8, 1958). Library Journal considers it “somewhat slangy,” but its style will appeal to reluctant readers” (May 15, 1958). (Written before the enactment of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, this story will not meet standards of political correctness in the 21st century, but it is an excellent reminder of how attitudes toward Native Americans have changed. (RH)

Squash Pie, illus. by Glen Rounds. New York: Greenwillow, 1976. 1–4 This tall tale in the Greenwillow ReadAlone series features a farmer whose favorite dish is squash pie. When his squash harvest is stolen, he replants and adds potatoes with “eyes” and corn with “ears” so his garden is secure. The tale is enlivened by puns and word-play, along with Rounds’s illustrations of a “slow-witted and stubborn” farmer (School Library Journal, Dec. 1976).

A Wild Goose Tale, illus. by Glen Rounds. Cleveland, OH: World, 1961. 4–7 This sensitive, delicate, funny story entwines the lives of Chuck, a nine-year-old boy, and Chen, a one-year-old Canada goose. Chuck has a penchant for getting into scrapes, so when he has a holiday from school, his parents send him on a camping trip with his favorite Uncle Bill. They travel to a lake in the Great Smoky Mountains where Bill watches migrating geese. He tells Chuck the story of Chen, a gosling who also gets into scrapes and who eventually comes to the lake to winter. At the end, the reader has learned a great deal about Canada geese and their migratory habits, and Chuck has learned a great deal about life and being a kid. Gage excels at nature writing and at capturing the peculiarities of children of any species. Her no-nonsense but real adults are a refreshing change from the glut of cookie-cutter, fictional grown-ups. An excellent book (RH). The New York Times Book Review praises this “double narrative” for its “authentic nature lore” and “the kind of humor that children adore.” The writing in this “splendid story” is “beautiful,” as are Rounds’ blackand-white illustrations (Apr. 9, 1961). Booklist also praises the “authentic wildlife information” ( July 1,

92 • Gainer 1961), and Kirkus calls it a “zany laugh-filled comedy” (Feb. 1, 1961).

Flood of 1889. “[B]landly written” (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 1999).

Gainer, Patrick

Gallagher, Jim

Folksongs from the West Virginia Hills. Grantsville, WV: Seneca, 1975.

Daniel Morgan: Fighting Frontiersman. Stockton, NJ: OTTN, 2006.

4–up Patrick Gainer, a folklorist from West Virginia University, spent more than 60 years collecting songs and tales. This collection of 108 songs, divided into five sections, “is a good book for both scholar and layman.” Music, lyrics, and historical notes are included, making for a “succinct but pertinent and informative introduction, which helps to give a better idea of the people and what makes a folksong” (Choice, Nov. 1975). Includes a bibliography and index.

5–11 Included in the Forgotten Heroes of the American Revolution series, this title is “competently done” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2007). Through this biography, “readers get a picture of what the frontier was like in the early nation while they learn about the types of guns used in the Revolutionary War and the way fighting units conducted themselves during battles” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Feb. 1, 2007). Includes a list for further reading, timeline, websites, glossary, and index.

Witches, Ghosts and Signs: Folklore of the Southern Appalachians. Grantsville, WV: Seneca, 1975.

The Johnstown Flood. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2000.

6–up This “slight” collection of approximately 70 tales from the West Virginia mountains is considered “less than scholarly” but useful. In his notes, Gainer abandons the objectivity of a folklorist and defends the mountaineers’ “belief in witchcraft and superstition,” but the “bits and pieces of regional folk history” will entertain (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 1976).

Gaines, Richard M. The Cherokee. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2000. 2–5 This Native American series uses “short, simple declarative sentences, making the information accessible to the targeted audience.” Formatting is somewhat successful, but websites included are “in no way geared to the audience for these books. Despite the flaws, these titles [in the series] do offer younger children a positive view of American Indian cultures” (School Library Journal, June 2001).

Galdone, Joanna The Tailypo: A Ghost Story, illus. by Paul Galdone. New York: Seabury, 1977.

4–6 This title in the Great Disasters series describes the events surrounding the tragic flood that overwhelmed Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and nearby areas in 1889.

Garcia, Kimberly Roberto Clemente. Bear, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2003. 4–6 This title in the Real Life Reader Biography series emphasizes the philanthropic deeds as well as the athletic achievements, of the Hall of Fame baseball player from Puerto Rico who died in a plane crash in 1972. Includes an index.

Garfunkel, Trudy Letter to the World: The Life and Dances of Martha Graham. Boston: Little, Brown, 1995. 4–7 Horn Book reports that Letter to the World is a “brisk, clear account” of the life of Pittsburgh native Martha Graham (Sept. 1, 1995). Booklist maintains that the “grounding metaphor of Garfunkel’s biography of Graham is dance as language, and Graham’s transformative role in American dance comes to life here” ( June 1, 1995). Using black-andwhite photos to illustrate the text, Garfunkel has presented a biography that “affords a useful introduction to the dancer and the dance” (Publishers Weekly, May 8, 1995).

5–up Joanna Galdone sets her version of this ancient folktale in the Tennessee mountains. The story came from her grandfather, and her father, Paul Galdone, provides illustrations that are “lively, more comic than scary, like the author’s text” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 17, 1977). The illustrations “form a strong accompaniment to the clean, vigorous storytelling” (Horn Book, Feb. 1978).

Garlick, Phyllis Louisa

Gale, Stephen, and Peg Kehret

Conqueror of Darkness: Story of Helen Keller. London: Lutterworth, (1958, 1986) 1997.

The Flood Disaster. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1999. 4–7 Included in the Frightmares series, this is the story of two children who use an “Instant Commuter” device to travel back in time to the Johnstown

4–7 This title in the Stories of Faith and Fame series is a short, straightforward biography of Helen Keller, who conquered blindness and deafness to become one of the most powerful women in America.

Gibbons • 93

Garrett, Leslie Helen Keller. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2004. 5–up This title in the Dorling Kindersley series A Photographic Story of a Life is “attractive” and “highly readable” with “worthwhile overviews” that offer a “fascinating first look” at Keller. Format and design are excellent (Booklist, June 1, 2004). From the quality of the paper to the page design, “these books are wonderful to look at and most interesting to read” (KLIATT, Jan. 2005). Horn Book Guide is less enthusiastic: The biographies in this series are “wellrounded,” though they are “hampered by an occasional glibness of tone,” and the pages suffer from overcrowding (Spring 2005). Includes a timeline, index, websites, and bibliography.

Gay, Kathlyn Mother Jones. Greensboro, NC: Morgan Reynolds, 2006. 6–up Gay’s biography of Mary Harris outshines Josephson’s 1997 biography in its “background information” and rendering of “Jones’s character.” “This is a serviceable biography” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2006).

Geary, Charles, and Leonard Grossman What I’m About Is People. Chicago: Childrens, 1970. 6–up Charles Geary, a “hillbilly from Jugville, Kentucky,” moved to “Uptown” Chicago and suffered hunger, poverty, and “exploitation by the organized powers-that-be.... Unlike many professional community social workers — whose activities are described in the career guidance section — Geary has a first-hand knowledge of poverty and hopelessness which makes his account especially interesting” (School Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1972).

Gentry, Tony Jesse Owens. Philadelphia: Chelsea, (1990) 2005. 4–7 This biography of the track and field star who won three gold medals in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin is a title in the Black Americans of Achievement series. This book was reissued in 2005 under the title Jesse Owens, Champion Athlete, with additional material by Heather Lehr Wagner. Includes a bibliography and index.

George, Jean Craighead The Moon of the Bears, illus. by Mac Shepard. New York: Crowell, 1967; New York: HarperCollins, 1993. 4–7 Included in the Thirteen Moons series, George presents detailed information about the life of a black bear as she emerges from hibernation in the

Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Reviewing the 1993 reprint of this title, Science Books for Young People declares the series “handsome” and maintains that it will motivate children to learn more about the animals and habitats profiled in the books (Fall 1993). Includes bibliographical references and an index.

Gerson, Noel Bertram Franklin, America’s “Lost State.” New York: Crowell-Collier, 1968. 7–up This story of the creation of the State of Franklin in 1784, which lost its identity in 1789 when it was included in the Southwest Territory of the United States, is told “[t]horoughly, but not vividly”: “In the absence of other, livelier sources, this is a competent addition to American History bookshelves, and the detailed account of the political maneuvers involved should interest those with a political bent as well as history buffs” (Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1969). This book will be of particular interest to readers interested in the early history of Tennessee and North Carolina.

Sam Houston: A Biographical Novel. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1968. 7–up Gerson “presents a sympathetic portrayal of that enigmatic soldier and first president of the Republic of Texas.” This fictionalized account of the years between 1805 and 1863 is “acceptable,” but readers will not be able “to picture the lusty, robust, ambitious wheeler-dealer” without reading “between the lines” (Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1968).

Trial of Andrew Johnson. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 1977. 7–up Gerson’s “popularized reconstruction” begins with Johnson’s life as Governor of Tennessee and progresses to “the significant events that led to his congressional impeachment, the election of Ulysses S. Grant, and Johnson’s subsequent triumph as U.S. senator. An adulatory portrait, but readable and illuminating” (Booklist, May 1, 1977). Includes a bibliography.

Gibbons, Faye The Day the Picture Man Came, illus. by Sherry Meidell. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2003. K–2 One day Cecil Bramlett, the picture man, appears at the Howard farm, hoping to take a family portrait. The confusion and “mayhem” of trying to corral Ma and Pa Howard, their five children, a cat, two dogs, and Peter, the goat, for a photograph set the scene for this lively picture book. Told in “drawling mountain dialect,” this “slapstick” comedy “gets funnier and funnier, encouraged by Meidell’s watercolors, which delightfully exaggerate the animals’ antics and the humans’ reactions.” The book ends with a “dignified, sepia-tone family portrait ... alongside a second picture that captures the family members as

94 • Gibbons they hiss, wiggle, and prepare to faint dead away” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2003). Meidell’s illustrations for this Georgia mountain farm story are “appropriately comic,” but the “book tries too hard to be humorous,” and the text contains “unnecessary detail” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2003). Kirkus Reviews compares this book unfavorably with Nancy Willard’s Simple Pictures Are Best (1977) and criticizes Meidell’s art as having “a heavy, paint-by-numbers look” (Feb. 1, 2003). On the other hand, Library Media Connection praises the illustrations as “beautiful” and the story “excellent” and “Highly Recommended” (Aug./Sept. 2003). Publishers Weekly comments on the “fast-paced, dialect-peppered text and the playful illustrations” (Dec. 16, 2002). According to School Library Journal, “The story is slight and the watercolor illustrations lack finesse and sparkle. A so-so slice of Americana” (Mar. 1, 2003).

Emma Jo’s Song, illus. by Sherry Meidell. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2001. K–3 Emma Jo Puckett comes from a musical family, but she cannot sing, and Rip, the hound dog, always howls when she tries. At a family reunion, Emma Jo is put on the spot, but Rip eases the tension, and her relatives give her support. “The humorous climax comes at just the right moment, breaking the tension of Emma Jo’s awkward stand in the spotlight.” This is a “pleasant slice-of-life story” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 2001). Meidell’s watercolor illustrations are “distinctive” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2001). School Library Journal takes the opposite view: “This Appalachian story is thin — readers won’t really care about Emma Jo or her large extended family. The pastel illustrations are mediocre. The color is muddy and splotchy, making it difficult to distinguish characters, especially in the crowd of aunts, uncles, and cousins. This musical story falls flat” (May 1, 2001).

Full Steam Ahead, illus. by Sherry Meidell. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2002. K–3 Sammy, the narrator in this story, wants to be a train engineer, and when a steam engine rolls into Turkey Creek, Georgia, one week early, he and Grandpa have an adventure, which ends in a ride on the train. “The narrative is lean on plot but heavy on atmosphere, using onomatopoeia and regional colloquialisms to good effect.... Today’s readers may not grasp how the arrival of a train ever generated so much excitement. Additionally, the characterization and dialogue are somewhat stereotypical and stilted” (School Library Journal, July 1, 2002). “Meidell’s energetic watercolors convey the journey’s urgency” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 4, 2002). Booklist praises “Meidell’s expressive, richly textured watercolors [that] capture the joy of the close-knit community and the thrill of the event,” along with Gibbons’ “pacing and authentic language” (Apr. 1, 2002). Horn Book Guide, on the other hand, points to the “[s]omewhat stereotyped language and [flat] characters,” but finds the

“[d]etailed illustrations” to be effective (Fall 2002). Library Talk suggests that the book “may resonate” with train “enthusiasts” but that it is not a must-purchase title (Nov./Dec. 2002).

Hook Moon Night: Spooky Tales from the Georgia Mountains, illus. by Ronald Himler. New York: Morrow, 1997. 3–6 Gibbons’ front-porch stories (loosely based on tales she heard as a child) are characterized by “[t]ight plots and punchy conclusions.” Though they “strain the [front-porch] frame after awhile, ... they are inherently creepy if not spectacularly scary” (Bulletin, Nov. 1997). “Laced with flavorful dialogue,” the stories provide “no real nightmare material.” The illustrations “add a good deal to the atmosphere” (Booklist, Nov. 1, 1997). “This careful blending of dialogue and narrative creates a safe environment for readers to experience the scary elements of each haunting tale. The author gives familiar folklore themes a fresh twist and, through the use of language, character, and setting, introduces readers to this [Georgia] mountain setting” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1997).

King Shoes and Clown Pockets. New York: Morrow, 1989. 3–6 Raymond Brock, age 10, moves with his family from a Tennessee farm to a trailer park outside Fuller, Alabama. Having left behind his beloved Grandpa Jasper, he makes friends with Bruce, the son of a junk dealer, and Bruce’s dog Floppy. “The dynamics of the novel are solid, ... The prose, however, is drawn-out with less than selective detail, and the ending contrived with a happy twist.” This “regional fiction ... will appeal ... to dog lovers” (Bulletin, Nov. 1989). The characters in this “rambling, disjointed story ... never quite emerge” (Horn Book, Feb. 1990). Gibbons “does not do well with characters, especially females” and her “efforts to give everyone a redeeming feature are not convincing” (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 15, 1989).

Mama and Me and the Model-T, illus. by Ted Rand. New York: Morrow, 1999. K–3 This sequel to Mountain Wedding (1996) features a “bouncy ride around the farm” in Mr. Long’s motorcar. When Mama tries to show everyone that women can drive, too, disaster ensues. “Rand’s delightful watercolors display the heartfelt warmth and humor of the noisy blended family that disagrees yet still gets along. Mr. Long’s acceptance of his wife’s new talents is a refreshing plus” (Booklist, Nov. 15, 1999). “This boisterous tip of the hat toward equality of the sexes is as fit and funny as a family story ought to be” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1999).

Mighty Close to Heaven. New York: Morrow, 1985. 5–up When his mother dies, Dave Lawson, age 12, runs away from his “stern grandparents” to

Giovanni • 95 find his father. He quickly becomes lost in the mountains but meets up with a granny woman who helps him. This novel fuses the motifs of survival and coming-of-age. “Gibbons vividly evokes the north Georgia setting through characterization, dialogue, and description. The adventurous plot is tight-knit and takes Dave from conflict against his undemonstrative (grand)Dad through dangers of hunger, fatigue, snake, and mountain lion on his wilderness trek to disillusionment with his irresponsible father. This well-written work combines the appeal of a survival story with a satisfying though difficult resolution of the need to belong” (Language Arts, Sept. 1985).

Mountain Wedding, illus. by Ted Rand. New York: Morrow, 1996. K–2 Kirkus describes this as a “perky tale of a backwoods Brady Bunch.” The Widow Searcy and the Widower Long unite the five Searcy children and the seven Long children in a raucous wedding that is beset by bickering and bees. The illustrations are “particularly fine ... and well matched to the text” (Feb. 15, 1996). Gibbons’ “narrative is filled with regional and turn-of-the-century colloquialisms. Muted watercolor illustrations accurately convey both the soft, old-fashioned charm of Georgia mountain life and the impending insurrection. The artist pokes gentle fun at adults—Mr. Long’s borrowed suit literally bursts at the seams; the minister and his wife are wonderful stereotypes.... A delightful, lighthearted treatment of a common dilemma” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1996). This is a “pleasant and unassuming story” that is “splendidly augmented” by Rand’s illustrations. “A winning combination” (Horn Book, May/June 1996).

Some Glad Morning. New York: Morrow, 1982. 5–up Set in 1947, Gibbons’ first novel tells the story of a mother and her three children who leave their alcoholic husband and father and return to the Georgia mountains to live among the mother’s “shiftless relatives.” Horn Book praises the novel as “impressive.” It “presents a homely and realistic picture of a time and place” (Aug. 1982). The main character, tenyear-old Maude, “must improbably endure” a host of trials, but “readers should persevere” with the novel. In the end it is a rewarding coming-of-age story (School Library Journal, Aug. 1982).

Gifford, James M., Owen B. Nance, and Patricia A. Hall, eds. Appalachian Christmas Stories. Ashland, KY: Jesse Stuart Foundation, 1997. 6–up Includes eleven short stories, essays, and poems by various artists, including Jesse Stuart and Billy C. Clark.

Gigliotti, Jim Peyton Manning. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2007.

1–5 Biography of University of Tennessee football great, Peyton Manning. Included in the World’s Greatest Athletes series.

Gilbert, John Pittsburgh Penguins. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1996. 3–4 Brief history of the Pittsburgh Penguins professional ice hockey team.

Gilbert, Thomas W. Roberto Clemente. New York: Chelsea, 1991. 3–4 This title in the Hispanics of Achievement series includes a bibliography and index.

Roberto Clemente: Puerto Rican Baseball Player. New York: Chelsea, 1999. 7–up A revision of the 1991 title for older readers.

Gillespie, Paul F., ed. Foxfire 7. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1982. 7–up With the departure of Eliot Wigginton as editor of the Foxfire series, Paul Gillespie continues the Foxfire publications with students who explore Appalachian Christianity in this volume. Dr. Bill J. Leonard, from Kentucky, offers a historical context for each of the eight denominations that are explored largely through oral interviews. “Black-and-white photographs capture the individuals interviewed and visually document follow-up sections that deal with special aspects of religious practice including foot washing, snake handling, baptism, and the use of shorthand musical notation (shaped notes)” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 1982).

Gillis, Jennifer Blizin Jesse Jackson. Chicago: Heinemann, 2006. 3–6 This weak biography in the American Lives series doesn’t “flesh out [Jackson’s] personality, and the photos and captions do little to extend the text.” Contains a reading list, timeline, index, and “inadequate” glossary (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006).

Giovanni, Nikki Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People, illus. by George Fort. Chicago: Lawrence Hill, (1973) 1993. 5–up George Fort’s “vigorous black and white pictures” illustrate previously-published poems collected here for young readers. “Some of the poems are about children, tender or impassioned, some are about Giovanni’s childhood; some of the poems are angry and some ebullient explosions of love or pride; all of them are a celebration of blackness” (Bulletin, May 1974). In 1994, Giovanni added ten new poems and a Foreword by Virginia Hamilton. Giovanni “writes of struggle and liberation. She’s upbeat and celebratory

96 • Glancy without minimizing hard times” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 1994). Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and spent part of her teenage years there.

Knoxville, Tennessee, illus. by Larry Johnson. New York: Scholastic, 1994. K–up Giovanni’s 68-word poem “about summertime in the rural South,” originally published in 1968, “makes for a sunny picture book.... The very short text here forces a reliance on mood and tone, with great success.... Johnson’s artwork extends Giovanni’s words, depicting verdant fields in crisp contrast to white houses and dresses. A church picnic never looked so tasty” (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 24, 1994). Johnson’s illustrations are “warm and wonderful.... The verdant, impressionistic artwork is filled with ... a spirit that transcends and transforms even the most everyday activities.... Knoxville represents the home of heart, where everyone is welcome” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1994). “Johnson’s painterly illustrations envelop readers in a lush, green world suffused with an overwhelming sense of family and community love” (Horn Book, Sept. 1994). This is a “fine picture book debut” for the artist, but the price is steep, considering “the limited content” (Kirkus Reviews, Jan. 1, 1994).

Rosa, illus. by Bryan Collier. New York: Holt, 2005. 3–5 Giovanni presents an “idealized” view of Parks in a book that is, nevertheless, successful: “Purposeful in its telling, this is a handsome and thoughtprovoking introduction to these watershed acts of civil disobedience.... Collier’s watercolor and collage scenes are deeply hued and luminous, incorporating abstract and surreal elements along with the realistic figures” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2005). NEA Today considers this “beautifully illustrated children’s book” to be “a glorious tribute” to Parks (Feb. 2006). Booklist agrees that this “beautiful” life story, which is told in “passionate, direct words,” is well complemented by the “large watercolor-and-collage illustrations”: “The history comes clear in the astonishing combination of the personal and the political” (Nov. 15, 2005). Publishers Weekly deems Giovanni’s biography a “fresh take on a remarkable historic event and on Mrs. Parks’s extraordinary integrity and resolve” (Aug. 29, 2005), and Kirkus Reviews considers it an “essential volume for classrooms and libraries” ( July 15, 2005).

Spin a Soft Black Song: Poems for Children, illus. by Charles Bible. New York: Hill and Wang, 1971; illus. by George Martins. New York: Hill and Wang, 1985. 3–6 This collection of 35 “short, evocative” poems is “honest and nonsentimental in concept and expression.” Illustrated in “muted shades of black and brown of oddly proportioned and frequently somberfaced figures,” the poems are “generally interesting” and “deal with universal childhood feelings and concerns,” though some poems “are unique to the black

experience” (Booklist, May 1, 1972). The 1985 revised edition rearranges and presents the poems in a new format with new illustrations by Martins, making for “happier or gentler people.” A poetic essay replaces the original Introduction. These are “delightful presentations of life as experienced by black children” and “a fine collection” with illustrations that “complement them most congenially” (School Library Journal, May 1985).

Vacation Time: Poems for Children. New York: Morrow, 1980. 2–4 Most of the poems in this collection have been previously published; “many are humorous, some are lyric, some narrative. The number of poems that have vision or depth is minimal, most of them being slight or even superficial if merry.” The poet sometimes stoops to “contrivance to achieve scansion,” and “an occasional rhyme ... seems forced” (Bulletin, Oct. 1980).

Glancy, Diane Pushing the Bear. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1996. 6–up Diane Glancy won an American Book Award for Claiming Breath, and her first novel wins acclaim as “an exquisitely sad tale” of the Trail of Tears. Glancy relates the story of the 1838 forced removal of 13,000 Cherokee from their homeland through multiple voices, but the primary voices are Maritole and Knobowtee, her husband. “Using the voices of both the captive Cherokee and the white soldiers, and subtly incorporating her extensive research on the subject, Glancy provides a moving firsthand account of a terrible moment in U.S. history” (Booklist, Aug. 1996). “The fictional testimony creates a graphic and compelling mosaic of human tragedy” (Library Journal, July 1, 1996). Publishers Weekly calls this a “bonetrue tale” of the “sorrow, struggle and betrayal” that characterize the 900-mile march. “At times, the novel proceeds as slowly as the march itself, but it rewards the reader with a visceral, honest presentation of the Cherokee conception of story as the indestructible chain linking people, earth and ancestry” ( June 17, 1996).

Glaser, Dianne The Diary of Trilby Frost. New York: Holiday, 1976. 5–up Thirteen-year-old Trilby Frost records in her journal the loss of her father, younger brother, and best friend Saul, a half Cherokee whom she came to love. Using this narrative method, Glaser relates Trilby’s story sometimes “in extravagantly elegant language and sometimes in down-to-earth country talk.” Set in Sobby County, Tennessee, in 1899, the book is “melodramatic in plot and unresolved in conclusion” but “vital enough to make an impact on the reader” (Horn Book, Aug. 1976). Kirkus Reviews praises the “credibly and unsentimentally” told story: “None of

Gleiter • 97

Glass, Andrew

Wise’s 1968 volume. Older readers should opt for Washington’s own Up from Slavery; younger readers may find this laudatory “version” more accessible than Washington’s original, but it is not a biography that presents the “whole man.” (RH)

Folks Call Me Appleseed John, illus. by author. New York: Doubleday, 1995.

Daniel Boone, illus. by Leslie Tryon. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, 1985.

these disasters seems gratuitous; on the contrary, having to grow up in harder times will be among Trilby’s attractions” (Apr. 1, 1976).

1–4 Though supposedly grounded in the facts of John Chapman’s life, this story “is embellished with imagined events, scenes, and dialogue.” Glass relates the story of John and his younger brother Nathaniel, who is left to survive a winter in a hollow sycamore tree in western Pennsylvania. Befriended by Seneca Indians, Nathaniel not only survives but learns the ways of the wilderness. “It is written in the first person from John’s point of view, which gives it a folksy, informal tone. Well-composed full-color illustrations heighten the drama and the humor of the story” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1995). “The action-packed, large-figured cartoon illustrations” give Appleseed a “rough, skuzzy, backwoods look.... A good read-aloud with historical content that will make the tale useful in classrooms” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1, 1995). Glass relates the tale “with a real old-time, storytelling flair, full of ten-dollar words, fancy figures of speech, and philosophical asides, all comically cobbled together” (Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 1995). Publishers Weekly describes Glass’s prose as “pleasing vernacular” that is matched by his own “rough-hewn tone” in the illustrations ( July 10, 1995). Contains a map and a full biography of Chapman’s life.

Bewildered for Three Days: As to Why Daniel Boone Never Wore His Coonskin Cap. New York: Holiday, 2000. K–3 Hiding in a hollow log, Daniel Boone spends the night with a mother raccoon and her offspring. Safe the next morning, a grateful Boone vows to the mother raccoon to “never again wear any of your kin on my head.” The “[v]igorous colored pencil and oil pastel illustrations bring out Boone’s nervous energy” (Horn Book Guide, Oct. 2001) and are “well suited to the tall-tale genre” (School Library Journal, Oct. 2000).

Gleiter, Jan, and Kathleen Thompson Booker T. Washington, illus. by Rick Whipple. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, (1988) 1999. 3–5 Typical of the Raintree biographies, the text and illustrations idealize their subject. Taken mostly from Washington’s autobiography, the wellknown events of his life are recounted: eating boiled corn that was meant for the farm animals, hating to wear his new burlap shirts, carrying school books for the girls in the big house, being freed, etc. Washington’s work at Tuskegee is summarized quickly with final emphasis on hard work. While these events of Washington’s life are interesting, they have been presented in many other biographies, including William

2–4 The title is misleading because this is not a biography but the story of two years out of Boone’s life. Beginning with a statement of the uniqueness of Kentucky and the Indians’ ownership of it, the story then shifts to a scene with Boone and John Stuart “in a clearing under high trees” just after they had been robbed by Indians of their furs and skins. Boone’s party begins with six men, but he is eventually left alone to survive in the wilderness. The dialogue is awkward, and there is not much story beyond encounters with Indians and theft, but the emphasis on Boone as a woodsman may be attractive to young readers. The text is superimposed on colorful illustrations. (RH)

David Farragut, illus. by Francis Balistreri. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, 1989. 3–6 Biography of Knoxville, Tennessee, native David Farragut.

Sam Houston, illus. by Joel F. Naprstek. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, 1988. 1–3 This first-person narrative is not effective as a biography because it emphasizes Houston’s cockiness of speech and person, making it hard for the reader to sympathize with him. Houston’s ambivalence toward the white and the Cherokee is aptly conveyed, making it clear that he was a man caught between two cultures. The authors emphasize his impatience with education, especially geometry, and his ability to learn quickly — passing the bar exam after studying law only six months. Confusing passages describe his marriage as one that “ended in sadness,” and he is said to have rejoined his “Indian Father”— a phrase that would need clear explanation for early readers. Chronology is often dismissed with phrases such as “after more years passed.” At the end, we find Houston speaking to the Texas convention, after which he rushes out to save the Alamo—too late, of course. The biography ends with Houston telling us, “I am an old man, now.” He charges young readers to “Stop and think before you take action outside the Constitution” (31), an admonition that doesn’t fit the life of one of Tennessee’s most colorful governors. This book illustrates the difficult task of writing biography for beginning readers, even when the material is a hero of Sam Houston’s stature. (RH)

Sequoya, illus. by Tom Redman. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, 1988. 1–3 This “selective and sentimentalized biography” opens in 1812 and ends with the evolution of

98 • Goldberg a Cherokee newspaper. Much of Sequoya’s life in between is omitted. “Two obvious unanswered questions might be: what Sequoya is wearing on his head, and why ... his name [is] often spelled differently from book to book.” This book does not compare favorably with Alice Marriott’s Sequoyah: Leader of the Cherokees (1956) or Dorothea Snow’s Sequoyah: Young Cherokee Guide (1960). “Although Sequoya is a worthy subject for an up-to-date study, this new biography contributes fewer details than an encyclopedia article, and leaves more important questions unanswered than answered” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1988).

Goldberg , Jake Rachel Carson, illus. with photographs. New York: Chelsea, 1991. 4–6 This title in the Junior World Biography series “popularizes science” and demonstrates how Carson’s work “made the problem of pollution a national concern” (Booklist, June 1, 1991). According to the Bulletin, the biography “is shaped with clarity and balance” and has an “impartial” tone ( July/Aug. 1991). Science Books and Films says Goldberg puts Carson “in historical context.” Though intended for young readers, the book is appropriate for all ages ( June/July 1991). Contains a chronology, glossary, and black-andwhite photographs.

Goodman, Michael E. The History of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1999. 3–up Goodman’s history of the Pittsburgh Pirates is a title in the Baseball, the Great American Game series.

Pittsburgh Pirates: NL East. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1992. 3–up History of the baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gosda, Randy T. Booker T. Washington. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2002. 2–3 Included in the Buddy Book First Biography series, Gosda’s Booker T. Washington is “superficial [and] uninspired.” The Horn Book Guide advises “report writers [to] look elsewhere” Oct. 1, 2002).

Daniel Boone. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2002. 2–up Included in the Buddy Book First Biography series, Gosda’s Daniel Boone is “superficial [and] uninspired.” The Horn Book Guide advises “report writers [to] look elsewhere” (Oct. 1, 2002).

Govan, Christine Noble Carolina Caravan, illus. by Helen Blair. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1942. 5–9 Though this title is set on the coast of South Carolina, it begins in the North Carolina

mountains, a setting that is never far from the characters’ consciousness. Kitty McKensie, age 16, is left to care for her younger siblings (Gordon, age 15, and Polly, age 10) when their mother dies, their father having died seven years earlier. Fighting their neighbors’ attempts to break up the family, they accept an invitation to summer in a cabin on Fiddler’s Island in South Carolina, and they rent their North Carolina mountain cabin to a “young writer and his wife.” Caroline, a little black girl who had been “given” to Kitty by her grandmother, is Kitty’s close “companion,” so she naturally accompanies the children on their journey. At the end of the summer, which is filled with adventure, hard work, and financial struggles, they get news that the young couple wants to stay the winter with the children in their mountain cabin, and so they go back to their home with confidence that they will not be separated. The New York Times Book Review praises Govan’s prose as having “a fine spontaneity and a delightful humor” and her characters as “amazingly alive and thoroughly likable” (Mar. 22, 1942). Horn Book notes the “natural children,” “wealth of lively conversation,” and “well described” Carolina coast setting (Mar. 1942). The New Yorker considers this a “human, modern story” having “authentic Southern atmosphere and dialect” (May 23, 1942). Twenty-first century readers, however, will see the depiction of Caroline as politically “incorrect.” (RH)

The Delectable Mountain, illus. by Theresa Sherman. Cleveland, OH: World, 1962. 4–6 Set in the “college town” of Arcady, Tennessee, which is “up in the mountains,” Govan’s book explores the city-children-go-to-the-mountains theme. When Tracy Taylor, age nine, and her brother Sam move to Tennessee from New York, their adjustment takes time. “Most appealing in this story is the author’s very evident appreciation of the beauties of nature and the way of life in the Tennessee mountain country.... There are moments of keen insight into the simple pleasures of these mountain folk but, as a whole, the story seems contrived.” The title is deemed “another satisfying story for little girls” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1962). According to the New York Times, “Govan’s fine book, like all her regional stories, has flavor, wisdom, humor and warmth,” but it “deserved better drawn illustrations” (Nov. 11, 1962).

Five at Ashefield, illus. by Hattie Longstreet Price. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1935. 4–7 When the four Ashe siblings, “spoiled city children,” are orphaned, they go to live with their Aunt Annie on her farm in the foothills of the Tennessee mountains. Accustomed to a life of wealth and luxury, they learn not only to adjust but to love their “overall-clad existence with only owls and whip-poorwills to keep them company.” Govan’s PlummerChildren stories have more “harum-scarum gayety,” but the characterization is good, and Aunt Annie ranks “among the most lovable aunts in children’s literature”

Govan • 99 (New York Times Book Review, Sept. 29, 1935). “Wholesome though given to improbabilities of plot,” such as finding a way to cure a “crippled neighbor,” the book is not as “amusing” as the Plummer-Children stories (Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1935).

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin, illus. by Anne Merriman Peck. New York: Aladdin, 1949. 2–4 Mr. Hermit Miser lives on Gillygreen Lane where all the houses are “painted green and white” (1). His unpainted, unkempt house is indicative of his general attitude and temperament: He is stingy and unkind. When a pumpkin vine grows in his yard and through his fence into his neighbors’ yards, he learns a lesson about nurturing and sharing and being a good neighbor. While the setting is generic, Peck’s green and orange illustrations depict a tidy, orderly neighborhood with characters in turn-of-thecentury dress. The New York Times considers this moral tale to be too long for the younger child “who would be its most appreciative audience” (Nov. 6, 1949).

Phinny’s Fine Summer, illus. by Leonard Shortall. Cleveland, OH: World, 1968. 4–7 Govan’s novel, set at the turn of the 19th century, is yet another city-boy-gets-sent-to-the-country story with a predictable outcome. Phinny Eaton “is dismayed” to be forced to leave Atlanta for a summer in the Georgia hills, but of course he learns his lessons and has a pleasant experience. Govan depicts “good summer times” with a “sure touch.” Though “some of the characters verge on stereotypes, they are often astonishingly real” (Horn Book, Apr. 1969).

The Pink Maple House, illus. by Sari [pseud. of Anne Elizabeth Fleur]. New York: Aladdin, 1950.

3–5 This typical biography in the Childhood of Famous Americans series presents a fictionalized childhood of Andrew Jackson’s wife, Rachel Donaldson. At age 12, she makes a “memorable thousand mile journey on a flatboat from Virginia to French Salt Lick, Tennessee, later to become Nashville.” Govan gives “more information on pioneer life than biography” (School Library Journal, June 15, 1955). The New York Times says this addition to the Bobbs-Merrill series “bolster[s] its well-earned reputation.” Rachel is presented as a “tomboy” who dislikes “women’s work,” but her character changes as a result of the family’s difficult journey from Virginia to Tennessee. Govan has “skillfully interlaced facts with ... discipline and conscience to enhance this fast-paced story” of the young girl who later became Andrew Jackson’s wife (Aug. 21, 1955).

The Surprising Summer, illus. by Sari [pseud. of Anne Elizabeth Fleur]. New York: Aladdin, 1951. 3–6 Polly and Jenny, who first appeared in The Pink Maple House, are now age nine and excited about their first trip to their Uncle Ben’s farm, which is “in deep country.” They are sad to leave Tilly behind, but — predictably — she comes to visit, making their summer adventures complete. “Written with spontaneity and an easy humor, this is a good story” for girls in this age group (New York Times, Oct. 21, 1951). Library Journal notes that this title depicts “all the wholesome fun and enjoyment that little girls can experience.” It can be read “independently” of The Pink Maple House or in sequence (Nov. 1, 1951). Kirkus Reviews deems it “Not important” but “pleasant,” although Sari’s illustrations “have zest and verve” (May 1, 1952). The New York Herald Tribune says the “children’s talk is particularly good” (Nov. 16, 1952).

Sweet ’Possum Valley, illus. by Manning de V. Lee. Boston: Houghton, 1940.

3–6 This title launches the adventures of Polly, Jenny, and Tilly, all three of whom appear in the later Surprising Summer (1951) and Tilly’s Strange Secret (1952). Polly names her new home the “pink maple house” because on the day she and her family move into it the autumn light glancing off the colored leaves casts a pink glow on its white paint. Polly and her friend Jenny enjoy adventures and mystery in this “nice homey story for little girls” (Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 13, 1950). The Horn Book praises its “warmth and understanding” (Sept. 1950), and the New York Times emphasizes “its humor, its sentiment, and its understanding” (Nov. 12, 1950). Kirkus Reviews, on the other hand, insists that Govan has included “too much adult participation and direction” (Oct. 15, 1950).

4–8 Set in McMinnville, Tennessee, and the Sequatchie Valley, this story gives a glimpse of “Southern plantation life after the Civil War [when] five cousins spend a happy summer with Great-aunt Eliza and Great-uncle Sam at the farm in Sweet ‘Possum Valley. The five children, with their colored playmates,” set out to solve a mystery, which results in a story that “should prove a popular title.” The characters are described as “natural, wholesome boys and girls,” but the “southern dialect” may be a deterrent for some readers (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1940). New York Times Book Review compares this title with the Plummer-Children series and refers to “special little colored playmates who took valiant if underprivileged parts” in the Civil-War games the children devise ( Jan. 19, 1941).

Rachel Jackson: Tennessee Girl, illus. by Sandra James. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1955; illus. by Robert Doremus. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1962.

Tilly’s Strange Secret, illus. by Sari [pseud. of Anne Elizabeth Fleur]. New York: Aladdin, 1952. 3–6 The third installment in the series about Polly and Jenny focuses on their less fortunate friend

100 • Govan Tilly, who has moved to the country to live with Aunt Ellen and Uncle Ben. Tilly has become an avid reader, and when she discovers that the school has no books, she creates a plan to remedy the lack. Tilly’s secret, “the country fun and a surprise for Tilly herself, make a story that many little girls will enjoy.” This is an “attractive” book with black-and-white drawings of “natural looking children” (New York Times Book Review, July 6, 1952).

Govan, Christine Noble, and Emily Govan West The Mystery at Fearsome Lake, illus. by Irv Docktor. New York: Sterling, 1960. 4–7 The Cherokees and the Lookouts are united during a vacation at Camp Chickasaw when the Randalls, the Wrens, and the Cordell children are invited to spend a week there prior to its opening for the summer. Immediately upon their arrival at the camp, a convoluted mystery begins with a strange footprint and a strange rock; other events, such as an arsonist’s attempt to burn the kitchen, are never fully explained. The final dangerous scene, when a man atop the water tower threatens to blow everyone up with dynamite, is dismissed as the action of a man who lost his job and was jealous of his cousin, the camp caretaker. The many clues and bizarre events do not lead to a convincing conclusion, though readers may enjoy the camp setting. (RH)

Mystery at Ghost Lodge, illus. by Stephen Serrano. New York: Sterling, 1963. 4–7 The Lookouts’ Irish friend Duffy invites the six club members to spend a week at his new hunting lodge. Conveniently, his wife’s niece Wilma, a college junior, will also be staying there, relieving the children of the need to be accompanied by a parent. Viney Garden takes his fiddle and entertains the group with old ballads, and the Lookouts invite neighbor children who teach them to square dance. A “mystery” involving silver streaks of light in the darkness, two strange men, and two hound dogs with unusual collars occupies most of their time. The characters lack development, and the conclusion is weak: The two men painted the dogs with reflective pigment so the hounds would lead them to wildlife, which they are filming at night. At the end, the Lookouts are treated to an evening of wildlife films. Too many red-herring clues and too little valid mystery make for a disappointing book, number 14 in the series. (RH)

The Mystery at Moccasin Bend, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1957. 4–7 Mystery number four in this series of books about the Lookouts involves a bank robbery and a showboat. Set at Moccasin Bend in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this is “[g]ood fare for the younger mystery fans” (Library Journal, June 15, 1957).

Mystery at Plum Nelly, illus. by Irv Docktor. New York: Sterling, 1959. 4–7 This Lookout Club mystery, number nine in the series, is set at a real place on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, called Plum Nelly, and depicts a real person, Miss Fannie Mennen (named Manning in the book), who launched the Plum Nelly Clothesline Art Show in 1947. Miss Manning invites the six Lookouts and four Cherokees to help her stage a two-day arts and crafts fair at Plum Nelly, which is ten miles up the mountain. They spend most of one day helping to set up for the fair, in which Jimmy enters a painting that sells for fifty dollars — his first sale as an artist. Another painting by Mr. Skinner, however, is the core of the mystery. Imbedded in its frame is film containing secret information about a new radar screen developed at Barnsville. In typical fashion, the Lookouts and Cherokees capture Mr. Skinner and his cohort in crime, Mr. Easton, and foil their plot to sell U.S. Government secrets. The characterization of the children is flat, but Miss Manning is better developed than most adults in the Govan-West series and the mystery is more engaging than many of the later volumes in the series. (RH)

Mystery at Rock City. New York: Sterling, 1960. 4–7 Set in the famous tourist attraction, Rock City, on Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee, this mystery (number 11 in the series) continues the adventures of the Lookout children. It contains the usual plot devices and characters, including FBI agents, thieves, and statues that mysteriously move on their own. “Exciting reading” (Peabody Journal of Education, Nov. 1963).

The Mystery at Shingle Rock, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1955. 4–7 This is the first title in the Lookout Mountain-Chattanooga, Tennessee, mystery series by Govan and West, mother and daughter. The Randall children are left to themselves while their elders are absorbed with training racing ponies, so they engage in typical childhood “adventures,” which take an atypical and mysterious turn involving a cave and a stolen racehorse. “This fast-moving story of wholesome family life and friendships will appeal to girls 10–12 and some boys” (Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1956). The Chicago Sunday Tribune praises the “excellent local color of the country” near Lookout Mountain (Nov. 13, 1955).

The Mystery at the Deserted Mill, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1958. 4–7 This title is number seven in the mystery series about the adventures of a group of upper-middle-class children in Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, who interact with the “mountain” people and Cherokee culture. “It is certain that young mystery fans will enjoy the impossible situations that these children solve so conveniently. How-

Govan • 101 ever, the book is not as good as the earlier ones in the series and is not recommended” (Library Journal, July 1958). According to the New York Times Book Review, this title is not “so persuasive as earlier books but good, easy reading” ( June 8, 1958). Dialect representation is stereotypical.

Mystery at the Echoing Cave, illus. by Stephen Serrano. New York: Sterling, 1965. 4–7 Earlier titles in the Lookout Club Mystery series received better reviews than this one, number 16. According to Library Journal, this Govan-West mystery “has far less quality than the ‘Boxcar Children’ series but might be put on the remedial reading shelf until something better comes along” (Nov. 15, 1965).

The Mystery at the Haunted House, illus. by Irv Docktor. New York: Sterling, 1959. 4–7 Mystery at the Haunted House continues the adventures of the Lookouts, “those irrepressible boys and girls of Chattanooga.” In this story (number eight in the series), they are involved in typical, implausible “complicated shenanigans.” This motherdaughter product is “persuasive and it is all great fun” (New York Times Book Review, June 14, 1959). The Peabody Journal of Education suggests that the characters and plot may be “a bit obscure” if one has not read the previous titles in the Lookout series. Nevertheless, “these mountain children” engage in the usual high-action adventures, though their sleuthing successes remain a “questionable point” ( Jan. 1960).

The Mystery at the Indian Hide-Out, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1957. 4–7 In this Govan-West mystery, number five in the series, Jimmy Randall finds himself lonely when his older sister Mickey and the other members of the Cherokee Club (Buzz Watson and Ted and Bitsy Cordell) become teenagers and tire of the club’s adventures. Fortunately, Rob Wren, his twin sisters Becky and Judy, and the Wrens’ cousin Billy Thrasher move into the old McGrady place, and the five children establish a successor club to the Cherokees, called the Lookouts. Thus begins the first title in the Lookout series, set on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The children quickly establish a clubhouse in an abandoned Cherokee log house, once the home of an important Cherokee chief. They discover an underground tunnel and a secret room in the chimney, both of which help them thwart a cattle rancher who pays men to steal his herd of Brahmans for the insurance money. The children and adults lack characterization, in spite of attempts to distinguish them: Billy, the youngest, is ridiculed as fat and eats constantly; Jimmy paints; Rob collects stamps; and the twin girls are stereotypical twins. Nevertheless, the action is good and will keep the interest of mystery fans, especially slow readers. (RH)

The Mystery at the Mountain Face, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1956. 4–7 The second in the mystery series about five upper-middle-class children whose parents raise racing ponies on a farm in Chattanooga, Tennessee, involves an auto theft and an unlikely series of clues. “Plot and characterizations are fairly standard, but dialogue and background details are good” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1956).

The Mystery at the Shuttered Hotel, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Sterling, 1956. 4–7 This mystery is the third in the series involving the Randall children and their adventures on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Set in a “mountain hotel that is closed for the season, [the title] has exciting action and foreboding atmosphere, but is somewhat lacking in characterization.” Nevertheless it is “[b]ound to be popular with the 8–12’s” (Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1957). The New York Times argues that the adventures may seem “to grown-ups to be a little beyond most children,” but young readers “won’t think so — not for a moment” (Nov. 18, 1956)!

Mystery at the Snowed-In Cabin, illus. by Irv Docktor. New York: Sterling, 1961. 4–7 When a teachers’ meeting gives the six Lookouts a free Friday and a long weekend, they set out with Mrs. Randall for a log cabin on Lookout Mountain. In spite of the icy rain, Dr. Randall has told them to go ahead and he will join them later. What ensues is a mystery, number 12 in the series, set during an ice storm of monstrous proportions, based on the actual Lookout Mountain ice storm of March 1960. The six children and Mrs. Randall are isolated in a huge, cold cabin without electricity, while all around them they can hear trees snapping and falling. Amid the storm, they find a mysterious woman who appears to be fleeing someone who wants to harm her. They take her in and care for her. Then Billy is kidnapped by a man living in the basement of a nearby cabin. All is explained at the end, though not satisfactorily. The conclusion cheapens the many clues and derails a plot that had potential. The characterization is typical of this Govan-West series, but the descriptions of the ice storm and its effect on nature — both beautiful and destructive—are elegant and sometimes poetic. (RH)

Mystery at the Weird Ruins. New York: Sterling, 1964. 4–7 Title number 15 in the Lookout series continues the adventures of the six children who form the Lookout Club on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. In this book, their amateur archaeology helps find a robber (New York Times, Jan. 26, 1965).

102 • Gove

Mystery of the Dancing Skeleton, illus. by Joseph Papin. New York: Sterling, 1962.

some answers to that question in this fine selection” (School Library Journal, June 1994).

4–7 Set during the Lookout Mountain Halloween Carnival, this mystery, number 13 in the series, hangs on a particularly weak plot involving stolen horses that are dyed to disguise their identity, stolen star sapphires, and a stolen skeleton costume. The Lookouts become involved when they are hired to manage the pony rides for children. They are quickly caught up in the chaos of the carnival, the thefts, and the final chase scene, when they steal the fire engine and pursue the horse thieves’ van down the mountain. Readers may enjoy the descriptions of the carnival, such as the gory Spook House, but Viney’s “mountain boy” character (“Like many native backwoods boys, Viney played the fiddle as easily as he breathed.”) and the weak plot will disappoint. (RH)

Red-Spotted Newt, illus. by Beverly Duncan. New York: Atheneum, 1994.

The Mystery of the Vanishing Stamp, illus. by Irv Docktor. New York: Sterling, 1958. 4–7 In this Govan-West mystery, number six in the series, the five children in the original Lookout Club are joined again by Viney Garden, a stereotyped, poor “mountain boy,” who lives with his mother, grandfather, and little sister Lindy. As in the previous title, The Mystery at the Deserted Mill, Viney speaks in mountain dialect, which he is often pressed to explain, and of course he plays the fiddle. The children discover that the Garden family has a collection of Civil War letters, complete with covers and stamps, which are worth $2,900. Two ruffians hide the most valuable Knoxville stamp in a book in Mr. Barret’s shop, intending to return and steal it, but their plot is unveiled, and the stamp is recovered. The children decide to reserve ten percent from the sale of the stamps for the Lookout Club treasury; the rest they will give to Viney to support him through high school and to pay for violin lessons. Characterization is particularly flimsy, but the plot is more believable than many of the other mysteries in the series. (RH)

Gove, Doris One Rainy Night, illus. by Walter Lyon Krudop. New York: Atheneum, 1994. K–4 According to Booklist, “this is fine nature writing.” On a rainy night in the North Carolina mountains, a boy learns the lessons of nature from his mother, who is director of a nature center. As his father drives the car and the headlights illuminate various creatures, the boy and mother discuss their habits, how to collect them, and how to care for them with respect. “Without a word of preaching, this book finds adventure in conservation” (Mar. 15, 1994). Krudop’s illustrations are “painterly” and have “rich, dark hues.... An inspiring look at finding out about nature while treating it kindly” (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 15, 1994). “Children who have wondered where the animals in a nature center come from will find at least

4–8 Gove’s “biography” of a female red-spotted newt is “as well written, interesting, and readable as good fiction” and uses the picture-book format to advantage for older readers (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1994). “Gove’s lucid text will pique interest in this unique creature” (Horn Book, Mar. 1995). According to School Library Journal, “Readers will feel an affinity for this particular newt after following every detail of its life, and they will certainly gain an understanding of what exactly an amphibian is — more than a frog, different from a reptile, and a creature capable of amazing transformations” (Dec. 1994).

The Smokies Yukky Book, illus. by Lisa Horstman. Gatlinburg, TN: Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, 2006. 2–6 Designed to appeal to a child’s fondness for the gross and “yucky,” this title nevertheless teaches about the flora and fauna in the Great Smoky Mountains. Photographs and cartoon-like drawings illustrate the text.

A Water Snake’s Year, illus. by Beverly Duncan. New York: Atheneum, 1991. 3–5 Gove presents a “handsome look at a hypothetical year in the life of a Northern Water Snake” whose habitat is the Middle Prong of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park of Tennessee. “Attractive, accurate, clearly written, this is a nice introduction to a nonpoisonous member of a much-maligned species” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1991). Duncan’s illustrations “suit the leisurely detail and quiet tone of the careful presentation” (Horn Book, Mar. 1992). This is a book that will also appeal to older readers because it doesn’t “sensationalize the reptile’s predatory instincts” (Booklist, Oct. 15, 1991). Includes an index.

Gow, Mary Johnstown Flood: The Day the Dam Burst. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2003. 4–10 Designed for reluctant readers, Johnstown Flood: the Day the Dam Burst is an account of one of the major disasters in the history of the United States. “The book recounts the construction — and eventual failure — of the South Fork Dam, includes anecdotal information about those caught in the flood, and explains how the town recovered from tragedy” (Horn Book, Oct. 01, 2003).

Grabowski, John Stan Musial. New York: Chelsea, 1994. 4–7 From the Baseball Legends series, Grabowski presents a portrait of baseball great and Pitts-

Grant • 103 burgh native Stan Musial. “Recommended” (Horn Book, Mar. 1994).

Willie Mays. New York: Chelsea, 1990. 4–6 This biography of Alabama native Willie Mays is recommended by the Horn Book (Sept. 1990).

Graf, Mike Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2003. 2–4 This title provides basic information on the location, cultural and natural history, plants, animals, and weather of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is “extensively illustrated with average-quality, full-color maps and photographs” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2003). According to Horn Book Guide, the “dry formulaic text and uneven color photographs” lack the spark needed to motivate young readers (Apr. 2003). Also includes discussion of problems related to managing a national park, park-sponsored activities, a map-activity for children, bibliography, index, and websites.

Mammoth Cave National Park. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2004. 2–3 This introduction to the famous national park in Kentucky meets National Geography Standards and National History Standards.

Graff, Polly Anne Colver [Mrs. Stewart Graff ] Bread-and-Butter Indian, illus. by Garth Williams. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1964. 3–6 Based on a true story, this well-written account of frontier life in Burnt Cabins, Pennsylvania, may not meet current standards of political correctness, but it will delight adult and child readers. Barbara Baum, a lonely child who wishes for “a-little-girl-myown-age,” must entertain herself. One day, her mother gives her a slice of bread and butter, sprinkled with sugar, which Barbara enjoys with her doll at a fantasy tea party on an imaginatively laid out “stump-table” beside the creek. There she meets an Indian and gives him her treat, in spite of her parents’ stern warnings about Indians. When fighting breaks out between the Indians and the settlers, Barbara warns her Breadand-Butter Indian, making it possible for him to escape; he returns the favor by secretly freeing her from an Indian camp when she is captured. Added to the drama is the excitement of a visit from her Aunt Dossy, who falls in love with and marries young Pastor Franz. Reminiscent of the Little House books, Graff ’s story is filled with the details of material culture and history of the period. (RH)

Bread-and-Butter Journey, illus. by Garth Williams. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.

3–6 In this sequel to Bread-and-Butter Indian, Barbara Baum has barely made friends in Burnt Cabins, Pennsylvania, when her family decides to move farther west to Mead’s Landing, the site of presentday Meadville, Pennsylvania. Graff bases her story on primary materials, such as a family diary dating back to 1784. As with the first title, this story is filled with the details of pioneer life and material culture.

Graff, Stewart, and Polly Anne Colver Graff Helen Keller: Crusader for the Blind and Deaf, illus. by Wayne Alfano. Dell, (1965) 1991. 2–5 A biography of Helen Keller for the young reader.

Helen Keller: Toward the Light, illus. by Paul Frame. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1965; New York: Chelsea, 1992. 3–6 Graff ’s biography of Keller is “simplified and popularly presented” but “essentially accurate.” Photographs would have given the title “greater authenticity than the three-color illustrations” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1965).

Graham, Brenda Knight The Pattersons at Turkey Hill House, illus. by Charles Shaw. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1979. 3–6 Set in the north Georgia mountains, this is the story of an Atlanta physician’s family who spends the summer at their country home. Consisting of a “simplistic plot, pat solutions, and one-dimensional characters,” the story nevertheless “moves quickly.” When the Patterson children beg the father to leave Atlanta and live on the farm, he predictably, and unrealistically, agrees. “Very light reading for the younger set” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1980).

Graham, Lorenz John Brown: A Cry for Freedom. New York: Crowell, 1980. 5–7 This “clear introduction to the life of John Brown” is based on primary materials, such as letters, newspaper articles, and oral histories. From his rejection of slavery at age 12 to his conviction and hanging, this is a “welcome addition” to existing material on this famous abolitionist (School Library Journal, Jan. 1981).

Grant, Matthew G. Daniel Boone in the Wilderness, illus. by Harold Henriksen. Chicago: Childrens, 1974. 2–4 “Although well designed, clearly lettered, and colorfully illustrated,” this title presents “only bare and scattered facts” on the life of Daniel Boone, who is “presented as almost mythological.” Grant provides

104 • Gravelle “little historical background,” and “neither the role of wilderness scouts nor the Indian viewpoint is treated realistically” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1974).

Davy Crockett: Frontier Adventurer, illus. by Jack Norman. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1974. 2–4 “Although well designed, clearly lettered, and colorfully illustrated,” this title presents “only bare and scattered facts” on the life of Davy Crockett, who is “presented as almost mythological.” Grant provides “little historical background,” and “neither the role of wilderness scouts nor the Indian viewpoint is treated realistically” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1974).

Gravelle, Karen Growing up in a Holler in the Mountains: An Appalachian Childhood. New York: Franklin Watts, 1997. 4–6 This title in the Growing up in America series features ten-year-old Joseph Ratliff, who lives on Stephens Branch in Eastern Kentucky. According to the Horn Book, “Gravelle ably presents the commonalities of life in Appalachia” (Mar. 1998). School Library Journal disagrees: “Inevitably, both the culture and the individual’s life are glossed over in so brief an overview” that the “book becomes little more than a collection of generalities.” Booklist offers a more positive view, saying that Gravelle uses “interviews, color photographs, and background history to show how the children, their families, and their communities are part of the contemporary mainstream and also how they are separate and proud of their special heritage. The tone is very positive, hitting hard at stereotypes of the poor and uneducated” ( Jan. 1 and 15, 1998). Bordered insets include information about the region (some of it stereotypical and misleading) and photographs. Includes an index, glossary, a section called More about Appalachia, and a list of titles for further reading. Unfortunately, the only biography mentioned is Stevenson’s Daniel Boone, originally published in 1953 but cited here as a 1986 publication. (RH)

Van Allsburg’s work. Changes in perspective also add interest, and the palette of greens, golds, and rusts effectively serves as a backdrop for the black vehicle.” Gray’s title doesn’t have “quite the same emotional impact” as Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House (1978) (School Library Journal, Aug. 1994), but her “simple text, filled with rhythm and repetition, will satisfy young children who have insatiable appetites for truck books” (Horn Book, Sept. 1994). The illustrations lend “the little black truck ... an aura of affection” (Booklist, June 1, 1994).

My Mama Had a Dancing Heart, illus. by Raul Colon. New York: Orchard, 1995. K–3 Gray’s “trademark hyphenated, onomatopoetic descriptions” take the reader through four seasons of the mother’s celebration of life and, ultimately, dance. “The end of the story is sentimental and perhaps nostalgic beyond children’s understanding. But what is clear is that the daughter credits her mother with her joy of movement. Also special is the closeness the two share whether sipping hot tea or cutting out paper snowflakes” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1995). This is “the stuff of dreams, [with] gloriously colored, evocative pictures that somehow capture the elusive qualities of memory and love” (Booklist, Sept. 15, 1995). According to Kirkus Reviews, the “reflective mood may appeal — at first — more to adults, but the sharing of this book between generations creates a nice parallel to the intimacy of parent and child in the story” (Aug. 15, 1995). Gray’s imagery may be “precious,” but she “has crafted a genuinely affectionate, personal tribute to someone who embraced life wholeheartedly” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 25, 1995).

When Uncle Took the Fiddle, illus. by Lloyd Bloom. New York: Orchard, 1999.

3–6 Included in the Cornerstones of Freedom, Second series.

K–1 Uncle takes the fiddle and plays a rousing tune that awakens an exhausted, drowsy, nodding Appalachian family. Then the music lures neighbors with their assorted instruments. “There’s lots of footstompin’ and hip-swingin’ energy here, ... and Bloom’s hardscrabble cast kick up their heels against stylized minimal backgrounds with willowy grace” (Bulletin, Nov. 1999). The illustrations are dominated by “weathered grays, faded blues, and greens [that] fit the humble country setting.... When the music is in full swing, the onomatopoetic text makes this a fine but challenging read-aloud” (Booklist, Sept. 15, 1999).

Gray, Libba Moore

Green, Connie Jordan

The Little Black Truck, illus. by Elizabeth Sayles. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994.

Emmy. New York: McElderry, 1992.

Graves, Renee The Scopes Trial. New York: Scholastic, (2003) 2007.

K–1 This “biography” of a 1940s black truck takes the reader through its youth, its abandonment after it breaks down, and its rebirth when a young man finds and restores it. Sayles’ “large, impressionistic, full-color illustrations have soft, sculptural shapes and rounded use of line reminiscent of Chris

5–up Green delivers a “grittily unsentimental depiction” of life in a 1924 Kentucky coal-mining town —“before labor unions, OSHA regulations and child labor laws.” The Mourfield family is deeply affected when the father is maimed in a mine accident. Emmy, age 11, must care for her four younger siblings and help her mother, who has taken in boarders. The

Gregson • 105 author “refrains from editorializing and, in letting her characters speak for themselves, deftly shows how a brave and loving spirit can empower and ennoble the otherwise humble and downtrodden” (Publishers Weekly, Nov. 9, 1992). The Horn Book calls this a “powerful and gripping story” that “creates a convincing picture” of coal-mining “horrors” and the “small pleasures of childhood in the mountains” (Mar. 1993). Emmy’s story will move readers as her family survives in spite of “the restrictive, exploitative environment of a company mining town” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1992). Bulletin presents a mixed view: “The family’s poverty and mutual loyalty sometimes border on the melodramatic ... but the author maintains realism by giving the family some happiness without a trite ending.” The book will appeal to “the thoughtful, sophisticated reader” (Feb. 1993).

The War at Home. New York: McElderry, 1989. 6–up Green delivers one of the few children’s books set in the “secret city” of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1945, where the first atomic bomb is being developed. Mattie, age 13, rejects her cousin Virgil, age 12, who comes to live with her family, but they make their peace in the end. “Although the pace of the book is uneven, the author gives a good picture of the period and of the atmosphere of the sealed community in which she herself spent her childhood” (Bulletin, June 1989). The story explores Mattie’s awareness of her value in a chauvinistic world and “captures the setting very well.... The details aren’t perfect here ... but they add up to an authentic portrait of an interesting time” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1989).

Green, Margaret Defender of the Constitution: Andrew Johnson. New York: Messner, 1962. 7–up Green’s “biography is sympathetic and forgiving and presents ... detail on events in the Washington period.” The style and format are “typical of the Messner biographies” (Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1962). Includes a bibliography.

Green, Michelle Y. Willie Pearl, illus. by Steve McCracken. Temple Hills, MD: William Ruth, 1990. K–5 This is the story of Christmas in a 1930s Kentucky mining town. The holiday “could be bleak, but Willie Pearl’s family made hers the best ever” (American Visions, Dec. 1991). According to George Brosi’s Appalachian Mountain Books, Green’s “father still lives in Number 6 holler, Jenkins, Kentucky, where the author was raised. This is an upbeat story by a Black author about a Black family living in an Eastern Kentucky coal camp” ( July 1995).

Willie Pearl: Under the Mountain, illus. by Steve McCracken. Temple Hills, MD: William Ruth, 1992.

K–5 This sequel to Willie Pearl (1990) continues the story of ten-year-old, African-American Willie Pearl and her family in a Depression-era, eastern– Kentucky mining town. According to an Appalshop 1995 catalog, the book is “approved as core curriculum for fourth grade in Compton, California School District and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, Maryland.” According to Appalachian Mountain Books, the book “is based on the life of the author’s mother. It is a strong testament to enduring family values, a very positive addition to middle-elementary literature” ( July 1995).

Greene, Carol Daniel Boone, Man of the Forests. Chicago: Childrens, 1990. 2–4 This title in the Rookie Biography series includes an index and list of important dates.

John Chapman: The Man Who Was Johnny Appleseed. Chicago: Childrens, 1991. 1–6 Carol Greene’s biography of John Chapman “makes for delightful reading” and includes information about his contribution to the establishment of nurseries in Ohio and Indiana (Science Books and Films, Vol. 28 No. 2). School Library Journal notes that this title from the Rookie Biography series provides more factual information than either Steven Kellogg’s Johnny Appleseed (1988) or Aliki’s The Story of Johnny Appleseed (1987) (Apr. 1992).

Roberto Clemente: Baseball Superstar. Chicago: Childrens, 1991. 2–4 This title in A Rookie Biography series describes the athletic achievements and philanthropic deeds of the professional baseball player who died in a plane crash in 1972. Includes an index.

Greene, Lee The Johnny Unitas Story. New York: Putnam, 1962. 6–up Greene relates the story of Johnny Unitas “with clarity, warmth, and action-filled scenes and marks himself as an author to watch. Recommended” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1962).

Gregson, Susan R. Tecumseh: Shawnee Leader. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 2003. 3–4 Gregson’s biography of Tecumseh, a title in the Let Freedom Ring series, presents a “dry, sanitized” picture of the Shawnee chief who tried to unite American Indians in their struggles to retain their land in the 1800’s (Horn Book, Oct. 1, 2003). Includes a list of further reading, map, timeline, glossary, and index.

106 • Griffin

Griffin, Pegg y Ann Talking Treasures: Folkstories of African Americans in Appalachia, illus. by Darrell Pulliam. Chicago: Scribes, 1995. 3–6 The subtitle of this book makes an important distinction: These are not traditional African American tales; rather they are family stories that Griffin learned in the area around Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Griffin’s Foreword says the five stories are meant to be “moral instructors.” Moral intent aside, some tales will be familiar to the folklorist: “To the Fair” is a pourquoi tale; “Just Like a Butterfly” is an extended fable. “Uphill Downhill” is a classic trickster story, in this case, a snipe hunt. The plots have little motivation and too much extraneous detail, but the characters may have been recognizable within the family context. The cartoon-like drawings of people are more successful than the drawings of animals and plants. (RH)

Griffith, Helen V. Georgia Music, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 1986. K–3 When a young girl visits her grandfather in his Georgia cabin near the railroad tracks, the two enjoy the garden, his harmonica, and the summer sounds, especially the mockingbird. The next summer, Grandfather is not quite himself, so his daughter and granddaughter take him back to live with them in Baltimore. He adjusts poorly to his new surroundings until the girl brings out the old man’s harmonica and creates sounds that remind him of the mockingbird back in Georgia. This is a “tender story” and a “sensitive portrayal of the vital connection between young and old” (Booklist, Oct. 1, 1986). Publishers Weekly praises the “lovely, lyrical story” and Stevenson’s illustrations, which “capture the stoical character of the old man” (Aug. 22, 1986). Griffith’s story “unwinds slowly and with an appealing gentleness, matched beautifully by Stevenson’s softly-toned water colors, and the relationship between the old man and his granddaughter is delineated in a delightfully understated manner” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1986). According to Horn Book, “James Stevenson is the perfect illustrator” for this “blissful idyll of a nearly vanished style of life and a picture of quiet affection between generations” (Nov./Dec. 1986).

Grandaddy and Janetta, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 1993. 1–3 In this third book about Grandaddy and Janetta, Griffith demonstrates her “gift for compressed but unhurried development through selective dialogue.... It’s satisfying to find a low-key wit that reaches both children and adults at their different levels of experience” (Bulletin, Apr. 1993). In this story, Janetta travels alone on the train to visit her grandfather and takes a kitten back to Baltimore with her. “A

loving, serene tribute to family devotion, perfectly allied to James Stevenson’s tranquil rural illustrations” (Horn Book, May/June 1993).

Grandaddy and Janetta Together: The Three Stories in One Book, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 2001. 2–up Without altering the text, HarperCollins has combined Griffith’s Grandaddy’s Place (1987), Grandaddy and Janetta (1993), and Grandaddy and Janetta Together (1995) into one sequential chapter book for young readers. James Stevenson’s original watercolors are converted to black and white, “effectively reducing what were charmingly antic, beautifully complementary illustrations.... Something vital has been eliminated from the illustrative stew, but the ironically ebullient text survives.” The relationship between Janetta and her grandfather “continues to shine unsentimentally but affectingly” (Kirkus Reviews, Dec. 1, 2000).

Grandaddy’s Place, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 1987. 1–3 This prequel to Georgia Music explains Janetta’s first introduction to her grandfather and his Georgia farm life. “Stevenson’s loose line-and-wash drawings set the scenes with affection and energy; fans of Georgia Music will enjoy this as well” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1987).

Grandaddy’s Stars, illus. by James Stevenson. New York: Greenwillow, 1995. 1–3 In this fourth book about Janetta and Grandaddy, she introduces him to her life in Baltimore, including her cat Star. “Stevenson’s art offers warm and cheerful scenes of companionship and some light-hearted vignettes (the mule on the White House lawn, for instance) illustrating Grandaddy’s stories” (Bulletin, Apr. 1995). Griffith again displays an “ability to provide Grandaddy with the right turn of phrase for every situation” (Horn Book, May/June 1995). Booklist concurs that the “dialogue is tender, comical, and down to earth, and the love between grandfather and child flows plainly across the pages.... It’s also present in Stevenson’s unpretentious pictures” (Apr. 15, 1995).

Gross, Virginia T. The Day It Rained Forever: A Story of the Johnstown Flood, illus. by Ronald Himler. New York: Viking, 1991. 3–6 According to Horn Book, Gross’s “[p]lausible characters and nonstop action create a taut plot” (Sept. 1991). This historical novel tells the story of the 1889 Johnstown Flood through the fictional character Christina and her family. Occasionally “the dialogue and narrative seem calculated to project the historical setting,” but “offsetting occasional stylistic awkwardness is a neat turn of language.... An involving and appropriately unsettling look at U.S. history” (Bulletin, Apr. 1991).

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Guerin-Fermigier, Franette, and Richard Nicolas Warhol: Ten Lizes. New York: Abrams, 1991. K–up Describing Warhol: Ten Lizes as a “sophisticated, experimental approach to introducing children to modern art,” School Library Journal states, “This book addresses the relationship of art and image, the concepts of beauty and reality, and captures Warhol’s fascination with contemporary pop culture” ( June 1991). The Horn Book suggests this “well made” title is more suitable for older, more mature readers (Sept. 1991).

Gunter, Frances B. The Golden Horseshoe. New York: Vantage, 1990. 6–8 Gunter’s time-shift mystery is designed to prepare students to become a Knight or Lady of the Golden Horseshoe, an award for excellence in the study of West Virginia history, which began in 1929–1930 and continues today. In this story, three teenagers, Ginny, Brad, and Chelsea, travel backward in time to experience such historic events as John Brown’s death by hanging and the Battle of Blair Mountain. This title won a Citation of Merit Award in 1992 from the West Virginia State Reading Council. See also Elizabeth Coatsworth’s The Golden Horseshoe [above], and Sylvia Soupart’s Stories of West Virginia for Boys and Girls [below]. (RH)

The Golden Horseshoe II. Charleston, WV: Elk River, 2003. 6–8 Gunter continues the mystery-adventures of Ginny, Brad, and Chelsea, who were first introduced in the 1990 title The Golden Horseshoe [see above]. In this volume, the three teenagers follow clues to recover the golden horseshoe pendant, which has been stolen from the West Virginia Cultural Center in the capitol city, Charleston. Every clue, of course, offers a history lesson as well as the potential to win a reward: two nights in every state park in West Virginia over the next two years. While the desire to make history interesting is laudable, the mystery is a bit plodding, and the writing bland. See also Elizabeth Coatsworth’s The Golden Horseshoe [above], and Sylvia Soupart’s Stories of West Virginia for Boys and Girls [below]. (RH)

Gurko, Leo Thomas Wolfe: Beyond the Romantic Ego. New York: Crowell, 1975. 6–up Gurko’s biography begins with an “unabashedly partisan” overview of the general criticisms of Wolfe as writer and individual, but “he does display a sensitivity to these ... barriers which might stand between Wolfe and contemporary students.” This is an “informed appreciation” that “confirms Leo Gurko’s reputation as a first class guide to American writing”

(Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 1975). According to the Horn Book, Gurko “treats adolescents as discerning readers” with “simple, direct literary criticism” and a “smooth often ironic style,” making this “a truly brilliant introduction for the novice” (Oct. 1975).

Gutman, Bill Bo Jackson. Topeka, KS: Topeka, 1991. 4–7 Biography of Alabama native Bo Jackson, emphasizing his achievements in football and baseball. The title covers the Heisman winner’s childhood, play in high school and college, and his professional career. Includes information on the negative reaction engendered when Jackson signed to play football with the Oakland Raiders (Booklist, June 15, 1991).

Mario Lemieux: Wizard with a Puck. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, (1992) 1994. 3–6 This title in the Millbrook Sports World Series biography details Lemieux’s career as an ice hockey superstar with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Includes a bibliography and index.

Refrigerator Perry and the Super Bowl Bears. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1986. 4–up Biography of former Clemson University football standout, William “The Refrigerator” Perry. “Gutman’s lively style flows smoothly to incorporate game highlights ... that will delight fans” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1986).

Reggie White: Star Defensive Lineman. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1994. 3–6 Gutman presents the story of National Football League player and Chattanooga, Tennessee, native Reggie White. This title in the Millbrook Sports World series includes bibliographic references.

Gutman, Dan Honus and Me: A Baseball Card Adventure. New York: Avon, 1997. 3–6 Twelve-year-old Joe Stoshack finds a T206 Honus Wagner 1909 baseball card, worth $450,000, while cleaning out the attic of 100-yearold Miss Young. The card proves to be magic and transports Joe and Honus back and forward in time so that they can interact with each other and Joe can experience the 1909 World Series. “Gutman’s direct, nofrills writing style and the inclusion of vintage photos of Wagner in his heyday add a nostalgic quality to the book.... For sports fans who like a snappy plot along with the play-by-play, this novel hits at least a triple” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 10, 1997). This fantasy is “well researched and should delight young baseball fans” as well as non-sports readers who like fantasy (Booklist, Apr. 15, 1997). Horn Book is not so enthusiastic: “Baseball fans will enjoy the sports action; others will find the protagonist remote and the prose more efficient than inspired” (Sept. 1997). Includes an ap-

108 • Hagaman pendix, which “helps readers sort out fact from fantasy.... An enjoyable escape into another decade” (School Library Journal, June 1997).

Shoeless Joe and Me: A Baseball Card Adventure. New York: HarperCollins, 2002. 4–7 Time traveler Joe Stoshack uses an old baseball card to transport himself to meet Shoeless Joe Jackson and tries to prevent the World Series gambling scandal of 1919. “[F]ast-paced and exciting,” this book “creates a strong sense of time and place using photographs and newspaper clippings” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 2002). Fourth in the Baseball Card Adventure series, Shoeless Joe and Me “is an intriguing melding of sports history and science fiction that should be a hit with middle-school readers” (School Library Journal, Mar. 2002). Booklist considers the book a “not-quite-believable” piece of time-shift fantasy ( Jan. 1, 2002). The Horn Book Guide says it is “less satisfying than others in the series” (Fall 2002).

Hagaman, Clara Governor John Sevier’s Farm Home, Marble Springs: Home of Tennessee’s First Governor, John Sevier. Knoxville, TN: Governor John Sevier Memorial Association, 1987. 3–up An introduction to Marble Springs, near Knoxville, Tennessee.

Hahn, James, and Lynn Hahn Franco Harris: The Quiet Ironman. St. Paul, MN: EMC, 1979. 3–5 This biography of the star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers is a title in Their Champions and Challengers II series.

Hahn, Mary Downing The Time of the Witch. New York: Clarion, 1982. 4–up Laura, age 12, and her brother Jason, age five, have been sent to rural West Virginia for the summer. When Laura consults a supposed witch-woman, Maude Blackthorne, to help prevent her parents’ divorce, the results are somewhat menacing but effective in the end because Laura comes to terms with reality. Horn Book considers Hahn’s novel “an unusually convincing blend of the supernatural and the real.” Because she is “[s]ulky and opinionated, Laura is not a particularly attractive character” (Feb. 1993).

Witch Catcher. New York: Clarion, 2006. 4–7 Jen, age 12, and her father move from Maryland to rural West Virginia when her father inherits Mostyn Castle from his eccentric great-uncle Thaddeus. Jen discovers that her father has become bewitched by the evil Moura Winters, a witch who is out to possess a glass globe, which imprisons the fairy Kieryn. Jen battles Moura for control of her father and the fairy world, making for a “fast-paced, suspenseful fantasy” (Booklist, June 1, 2006). School Li-

brary Journal agrees that the “pace ... is sustained with page-turning suspense,” though “some characters are developed more than others” (Aug. 2006). Horn Book compares the title with other of Hahn’s “expert gothics.” Kieryn’s “rather convenient” tactics for evading Moura and Jen’s naïveté are weaknesses, but the book is, overall, a successful “friends-and-family story with the thrill of a fight to defeat dark forces” ( July/Aug. 2006). Kirkus Reviews considers the novel “an original fantasy/horror adventure” in spite of the “stock idea” of the “evil woman bent on” becoming the stepmother ( June 1, 2006).

Haldeman, Myrtle Long Cassie After Antietam. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 2004. 6–up In this sequel to Cassie: The Girl with the Hero’s Heart, Haldeman completes the life story of Cassie Long through maturity, marriage, and motherhood.

Cassie: The Girl with the Hero’s Heart, illus. by Elizabet Bame. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald, 1997. 6–up The story of a Maryland farm girl who assists Clara Barton during the Battle of Antietam.

Hale, Sarah Elder, ed. Antietam: Day of Courage and Sacrifice, illus. with photographs. Peterborough, NH: Cobblestone, 2005. 4–6 Antietam: Day of Courage and Sacrifice, a title in Cobblestone’s The Civil War series, is comprised of short chapters taken from articles published in Cobblestone, Appleseeds, and Dig magazines. “The writing is clear and accessible, and the pages are attractively designed” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2006). The “magazine-piece origins” of the information are evidenced by the writing, which is, nevertheless, “engaging” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2006). Sidebars feature information about notable individuals and eyewitness observations. Includes photographs, maps, glossary, index, and a timeline.

Haley, Gail E. Jack and the Bean Tree. New York: Crown, 1986. K–3 Haley’s adaptation of Joseph Jacobs’ “Jack and the Beanstalk” is set in Appalachia and narrated by Poppyseed, an old woman. The Bulletin notes the differences between Haley’s version and Richard Chase’s and suggests that explanatory notes would have been preferred. Haley’s version is considered “fairly elaborate,” but the “long text and heavy palette” make it suitable for readers who already know the story ( July/Aug. 1986). According to Kirkus, the book may best be “shared aloud,” though Haley’s illustrations are excellent. This is “a fine tribute to Appalachia’s heritage of story” ( June 15, 1986).

Hall • 109

Jack and the Fire Dragon. New York: Crown, 1988. K–3 In Haley’s second picture book devoted to the famous Jack, the trickster hero has just returned from service in the U.S. Army. Before he can establish his home, a cabin, he must fight the Fire Dragaman and win the hand of a princess. “Related in a dialect of the Appalachian mountains, this story is garnished with folksy descriptions and the prankish good humor that characterizes oral storytelling ... making this an unusual offering for folklore fans” (Publishers Weekly, June 10, 1988). According to Kirkus, Haley’s illustrations “have the additional value of having merit as art” (May 15, 1988).

Mountain Jack Tales. New York: Dutton, 1992. 3–up Haley presents ten North Carolina folktales about Jack in a “lucid, vibrant voice.” The “diverting introduction” and Afterword offer context and background for the adventures of this “folktale Everyman,” and “Haley’s use of metaphor, hyperbole, and dialect captures the playful spirit of mountain lore.” Her wood-engraving illustrations are “emotive, elaborate,” making for a “buoyant anthology” (Publishers Weekly, Nov. 9, 1992). “The dialect adds color but in no way obscures the stories” (Horn Book, Jan. 1993).

Two Bad Boys: A Very Old Cherokee Tale, illus. by author. New York: Dutton, 1996. 3–6 The 1996 Dutton Children’s Books catalog says that Haley collected this story from her North Carolina neighbors, who are “descendants of the Cherokee who originally told the story” (Apr.-Aug. 1996). This Cherokee genesis story “acknowledges the punishing aspect of labor, the human tendency to curiosity and meddling, and the adolescent desire for self-sufficiency. Here, however, the ungovernable impulse to follow one’s own will is recognized as a wild, undomesticated side of the self: Freud’s id anticipated.” Though Haley’s illustrations are “stylized,” “the overall effect is realistic.... The presentation is culturally specific, but the story’s themes have a universal and timeless resonance” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1996). The March 1997 Horn Book Guide calls Haley’s illustrations “expressive.”

Hall, Esther Greenacre The Here-to-Yonder Girl, illus. by Willard Bonte. New York: Macmillan, 1932. 7–up Tassie Tyler, an orphan who lives in Crooked Creek, Kentucky, overcomes poverty and hardship through her “delight in nature” and hard work. “In the last chapter she takes the little family she has adopted to live and work at the Singing Branch School.... Tassie seems to have been written for love of her kind of folk, and illustrates a phase of life almost eradicated from this country” (Saturday Review of Literature, Apr. 30, 1932). This is a “well told story of mountain folk in one of the sequestered regions of

Kentucky” that is “particularly successful in revealing the people’s primitive life and their heritage of song and music, superstition, and ancient customs” (Booklist, Apr. 1932).

Up Creek and Down Creek, illus. by Anna Parker Braune. New York: Random, 1936. 6–up This collection of ten short stories about ten heroic young girls is set in southeastern Kentucky. Written between 1930 and 1935, seven of the stories had appeared previously in The American Girl and one in Portal. Every story but one is illustrated by a one-page, black-and-white drawing. Hall’s Preface advances the common notion that Appalachian mountain people “have preserved an almost Chaucerian English embellished by their own picturesque homegrown idioms.” Her attempt to “reproduce this dialect as accurately as possible” probably strikes the modern reader as having missed its mark; the writing gets in the way of reading. A mail-order catalog is called a “send-and-fotch book” (15); “we-alls” is used instead of “us” (86). Though the plots are formulaic, they feature young women acting out of courage and good sense to overcoming backwardness, ignorance, and poverty. All limitations aside, Up Creek and Down Creek gives young readers strong female role models. In 1936, this title was a Junior Literary Guild selection, and Eleanor Roosevelt was a member of the Editorial Board that chose it. (RH)

Hall, Francie Appalachian ABCs, illus. by Kent Oehm. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 1998. K–2 The title of this book is a misnomer. The illustrations are lovely, but readers looking for Appalachian material will be disappointed because much of it is generic, not Appalachian: “B is for the Bears,” “H is for Honeybees,” “I is for Indian,” and “K is for Kayak.” Out of the 26 letters, approximately five are truly Appalachian. The book is illogical both in the concepts and in the illustrations. Snow skiing is illustrated twice, once for the letter “S” and once for “X,” which shows crossed skis. Each page contains a border of flowers, which is sometimes odd, as when “sneezeweed” is combined with “snow skiing.” This book violates all conventions of design and coherence. (RH)

Scottish Highland Games, illus. by Kent Oehm. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 2002. K–4 Francie Hall and Kent Oehm team to introduce young readers to the Scottish Highland Games Festival held each summer in western North Carolina. “There’s an immeasurable amount of collective strength in those who compete in Scotland’s [sic] Highland Games, but readers may need an equal amount of fortitude to get through this rhyming description of the games” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2003).

110 • Hall

Hall, Tom T. The Storyteller’s Nashville. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1979. 7–up Tom T. Hall was born on Tygarts Creek in Olive Hill, Carter County, Kentucky. Booklist calls his autobiography “unlaundered” and a “blunt but blithe record,” with “language [that] is a bit earthier than his lyrics might lead readers to expect as he describes how he began to write songs and what inspired him, his strange adventures in Nashville’s dives and hangouts, and his bouts with drugs and liquor.” Readers will also gain information about the Nashville music industry (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1979). This “gritsto-riches memoir” shows Hall to be a “surprisingly stylish and quirky fellow, laconically comic and appealing.” This “free-form personal essay has more realNashville flavor than a lot of bigger, more substantial Music City books” (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 1979).

Halliburton, Warren The Picture Life of Jesse Jackson, illus. with photographs. New York: Watts, (1972) 1984. K–3 Originally published in 1972, this edition is “so simplistic and worshipful ... that it is downright embarrassing.” The omissions and errors are serious, making “it sound like he single-handedly integrated the United States.... Juvenile readers and Jackson, himself, deserve better than this” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1984). A title in the Picture Life Books series.

illustrations. Multiple names make the writing confusing, and readers attracted to graphic novels will probably skip this one (Library Media Connection, Aug./ Sept. 2007).

Hamel, Paul B., and Mary Ulmer Chiltoskey Cherokee Plants and Their Uses: A 400 Year History. Sylva, NC: Herald, 1975. 5–up The first 16 pages give an overview of the importance of plants in Cherokee culture, including religion and medicine, social activities (such as bartering), and everyday life. A useful herbarium, bibliography, and index follow. While this is not designed as a children’s book, it can be read by middle-graders and used for research or extended curriculum activities. This brief, information-packed book is deceptively simple but rich. (RH)

Hamilton, Anna Blanche Rabbit Goes Duck Hunting: A Cherokee Indian Legend, illus. by students at the Cherokee Indian School, Cherokee, North Carolina. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Education, 1954. K–3 A classic story of the Cherokee trickster figure, Rabbit.

Hallman, Ruth

Hamilton, Dorothy

Search Without Fear. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1987.

Neva’s Patchwork Pillow, illus. by Esther Rose. Scottsdale, PA: Herald, 1975.

7–up When her grandmother dies, Dee, a sophomore in high school, is forced to move from Oregon to Virginia to live with her older brother David, who is a Virginia State Trooper. Though the book is packed with action and described as a “pageturner” by School Library Journal, it is limited by “[p]oor writing,” awkward dialogue, and “slight” characterization ( Jan. 1, 1988). “Stiffly posed photographs of mediocre quality” do not add value to a plodding story created “primarily” to showcase the Canine Unit of the Virginia State Police. Details about troopers and dogs are “laboriously introduced into dialogue and exposition,” making for a book with “no redeeming literary qualities” (Bulletin, Jan. 1988).

Hama, Larry The Battle of Antietam: “The Bloodiest Day of Battle,” illus. by Scott Moore. New York: Osprey, 2006; New York: Rosen, 2007. 4–6 Presented in a comic book format, the historical information will appeal to students in spite of the “slightly stiff ” art (School Library Journal, May 2007). This title in the Graphic Battles of the Civil War series presents “realistic” artwork; however, readers must depend on the “heavy text” to complete the

3–5 Lonely and insecure Neva moves to Cincinnati from the Kentucky mountains and suffers the usual problems of assimilation. “Slickly written and full of sermonizing, the theme of helping others overtakes the extremely weak plots. Characters are one-dimensionally good with only a thin overlay of human flaws, and Neva’s growth to maturity comes too easily.” The “super-inspirational message” is more appropriate for church libraries than for the classroom (School Library Journal, Sept. 1975).

Hamilton, John Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Edina, MN: Abdo, 2005. 4–7 This title in the National Parks series presents “challenges” to Park preservation, includes quality photographs, and is a good source of information for report-writing (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2005). Includes an index.

Hamilton, Virginia Cousins. New York: Philomel, 1990. 5–up Hamilton’s novel, set in Ohio, is a story of jealousy and conflict between cousins Cammy

Hammond • 111 Coleman and Patty Ann. They are part of a complex, ultimately loving family whose difficult interrelationships come to a head when Patty Ann drowns. This “is a powerful portrayal of guilt and emotional survival” (Horn Book, Nov. 1990). According to School Library Journal, “Hamilton allows readers to experience the wide-ranging and sometimes lightning-quick changes of emotion of an adolescent girl through a partially stream-of-consciousness style and, at times, abrupt, staccato thoughts.... While the drowning scene takes on a surrealistic, slow-motion quality, ... this is not a story that depends on action to advance the plot” (Dec. 1990). Publishers Weekly praises the novel as “an elegant, stirring tapestry of life” and a “superlative” work ( July 27, 1990).

The House of Dies Drear, illus. by Eros Keith. New York: Macmillan, 1968. 5–up Thomas Small and his family move from North Carolina to a house in Ohio that was a station on the Underground Railroad because his father has taken a job as professor of history at a local college. Whey the family moves into the mysterious house, once owned by abolitionist Dies Drear, a strange series of events designed to scare them away leads instead to their discovery of an amazing piece of history. “Miss Hamilton establishes an almost Gothic atmosphere” alongside “the plain and everyday [such as] the realistic details of household management and the service in the little African Methodist church” (Horn Book, Oct. 1968).

M. C. Higgins, the Great. New York: Macmillan, 1974. 6–up M. C. Higgins, age 13, considers himself “The Great” and sets out to make his mother a star vocalist when a researcher from the city comes into their mountain world with a tape recorder, hoping to capture ballads. “The richly detailed story of the Appalachian Hills” is set on Sarah’s Mountain, named for the Higgins ancestor who escaped slavery and came to own this piece of property in West Virginia. A primary thread running throughout the story is the slag heap, a product of strip mining, that threatens to destroy the Higginses’ cabin. Another theme is the community prejudice toward a Melungeon-like mountain family that has webbed fingers. “Visual images are strong and vivid; and many passages are poetic in their beauty” (Horn Book, Oct. 1974). This winner of the Newbery Medal “is a rare book” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 9, 1987).

The Magical Adventures of Pretty Pearl. New York: Harper and Row, 1983. 5–up Pretty Pearl is a “god-child” who comes with her brother John De Conquer from Mount Highness in Africa to the red clay of the north Georgia hills. They sleep for 200 years and awaken during the Reconstruction era to find a secret, black community called Promise Land, which is aided by nearby Cherokees. Hamilton has created a “rich blend of fan-

tasy, African and American folklore, history, and marvelous invention” into which is woven her own Perry family history (Bulletin, May 1983). Folk and mythic characters such as John Henry and High John the Conqueror struggle with issues such as immortality and prejudice alongside the native Cherokee and black characters. “The whole invention has more the quality of a pageant than a novel.” This is “an impressive construction” (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 1, 1983).

The Mystery of Drear House: The Conclusion of the Dies Drear Chronicle. New York: Greenwillow, 1987. 5–up In this sequel to The House of Dies Drear, Hamilton continues to explore the mysteries that were unleashed in the first story, all of which involve the treasure trove, the Darrow neighbors, the mythic character Pluto, and Grandmother Rhetty. “Perhaps no one but Hamilton could invent so thrilling and credible a story about people, sensitively individualized. One feels their relationship symbolizes a treasure to rival the tunnel’s fabulous contents” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 10, 1987). The “colorful” characterization and “eerie, suspenseful mood” are successful, though this effort is not “Hamilton at her very best” (School Library Journal, July 1, 1987). Hamilton has created “an accessible tale” that is “complex, multileveled” and presented in a “clean, spare style” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 1987).

Second Cousins. New York: Blue Sky, 1998. 5–8 Hamilton’s sequel to Cousins, set one year later, explores the growing, close relationship between Cammy and her poor cousin, Elody, following the drowning of Patty Ann. Cammy also discovers that she has a half-sister, Jahnina. The Bulletin considers this title an “absorbing if disjointed sequel” and praises Hamilton’s “sure touch with the dynamics of intense interpersonal and family relationships.” Though the plot and narrative lack “cohesion,” Hamilton’s skillful writing will keep readers interested all the way to the “neatly wrapped up, if somewhat anticlimactic, conclusion” (Nov. 1998). This sequel is not as “focused” as the first novel, and the “metaphors are sometimes overworked,” but the “drama between the mean and the nice in everyone” is carried off (Booklist, Aug. 1, 1998). School Library Journal finds the plot to be “thin and the tone somewhat uneven” though Hamilton excels at “dialect and believable outcomes” (Nov. 1, 1998). On the other hand, Kirkus Reviews deems the story line to be “strong” and the focus to be “masterfully choreograph[ed]” (Sept. 1, 1998). Above all, “Hamilton conveys the eternal, unshakable love that binds family members together” (Publishers Weekly, Aug. 17, 1998).

Hammond, Mildred Square Dancing Is for Me, illus. with photographs by James C. Tabb. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1983.

112 • Hamner 4–6 Using photographs as well as diagrams for the dance positions, Hammond shows eight children learning to square dance in West Virginia. “The text and pictures are [well] matched.... The instructions are clear; terms are explained.” This how-to book conveys the joy of competition and performance (Bulletin, May 1983). A helpful glossary of terms is included in this title in the Sports for Me Books series.

Hamner, Earl, Jr. The Homecoming: A Novel About Spencer’s Mountain. New York: Random, 1970. 6–up This sequel to Spencer’s Mountain is set on Christmas Eve in Depression-era Virginia. The Spencer children and their mother eagerly await the arrival of their father, who has been caught in a storm. Clay-Boy’s search for his father is at the center of the plot, though the community and Christmas season feature heavily. “The picture of everyday happenings in a small mountain community and of close family relationships amid the hardships of the depression [sic] years is painted with simplicity and charm. Those who enjoyed Spencer’s Mountain will like this, too” (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1970.

Spencer’s Mountain. New York: Dial, 1961. 6–up Hamner (creator of the celebrated Waltons of television fame), writes a coming-of-age story about Clay-Boy Spencer, the oldest of nine children. “Among the God-fearing Blue Ridge folk of New Dominion where young-uns are born and raised in company houses and bend their backs in soapstone quarries,” Clay-Boy eventually goes off to college. “A novel filled with joie de vivre, frank simplicity, a little sinning, and much human goodness” (School Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1962).

in the North Carolina mountains, was filmed by Walt Disney Productions for television. The story is stereotyped, and Jamie, the “innocent, honest, courageous [and] too-good-to-be-true” hero is perfect for a Disney production (School Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1969).

Hanson, Freya Ottem The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Headline Court Case. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2000. 6–10 The Scopes Monkey Trial is a “solidly researched” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2000) account of the Tennessee case challenging the theory of evolution. Included in the Headline Court Case series, this title “effectively convey[s] the importance of [the] case, although the prose is sometimes vague” (Horn Book, Apr. 2001).

Hardin, Gail, and R. Conrad Stein The Road from West Virginia. Chicago: Childrens, 1970. 6–up The Road from West Virginia, a title in the Open Door Books series, tells the story of Gail Hardin’s move from an Appalachian mining town to “Uptown,” Chicago, where she is considered a hillbilly and encounters the typical problems of outmigration and assimilation. After a series of low-paying, unfulfilling jobs, Hardin gets her high-school diploma. Library Journal considers this series of books “inspirational, simply written autobiographies” that includes “good photographs of the author and his or her environment from childhood on; front and back cover photographs show the subjects at work.” In 1970, “semiskilled workers [made] up the largest occupational group in the nation” (Mar. 15, 1972).

Harding , Donal

Hampton, Wilborn

The Leaving Summer. New York: Morrow, 1996.

Elvis Presley: A Twentieth Century Life. New York: Viking, 2007.

4–6 Set in 1958 in western North Carolina, Harding’s tale about Austin Carroll’s coming-of-age takes place during the protagonist’s 11th summer. Because his mother leaves, he is left in the care of housekeeper Miss Dixie and well-educated Aunt Ada. The plot involves two escaped convicts, one of whom becomes the love interest of Aunt Ada. The novel “is an entertaining blend of plot, character, and social commentary” with “an interesting cast of supporting characters.... Austin’s observations, experiences, and reactions during an unforgettable summer should engage readers” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1996). “Harding’s first novel touches the issue of racism ... and explores the mysteries and disappointments of love ... in a story that has a good balance of action and reflection as well as a strong sense of place” (Kirkus Reviews, Apr. 15, 1996). Publishers Weekly is less enthusiastic, calling the novel “quaint.” The characters “have little individuality and speak so often in platitudes that it is difficult to identify with them.” The racial conflicts “are resolved with a pat optimism,” and Austin’s “character

4–7 “Deeply engaging” and honest, Hampton’s biography is “written by someone who clearly loved Elvis and wants to share his story with a new generation.” This book will appeal to three generations of readers (Kirkus Reviews, June 1, 2007). From the Up Close Biography series, “the lively and accessible text ... delves not only into Elvis’s life but also [illustrates] his impact on music and American culture” (School Library Journal, June 2007). Elvis Presley was a native of Tupelo, Mississippi.

Hancock, M. A. Menace on the Mountain, illus. by H. Tom Hall. Philadelphia: Macrae, 1968. 5–6 During the Civil War, Jamie MacIver, age 13, is left at home to care for his crippled grandfather, his mother, and younger brother because his father joins the Confederacy. This coming-of-age story, set

Harrington • 113 is flavorless” (May 13, 1996). According to the Bulletin, “The self-consciously literary language undercuts the immediacy of Austin’s experiences” and makes the book more appropriate for adults who prefer a nostalgic view of their teen years (Sept. 1996).

sionate force of Carson’s efforts to ... effect change.” The result is a “well-focused portrait” (Oct. 1, 1989). The extensive bibliography, the index, and the effectively-used primary materials and photographs make for an excellent resource.

Hare, James

Harness, Cheryl

From Katahdin to Springer Mountain: The Best Stories of Hiking the Appalachian Trail. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 1977.

The Trailblazing Life of Daniel Boone and How Early Americans Took to the Road. New York: National Geographic Society, 2007.

7–up The Appalachian Trail, which is 2,000 miles long and stretches from Georgia to Maine, is the subject of this collection of accounts, which first appeared in the two volumes of Hiking the Appalachian Trail (1975). It includes personal experiences and memories of hikers, “ranging from the humorous to near-tragic,” as well as suggestions for surviving the trail. “Recommended for both armchair backpackers and those contemplating the long hike” (Booklist, June 1, 1977).

5–9 “Written in a style more folksy than authoritative,” The Trailblazing Life of Daniel Boone provides an introduction to Boone’s life and adventures. “Though occasionally vivid, the colloquial writing style sometimes distracts from Harness’ main points” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 2007). Included in the Cheryl Harness Histories series, the title includes a chronology of events, list of books, and historical sites.

Hargrove, Jim

John Ross. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1979.

Daniel Boone: Pioneer Trailblazer. New York: Scholastic, 1985. 5–7 Hargrove secured an endorsement from School Library Journal for his biography of Daniel Boone. Noting a “dull format” the reviewer considered the title “informative and balanced.... Content touches upon family life, explorations on the frontier and dealings with the Indians (friendly and otherwise). Negative aspects of Boone’s life are included; Hargrove discloses that Boone lost most of his assets, primarily land, because of inattention to financial and legal details. Enough historical background is given to put Boone’s activities into the context of the times” (Mar. 1986). The absence of a map is a major flaw, though a timeline is included.

Harkins, Susan Sales Breaking the Sound Barrier: The Story of Chuck Yeager. Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2005. 4–6 Harkins’ brief biography is a title in the Monumental Milestones series, which the Horn Book Guide considers to be “dry but informative accounts of milestones in aviation history” intended for the reluctant reader (Spring 2006). Includes a glossary, index, timeline, suggested reading, and websites.

Harlan, Judith Sounding the Alarm: A Biography of Rachel Carson. Minneapolis, MN: Dillon, 1989. 4–6 This biography of America’s foremost woman environmentalist and science writer is “lively and appealing” (Appraisal, Winter 1990). According to Booklist, “Harlan captures Carson’s integrity, vitality, and ability to cherish the most minute aspects of the natural world.” The biography includes details of Carson’s family life and schooling, highlighting the “pas-

Harrell, Sara Gordon 4–7 Included in the Story of an American Indian series, this portrayal of Cherokee Chief John Ross is “laced with tribal history and culture ... with no contrived dialogue or obvious fictionalization” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1980). Booklist disagrees, pointing to a number of flaws, primarily the absence of good documentation and the implied fictionalization that “exists in attributing thoughts and actions without qualification.” In spite of its weaknesses, the content is a cut above routine encyclopedia entries (Oct. 1979).

Harrington, Janice N. The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County, illus. by Shelley Jackson. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007. K–3 An African-American girl loves to chase chickens in spite of Big Mama’s warnings to leave the birds alone. When she finally catches Miss Hen, she finds that the chicken is a mama, too, surrounded by her baby chicks, so she decides not to disturb her. School Library Journal praises Harrington’s “exceptionally colorful and descriptive language,” which is well rendered through Jackson’s “intriguing collages.” The result is a “delicious read-aloud” that captures life on a farm (Apr. 2007). Publishers Weekly notes Harrington’s “lyrical, creatively visual language”: “Lively chicken chat ... makes this a spirited readaloud” (Apr. 16, 2007). Book Links (Mar. 2007) and Booklist argue that “Kids will easily recognize the irresistible allure of a subversive game as well as the deep bond with an animal friend.” This “simple story” is a “rollicking, well-told delight” (Feb. 1, 2007). Harrington grew up in Vernon, Alabama, which is in Lamar County.

Going North, illus. by Jerome Lagarrigue. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004.

114 • Harrison K–3 Harrington’s autobiographical tale is based on her growing up in Lamar County, Alabama, and moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1964. Jessie hates to leave her home and Big Mama, but moving day comes. As her African-American family makes its way through the South, they encounter segregation at its worst. As they make the transition to the North, they are encouraged that life may be better there. According to Book Links and Booklist, the author “brings close the stark realities blacks faced in the segregated South.” Lagarrigue’s illustrations “beautifully capture” this story about “bittersweet hope” and promise (Sept. 15, 2004). School Library Journal agrees that the “subdued but powerful” illustrations are “well-suited to Harrington’s somber, poetic narrative voice” making this a “solid choice” (Oct. 2004). Includes an author’s note and a map, which details the family’s journey.

Harrison, David L. Johnny Appleseed: My Story, illus. by Mike Wohnoutka. New York: Random, 2001. 1–2 Told as if John Chapman were narrating his life story to pioneer children, this tale from the Step into Reading series, is “adequate for beginning readers” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2002). Mike Wohnoutka’s “buoyant paintings ... capture the beauty of the landscape, the innocent goodness of the people, and the slightly larger-than-life persona of Johnny Appleseed” in this “briskly told, cheerful story” (Booklist, Feb. 1, 2002).

Harshman, Marc All the Way to Morning, illus. by Felipe Davalos. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1999. K–1 In a phone conversation with Roberta Herrin, Marc Harshman identified this title as Appalachian because of the setting of the camping trip, which frames this “look at what children all over the world might hear at night.” At bedtime, a son asks his father about other children, which gives the father an opportunity to explain that “children are similar even in their differences.... Double-page, acrylic paintings resemble tinted woodcuts and each child’s face is framed against a background depicting the source of the sound: grandpa’s violin, waves, a foghorn, or Abuela’s rocking chair” (Library Journal, Nov. 1999). Booklist considers this title “a thoughtful and intelligent introduction to some of the many cultures around the world.... Because the book features only one child per country, some of the depictions may seem stereotypical, but this is still an attractive book that will give children plenty to look at and to ask questions about” (Sept. 15, 1999).

A Little Excitement, illus. by Ted Rand. New York: Cobblehill, 1989. K–4 The protagonist of this story, Willie, suffers from typical winter ennui and wishes for “a little excitement.” His grandmother wisely warns him to

“Be careful what you wish for,” and a chimney fire makes her warning real. “The true meaning of community is revealed as the fire is contained and successfully extinguished.... Harshman’s story, with its folksy appeal, is well plotted and gripping. An impressive debut from a welcome new voice” (Horn Book, Sept./Oct. 1989). Publishers Weekly considers Harshman’s first picture-book effort a “splendid piece of storytelling ... with all the details meticulously evoked and smoothly described” ( July 14, 1989). Rand’s “watercolor illustrations provide strong support for the story,” which will draw children into it (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1989). According to Kirkus Reviews, “Willie’s concluding insight ... isn’t really justified by what has happened,” but Rand’s artwork is “realistic” and “wonderfully evocative” (Aug. 15, 1989).

Moving Days, illus. by Wendy Popp. New York: Dutton, 1994. 2–4 When Tommy’s parents tell him they are moving from the country to the city, he is understandably sad. As he begins to pack, he relives memories evoked by various objects, including a snake skin and photographs. “Without being maudlin, the first-person narrative quietly evokes the mixture of sadness, fear, and anticipation that comes with leaving the old and beginning anew.” Rand’s illustrations, which are “hazy and dreamlike, yet firmly anchored in concrete details, capture a small, close-knit family and a boy’s swirling emotions” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1994).

Harshman, Marc, and Bonnie Collins Rocks in My Pockets, illus. by Toni Goffe. New York: Cobblehill/Dutton, 1991. K–3 The “dirt poor” Woods family carries rocks in their pockets to anchor them in the high winds on the high mountain where they live. By a quirk of fate, two “foolish, fancy city people” discover the rocks and attract throngs of people, which alters the Woods’ simple Appalachian life. Harshman and Collins “recount their tall tale with dry understatement that makes it all the funnier” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 1991). They “give the Woods family the true folksy feeling that they deserve. Their story is simply told, yet moves along at a comfortable pace that will keep children both interested and involved. Goffe’s pen-and-watercolor cartoons are pleasing and full of motion” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1991). Booklist calls the story “an original fable, which is reinforced by the angular, wittily exaggerated paintings” (Dec. 15, 1991). Wilson Library Bulletin points out that this entertaining, charming story also offers “social satire” (Apr. 1992).

Harshman, Marc, and Cheryl Ryan Red Are the Apples, illus. by Wade Zahares. San Diego, CA: Gulliver, 2001. K–2 In this rhyming picture book, Harshman and Ryan, a husband-wife team, inventory an autumn

Hawks • 115 harvest from the point of view of a boy with his wagon. “The poetry is a bit bumpy at times,” and though “the illustrations are well designed,” they occasionally misrepresent the text. “The book ends on a pleasant note,” but “the detail needed in a good picture book is lacking here” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2001). On the other hand, Publishers Weekly, considers the book “a feast for the eyes” (Nov. 12, 2001).

Hasegawa, Sam Terry Bradshaw. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1977. 3–4 A biography of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ star quarterback and a title in the Creative Education Sports Superstars series.

Haseley, Dennis Shadows, illus. by Leslie Bowman. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1991. 3–7 According to Kirkus Reviews, this is a “sensitive, evocative story of a solitary child among adults who are new to him” (May 1, 1991). When Jamie’s father dies, his mother goes off to Connecticut to find a job, and Jamie is sent to live with his Aunt Elena and Uncle Edward in rural West Virginia. While there, Jamie develops a special but vague relationship with his grandfather. Ultimately, this is a coming-ofage story. The “narrative is selectively but vividly detailed, the dialogue natural, and the shadow motif projected on both literal and symbolic levels” (Bulletin, July/Aug. 1991). Booklist also comments on the subtle nature of Haseley’s novel: “This is a story worth pondering, but one that requires a thoughtful reader willing to take the time to read between the lines” ( July 1, 1991). School Library Journal, however, finds that the plot “leaves too many unanswered questions” ( June 1, 1991).

Haskins, James I Am Somebody!: A Biography of Jesse Jackson. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1992. 6–up School Library Journal calls this biography in the People to Know series “incisive”; it conveys Jackson’s “strengths and flaws in a balanced manner.” The author “objectively examines Jackson’s rise to international prominence and his impact as a civil rights spokesperson, politician, and social crusader.” The book is “unbiased,” though the “poorly-reproduced” photographs “add little to the text” (Aug. 1, 1992). Booklist has a slightly different assessment: “Haskins makes no attempt to be an objective biographer of Jesse Jackson,” but he “does not let his bias blind him to his subject’s faults” ( July 1, 1992). Kirkus Reviews calls this a “complete but plodding” biography that “doesn’t convey Jackson’s ‘heart’ appeal” (Feb. 15, 1992). According to Horn Book, this is a “warts and all” biography of Jesse Jackson (Sept. 1,

1992). Contains a good bibliography (including periodicals) and index, which make it a good source for reports.

Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Activist. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, 2000. 6–up This updated edition of I am Somebody! (1992) is “a balanced and readable” biography of Jackson, which “recounts Jackson’s South Carolina upbringing during the ’40s and ’50s, his education, and his involvement in the civil rights movement.” Haskins delivers an “easy-to-follow biography” that exposes the shortcomings that “have thrown impediments in Jackson’s road to success” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 2000).

Haskins, James, and Kathleen Benson Carter G. Woodson: The Man Who Put “Black” in American History, illus. by Melanie K. Reim. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2000. 4–6 This title in the Inspiring People series profiles the life of Carter G. Woodson, creator of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 and founder of Negro History Week in 1926. Haskins and Benson present a “well-written, balanced portrayal of Woodson’s life and achievements” (School Library Journal, July 2000). Booklist considers it to be a “well-rounded” biography of Woodson that “effectively conveys his importance in encouraging black pride and the recognition of blacks’ diverse contributions to American history” (Apr. 1, 2000).

Havill, Juanita Kentucky Troll, illus. by Bert Dodson. New York: Lothrop, 1993. K–2 A young Swedish Troll leaves his homeland to start a new life in America and winds up in Appalachian Kentucky. His attempts to live a “normal” life and establish a home and family are fodder for much of the humor. “The realistic watercolors show details of past rural life, although neither they nor the text specifically depict Kentucky” (School Library Journal, July 1993). The tale is told “in a droll and gentle style that falls pleasantly on the ear,” but the details “never build to a satisfying climax — instead the thwarted protagonist simply withdraws from society, concluding that people and trolls were never intended to mix” (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 8, 1993).

Hawks, Francis L. Adventures of Daniel Boone, the Kentucky Rifleman. New York, Appleton, 1844. 4–7 Francis L. Hawks wrote juvenile books under the pseudonym of Uncle Philip, many in a series called Uncle Philip’s Conversations. This 147page book, Volume V in A Library for My Young Countrymen, edited by Hawks, consists of eight chapters and a 30-page appendix, written by Boone

116 • Hawxhurst himself: The Adventures of Colonel Daniel Boone, Formerly a Hunter; Containing a Narrative of the Wars of Kentucky, As Given by Himself. (RH)

Hawxhurst, Joan C. Mother Jones: Labor Crusader. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1994. 6–up This title in the American Troublemaker series provides “readers with both biographical information and considerable background about the historical setting in which the subject lived.” Unfortunately, the titles in the series are generally “rather dry and will not hold the attention of young readers,” though they may be useful for reports (Book Report, Mar./Apr. 1994). School Library Journal considers this biography “accurate but bland”: “Mother Jones’s personal life is barely mentioned once she begins her work on behalf of laborers. Hawxhurst’s tone tends to be preachy with her constant descriptions of the plight of poor workers and the conditions they endured at the hands of the rich capitalists” (Mar. 1, 1994).

Malcolm, who helps them search for Daisy. After they take a tumble in the creek, Malcom and Granny Duncan invite them into their old house for a warm fire and a Scottish celebration complete with “Halloween buns and friedcakes” (42), kilts, bagpipes, and the “dance to the crossed blades” (46). Hays, who has written a series of books about holidays, begins this story with a prologue, which offers an oversimplified explanation of the Celtic and Christian roots of Halloween celebrations. The dialogue and pace are good, but the characters, Scottish dialect, and customs are stereotyped and flat. In spite of its flaws, however, it is a better book than most of this ilk. (RH)

Hazen, Barbara Shook Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter: From the Walt Disney Productions Film, illus. by Joseph Guarino. New York: Pyramid, 1975.

Haynes, Richard M.

3–8 Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter is adapted from the television series, The Wonderful World of Disney, and based on the story written by Tom Blackburn, composer of the lyrics to “Ballad of Davy Crockett.”

Ida B. Wells: Antilynching Crusader. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1994.

Heaster, Georgia Golden

6–up School Library Journal considers this title in the American Troublemaker series “accurate but bland.” Haynes gives a “brief ” history of Wells’ early years and then emphasizes her “crusading efforts. The dry tone of the narrative and its lack of objectivity limit the book’s readability.” Though Haynes “gives insight into Wells’s public personality as an advocate of antilynching laws,” he also “tends to proselytize.” The illustrations are inadequate and “poorly captioned” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 1994). According to Book Report, Haynes’ biography of Wells is “the best” of the series, “largely because [he] uses diary entries to capture her dynamic personality in addition to providing the details of her life-long crusade to end lynching” (Mar./Apr. 1994). Includes a timeline, glossary, bibliography, and index.

Hays, Wilma Pitchford Highland Halloween, illus. by Peter Burchard. New York: Coward-McCann, 1962. 3–5 Robbie Cameron and his friend Archie Blake search for Robbie’s cow Daisy, who has wandered into Hidden Hollow in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Hollow is said to be haunted because old Granny Duncan’s husband and sons were murdered there when she was a young woman, 40 years earlier. Afterward, she stayed alone in the Hollow, earning the reputation of being bitter and fearsome. Because it is Halloween, Robbie and Archie are eager to find the cow and make their way back to town for the school bonfire party, and they are more than a little scared. As darkness overtakes them, they see a “ghost” and meet Granny Duncan’s grandnephew

Betty Zane. Parsons, WV: McClain, 1976. 5–up This 81-page fictionalized biography is based on two main exploits of Elizabeth Zane during the Revolutionary War. Betty is credited at age 17 with stealing a string of horses from Tory soldiers who stop at her Quaker aunt’s house and demand food. To protect her, William Zane, her father, sends her to Wheeling and Fort Henry to be with her brothers, one of whom, Isaac, has become assimilated into the Indian culture. She meets Lewis Wetzel, a young man who hates Indians. She survives an Indian raid in 1777 and is sent back East in 1782 to finish her schooling, after which she returns to Wheeling and Fort Henry. She not only survives another Indian attack but saves the Fort when its supply of gunpowder dwindles by making a mad “40-rod” dash from the Fort to her brother’s cabin to carry gunpowder in a table cloth. Other than the opening and closing heroic deeds, action and character development are limited, though the details of the Indian raids are good. Heaster provides a bibliography and acknowledges the “written accounts” of Betty Zane’s children and grandchildren. (RH)

Heinrichs, Ann West Virginia, illus. by Matt Kania. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 3–5 School Library Journal compares this title to a “family’s vacation scrapbook.... A red station wagon loaded with family and luggage shows the location of the photographed site opposite. On both pages, fact boxes that look like road signs are scattered about.” Heinrichs’ title in the Welcome to the U.S.A.

Henderson • 117 series is “attractive, kid-friendly” and presents “a great deal of information” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 2006).

Heldreth, Nancy Marie Country Christmas, illus. by Delores Ryan. Grafton, WV: Heldreth, 1979. K–3 This self-published, scratch-and-sniff book tells the story of Jimmy and Sweet Sue who visit Grandpa and Grandma during Christmas. It begins on Christmas Eve and features the typical holiday treats and events: candy canes, hot chocolate, cracking black walnuts, singing carols, digging up the Christmas tree, making gingerbread men, stringing popcorn, Pepper the pony pulling Grandpa’s sleigh, Christmas Eve supper with oyster stew, Christmas dinner with turkey and ham. The series of events is episodic and expected, leading up to a predictable ending: “How come, Mommy, when we were kissing Grandma and Grandpa bye-bye, they had tiny little tears in their eyes?” (35). Though written in rhymed couplets, the text is organized as prose. The text is also generic, though information on the back inside cover says Nancy Marie is the youngest in a West Virginia family of 23. The story illogically shifts from Grandma and Grandpa to Mama and Daddy on Christmas Eve; it is not clear from the beginning that Mama and Daddy are there, too. The book offers nothing new but provides the comfort and predictability of nostalgia, which is, after all, what we sometimes want in a Christmas story. (RH)

Hemingway, Edith M., and Jacqueline C. Shields Rebel Hart. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 2000. 7–up A young girl from the mountains of Virginia, an area that eventually became West Virginia, joins Civil War rebels who strike Union encampments.

Hendershot, Judith In Coal Country, illus. by Thomas B. Allen. New York: Knopf, 1987.

Helldorfer, M. C.

1–3 Set in 1930s Ohio, this is the story of a coal-mining family told from the point of view of a little girl who waits for her father to return from a day in the mines. “A well-wrought complement of firstperson narrative and evocative art.... The picture here is rendered vivid not only by the color contrast but also by an imaginative detail: the child narrator, running to meet her father, is brightly reflected in the miner’s mirror crowning his begrimed hat.” The Bulletin compares the mood of this story with Rylant’s When I Was Young in the Mountains ( June 1987). According to Kirkus Reviews, Hendershot has based the story on her family’s personal experiences of life in a mining town. Allen’s illustrations “make the book,” rendering a “handsome, reflective” reminiscence about Depression era life (May 1, 1987). A review in the Five Owls comments on Hendershot’s “vivid, detailed, and surprisingly non-judgmental” approach to describing daily life and the “smudgy reminders of the omnipresent coal mines” (May/June 1987).

Hog Music, illus. by S. D. Schindler. New York: Viking, 2000.

Up the Tracks to Grandma’s, illus. by Thomas B. Allen. New York: Knopf, 1993.

K–4 This is the story of a hat and wooden box that travel the National Public Road from Western Maryland to Illinois. When Lucy’s family decides to move west, Aunt Liza refuses to go, saying, “Nothing but hog music out there.” Later, she sends Lucy a straw hat as a birthday gift, which has its own adventure before it reaches Lucy. “Each leg of the journey is packed with details about life at that time and conveys the message of how people helped one another out in simple ways. Schindler’s charming, detailed illustrations give more information about the journey and what life was like on the road: where people slept, what they did for entertainment, who traveled, and mishaps that might have occurred” (School Library Journal, May 2000). According to Publishers Weekly, “Jaunty watercolor and gouache illustrations on parchment paper set the tone for this rollicking 1840s adventure tale.... Schindler’s ... artwork wrings the most out of the tale’s humorous elements ... while maintaining the precision of miniatures” (May 22, 2000). The Horn Book Guide considers the folk art illustrations “simplistic at times,” though they “provide a homey, comfortable atmosphere” (Fall 2000).

K–3 Hendershot’s “simple but special story,” set in Appalachian Ohio in the 1940s, depicts the close relationship between a little girl and her grandmother. The book shows them engaged in daily farm chores, which the little girl continues on her own after Grandma leaves to care for her ailing daughter. Allen’s “illustrations, done in pastels, charcoal, and colored pencils, fail to capture the mood and expressions on the people’s faces,” though he “does his best work on the frantic chickens, juicy red tomatoes, and bunches of beautiful daisies” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1994). According to Booklist, Hendershot “draws on [her] childhood memories of her family in rural Ohio” to create this story of intergenerational love. “The picture of bespectacled Grandma in her late husband’s boots and mining helmet, his big old overalls pulled over her flowered dress, is unforgettable” (Dec. 15, 1993).

Henderson, Aileen Kilgore Hard Times for Jake Smith: A Story of the Depression Era. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed, 2004.

118 • Henderson 5–8 Abandoned by her family in Depressionera Alabama, Mary Jake Wildsmith assumes the persona of a teenage boy and finds a home with an elderly widow. With “well-developed” characters (School Library Journal, Sept. 2004), Henderson “invests the story with a strong visceral sense of the daily struggle for food and shelter” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 2004).

The Summer of the Bonepile Monster, illus. by Kim Cooper. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed, 1995. 3–6 Reviews of Henderson’s fantasy novel are mixed in the extreme. While their parents are trying to save their troubled marriage, Hollis and his older sister Lou are sent to Grancy’s rural home in Alabama, which is next door to Bonepile Hollow, a repository of fossilized bones and the seat of a horrible mystery. Horn Book praises Henderson’s effort as a “satisfying novel with strong atmosphere, good characterizations, and an expert control of suspense” (Sept. 1995). Booklist considers this city-kid-goes-to-the-country plot a “simmering” mystery and fresh “story of a family in crisis.” Hollis’ change “from a fearful, downcast city boy to a courageous, self-reliant young man is gradual and subtle” (May 1, 1995). The Bulletin disagrees: “The novel starts out with promise but zigzags in too many directions and finally degenerates into melodrama.” Henderson’s style is “fraught with obvious tease-lines,” resulting in a combination of “domestic realism, mystery, and fantasy” that are “resolved by an unnaturally neat ending” ( July/Aug. 1995). Publishers Weekly concurs: “This first novel serves up a flabby horror-story plot alongside a flimsy lesson in self-reliance.” The violence, implausibility, “tenuous” emotional connections render this a weak novel ( June 19, 1995).

Henderson, Le Grand see Le Grand Henderson, Marguerite Robby and His Contrary Country Cousin. New York: Vantage, 1977. 4–6 According to Judy Martin, Henderson “draws on her own childhood experiences in the Kentucky mountains in telling the story of eight-year-old Robb’s visit to the mountain farm of his cousin, Tim,” who initially has little respect for Rob (Choosing Books for Appalachian Children, Berea College Draper Service Center, 1982). When Tim takes a fall from a grapevine swing, Robby has the opportunity to prove and redeem himself in his cousin’s eyes. A predictable story about conflict and misperceptions between city and country relatives.

Henry, Joanne Landers Andrew Carnegie, illus. by George Armstrong. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1966. 4–6 Included in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, this biography emphasizes the youth

of one of America’s wealthiest and most philanthropic men.

Henson, Heather Angel Coming, illus. by Susan Gaber. New York: Atheneum, 2005. K–2 Henson’s story about a little girl’s anticipation of a new sibling is also a tribute to the Frontier Nursing Service and the midwives who were called “angels on horseback.” Set in the mountains of Kentucky, the story follows a 1920s family as it prepares for the arrival of the baby. School Library Journal describes the story as a “pleasant,” “quiet narrative” with “lyrical text [that] reads like poetry.... Attractive, realistic acrylic paintings show the family’s preparations” ( July 1, 2005). According to Kirkus Reviews, “This lovely story reflects the historical reality of the 1920s Eastern Kentucky” (May 15, 2005). Gaber’s “impressionistic acrylics” depict “abundant riches” of “close-knit neighbors who work and dance together” (Publishers Weekly, May 2, 2005). Booklist says that “both story and art evoke the beauty of the Appalachian setting,” which Gaber renders with “finesse.... A quiet, memorable picture book ( July 1, 2005).

Hermes, Patricia Sweet By and By. New York: HarperCollins, 2002. 4–6 Eleven-year-old Blessing became an orphan when she was two years old and has lived with her grandmother Monnie ever since. As Monnie’s heart weakens, she prepares Blessing for her death by telling her she must choose another Tennessee mountain family with whom to make her home after Monnie is gone. Set during World War II, Hermes’ novel “is filled with memorable characters and heart” and is “rich with stories, music, and love.... Written in poetic prose, this heartfelt story about saying good-bye and carrying on is reminiscent of Ruth White’s Belle Prater’s Boy (Farrar, 1996)” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2002). Though Hermes’ writing is “never maudlin,” the relentlessly somber tone” will make for “a four-hankie cry” (Booklist, Oct. 1, 2002). Publishers Weekly calls this a “gracefully composed story of love, loss and courage” (Nov. 11, 2002). Kirkus Reviews, on the other hand, calls the prose “[m]audlin and manipulative.... Blessing’s voice seems too mature and too remarkably reflective for an 11-year-old mountain girl in the 1940s.... Uneven and almost unbearably sad, this is a tale that drowns in its own good intentions” (Oct. 15, 2002).

Herring , Reuben Fire in the Canebrake. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1980. 6–up Traveling the Wilderness Road, blazed by Daniel Boone, Luke Miller leaves Virginia with his wife and son Silas, seeking a new life in frontier

High • 119 Kentucky. After his wife dies giving birth, he becomes “called” to the ministry. Using this theme, Herring provides information about frontier religious life, a topic that is rare in children’s books. “Unfortunately, the story’s action is better developed than the characters,” and when Silas turns to drink in rebellion against his father, the “conflict ... is solved a bit too neatly, as are other problems the pair face. But the subject matter, uncommon in historical fiction, justifies purchase” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1981).

Hesse, Karen Just Juice, illus. by Robert Andrew Parker. New York: HarperCollins, 1998. 3–5 Justus “Juice” Faulstich, age nine, is already a troubled truant in a poor and troubled family. Pa is illiterate and out of work; Ma is a pregnant diabetic, expecting her sixth child. “Despite the absence of welfare, food stamps, and unemployment benefits, this is a contemporary story. The setting is Appalachia and the narrative is flavored with hill speech. Though the locale may seem foreign to urban or suburban children, the unity of the Faulstich family and the dignity with which they approach their poverty are absorbing and convincing.... All in all, a trim package with pared-down prose, a memorable main character, and enough complexities to provide ample food for thought” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1998). Hesse, who won a Newbery Award in 1998, offers “no sentimental solution”; her “plain, beautiful world tells of the harsh dailiness of poverty through the eyes of a child” (Booklist, Nov. 1, 1998). Hesse has written a “poignant story of love and endurance” that “never shouts” (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 1998). According to Publishers Weekly, “Juice’s resourcefulness and faith in her father set him onto a vocational path, but also lead her to the realization that, as she learns to read, she may have to leave him behind” (Sept. 21, 1998).

Hewson, Martha S. Stonewall Jackson: Confederate Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2001.

General.

4–6 This title in the Famous Figures of the Civil War Era series includes a bibliography and index.

Hickok, Lorena A. The Story of Helen Keller, illus. by Jo Polseno. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1958. 3–6 This title in the Signature Books series was written by Eleanor Roosevelt’s close friend, Lorena Hickok.

Hicks, Ray, and Lynn Salsi The Jack Tales, illus. by Owen Smith. New York: Callaway, 2000.

2–5 Three Appalachian Jack tales, written by Lynn Salsi, are based on tellings by Ray Hicks, a North Carolina native teller of Jack tales and a favorite at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, until his death in 2003. Salsi employs “crisp literary language with some dialect” in these variants of “Jack and the Northwest Wind,” “Jack and the Bean Tree,” and “Jack and the Robbers” that “are shorter than Richard Chase’s classic renditions found in The Jack Tales (Houghton, 1943), but are bare of simile compared with James Still’s Jack and the Wonder Beans (Putnam, 1977)” (School Library Journal, Nov. 2000). Smith’s illustrations are “part Thomas Hart Benton, part Robert McCloskey ... with fullpage rustic, warmly hued scenes.” This collection offers a “rare link between the modern storytelling movement and an older tradition,” represented by Hicks (Booklist, Nov. 15, 2000). The book is accompanied by a CD featuring Hicks’s oral telling of each story.

Higgins, Helen Boyd Stephen Foster: Boy Minstrel, illus. by Clothilde Embree Funk. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, (1944) 1953; illus. by Al Fiorentino. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1963. 4–6 This fictionalized biography of Stephen Foster is a title in the Childhood of Famous Americans series

High, Linda Oatman Hound Heaven. New York: Holiday, 1995. 5–7 Set on Muckwater Mountain in West Virginia, High’s story of Silver Iris Nickles gets mixed reviews. Silver has lived with her grandfather since her parents and baby sister were killed in a car wreck. She desperately wants a dog, but her grandfather refuses, so she get gets a job with a dog breeder. According to the Bulletin, “Characterization here isn’t deep, ... and the plot is often contrived” (Dec. 1995). A Kirkus Review agrees that High abandons all “credibility” but, nevertheless, “endows her story with sneaky, knockyou-over charm”: “This quirky novel is satisfying despite its odd detachment from reality” (Sept. 15, 1995). School Library Journal is totally positive about the novel, however: “Silver is a memorable heroine full of life, humor and determination,” who represents the “resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and faith” (Nov. 1, 1995).

Maizie. New York: Holiday, 1995. 4–7 Maizie’s mother has run off, leaving her with her alcoholic father and baby sister in a trailer on Welsh Mountain in Pennsylvania. At age 12, she must help run the household and help pay bills, so she gets a job at the local Blue Moon Nursing Home. “Maizie copes with the difficulties of life in a stalwart, matter-of-fact way” which saves the novel, but she is “unrealistically plucky.” The characters are “sketchily

120 • Hill drawn,” but they impart “texture,” and the “rural setting lends color” (Bulletin, Apr. 1995). Though “the book starts slowly, Maizie becomes a memorable character. In less talented hands, Maizie’s father would be despicable. Here, he is sad and oddly lovable” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 1995). According to the Horn Book Guide, High’s “characters are fresh, the dialogue is natural, and the realistic plot contains liberal amounts of humor” (Sept. 1995). The novel’s flaws include “a heroine who’s too good to be true and some underdeveloped story elements.... While Maizie is presented as an accepting child buoyed by her Christian faith, which unfortunately, she expresses in platitudes, readers may ... wonder how Maizie will manage to keep it all together” at the end (School Library Journal, Apr. 1995).

Hill, Malcolm W. “Chip,” Jr. Black Lizard’s Startling Encounter. Wilson, NC: Star, 1991. 4–up In 1755, Chuck Christian and ten angels bring “the word of God to the Appalachian mountains” as they war against demons and Indians.

Hines, Gary Midnight Forests: A Story of Gifford Pinchot and Our National Forests, illus. by Robert Casilla. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills, 2005. 2–4 Gifford Pinchot was the first American trained as a professional forester. He managed the forests of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and later served as head of the newly formed Forestry Service, assisting President Theodore Roosevelt in promoting the preservation of National Forests (School Library Journal, Apr. 2005). “The straightforward narration is broken up by occasional unattributed quotations. The pictures occasionally lack perspective, but clearly portray Pinchot and his quest to preserve America’s forests” (Library Media Connection, Nov./Dec. 2005).

Hiser, Berniece T. The Adventure of Charlie and His Wheat-Straw Hat: A Memorat, illus. by Mary Szilagyi. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1986. K–3 This “memorat” is supposedly based on a true Civil War story involving Charlie, age seven, and his efforts to protect his straw hat from Confederate soldiers. For the first half of the book, readers learn the process by which Charlie and his grandmother make the hat, soaking the wheat straw in water and weaving the crown and brim. The second half features Charlie’s “accidental heroism” as he saves his neighbor’s animals from “scavenging troops” and protects his hat as well. “Hiser has managed the difficult task of blending the Appalachian dialects of narrator and characters in a readable adaptation,” though some words that should appear in the glossary do not (such as

“piggin’“). Szilagyi’s illustrations are “dramatically modern” and thereby provide a “contrast” that succeeds because of simple “artistic elements” (Bulletin, Dec. 1986).

Hite, Sid It’s Nothing to a Mountain. New York: Holt, 1994. 7–up After the death of their parents in an automobile accident in 1969, Lisette Sutter, age 14, and her brother Riley, age 12, go to live with their grandparents in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Hite’s story of their coming to terms with their grief is laden with flaws and is compared unfavorably with his 1992 Dither Farm. Booklist considers the plot “disjointed” and “predictable,” though “it pulls together swiftly at the end in a satisfying ... way” (May 15, 1994). According to the Bulletin, Hite writes with a “sensibility” that is “adult and the emphasis is on philosophy rather than plot.” Thick imagery and the “frequent pondering of eternal verities” render the novel “ponderous” ( June 1994). School Library Journal notes the “omniscient narrator’s smug and superior commentary,” which includes the geological history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and history of 1969: “If the majesty of the mountains, which loom prominently over the tale, diminishes the plight of the humans, then why tell the story” ( June 1994)? The Horn Book Guide agrees that these “interludes ... are intrusive” (Sept. 1994). Two sources, on the other hand, are more positive about Hite’s novel. Publishers Weekly believes that the book, in spite of its flaws, “will most satisfy readers with a strong imagination and contemplative nature” (Apr. 25, 1994). And Book Report suggests that “though the author’s voice occasionally intrudes, ... this does not happen often enough to bother most readers or to break the tension of the plot” (Nov./Dec. 1994).

Hodges, Margaret The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Kimberly Bulcken Root. New York: Holiday, 1997. 1–3 Hodges’ biography of John Chapman is compared unfavorably with Kellogg’s (1988) and Lawlor’s (1995): “Hodges’ sentimentalized take on the American legend” shows Appleseed to be a “devout ... eccentric but universally-loved do-gooder.” The typeface is inconsistent with the artwork. On the other hand, the basics of Chapman’s travels are “accurate” (Bulletin, Sept. 1997). The “text has a fine, seamless quality, though it is “sometimes difficult to tell fact from legend within the story” (Booklist, July 1997). Root’s “full-page watercolor scenes are lighthearted in tone and detail,” making for a “felicitous blend of biography and folklore” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1997). Unfortunately, the author’s note, which gives fairly good information on the settling of

Holberg • 121 the West, does not clarify what is legend and what is fact, and sources are not identified.

Hodgkins, Fran West Virginia. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2004. 3–4 This title in the Land of Liberty series includes an index and bibliography.

Hodson, Debbie A Mountain Rainbow, illus. by Miriam Moyer. Emmalena, KY: IvyStone, 2004. 2–4 Hodson presents the story of Nellie who leaves her mountain home so her father can find work in a factory.

Roosevelt interacting with the people. This is not “a seamless narrative,” though it “should be a dynamic piece of historical writing” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 1, 2001). Horn Book considers the text “straightforward” (Apr. 1, 2002). School Library Journal calls it “conversational” (Dec. 1, 2001). Booklist praises it as an “engaging slice of history [that] will lead students to a fuller understanding of the period” (Oct. 15, 2001). Illustrated with black-and-white archival photographs; includes a bibliography and an index.

West Virginia. New York: Benchmark, 1999; with Joyce Hart, New York : Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2007. 4–6

A title in the Celebrate the States series.

Hoffman, Edwin

Hoig , Stan

Fighting Mountaineers: The Struggle for Justice in the Appalachians. Boston: HoughtonMifflin, 1979.

Night of the Cruel Moon: Cherokee Removal and the Trail of Tears. New York: Facts on File, 1996.

7–up Using a variety of sources, including oral histories, Hoffman relates “compelling, dramatically told” accounts of “how groups of Appalachians have been able to work cooperatively for a common cause.” Subjects include the Cherokee resistance to the Trail of Tears, the anti–Confederate Virginia Order of the Heroes of America, miners uprisings in Tennessee and West Virginia, and Georgia women mill workers who established their own factory in the 1970s (Booklist, Jan. 1, 1980). Kirkus Reviews praises the “hardhitting chapters,” which demonstrate the inaccuracy of the “popular caricature” of Appalachians (Oct. 1, 1980).

Hoffman, Mary Ann Peyton Manning: Football Star. New York: PowerKids, 2007. K–3 Included in the PowerKids Press series, this biography of football great and University of Tennessee standout Peyton Manning includes information about his family, college days, and professional career.

Hoffman, Nancy Eleanor Roosevelt and the Arthurdale Experiment. North Haven, CT: Linnet, 2001. 5–8 Hoffman presents for children a unique piece of Appalachian history. During the Depression, one of the New Deal projects was Arthurdale, West Virginia, an experiment in “social engineering” that was championed by Eleanor Roosevelt. This attempt by the Federal government to alleviate poverty and suffering among coal-mining families ultimately failed for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was the inherent prejudice that did not allow African Americans to be residents of the town. Hoffman’s “story never quite comes alive,” in spite of the reliance on first-hand accounts and photographs showing Mrs.

7–up This title in the Library of American Indian History series offers “a detailed account” of removal of the Cherokee from their Appalachian homes to Oklahoma. Hoig begins with the pre–1824 relationships between the Cherokee and the Europeans but centers on the era between 1834 and 1839, the intertribal conflicts among the Cherokee, and the conflicts involving state and U.S. governments. “While this highly specialized text does not wholly ignore other aspects of Cherokee culture, they are treated essentially from a political point of view.” Hoig’s writing is “polished” but rhetorically “naïve” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 1996). The story is a “welldocumented” and “factual” rather than “personalized” record. Some sidebars are “lengthy and out of context” (Booklist, July 1996). Journal entries of a U.S. Army Lieutenant and a missionary “add immediacy” (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 1996).

Holberg , Ruth Langland Restless Johnny: The Story of Johnny Appleseed. New York: Crowell, 1950. 5–9 Holberg’s story begins with John Chapman at age 18 when he and his half-brother, age 11, leave Springfield, Massachusetts, for the Ohio frontier. “The tale of how he collected the seeds scattered on the ground near the Pennsylvania cider mills is a part of American folklore,” along with his eccentricity and religious bent. “The portrait of this strong, gentle, Bible-reading woodsman in tattered clothes, who never got lost, who was a friend of the Indians and the wild animals as well as to the pioneers, is told here in convincing terms. The writing is sensitive and gives the sound and feel of the story” (Saturday Review of Literature, May 13, 1950). Chapman is presented as a “saintly messenger of good will, who spent his life in an honest effort to make life easier for the earlier settlers” (Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1950).

122 • Holbrook

Holbrook, Stewart Davy Crockett. New York: Random, 1955. 5–up School Library Journal considers Holbrook’s fictionalized biography to be “well-written,” “easy to read and full of those exciting and colorful deeds which have made Crockett’s life so appealing to youngsters.” Fortunately, the author “has included some of his less praise-worthy actions as well as the heroic ones” (School Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1955).

Holdsclaw, Chamique, and Jennifer Frey Chamique Holdsclaw: My Story. New York: Aladdin, 2001. 6–12 “With admirable humility,” Holdsclaw tells her story of growing up in a dysfunctional family and her reliance on her grandmother June, “an unwavering emotional anchor.” The story “moves smoothly” and tells the “frank and realistic” account of her life, “even including insight into her muchpublicized clashes with Tennessee coach Pat Summitt.” Ultimately, this is a sports biography about an “inspiring” young athlete who “reverently credits her own wisdom to her beloved grandmother” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 2001). Includes an insert of photographs.

ithets of “po white trash” and “nigger,” but their fathers “talk it out” and no serious conflict ensues. In fact, a weakness of the book is the absence of interesting action and conflict. Even the drowning of Jamie’s two cousins is not depicted with energy or strong feeling. The text reads more like an adult reminiscence than a children’s book; the dialogue is stiff, the dialect uneven, the tone preachy and pedantic. There is much emphasis on words and what they mean. But, for all its flaws, it fills the need for good stories about the African-American experience in Appalachia and is a forerunner of Michelle Green’s Willie Pearl books. Coal mining is an issue throughout, and at the end, Jamie’s father is diagnosed with black lung disease, forcing the family to move from Peel Chestnut Mountain to “the city.” It ends with the hope that the family will return to the mountain. (RH)

Hollis, Marcia The Witch of Shakerag Hollow: And Other Sewanee Ghosts. Sewanee, TN: University Press of Sewanee, 1973.

2–3 “A simplified, superficial biography” that compares unfavorably with Jean Latham’s Sam Houston (1965) for the same age group, which “gives far more factual detail of Houston’s life and career” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1968).

3–up Hollis has written six stories involving Sewanee, its campus, history, and traditions, drawn from her experience there in 1966 when her husband studied at the Graduate School of Theology. The stories don’t take themselves too seriously; nevertheless, they are well written, with a good pace and a lighthearted tone. Anyone familiar with Sewanee will enjoy this collection, but the stories are equally accessible to readers unfamiliar with Sewanee’s traditions and history because they are so well written. The title story explains that Sewanee once had a Witch College, but a love potion gone awry disrupted campus, and the Witch College was closed down, causing The Witch of Shakerag Hollow to put a spell on the campus: “No girls would study there for a hundred years” (9). Such tongue-in-cheek humor runs throughout the remaining five stories, poking fun at the institution and its traditions. Not unlike the Lady from Philadelphia in The Peterkin Papers, the Witch of Shakerag Hollow is frequently called in to rescue the Vice Chancellor or to solve a critical dilemma. (RH)

Holley, Juliette Ann

Holway, John

Jamie Lemme See. Radford, VA: Commonwealth, 1975.

Josh Gibson. New York: Chelsea, 1995.

Holland, Gini Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Kim Palmer. Austin, TX: Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. K–4 In spite of “minor flaws” the Horn Book Guide (Fall 1997) recommends this brief biography included in the First Biographies series.

Hollander, Paul Sam Houston, illus. by Salem Tamer. New York: Putnam, 1968.

5–up The book details one year in the life of James Edward Riley Pettigrew, a six-year-old AfricanAmerican boy who lives with his mother, father, eight-year-old sister Elsie Marie, and 16-month-old brother Tommy on Peel Chestnut Mountain, West Virginia. Jamie is a typical, imaginative, inquisitive child who entangles himself in the usual scrapes — falling out of a tree into a rose bush, getting stuck in a 100-year-old cradle, wandering away from home, watching his dog, Fancy, have puppies. Jamie and Elsie Marie clash with the white children who live over Bear Wallow mountain, exchanging the usual ep-

5–up Included in the Black Americans of Achievement series, Holway presents the life story of baseball great Josh Gibson who played in the Negro Leagues for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburg Crawfords. A powerful home-run hitter, Gibson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.

Hoobler, Dorothy, Thomas Hoobler, and Carey-Greenberg Associates The Trail on Which They Wept: The Story of a Cherokee Girl, illus. by S. S. Burrus. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Silver Burdett, 1992.

Hornbostel • 123 4–6 Though Sarah is Cherokee, she and her family own Georgia plantations and have assimilated into the white, Christian culture. Without explanation, her family is driven off its lands and forced to join the march to the West. Through her Cherokee grandmother, Sarah “gains the determination needed to survive the long and tragic ... walk to the Indian Territory in Oklahoma.” The Hooblers’ account of the Trail of Tears provides “multifaceted characters and a clear look at the times” (Horn Book Guide, July-Dec. 1992). A title in the Her Story series.

Hooks, William H. Snowbear Whittington: An Appalachian Beauty and the Beast, illus. by Victoria Lisi. New York: Macmillan, 1994. K–3 Snowbear Whittington is an Appalachian variant of “East o’ the Sun and West o’ the Moon” and “Beauty and the Beast,” which appears in Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales under the title “Whitebear Whittington.” Lisi’s illustrations include “such regional trappings as quilts, dulcimers, homespun clothing, and baskets. Endpapers capture the blue beauty of the mountains first in winter and then in spring.” The text is “straightforward,” and the “animals are realistically rendered and believable while the human characters have vacant expressions that detract from their appeal” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1994). Booklist agrees that the illustrations, “though technically well rendered, seem posed and stiff, and the faces ... lack expression.” Nevertheless, this folktale, set in the Great Smoky Mountains, “is handled nicely enough to lend itself to both storytelling and reading aloud” (Oct. 15, 1994).

The Three Little Pigs and the Fox, illus. by S. D. Schindler. New York: Macmillan, 1989. K–2 This Appalachian variant of the British “Three Little Pigs” appears in Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales, but Hooks says his retelling is based on oral versions he has personally heard in the Great Smoky Mountains. One remarkable feature is the addition of Hamlet, the female runt, who is smarter than her two older brothers and ultimately tricks the wily fox. The Bulletin praises Hooks’s “perfect storytelling balance of invention and convention” with “satisfyingly patterned repetitions” and “well-timed surprises.” Hooks has an “ear for colloquial wit and an eye on the family dynamic that sends these characters on their journey of maturation” ( Jan. 1990). Schindler’s artwork “suggests the beauty of the mountain setting while deriving considerable humor from the older pigs’ gluttonous self-indulgence and the fox’s sly greed” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 1, 1989).

Hope, Laura Lee [pseud. of Nancy S. Axelrad] The Bobbsey Twins: The Smoky Mountain Mystery. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1977.

3–6 The six Bobbseys fly to Knoxville, Tennessee, rent a car, and drive to “bee-yoo-ti-ful” (13) Gatlinburg where the two sets of twins are engaged to solve a mystery: Someone has been stealing native, handmade toys from the Smoky Mountain Market. The Southern Handicrafts Guild and the Craftsman’s Fair are featured prominently, along with the obligatory dulcimers, groundhogs, mountain cabins, and feuding among the crafts people. Mountaineers and mountain life form the basis for this implausible story with flat characters, including the usual indistinguishable children. They compete with detective Dashback, hoping to solve the mystery before he does, and of course, they do. The book, which is number 70 in the series, is formulaic and clichéd. (RH)

Hopkinson, Deborah Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings, illus. by Terry Widener. New York: Atheneum, 2003. K–3 In the early 1900s, Ohio farm girl Alta Weiss practiced pitching to bales of hay, and the cows were her “first fans.” In 1907 and 1908, she pitched for the Vermilion Independents, a semipro, all-male team, and in 1914 earned a medical degree, the only woman in her class. Hopkinson’s slightly fictionalized biography receives multiple, positive reviews, both for its text and for Widener’s illustrations, which are “in perfect pitch with the winning tone of Hopkinson’s ... story.... Cleverly organized into nine brief ‘innings,’ this graphically rich, rewarding tale will inspire readers — on several counts” (Publishers Weekly, Dec. 23, 2002). Hopkinson’s prose contains “vivid details, lively language, varied pacing — and her subject is worth the effort” (Horn Book, Mar./Apr. 2003). Kirkus Reviews says this “author-illustrator team hits a home run” in a book that is “a pleasure to look at and read aloud” (Feb. 1, 2003). According to Booklist, Hopkinson’s note at the end “enriches her burnished prose” ( Jan. 1, 2003). A section on “Highlights of Women in Baseball” is also appended.

Horn, Geoffrey M. Peyton Manning. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 2006. 3–4

A title in Today’s Superstars series.

Hornbostel, Lois The Classroom Dulcimer. New Haven, CT: Backyard Music, 1991. 4–up A basic introduction to the dulcimer (emphasizing its history in Appalachian Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina), this book provides basic information on how to play the instrument, including how to tune it and string it. Most of the book is given to songs, a few of which are traditional Appalachian tunes. Clear illustrations and well-written instructions, along with

124 • Horstman Teachers’ Notes and background information on the songs, make this a highly useful book for aspiring dulcimer players of any age. (RH)

Horstman, Lisa The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball, illus. by author. Gatlinburg, TN: Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, 1997. K–3 Designed to impart information about salamanders—types of salamanders, how to treat salamanders, how not to treat salamanders — Horstman’s fantasy of a gala salamander ball is told in better-thanaverage verse modeled after Dr. Seuss’s classic patterns. Sara, who is visiting the Smokies with her parents, joins the park’s Junior Rangers and works hard to earn her badge. That night, when she cannot sleep, she sneaks outside, finds tiny footprints, and a tiny printed invitation to the Salamander Ball, which she attends, of course. She enjoys the parade and the dancing of the Pigmy, Hellbender, Zigzag, Redcheeked, and Mud salamanders before she is discovered. But all ends well. Sara learns the Two Golden Rules of Salamandering and is awarded the honorific of Ambassador. Horstman’s colorful illustrations complement the text well and achieve a nice balance between the fanciful and the didactic. (RH)

The Troublesome Cub in the Great Smoky Mountains, illus. by author. Gatlinburg, TN: Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, 2001. K–3 A true story told in rhyme about a bear cub that was discovered in a dumpster when the garbage was collected.

Smoky Mountain Wee Ones, illus. by author. Gatlinburg, TN: Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association, 2003. K–4 This board book introduces the youngest readers to the similarities between human and animal babies.

Horton, Madelyn The Importance of Mother Jones. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 1996. 6–9 Horton’s biography of this important labor activist is “well-written and informative,” though it has “that dry, dull look ... that screams out ‘for reports only,’”; it is also “surprisingly readable.” In addition to the life of Mother Jones, the book provides “an insightful overview of the labor movement.” Horton’s use of primary sources lends “immediacy,” and good historical photographs “are plentiful” (School Library Journal, July 1, 1996).

Horwitz, Elinor L. Mountain People, Mountain Crafts, illus. with photographs by Joshua Horwitz and An-

thony Horwitz. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1974. 7–9 Hurwitz’s “vivid appreciative narrative and the many excellent photographs by her teenage sons evoke a telling sense of the mountain people and their way of life.” Beginning with a brief history of the Appalachian region and its tradition of handicrafts, Horwitz then presents interviews with crafts people, which “bring to life individuals and her explanations of the crafts — musical instruments and toy making, wood carving, and domestic arts — can almost serve as a how-to-do-it guide” (Booklist, July 15, 1974). She “quotes [her informants] directly and describes their work with respect for the strength and traditions, informed appreciation of their artistry, and a sharp ear for their eloquent speech” (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 1974).

Houston, Gloria Bright Freedom’s Song: A Story of the Underground Railroad. San Diego, CA: Harcourt, 1998. 4–8 When she is six years old, Bright Cameron is accidentally introduced to her parents’ “secret work” on the Underground Railroad in the North Carolina mountains. By the time she is 15, she is fully invested in the cause. Featuring the details of daily life among a family of abolitionists, Houston’s book shows the danger inherent in their actions. “Though Bright’s mother and Marcus are flat characters that serve to drive the plot, Bright is well drawn as a dedicated daughter and tough young woman and her father as a man who is driven to help others. Readable and well-researched historical fiction” (School Library Journal, Dec. 1998). One of Houston’s underlying premises is the “connection between the experience of indentured servants in this country and their willingness, once freed, to help slaves escape.” Expressed in her Preface and Afterword, this and other “facts and convictions ... inform her at times ponderous novel.” In spite of her “stiff dialogue designed to impart historical details and weigh moral issues,” Houston nevertheless “shapes an affecting family portrait” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 19, 1998). Booklist agrees that “Houston’s characters tend to lecture or converse woodenly, ... [but] few children’s novels of this kind are set in the deep south” (Nov. 1, 1998).

But No Candy, illus. by Lloyd Bloom. New York: Philomel, 1992. K–3 In this “rather lengthy and subdued story,” Houston explores a fact of childhood: Children understand events and history largely through material culture, and in this case, it is a Hershey Bar, which is absent from the candy counter in a little girl’s father’s store during World War II. She misses the candy, and she also misses her Uncle Ted, but by the time he returns from the war, she has ceased to be self-focused and understands more about the war and

Houston • 125 herself. “The metaphor is certainly appropriately childlike, but the story is static.” Nevertheless, “the tone and memory ring true and honest, a feeling helped by Bloom’s warm, dark, and thickly textured paintings” (Bulletin, Jan. 1993). School Library Journal praises Houston’s “succinct, well-crafted story” and Bloom’s illustrations, which “have a wonderful ’40s quality about them” (Dec. 1, 1992). Likewise, Publishers Weekly comments on the “unfettered freedom of childhood,” which Bloom’s oil paintings capture “with an underlying thoughtfulness” (Oct. 12, 1992). And Kirkus Reviews describes the artwork as “mannered, beautifully constructed” and “pensive, even somber” (Sept. 15, 1992). According to Booklist, “An innocent child’s eyes are opened to a wider world in this quiet sensitive story” (Oct. 15, 1992).

Littlejim. New York: Philomel, 1990. 3–7 Like The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree and My Great-Aunt Arizona, this story, which is set in the early 1900s, is based on Houston’s family history in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Littlejim Houston, age 12, is respected in the community as a good student and writer, but Bigjim, his father, does not value these qualities. Hoping to win his father’s approval and praise, Littlejim enters and wins an essay contest with an essay on “What it means to be an American.” Houston explores the multi-ethnic nature of the community as Littlejim searches for approval and for an understanding of his heritage. “Although the protagonist’s final triumphs are fairly predictable and themes of patriotism are perhaps overdrawn, the unfolding of the story’s events is suspenseful and engaging.” Houston’s “clear, unembellished prose ... describes day-to-day life on a farm, reveals Littlejim’s growth toward manhood and conveys the love that lies beneath his father’s gruff exterior. This book succeeds in capturing the spirit of immigrant Americans who overcame obstacles to accomplish their dreams” (Publishers Weekly, Nov. 2, 1990). School Library Journal compares this title with the Cleavers’ Where the Lilies Bloom (1969); Hamilton’s M. C. Higgins, the Great (1974); and Lowry’s Rabble Starkey (1987) saying “it also increases readers’ understanding of the Appalachian region and its people” (Feb. 1, 1991). Kirkus Reviews is not so enthusiastic about the novel. “The text’s folksy, friendly tone sometimes shifts abruptly to a more formal style and is occasionally difficult to follow.” Houston’s “familiar idea” is “unredeemed by its presentation” (Oct. 15, 1990).

Littlejim’s Dreams, illus. by Thomas B. Allen. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace, 1997. 3–7 This sequel to Littlejim and Littlejim’s Gift shows a teenage Littlejim Houston dreaming about college and becoming a teacher or an airplane pilot, though his still-stern father expects him to continue in his footsteps. “Once again Littlejim’s ability to put his thoughts on paper proves to be his most valuable weapon: a letter to the editor in the Philadelphia In-

quirer not only brings powerful attorneys to Bigjim’s aid but also clears misconceptions about ‘hill-billie’ ignorance.” Houston “captures the dialect, values and work ethic of self-sufficient mountain people faced with change during the early 1920s,” though “the characters and neatly packaged resolutions are too reminiscent of a Waltons episode for some tastes.” Still, “many readers will savor the book’s local color and down-home flavor” (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 24, 1997). Though Houston “cites some of the best background materials” on the Appalachian region, “the research tends to get in the way of the story, with many incidents and conversations seemingly designed more to lecture readers than to help them identify with the characters” ( July 1, 1997). Kirkus Reviews appraises the novel more favorably, calling it “a heartwarming story of family ties and friendship, set in an earlier era and another culture. Fans of the previous books ... will not be disappointed” (Mar. 15, 1997).

Littlejim’s Gift: An Appalachian Christmas Story, illus. by Thomas B. Allen. New York: Philomel, 1994. 1–5 In this sequel to Littlejim, Houston continues the story of a son’s struggle to earn his father’s respect and approval. While helping Bigjim in his timbering business, Littlejim is injured, but he “manages to win the [Bible verse] contest, purchase the doll that his younger sister longs for, and soften his father’s stony demeanor in this unabashedly sentimental — but affecting — tale.” Allen’s illustrations “contribute to the story’s nostalgic aura” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 19, 1994). Booklist agrees that Houston’s story “comes close to sentimentality,” but the “period details create a realistic setting without overwhelming the story,” and child readers will empathize with Littlejim’s longing for “love from a distant parent” (Aug. 1, 1994). Kirkus Reviews is less favorably inclined toward Houston’s novel. “Not a book to brace and inspire: The message is all but lost in the story’s depressing tone” (Sept. 15, 1994).

Mountain Valor, illus. by Thomas B. Allen. New York: Philomel, 1994. 5–8 As with her other books, reviews of Houston’s Civil War story about Valor, a ten-year-girl in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, are mixed. Having been named for her father’s medal for “valor,” she is conscious of the legacy and vows to avenge the wrongs her family suffers at the hands of Yankee soldiers and one “red-bearded soldier,” in particular. The Bulletin points to “an extremely busy plot” that is “dominated by purposive intent” and awkward story line that is too “loaded with information.” The “action and touch of romance at the end” do not atone for “one-dimensional characters” and “over-programmed historical fiction” ( June 1994). School Library Journal agrees that the writing is “melodramatic and repetitious,” though “Houston has moments of eloquence.” The plot “falls flat with unbelievable

126 • Howard turns.” Though the book has “potential, it falls short in execution lacking the engaging plot and steady tension” of Bright Freedom’s Song ( June 1, 1994). Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, on the other hand, are extremely positive about the novel. “Houston, ... who grew up in the Appalachian mountains, offers a profound definition of bravery in this engrossing adventure story. Her evocative prose expresses the terror, determination and stoicism of women and children left on the home front” (Publishers Weekly, May 9, 1994). According to Kirkus Reviews, “The story’s grounding in reality” makes for a “taut, unusually authentic novel” (Apr. 15, 1994).

My Great-Aunt Arizona, illus. by Susan Condie Lamb. New York: HarperCollins, 1992. K–2 This picture book is based on Houston’s Great-Aunt Arizona Houston Hughes, who lived on Henson Creek in the North Carolina mountains. As a fourth-grade teacher, she influenced generations of students, encouraging them to travel and achieve. Though she never leaves the mountains, “Arizona’s life seems none the less satisfying.” She “charges through each illustration with an infectious energy,” which also assures that ‘she goes with us in our minds’” (Bulletin, Apr. 1992). Lamb’s “impressionistic outdoor scenes are especially attractive,” resulting in a “nostalgic but appealing portrait of another generation” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 15, 1992). School Library Journal says Lamb’s “pictures reflect an idyllic world of lightfilled joy and simplicity,” and they show the “continuity” of Arizona’s life (Mar. 1, 1992). Booklist is particularly laudatory about the book: “The pleasant, conversational rhythm of the prose, the unobtrusive use of repetition, and the ability to sum up the unique quality of life in a few telling phrases give the writing its substance.... Sunny and lively, the watercolor paintings have a naïve quality that suits the story well” ( Jan. 1, 1992).

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, illus. by Barbara Cooney. New York: Dial, 1988. K–3 Houston’s first picture book, based on her family life and stories in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, has engendered an industry of dolls and novelty merchandise that is marketed at the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store in Spruce Pine and heavily promoted by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce. The book tells the story of Ruthie, her mother and her father, who is a soldier during World War I. In spite of the Armistice, he has not returned home by Christmas of 1918. In his absence, Ruthie and her mother meet the responsibility of providing the church Christmas tree, a balsam that Ruthie and her father had identified in the spring. Cooney’s illustrations convey a “sense of the spacious solitude of the setting, the patient loneliness of waiting, the strength of the hills and those who inhabit them” (Bulletin, Oct. 1988). Publishers Weekly praises Houston’s book as an “accomplished, fluid telling” that is complemented by

Cooney’s “moonlit paintings of wintry evenings and the welcoming glow of fire and lanterns.” This is “a harmonious blending of text and pictures” ( July 19, 1988). Kirkus Reviews agrees that this is a “heartwarming holiday story, simply told and graced with true sentiment.” Cooney’s illustrations are “lucid, serene” (Aug. 15, 1988).

Howard, Elizabeth Fitzgerald Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys, illus. by E. B. Lewis. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1999. 1–4 Howard’s book is based on a true story about her African-American great aunt during Reconstruction in East Tennessee. Virgie has five older brothers who walk seven miles to Jonesborough, Tennessee, every Monday morning to attend a Quaker boarding school for free blacks. Her family insists that she is too young to make the trip and then stay the week at the school, but she convinces them otherwise and is allowed to attend in the fall. Booklist says, “A much-loved and often-told family story does not always translate into a compelling and engaging picture book, but this one sure does” (Nov. 1, 1999). Publishers Weekly calls Virgie “a radiant heroine.... The easy flow of vernacular effortlessly propels the story, and Howard proves herself adept at plucking a large-scale episode from history and adapting it to the scale of a picture book.” Lewis’s watercolor illustrations “fairly burst with life” (Dec. 20, 1999). School Library Journal also praises both the art and text: The “illustrations capture the characters with warmth and dignity.... There is a blush of dialect and two thrilling references to Raw Head and Bloody Bones waiting in the woods to catch the children on their way to school” (School Library Journal, Mar. 2000.) An author’s note gives information about the school and Howard’s family story.

Hoyt, Edwin Palmer [pseud. of Christopher Martin] Andrew Johnson. Chicago: Reilly and Lee, 1965. 7–up According to The Christian Science Monitor, “Mr. Hoyt’s search for historical truth throws welcome light on the grim and vengeful days of Civil War Reconstruction” (May 6, 1965). This title “concentrates on Johnson’s character, with less emphasis on the clash of personalities during his political difficulties.... Excellent details of the 1864–1868 Reconstruction problems that have a bearing on civil rights issues today” (Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1965).

Your National Parks: Great Smoky Mountains. New York: Putnam, 1965. 5–up This first volume in the National Parks series is a presentation of the history, animals, people, and ecology of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Novelist Al Hine writes, “I can’t imagine any child reader age 10 and up with a bent toward nature

Hughes • 127 not finding delight in this varied grab bag of the Great Smokies” (New York Times Book Review, Feb. 28, 1965).

Hubbard, Fran Animal Friends of the Smokies, illus. by Bob Hines. Fredericksburg, TX: Awani, 1978. 4–6 This picture book for the middle grades contains brief but good information on 31 mammals. Each black-and-white illustration is accompanied by a short text — one full page each for the black bear, the white-tailed deer, and the mountain lion, but single paragraphs for others such as the gray squirrel and the opossum. Additionally, an Introduction answers the question “Why Do We Have National Parks?” and other sections give information on mammals’ teeth and feet and how mammals survive the winter. The text introduces environmental themes, such as extinction and the introduction of non-native species, without being preachy. (RH)

Hubbard, Margaret Ann The Hickory Limb, illus. by Dorothy Bayley. New York: Macmillan, 1942. 6–up According to the New York Times Book Review, Hubbard’s history of the Battle of King’s Mountain treats an “unaccountably neglected” period in pioneer history and “opens up a place” for characters such as Nancy Ward and John Sevier. The narrator of the story is Tremble Lovelace, age 13, who, along with Mrs. Bean, was captured by the Cherokees and eventually freed by Nolichucky Jack himself. A “fearsome chase down the rapids of the Tennessee” River and “a game of hide and seek with the British” at King’s Mountain make up the two core events of the book. “The effect of the story is diffused and weakened between the two major events, but it is certainly never dull.” The two themes of “backwoods” valor and “the ultimate tragedy of the Cherokees ... are interpreted with ... clarity” (Sept. 27, 1942).

Hughes, Christopher A. Andrew Johnson. Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch, 2001. 5–8 A title in the Triangle Histories of the Civil War series, this biography offers information on Johnson’s early life and his military years.

Antietam. Brookfield, CT: Twenty-First Century, 1998. 5–8 In addition to supplying good introductory information about the Battle of Antietam and the Civil War, this title also provides significant material that will pique the interest of readers who want to go beyond the basics. Major points of the battle are presented “clearly without oversimplification” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1998). A title in the Battlefields Across America series.

The Battle of Antietam. Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch, 2001. 4–8 This title in the Triangle Histories of the Civil War series uses “judicious” though unattributed quotations from participants in the battle and “consistently” produces “readable text” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2002). “The recitation of casualty numbers and an explanation of how the Civil War was the first modern war with its weapons and use of technology, including the railroad, are significant features” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 2002).

Stonewall Jackson. Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch, 2001. 4–6 This title in the Triangle Histories of the Civil War series “offers readable, factually sound” information on Jackson, including information on his early years. Sidebars cross reference other significant Civil War figures, especially subjects of other biographies in the series (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2002).

Hughes, Morgan Mario Lemieux: Beating the Odds. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1996. 4–6 Hughes’s title in the Sports Achievers series includes information on Lemieux’s early life as well as his rise to “prominence.” Unfortunately, the information is undocumented, and Hughes provides no bibliography. The biography is guilty of “extolling” its subject’s “virtues” but also shows “that the road to fame is not always smooth” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1996). Includes career highlights and photographs.

Hughes, Patrice Raccio The Breaker Boys. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004. 4–up Based on historical events in Hazelton, Pennsylvania, which Hughes explains in an author’s note, this is the story of troubled Nate Turner, who is 12 in 1897. Having been kicked out of boarding school, Nate makes friends with a Polish breaker boy, Johnny, and gets caught between the perspective of workers in the collieries, which his family owns, and the perspective of his family. “Hughes has created a complex protagonist who’s likable even when acting ‘ugly.’ The author doesn’t provide pat answers, but offers the hope that the questions Nate faces will be resolved” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 2004). Booklist suggests that this title will make a good companion to Susan Bartoletti’s 1996 title Growing up in Coal Country. And though the conclusion “is a bit too neat,” Hughes “never minimizes the meanness, the anger and the hurt. Most affecting are the facts about child labor and the social history in the late nineteenth century” (Sept. 15, 2004). Kirkus Reviews considers this a “strong story of family and friendship” from which readers will “learn a fair amount” about a “fascinating period in American history” (Aug. 1, 2004).

128 • Humphrey

Humphrey, Kathryn L.

Hunter, Nigel

Satchel Paige. New York: Scholastic, 1988.

Helen Keller, illus. by Richard Hook. New York: Bookwright, 1986.

6–9 Included in the Impact Biographies series, Humphrey’s “creditable” and “[w]ell written” biography of Alabama native and baseball great Satchel Paige presents his “interesting life against the background of racism in America” (Booklist, Apr. 1988).

Hunt, Irene Trail of Apple Blossoms, illus. by Don Bolognese. Chicago: Follett, 1968.

4–6 This title in the Great Lives series recounts the life and achievements of Helen Keller, who overcame being deaf and blind.

Hurmence, Belinda A Girl Called Boy. New York: Ticknor and Fields, 1982.

7–9 In the Foreword, Louis Bromfield says of this book, “It is both important and charming.” Hunt’s “heart-warming” and “well documented” story about John Chapman carries “an assurance of authenticity to the factual and charm to the legendary” because the author is known to have “long” studied this folk hero. “The words are the words of Johnny and his times; the descriptive passages give the reader the feel of the earth that Johnny loved, tramped, and planted” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1950).

5–7 Blanche Overtha Yancey, age 11, is tired of her father’s focus on his slave ancestry. On a picnic in the Smoky Mountains, she jokingly asks a soapstone talisman to carry her “over the water,” and is transported back in time to an 1853 plantation where she is known as Yancey’s Boy, who has escaped from his owner. In this setting, Blanche absorbs the details of slave life, and she is eventually transported back to the present through an encounter with Lookup, who turns out to be her father’s relative. The contemporary setting “adds little ... being simply a launching pad for a story of slavery.... This has adequate structure, a writing style with considerable vitality, and adequate characterization, but the effort (not unsuccessful) to depict the lives of slaves seems at times so purposive as to outbalance the narrative” (Bulletin, Sept. 1982). Kirkus Reviews considers Hurmence’s novel to be a “cross-section of slave life, with no social-science didacticism, ... with no preachment” (Apr. 1, 1982).

Hunter, C. W.

Hurst, Hawk

The Green Gourd: A North Carolina Folktale, illus. by Tony Griego. New York: Putnam, 1992.

The Story of the First Flute: Based on an Ancient Cherokee Legend, illus. by Lindley Sharp. Boone, NC: Parkway, 2001.

K–3 The Green Gourd is a variant of a North Carolina folktale contained in Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales (1973). Hunter’s version is a “wild, amusing” account of an old woman who ignores the superstition that pulling a green gourd will “witch ye sure.” As a result, she suffers a series of mishaps until a little boy flattens the gourd. According to Publishers Weekly, this “debut” effort of both author and illustrator results in a “gleeful picture book,” though the “cartoony illustrations give the book a Disney look,” and the tale “ends a bit too abruptly” (Mar. 2, 1992). School Library Journal expresses a kinder view: “Hunter has done a wonderful job of capturing the Appalachian dialect and putting the story into a form that will work well for storytelling. With a commendable layout and design, the watercolor and coloredpencil drawings, done in a folk-art style, match the action and mood of the text” ( July 1992). Booklist also notes the “speech rhythms of the hills,” along with the “text [that] doesn’t read as smoothly as one might expect” (May 1, 1992). Griego’s illustrations are “satisfyingly funny” and capture the gourd’s “wicked ways and the stylized settings and figures bursting with energy” (Mar. 15, 1992).

K–3 Feeling that he is a failure in his own village, a Cherokee Indian boy goes into the forest, where the creatures present him with a magical flute.

4–6 This book explores the impact of Johnny Appleseed on an Ohio pioneer family.

Hunt, Mabel L. Better Known as Johnny Appleseed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, 1950.

Hurwitz, Johanna Helen Keller: Courage in the Dark, illus. by Neverne Covington. New York: Random, (1997) 2003. 2–3 This biography in the Step into Reading series tells the story of blind and deaf Helen Keller, who overcame both handicaps with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan.

Hutchins, Ross E. Hidden Valley of the Smokies: With a Naturalist in the Great Smoky Mountains, illus. by author. New York: Dodd, Mead, 1971. 6–up Hutchins introduces the reader to the flora and fauna of a “little-frequented area in the Smokies in spring, summer, and autumn.... His personal experiences and excellent black-and-white photographs add appeal to a book which is fascinating to a nature lover” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1971).

Israel • 129

Iger, Eve Marie John Brown: His Soul Goes Marching On. New York: Young Scott, 1969. 4–7 The “riddle” and “motives” of John Brown’s ill fated, now historic raid on Harpers Ferry cannot be made transparent in a children’s biography, especially one where the author “has a difficult time matching her skill at presenting facts with the demands engendered by the enigmatic personality” of its subject. Iger’s synthesis of fact, interpretation, and analysis is “choppy” and “stilted. However, her facts are accurate, and the judicious blend of interesting illustrations and large type, combined with the narrative, create an easily read and understood brief portrait that average fourth graders can handle.” This review compares Iger’s biography with Ansley’s The Sword and the Spirit (1955), saying Ansley’s work “is still preferred for better readers” (Library Journal, Jan. 15, 1971). A review in the New York Times begins with the observation that “Civil disobedience, like violence, is an American folkway”; consequently, this is a “timely” biography for the late 1960s and early 1970s. Iger’s biography is considered a “thorough, scholarly study” that does not explain how Brown became “an avenging fury.” Iger also “skirts the question” of Brown’s “sanity” and fails to capture his “overwhelming sense of drama.” As a result, the biography will not inspire “activists” in the 20th century (Apr. 19, 1970).

Immell, Myra, and William H. Immell Tecumseh. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 1997. 6–9 A “well-written, generously illustrated” biography of Tecumseh, the Shawnee Chief who tried to unite Native American tribes in 1800s (School Library Journal, Aug. 1997). This title in The Importance Of series includes an annotated bibliography, maps, and an index.

Ingle, Sheila Courageous Kate: A Daughter of the American Revolution, illus. by John Ingle. Spartanburg, SC: Hub City, 2006. 7–9 A fictional biography, Courageous Kate is the story of Kate Moore Barry and her role in helping General Daniel Morgan defeat the British at the Battle of Cowpens.

Ingoglia, Gina Johnny Appleseed and the Planting of the West, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1992. 3–4 The titles in the America Frontier series are said to be “written with an eye toward historical accuracy.” Ingoglia’s Johnny Appleseed, though “clearly fictional” makes use of the generally known facts of John Chapman’s life. In this version of his life and work, his “planting of orchards and nurseries is pre-

sented as a business venture as well as an altruistic endeavor.” A “readable” piece of historical fiction (School Library Journal, Apr. 1993).

Tecumseh: One Nation for His People, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1993. 3–7 Ingoglia presents a fictionalized account of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. Included in Disney’s American Frontier series.

Isaacs, Anne Swamp Angel, illus. by Paul O. Zelinsky. New York: Dutton, 1994. 1–4 Isaacs and Zelinsky present a tall tale about a competition between Angelica Longrider, a Tennessee woodswoman, and Thundering Tarnation, a giant bear. Angelica was born on August 1, 1815, and grew to become a female version of the biggest American tall-tale heroes, such as Paul Bunyan. Ultimately, the fight between Angelica and Thundering Tarnation ends with her throwing the bear up into the sky, where he hits the stars, forming the well-known constellation Ursa Major (Latin for Great Bear), better known as the Big Dipper. “It’s a tale in the best backwoods tradition.... It’s feminist and it’s funny.” The text is beautifully interpreted by “Zelinsky’s noteworthy artistic repertoire” (Bulletin, Nov. 1994). This is a “feisty tall tale” and an “energy-charged narrative” that “is casually overstated” and “certain” to delight young readers (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 3, 1994).

Isbell, Rebecca, and Marilyn Buchanan Everyone Has a Story to Tell, illus. by William B. Bledsoe. Jonesborough, TN: Old Towne, 2004. 2–4 Two children, Ben and Sarah, and their parents happen upon Jonesborough, Tennessee, during the annual National Storytelling Festival. In their search for stories, the children encounter a number of town residents and professional storytellers. Each tells a brief story that is captured in a textbox on the lower right corner of the right-hand page. Based on real people, a real town, and a real festival, Isbell, Buchanan, and Bledsoe, themselves residents of Jonesborough, introduce the concept of story and deliver a glimpse into the community as well as the festival. Ending with Sarah’s own story is a nice way to emphasize that even children have stories to tell. Bledsoe’s colorful illustrations depict actual, recognizable residents and tellers, including Jimmy Neil Smith, founder of the Festival, and Ray Hicks, the famous teller of traditional Jack tales. (RH)

Israel, Marion Louise Cherokees, illus. by Harry Timmins. Chicago: Melmont, 1961. 2–4 Developed for beginning readers, this title provides information on early Cherokee society.

130 • Italia

Italia, Robert Andie MacDowell, illus. with photographs. Edina, MN: Abdo, 1992. 3–6 This brief, weak biography of actress and fashion model Andie MacDowell is a title in the Cover Girls series. Andie, a native of Gaffney, South Carolina, is the daughter of an alcoholic mother; her parents were divorced when she was six. Her three older sisters are depicted as good daughters, but Andie “developed a rebellious nature” (6). Eight pages are devoted to her childhood; the rest of the book focuses on her modeling and film careers. Illustrations consist largely of glamour shots and photographs from her films. There is some attempt to depict a real person, but also much about being a star, including beauty advice. (RH)

The Pittsburgh Steelers. Edina, MN: Abdo, 1996. 4–6 A history of the Pittsburgh football team for middle-grade readers.

Jackson, Caary Paul, and O. B. Jackson Hillbilly Pitcher, illus. by Robert Henneberger. New York: Whittlesey, 1956. 3–5 Wilson Hadley is a Tennessee hill boy, “country, accent and all,” who moves to a northern school. Though he is a good pitcher, he is “rattled” by needling and harassment by opponents and one teammate: “Hey, Cornpone” and “Hillbilly” are typical jeers. The results are predictable as Hadley finally stands up to his tormentors and gets his “pitching guts” (New York Times, June 3, 1956).

Jackson, Robert B. Joe Namath, Superstar. New York: Walck, (1968) 1974. 4–7 Originally published in 1968, this revision adds details of Namath’s life after the Jets won Super Bowl III. “A readable and up-to-date sketch of an undisputed superstar” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1975).

Jakoubek, Robert E. Jesse Jackson. New York: Chelsea, 1991. 4–6 Includes an introductory essay by Coretta Scott King [see Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Leader and Politician below].

Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Leader and Politician. Philadelphia: Chelsea, (1991) 2005. 5–8 This biography in the Black Americans of Achievement series is an update of earlier editions. It “raises awareness” and integrates details of Jackson’s “personal experiences and public achievements” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2005). Contains photographs and makes use of the sidebar-format; includes reading list, timeline, and an index. The 1991 edition includes an in-

troductory essay by Coretta Scott King; the 2005 edition contains additional text written by Gloria Blakely.

James, Bessie Rowland Happy Animals of Ata-Ga-Hi, illus. by W. R. Lohse. New York: Bobbs-Merrill, (1935) 1985. 2–3 In this collection of animal stories, James retells Cherokee myths, collected in Smithsonian ethnographies, about Ata-Ga-Hi, a legendary place in the Great Smoky Mountains where animals live in harmony without the destructive influence of humankind. Horn Book praises the illustrations and the “delightful absurdity” of the tales, which are excellent for storytelling (Nov. 1935). On the other hand, the New York Times argues that “modernization seems a bit overdone,” and the stories “are “lacking something” when compared with Sioux retellings. In spite of these flaws, however, the tales are a “diverting collection of animal lore” (Oct. 27, 1935).

James, Bessie Rowland, and Marquis James The Courageous Heart, illus. by Lowell Balcom. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1934. 6–up Described by the Chicago Daily Tribune as “interesting and stimulating,” this biography of Andrew Jackson is considered authoritative (Nov. 10, 1934). The Horn Book agrees: “It presents the man vividly and interestingly” (Nov. 1934).

Six Feet Six: The Heroic Story of Sam Houston, illus. by Lowell Balcom. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1931. 7–up This biography begins with Houston’s childhood on a Virginia plantation, covers his political life, and ends with his death. “All that lies outside the comprehension or interests of boyhood has been deftly passed over: all that might be essential to a boy’s understanding of the man of action has been retained.” Adult readers “will lay the book aside with reluctance.” On the other hand, “the vocabulary is sometimes better suited to adults than to boys; the style is choppy” and seems unnatural to the author. In spite of these flaws, the book will “win devoted readers among lads of spirit with the salt of masculine adventure in them” (The Saturday Review of Literature, Jan. 23, 1932). Bessie James has adapted this biography for children from her husband Marquis James’ adult biography The Raven (1930). “It is written in an easy style” and illustrated with “woodcuts” (Booklist, Jan. 1932).

James, Otis Dolly Parton: A Personal Portrait, illus. with photographs. New York: Quick Fox, 1978. 7–up The life of Tennessee native, Dolly Parton, is detailed from her birth in 1946 into a family of 12 children to her stardom. James leaves unanswered

Johnson • 131 questions, but “Dolly is unique and just where fact leaves off and fiction takes over is not important.” The text gives “a breezy introduction” to this country-music star; the photographs would be more effective were they captioned (School Library Journal, May 1976).

Jameson, W. C. Buried Treasures of the Appalachians: Legends of Homestead Caches, Indian Mines, and Loot from Civil War Raids. Little Rock, AR: August, 1991. 6–up This is a collection of 40 legends about lost or buried treasure in the Appalachian states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The tales are based on oral interviews that expand and expound on the legends, which “entice sleuths to resolve the clues and attempt to find potential fortunes that others have been unable to locate in the wilderness.... Readers learn that indeed some of the gold has been found, and this should motivate them to get lucky and search on their own.” The text can become “a bit monotonous,” but if read in segments, it will provide “a few minutes of entertainment” at each sitting (School Library Journal, Dec. 1991).

Janoski, Elizabeth Mountain Song. Unionville, NY: Royal Fireworks, 2005. 6–8 Following his father’s death in World War II, Jedadiah and his mother move from their West Virginia farm to a mining town.

Jensen, Patsy John Henry and His Mighty Hammer, illus. by Roseanne Litzinger. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1994. 1–3 A title in the Troll First-Start Tall Tale series, this is a spare, beginning-reader version of the familiar story. An Introduction describes John Henry as a “pretend person” who may have lived; then it defines the tall tale as “an unusual story that has been exaggerated as it is retold over the years.” The text recounts John Henry’s birth in Tennessee, his early, innate desire to be a “steel-driving man,” his marriage to Polly Ann, their move to West Virginia, the nowfamous contest, and his death. Though the bones of the story are here, it lacks spirit, energy, and creativity. The illustrations are static and contribute little to the story. While it introduces John Henry to early readers, it lacks the interest level that a good beginning reader ought to have. I would opt for better versions that can be read aloud to young readers. (RH)

Jezer, Marty Rachel Carson. New York: Chelsea, 1988. 6–9 This title in the American Women of Achievement series provides background for Carson’s

“ambitions and abilities,” which were “nurtured” by a mother who encouraged her to ignore “sexual stereotypes.” Consequently, Carson became a marine zoologist who “used her literary skills to communicate information about nature; best-sellers were the result.... She took on the onerous task of exposing [environmental] havoc and arrogance towards nature through the uncontrolled use of pesticides.” Her “courage, determination, and eloquence” are “admirably” rendered in this biography (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1988). Kirkus Reviews praises Jezer’s “[v]ivid writing, carefully selected photos, thoughtful organization, and special aids,” all of which make for an “inspirational” book. “Throughout, Carson speaks for herself in carefully selected quotes” ( June 15, 1988). Contains a reading list, timeline, and index.

Johnson, Allen My Brother’s Story, illus. by Leanna Leithauser Lesley. ReadingMatter.com, 2000. 5–up Identical twin brothers are separated when their parents die. Johnny is sent to live with his abusive Aunt Min in Columbia, Tennessee; Will is sent to a loving, prosperous couple in Birmingham, Alabama. Through a quirk of fate, each twin gets a brief glimpse of the other as Will passes through Columbia on a train, and their search to be reunited begins. Set in 1937, the book uses the language of the times, such as “colored people” and “nigger.” School Library Journal accurately describes Aunt Min as “the most interesting character,” though she is “never fully developed” or adequately motivated. Other characters are “one-dimensional, portrayed as either good or bad.” “The novel shows abuse, prejudice, and humor in a formulaic way” ( July 1, 2000). In spite of these and other flaws, such as Lesley’s illustrations, the narrative style moves fairly well as Johnny and Will give alternate first-person accounts. The book is a good, if imperfect, read. (RH)

Johnson, Angela Bird. New York: Dial, 2004. 5–6 This “open-ended, interconnected narrative” is told by three characters: Bird, age 13, who runs away from her Ohio home to Acorn, Alabama, in search of her stepfather, Cecil; Ethan, a reclusive boy who is waiting for a heart transplant; and Jay, whose dead brother, Derek, provides the heart for Ethan’s transplant. “Johnson reveals the inner thoughts of these characters, as they move around one another, occasionally touching, but preoccupied with their individual problems. Readers see how small kindnesses can ease the grip of grief and how large gestures — the literal giving of a heart — can redound to the giver’s credit. Much is left unresolved by the conclusion of the book, but the many truths about human emotion and interaction are exposed for readers’ examination” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2004). Publishers

132 • Johnson Weekly says that Johnson’s fiction suffers “occasional lapses in verisimilitude,” which is offset by “overwhelming kindness of these characters” (Oct. 18, 2004). Horn Book praises the writing as “eloquent and poetic, ... though it could stand to be more concrete at times” (Sept. 1, 2005). Booklist agrees that “Johnson writes with a poet’s knowledge of rhythm and knows how to use the spaces between the words.” Though some of the “connections between characters seem stretched,” the author “creates a visceral sense of each character’s search for love and connection” (Sept. 1, 2004). According to Voice of Youth Advocates, “Johnson balances extremely conflicting feelings affecting all three characters with the resolution that life goes on” (Feb. 1, 2005).

Just Like Josh Gibson, illus. by Beth Peck. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004. K–3 An African-American girl tells the story of her grandmother who was a good baseball player — just like Josh Gibson — but was never allowed to play in the white-male-dominated world of baseball in the mid–twentieth century. Reviewers express praise for the book, with a few exceptions. “Everyone is nearly always smiling — even the young Grandmama as she stands outside the fence, watching the boys play without her. This glossing over of the girl’s emotions weakens the text, too, which focuses on Grandmama’s one day in the sun. Still, readers can’t help but identify with the heroine when she joyfully participates in the sport she loves, however briefly” (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 12, 2004). Booklist is somewhat more laudatory: “Johnson tempers what could have been a sentimental tale with Grandmama’s contagious enthusiasm and sense of empowerment, and her text has a baseball announcer’s suspenseful rhythm” (Feb. 15, 2004). Kirkus Reviews considers this a “sweetly powerful and slyly subversive tale” (Dec. 15, 2003). School Library Journal focuses on Peck’s illustrations, which are “well-designed, richly colored” depictions of “people with emotion and depth” (Mar. 1, 2004). The Horn Book Guide adds that the book opens up the discussion about “the cost of exclusion based on race or gender” (Fall 2004). An appended author’s note gives a biography of Josh Gibson, who was known as the Babe Ruth of the Negro Leagues.

The Other Side: Shorter Poems. New York: Scholastic, 1998. 5–up Johnson’s collection of 30 poems, in colloquial, free verse, is based on her memories of growing up in Shorter, Alabama, a town that no longer exists. Voice of Youth Advocates describes the poems as “succinct” expressions of “a time when life was simpler and cleaner” (Feb. 1, 1999). Publishers Weekly calls this a “touching collection” illustrated with “blurred photographs from a family album,” which include members of Johnson’s African-American family (Nov. 16, 1998). Booklist says the collection “packs a powerful punch” (Nov. 15, 1998), a sentiment echoed by Horn

Book and School Library Journal, both of which emphasize the absence of nostalgia. “This slim volume just may open up increased awareness and understanding about the way things were — and how they sometimes still are” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1998).

Johnson, Ann Donegan The Value of Determination: The Story of Helen Keller, illus. by Steven Pileggi. La Jolla, CA: Value, 1976. First edition published by Value in 1975 under the title The ValueTale [sic] of Helen Keller. K–6 A biography of Helen Keller in the ValueTales series.

The Value of Fairness: The Story of Nellie Bly, illus. by Steve Pileggi. La Jolla, CA: Value, 1977 3–6 Included in the ValueTale series, Johnson demonstrates the value of fairness in the life of the turn-of-the-century journalist Nellie Bly.

The Value of Laughter: The Story of Lucille Ball. San Diego, CA: Oak Tree, 1990. K–6 A biography of New York native Lucille Ball in the ValueTales series.

The Value of Love: The Story of Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Steven Pileggi. La Jolla, CA: Value, 1979. K–6

A title in the ValueTale series.

Johnson, F. Roy Stories of the Old Cherokees: A Collection, illus. by F. Mark Johnson. Murfreesboro, NC: Johnson, 1975. 4–8 This 112-page collection of brief stories begins with a Preface that addresses the Cherokee people, their movements, name, language, migration legends, and their decline. The stories are grouped in three sections: 19 sacred stories, 9 wonder stories, and 7 monster stories. The brown ink illustrations are naive, primitive-looking drawings; the stories are short enough for use with fourth or fifth graders. The collection contains the usual genesis and pourquoi tales that became popular in the 1980s and 1990s in picturebook format: “The Water Spider, Bringer of Fire,” “How the Cherokees Got Tobacco,” “The Origin of Disease and Medicine,” and “The Origin of Strawberries,” which has been made popular by Joseph Bruchac’s The First Strawberries (1993). The book contains unfortunate editorial comment such as “Perhaps this was a symbolic act” to explain the following line: “Then the brother took a fish and struck his sister with it and he told her to multiply; and so she did.” Nevertheless, this is a good collection that could be used for comparative exercises with the new flood of picture-book editions of Cherokee tales. (RH)

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Johnson, Fred

Johnson, Patty T.

Jim Boy, illus. by Eideen Malloy. New York: Vantage, 1977.

Helen Keller: Girl from Alabama. Huntsville, AL: Strode, 1980.

3–5 It is April on Hardscuffle Road in north Alabama, and 14-year-old Jon Jon Mullenhead decides to buy a mule, Jim Boy, from Mr. Hody. The ensuing story (loosely autobiographical) of this stubborn, hapless mule and his abusive former owner is sometimes funny but disappointing in its craft. For example, Jon Jon’s sister Polly asks the unlikely question, “What’s a mule?” Johnson also draws an unbelievable scene where Jon Jon, not knowing what a skunk is, calls “kitty, kitty, kitty” to try to catch a skunk family, with predictable results. Mrs. Mullenhead is a nagging, shadowy character, though her dialogue is the most convincing of all, and Mr. Mullenhead isn’t mentioned until page 60 of the 82-page book. The ending is forced: Mr. Ben restores Jim boy to his former youthful condition in little more than a week, and Jim Boy is named king of the mule festival. His winnings will be used to pay Polly’s hospital bill— Polly has mysteriously fainted at school and must be transported 20 miles to the Riverside Hospital. The only diagnosis is that she needs a transfusion of type A-Negative blood every six months. In spite of these weaknesses, however, readers will like the details of rural life, such as carrying fish worms in a salmon can and saving money in a Prince Albert tobacco can. The slapstick humor will be attractive to fourth and fifth graders. (RH)

4–6 A brief biography of Helen Keller written by a niece of the famous woman whose sight and hearing were destroyed by illness before she was two years old.

Johnson, Kathleen Jeffrie Dumb Love. New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook, 2005. 6–up Carlotta and her mother move to a small Appalachian town, hoping that the mountain air will cure her mother’s boyfriend’s alcoholism. Carlotta suffers the usual high-school burdens, which are complicated by her obesity but enlivened by a healthy dose of humor. School Library Journal finds the plot weak: “Plot threads are picked up and then dropped, making it seem as though part of the story is missing, or that it is unfinished, and the characters never quite develop enough to fully engage readers” (Nov. 1, 2005). Booklist excuses the weak plot, saying “plot, split between Carlotta’s wildly imagined family and romantic schemes, isn’t the strength here. What will appeal most are the unforgettable characters and Johnson’s southern-tinged prose, which mixes the florid language of romance novels with perfectly timed comedy” (Sept. 15, 2005). Publishers Weekly believes that “readers will take a shine to these characters” in Johnson’s “small-town story big on funny moments, details and big-hearted” people (Oct. 17, 2005). Kirkus acknowledges that that the story is “a bit too choppy” but is graced with “a beating heart” ( July 15, 2005).

Johnson, Paul Brett Bearhide and Crow, illus. by author. New York: Holiday, 2000. 2–5 One day Amos Dyer traded his wife’s award-winning gourd for Sam Hankins’ bearhide. A series of slapstick events ends in a trickster’s bargain through which Dyer gets the better of Hankins. “Oftencountered folktale elements and bits of Appalachian lore combine in this humorous tale.” Johnson’s “human figures are sometimes awkwardly drafted,” but this is “a good-natured tale of tables turned and wicked ways avenged” that lends itself to reading aloud and storytelling (Bulletin, May 2000). Booklist calls this “an original story with twentieth-century characters, but it has the flavor of an Appalachian folktale and can be read as a modern variation on traditional trickster tales from other cultures” (Apr. 1, 2000). Johnson’s illustrations place the tale “among steep hills and dirt roads that seem to shimmer, thanks to impressionistic daubs of color” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 28, 2000). School Library Journal calls attention to the jacket illustration, which shows “cheerful Amos marching down an Appalachian road draped in the mangy bearhide and clutching a crow tied to a string,” which is a “deft introduction” to the story (May 2000).

The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down, illus. by author. New York: Orchard, 1993. K–3 Johnson’s debut picture book earns high praise from reviewers as “a delightful piece of nonsense that has the advantage of just the right art to illustrate the fun. The “delightful nonsense” involves a cow who flies above the farm and refuses to honor Miss Rosemary’s attempts to bring her down. Johnson’s “eye-catching acrylic artwork ... shows finesse as well as fun” (Booklist, Feb. 1, 1993). “Executed in pastel tones with backgrounds reminiscent of Seurat, these fine illustrations reveal the changing moods and gradual dishevelment of this fine country lady and the bliss experienced by her cow. Youngsters will enjoy noticing Miss Rosemary’s goose and pig, whose expressions range from perplexity to aggravation to satisfaction to complete amazement. A virtuoso debut” (School Library Journal, May 1993)! Kirkus Reviews points out that Johnson is “a well-known painter from Kentucky’s Appalachian coalfields,” which is set “firmly in mountain farm country” (Feb. 1, 1993). Publishers Weekly also identifies “the flavor of his native Kentucky Appalachians” in the acrylic paintings (Mar. 19, 1993).

134 • Johnson

Fearless Jack, illus. by author. New York: McElderry, 2001. K–4 Johnson’s picture book is inspired by Richard Chase’s The Jack Tales, but he also credits the stories he heard as a child growing up in the Kentucky mountains. “Johnson’s retelling ... is entertaining in word and picture. The Appalachian mountain dialect, which begs to be read aloud, provides a lot of flavor; the acrylic-on-canvas paintings convey perfectly the ‘rough around the edges’ spirit of the tall tale. Closer inspection reveals the impressionistic layering of strokes and dabs of color, a style that infuses each scene with vitality and warmth” (School Library Journal, July 1, 2001). Booklist comments on the “Appalachian twang, complete with distinct vocabulary and speech patterns” ( July 2001). Horn Book comments on the “aw-shucks tone” that is “just right for this wily, self-deprecating hero” (Sept./Oct. 2001). Kirkus Reviews notes the artwork, which “gives the tale a freely-drawn Appalachian setting, dressing his woolyhaired hero in rumpled country clothing” (May 1, 2001). And Publishers Weekly compliments Johnson’s “appropriately homespun feel” for this Appalachian variant of “Jack and the Giant Killer” (May 28, 2001).

The Goose Who Went Off in a Huff, illus. by author. New York: Orchard, 2001. K–2 Readers who liked Miss Rosemary and her farm animals in The Cow Who Wouldn’t Come Down will also delight in this story about Magnolia, a goose who, according to School Library Journal is “melancholy” and “harbors strong maternal urges” that “manifest themselves in some curious behavior.... Comical, cartoon like yet painterly illustrations perfectly suit this entertaining tale. Miss Rosemary’s charming country lilt comes through effectively in the text, making this a read-aloud full of personality” ( July 1, 2001). Booklist calls Johnson’s acrylic illustrations “a hoot.... The story is as funny as the pictures” (May 15, 2001). The Horn Book Guide is critical of the “somewhat random” ending but praises the “downhome story and pointillist illustrations” (Fall 2001). Johnson depicts “a rural vista of steep blue hillsides, wood-frame barns and a dusty dirt path” and “provides his trademark, light-speckled Appalachian settings” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 23, 2001).

Jack Outwits the Giants, illus. by author. New York: McElderry, 2002. K–2 Johnson’s second picture-version of a Jack tale (see Fearless Jack, 2001) is as popular with reviewers as the first one. In this tale of the famous trickster hero, “Johnson interweaves several familiar motifs from many traditions while bringing an authentic mountain twang to his telling” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 2002). When Jack finds himself “caught in an Appalachian downpour,” he and his hound dog seek shelter in a “remote farmhouse” belonging to a twoheaded giant and his wife. “Appalachian dialect,

down-home common sense, and quick-thinking,” along with “nimble wit,” make Jack’s escape possible. Johnson provides a “bright, new twist to a familiar folktale” (Booklist, June 1, 2002). His illustrations depict the “wooly haired, overall-clad trickster” and his “oversized adversaries with mottled skin, green nails, zero fashion sense and an increasingly avid look that clearly spells out their ill intentions” (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2002). School Library Journal notes Johnson’s “liberal use of similes and metaphors, as well as the moderate but humorous dialect.... From the eyecatching cover of the two-headed giant licking his lips as he contemplates Jack to the author’s note briefly tracing the ‘Jack Tale’ tradition, this down-home yarn is a fine sequel to Fearless Jack” (Nov. 1, 2002).

Old Dry Frye: A Deliciously Funny Tall Tale, illus. by author. New York: Scholastic, 1999. 2–4 School Library Journal considers Johnson’s picture book a “gentler version of an Appalachian folktale told in Richard Chase’s Grandfather Tales” (Sept. 1999), but other review sources question its gentleness. The humor in this tale about Old Dry Frye, a preacher who lives on Troublesome Creek and loves fried chicken, is darker than that of Johnson’s other books. Library Talk notes the “macabre” tone that may put off young children ( Jan./Feb. 2000), but Publishers Weekly compares the conclusion (a “cadaver bouncing along on a wild horse”) with Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and argues that the “tall-tale mood emanates from Johnson’s scenes of Appalachia and the exaggerated expressions of its inhabitants” (Oct. 11, 1999).

Johnson, Rick L. Bo Jackson: Baseball/Football Superstar. New York: Dillon, 1991. 3–7 Included in the Taking Part series, Johnson’s biography covers Jackson’s childhood, high school and college play, and career in professional baseball and football.

Johnson, William Sam Houston: The Tallest Texan. New York: Random, 1953. 4–7 Johnson presents the “many phases of Houston’s long career,” which include his service as Governor of Tennessee and President of Texas, “with a fine sense of historical and local color” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1953).

Johnston, Marianne Davy Crockett. New York: Rosen, 2001. 2–3 Johnston’s biography of Davy Crockett has “solid historical information,” but the writing often drifts to explanations of the basis of legends associated with the man (School Library Journal, June 2001).

Jones • 135

Johnston, Tony Amber on the Mountain, illus. by Robert Duncan. New York: Dial, 1994. K–3 This story about Amber’s quest for literacy in a remote Appalachian mountain community gets mixed reviews. School Library Journal finds little to praise in a book “that doesn’t quite work.... Johnston, who has used poetic language to great effect in previous books, seems to be straining to be descriptive here.” She uses clichés and “expressions that seem to evoke an Appalachian setting,” but “Duncan’s large, lush oil paintings unfortunately confuse the issues of time and place. While the frontispiece painting and the details of housing have an Appalachian look, the mountains have the sharp ridges of the Rockies. (The cover painting of the girls on a grassy hillside in front of imposing peaks even evokes strong images of Heidi.) While the setting includes no modern touches, the two children’s wardrobes seem to be directly out of the current L. L. Bean catalog” (Aug. 1994). Booklist, on the other hand, says that Duncan “captures the beauty of the mountain setting,” and that “Johnston’s way with words gives this quiet story a certain punch and originality.” The one slight negative observation is that “there’s no real conflict or even a flicker of doubt that Amber will succeed” in learning to read (Sept. 1, 1994). Publishers Weekly finds “believable characters and deft construction,” along with “recurring themes, lyrical images, and picturesque and convincing dialogue.... Duncan’s splendid oil paintings detail the beauty of mountain folk, misty clouds and glorious meadows dotted with wildflowers” ( June 1994). Kirkus praises the “beautifully honed narrative [that] glows with mountain imagery” and Duncan’s “luminous oil paintings of the remote farmland and ebullient children” (May 15, 1994).

Bone by Bone by Bone. New York: Roaring Brook, 2007. 6–up In this title, Johnston explores racism and friendship in 1950s segregated, rural Tennessee. Ten-year-old David Church’s racist father Franklin refuses to let him associate with his best friend Malcolm, an African American boy. He even goes so far as to threaten to shoot Malcolm if he comes in the house. David is close to his physician father, who has taught him anatomy (thus the title), but he cannot accept his brutal bigotry. “This beautifully written and haunting novel will leave readers with a deeper understanding of the country’s past and of the heavy price that sometimes must be paid in order to live with integrity” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2007). While Johnston uses “raw language,” she makes no excuses for it. “Although perhaps no more raw than rap lyrics today, Johnston’s powerful prose is far more thought provoking and poignant” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Oct. 1, 2007). The prose is “compelling, sometimes harrowing” (Publishers Weekly, Aug. 20, 2007). According to Booklist, “Readers ... will feel haunted

by this powerful story of a child awakening to family secrets and violence, and the racially motivated terrorism enforced by the Jim Crow South” (Aug. 1, 2007).

Trail of Tears, illus. by Barry Moser. New York: Scholastic, 1998. K–4 Forced to leave their native homeland, Native Americans suffer and die along the Trail of Tears.

Yonder, illus. by Lloyd Bloom. New York: Dial, 1988; Salt Lake City: Gibbs Smith, 2002. K–3 A plum tree shows the change of seasons and the changing patterns of three generations in a 19th-century farmer’s family. “Johnston’s evocative verse inspires Bloom to brilliant use of color and style as each passage of the farmer’s life is mirrored in the changing seasons” (Booklist, May 1, 1988). The text is marked by “gentle rolling rhythms.... Human bonds echo through the pages, from one generation to the next, in poses and postures effectively conveyed with line” (School Library Journal, May 1, 1988). In 2003, the Horn Book considered the book a “welcome reissue” marked by the “eloquent simplicity of a Shaker hymn” (Apr. 1, 2003).

Jones, Adrienne Whistle Down a Dark Lane. New York: Harper and Row, 1982. 6–9 The narrator, Margery, relates the post–World War I story of her father’s abandonment of her and her sister Blainey when they were seven and ten years old. Set in a summer vacation area in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the story explores interrelationships and social changes, including the presence of the Ku Klux Klan. The Bulletin calls this a “good period story” with “trenchant and sensitive observations” on race relations and women’s fight for voting rights. “A strong story, smoothly structured and written” (Nov. 1982).

Jones, Veda Boyd Nellie the Brave. Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour, 2006. 4–7 This fictional account of a young Cherokee girl, who is forced to leave her home in Tennessee and travel the Trail of Tears to the Oklahoma Indian Territory, is a title in the Sisters in Time series. The main character, Nellie Starr, must rely on her courage and faith, core qualities of this Christian series of 24 titles designed for girls aged 8–12. (RH)

Jones, Weyman The Talking Leaf, illus. by E. Harper Johnson. New York: Dial, 1965. 5–7 Atsee is a Cherokee boy who is faced with the dilemma of whether to adopt the “customs of the white man.” Jones’ short historical novel takes place during the presidency of Monroe and includes Se-

136 • Joseph quoyah as a character. Atsee is an “appealing hero,” and Jones’s “style is excellent, although the last chapter is weak; particularly effective is the skillful use of snatches of Cherokee legend, which advance rather than slow the narrative” (Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1966).

Joseph, Paul West Virginia. Edina, MN: Abdo, 1998. 3–4 This title in the United States series provides brief introduction to the geography, history, natural resources, industries, cities, and people of West Virginia. Includes an index and bibliography.

Josephs, Anna Catherine Mountain Boy, illus. by Bill Ersland. Milwaukee, WI: Raintree, 1985. 1–3 Anna Catherine Josephs, age nine, won Raintree’s 1985 “Publish a Book” contest with this true Civil War story about Tommy Zachary, age 14, who courageously led Union soldiers on a 52-day journey from South Carolina, through the mountains, to safety. The story “gets its holding power from the inherent drama of events rather than from characterization.... The story works well as a picture-book history lesson; accompanying full-color illustrations have dramatic presence, though line work is sometimes overly sketchy and some faces are stiff ” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 1986).

Josephson, Judith Pinkerton Jesse Owens, Track and Field Legend. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1997. 6–10 This title in the African-American biographies series examines the life and accomplishments of Jesse Owens, Alabama native and African-American Olympic gold medalist in track and field. The “text is choppy [but] ... include[s] interesting tidbits” about Owens’ life (Horn Book Guide, Spring 1998). The “strong focus” on Owens’ childhood in Alabama and Ohio is a considerable strength (School Library Journal, Jan. 1998). A chronology, bibliography, and index are included.

Mother Jones: Fierce Fighter for Workers’ Rights. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1997. 4–up This biography of labor leader Mother Jones is compared by Booklist to Kraft’s Mother Jones (1995) and Bartoletti’s Growing up in Coal Country (1996). “Compelling” photographs and “unobtrusively documented” primary sources make this an important book (Feb. 1, 1997). “The author deals gracefully with the various gaps that exist in Jones’s life and with her wonderfully apt and grammatically lapsed letters. An accessible, genuine volume on a worthy figure in our history” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1997).

5–up This biography tells the story of a poor Scotsman who immigrated to Pittsburgh, amassed great wealth, and then became known as one of America’s most philanthropic private citizens. According to the Foreword, written by Mary Jane Judson Rice ( Judson’s daughter), Judson’s biographies for children are designed to show how American heroes and figures such as Carnegie helped solidify the basic beliefs of the American Dream, one of which is the rags-toriches theme. According to Marilyn Jurich, Judson focuses on Carnegie’s successes and his drive, depicting him as “the allegorical American figure of ‘the gogetter.’” Jurich comments further that “Riches are not justified if the rags have not been flaunted beforehand. In biographies of Andrew Carnegie for children, ... the hero’s early life is marked by poverty,” but one wonders whether that poverty is emphasized to the exclusion of assistance that he garnered from family and acquaintances who lived in Pittsburgh (“What’s Left Out of Biography for Children.” In How Much Truth Do We Tell the Children?: The Politics of Children’s Literature, edited by Betty Bacon. Minneapolis, MN: MEP, 1988).

Andrew Jackson: Frontier Statesman. Chicago: Wilcox and Follett, 1954. 5–up Judson “highlights the dramatic incidents” of Jackson’s political and military career but “underplays the social scandals which haunted him.” She displays “[e]xcellent literary style combined with charming drawings and handsome format,” while showing the nation as “ready for a frontier statesman” (Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1955).

Justus, May At the Foot of Windy Low, illus. by Carrie Dudley. Joliet, IL: Volland, 1930. 2–5 Set in “an elbow crook of the Great Smoky Mountains” (7), Windy-Low Mountain is the home of Letty Ann Oliver, her widowed mother (a weaver), Simple Simon (an “outlander”), Sukey the cow, Tobe Ellison, Granny Ogelvie, Miss Annie (the schoolteacher), and a host of other neighbors. The brightlycolored, cartoon-like illustrations depict a place and a people that have more in common with the Swiss Alps and Heidi than Appalachia. In this 1930 publication, Justus does not use the heavy dialect that characterizes her later books. (RH)

Banjo Billy and Mr. Bones. Chicago: Whitman, 1944.

Judson, Clara Ingram

2–5 Billy is a mountain boy looking for a place for him, his banjo, and his dog to stay. Aunt Mary and Uncle Billy O’Dear take him in, in exchange for which he tries to make himself useful. “Tennessee mountain folk and life presented by an author who specializes in this type of story” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1944).

Andrew Carnegie, illus. by Steele Savage. Chicago: Follett, 1964.

Barney, Bring Your Banjo, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1959.

Justus • 137 1–3 Library Journal compares this title with Ellis Credle’s work because of the subject matter and the setting. Barney goes “down, down the mountain” to find all the verses to “Tale of a Pig,” which he hopes to play on his banjo for a play-party. “Delightfully told, attractively illustrated by Jean Tamburine, including the words and music of the song, this simple, short tale should be enjoyed by younger readers” than the age group that typically enjoys Justus’ stories ( June 15, 1959). Kirkus Reviews describes the book as “rich in detail of mountain life.” Justus “unobtrusively introduces the stages through which a song collector would go in piecing together a traditional ballad” (Apr. 1, 1959). The San Francisco Chronicle considers it a “joyful tale” that provides “excellent background of Tennessee mountain life” (Sept. 27, 1959).

Betty Lou of Big Log Mountain, illus. by Starr Gephart. New York: Doubleday, Doran, 1928; New York: Sun Dial, 1937. 6–up This title in the Young Moderns Bookshelf series was originally 243 pages; it was shortened to 184 pages and reissued as Big Log Mountain, illustrated by Jean Tamburine, in 1958 [see below].

Big Log Mountain, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1958. 6–up Dr. Dane, his daughter Betty Lou, and Aunt Sue leave their comfortable life in Louisville, Kentucky, for the mission on Big Log Mountain. Dane’s father established the mission, which is now run by Professor and Mrs. Poget and Marian Lindsey, the schoolteacher-nurse. The plot centers on Betty Lou’s friendship with Milly Moore, a local girl who wants to go away to school but does not have the money. She and Betty Lou make a plan to market wooden animals carved by Uncle Pete Sams, who is an invalid. Of course, their plan succeeds; in addition, they capture the outlaw Wes Wilkins, for whom there is a $500 reward. All works out in the end as the community builds a hospital, Dr. Dane marries Marian, and Betty Lou and Milly go off to school with the promise that they will return next summer. The predictable plot moves well, though the characters lack development. The bits of interspersed folklore, songs, and dialect add interest. (RH)

Bluebird, Fly Up!, illus. by Helen Finger. New York: Lippincott, 1943. 3–6 This collection of short stories features Glory and Matt, who live in a Great Smoky Mountains community in Tennessee. In addition to the typical adventures, the collection includes folklore and songs. “Only one who knows and loves the Southern mountaineers could write as intimately about their daily lives. Unexpected turns of phrase and unfamiliar words keep the less able ten- and 11-year-old readers from many of the books of May Justus, but without her use of dialect much of the charm would disappear” (Library Journal, June 15, 1943). Book Week

notes the “real tang of the mountains,” which is found “in the talk of the people, in the way they live, in their homely pleasures and sometimes bitterly serious problems.... A fine picture for the rest of America of how one little known part of the country lives” ( June 20, 1943).

Cabin on Kettle Creek, illus. by Helen Finger. New York: Lippincott, 1941. 4–6 Matt and Glory, along with their mother and grandfather, engage in the typical “mountain” activities that have come to characterize Justus’ work. Library Journal notes that Justus is known for her “authentic descriptions of the Tennessee mountaineers, of their cabin homes and their hospitality, of their fiddling and the songs they sing, of their simple pleasures and what seem to us their ‘peculiarsome’ ways.... Less plot is to be found than in some of her other books, but even more emphasis on folkways.” The book is recommended for “better readers ... who can take unfamiliar words and turns of phrase in their stride” (Nov. 15, 1941). The Saturday Review of Literature considers it “Interesting if not exciting” (Nov. 8, 1941).

Children of the Great Smoky Mountains, illus. by Robert Henneberger. New York: Dutton, 1952. 3–6 This collection of 15 stories about an East Tennessee mountain community includes folklore and songs. Library Journal says that the tales are too short for readers in this age group and recommends the title for “use in connection with study of mountain life” (Oct. 1, 1952). The New York Times Book Review concurs: “No one knows the people and the place better than May Justus,” and the stories have a “comfortable, homely” feel to them, but the characters are not well drawn and the book has a “certain monotony” (Nov. 30, 1952).

The Complete Peddler’s Pack, illus. by Jean Tamburine. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1967. 2–6 This collection of Tennessee Mountain folklore, first published under the title The Peddler’s Pack (1957), includes the typical sayings, games, songs, rhymes, and riddles, and the 1967 reprint includes the words and music to 19 songs along with an Introduction by Edwin C. Kirkland. “When correctly introduced, these old sayings have as great appeal to youth today as to children of yesterday. Black-and-white illustrations by Jean Tamburine add interest and life” (Library Journal, June 15, 1957).

Dixie Decides, illus. by Aldren A. Watson. New York: Random, 1942. 6–up In 1942, Library Journal considered this Justus novel a “[m]odern story of [a] Tennessee mountain girl.” Dixie O’Dell, age 16, develops a friendship with Si Rector, whose family is the enemy of her own.

138 • Justus Si sparks her interest in education and “the outside world.” The characters “are all very real people and make this an exceptionally fine story for girls in their teens” (Oct. 1, 1942). Horn Book describes this title as “the most ambitious of May Justus’ books.” Dixie represents “the best type of a strong, generous people, weighed down by superstition and lack of opportunity” (Sept. 1942). A New York Times review called the novel “unassuming” but “sound and sweet as a russet apple in its portrayal of a girl reaching for and finding a more gracious way of life. Miss Justus does not romanticize the mountain people, but she does know their instinctive kindliness and generosity, their proud sense of honor as well as their stubbornness and suspicion of change” ( Jan. 10, 1943).

Eben and the Rattlesnake, illus. by Carol Wilde. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1969. 3–5 This tall tale, set in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, recounts the story of Eben whose hoe handle is bitten by a rattlesnake. In true tall-tale fashion, Justus explains how the handle swells so that it can be used for lumber to build a corn crib, but as the venom subsides, the structure shrinks to become a dog house. “Also appearing in the story is a circuit-riding preacher, who gives the industrious Eben a leaflet with a cautionary tale on laziness. Penand-ink sketches, highlighted in gold, accompany the story which can be used for independent reading, supplementary reading, and story hours” (Library Journal, June 15, 1970).

Fiddle Away, illus. by Erick Berry [pseud. of Allena Champlin Best]. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1942. 4–5 This 28-page book is part of the Story Parade Picture Book series. The words and music for “The Swapping Song” are included, making this title a nice companion to Jean Ritchie’s The Swapping Song Book (1952). (RH)

Fiddlers’ Fair, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1945. 4–5 Described by Library Journal as a “neat little boy-and-girl story for the fourth and fifth grade group,” this title presents the story of two feuding Appalachian families. “Characters are May Justus’ lively mountaineer youngsters fighting a feud and fighting against it. And it all comes out right for Andy and Sally, Ann and Jim and the Fiddlers’ Fair” (Dec. 1, 1945).

Fun for Hunkydory, illus. by Sue d’Avignon. Racine, WI: Western, (1963) 1976. K–2 This Little Golden Book features Hunkydory, who first appeared in Toby Has a Dog in 1949, followed by Whoop-ee, Hunkydory! in 1952 [see below]. In this story, Hunkydory is left in charge of the yard while his master Toby goes off to town. Hunkydory leaves the yard to explore “real fun” with various farm animals and concludes that “staying-at-home dogg y

fun” is better than colt fun, pig fun, goat fun, squirrel fun, or raccoon fun. Though the text does not identify the story as Appalachian, d’Avignon’s illustrations depict a rural farm setting. (RH)

Here Comes Mary Ellen, illus. by Helen Finger. New York: Lippincott, 1940. 4–6 Mary Ellen, a character from Near-Sideand-Far, goes to stay a second year with Granny Allen and attend the Mission School. She and the characters engage in the activities that have come to characterize Justus’ fiction and “which give to the book the flavor of the [Tennessee] mountain country this author knows well.” In this volume, Mary Ellen is rendered by a new illustrator, Helen Finger, who creates a “more convincing” character than is depicted in the 1936 title. “In the writing, however, she is the same capable person for her years” (Library Journal, June 15, 1940). The Boston Transcript remarks on the “superstitious and quaint speech of the mountain people” that “add[s] charm to the story” ( June 15, 1940). The Christian Science Monitor considers this to be a “true picture of Tennessee Mountain life,” which is a “less familiar but fascinating corner where simple living, friendliness and adventure may be found” (Aug. 26, 1940). The New York Times Book Review notes the absence of plot, but the “chapters are almost complete stories in themselves of that friendly, hospitable life of ballad-singing and housewarmings, of recitation day at school, and of neighborly acts performed with grace and simplicity.” Though the subjects are repetitive of other Justus books, they are “nevertheless, told with the same warmth and charm, the same flavor of picturesque speech and custom” ( June 9, 1940).

Holidays in No-End Hollow, illus. by Vivian Berger. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1970. 2–5 Library Journal considers this collection of four stories to be “lackluster accounts of celebrations in the Tennessee hills.... The characters are too selfsacrificing to be believable,” and the illustrations reflect “more personality” than does the text. “The unexciting stories will leave readers waiting for something to happen” (Feb. 15, 1971).

Honey Jane, illus. by Charles Smith. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Doran, 1935. 4–6 This is the story of Honey Jane’s visit with her father to their McCreary relatives on Thunder Mountain, where they help end the Oliver-McCreary feud. The New York Times says that with the possible exception of Charlie May Simon, Justus, more than any other writer, “richly portrays both the spirit and the physical aspects of life among the mountain people.” Honey Jane is described as a “wholly lovable character, forthright, impulsive and generous, and the story of her adventures [is] wholly satisfying” (Dec. 22, 1935). Horn Book considers this a “good story filled with the ballads and ways of Tennessee Mountain village life” (Oct. 1935).

Justus • 139

The House in No-End Hollow, illus. by Erick Berry [pseud. of Allena Champlin Best]. New York: Doubleday, Doran, 1938. 4–6 Becky Turner, age 15, must give up school to care for her younger siblings, Jessie and Jeff, when their father dies. This is “a simple, true picture of mountain life,” including “the wonder of glass windows and pink soap, the extreme hospitality and courtesy of mountain people, their admiration for the young, progressive school teacher who encourages craft work of all kinds, and, most of all, what the courage and the longing of the fifteen-year-old Becky for an education can do for the whole community” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1938). Horn Book sees this as the “beginning of mountain industries, weaving, carving, pottery” (Nov. 1938). The Christian Science Monitor calls this “A vigorous and dramatic story” (Nov. 17, 1938).

Hurrah for Jerry Jake, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1945. 3–5 When Ben Bailey begins to tear down a log structure that serves as both schoolhouse and church on Kettle Creek, the community is distressed, but Jerry Jake “saves the day.” “Some school-bound youngsters of the middle years may have a little trouble figuring out just why Jerry Jake was so anxious to save the little log schoolhouse in the Cumberland Mountains from old Ben Bailey’s greedy hands, but he tries so hard that they will rejoice when he finally does” (New York Times, Feb. 3, 1946). Kirkus considers this Justus title to be “good regional material” and “a thoroughly readable story” (Aug. 15, 1945). The Springfield Republican praises the “charming and realistic” illustrations and suggests that “the many local expressions will please readers” (Feb. 3, 1946).

It Happened in No-End Hollow, illus. by Mimi Korach. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1968. 3–5 In her author’s note, Justus explains that these are the kind of tales she heard around the hearth as she grew up “in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains.” All three stories are set in No-End Hollow. “Old Ben Bailey Meets His Match” is a typical boy-loves-dog tale about Lester’s foxhound Funny Face. “Little Lihu’s Lucky Day” is a reverse Goldilocks story about superstition. “Don’t Be a Silly-Billy” is a tale in the tradition of numbskulls or sillies, but with a twist. In all three stories, the characters may be attractive to children, but the punch line will appeal more to adults. Two of these stories were previously published as Luck for Little Lihu (1950) and Lester and His Hound Pup (1960). The unattractive illustrations — green color on black-ink sketches — are reminiscent of Glen Rounds’ art. A title in the Reading Shelf series. (RH)

Jerry Jake Carries On, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1943. 4–5 When his grandfather gets a sawmill job, Jerry Jake must take on the farm chores at home,

which include taking care of his grandmother. “Although story is slight, the atmosphere of the Southern mountaineers is good” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1943).

Jumping Johnny and Skedaddle, illus. by Robert Henneberger. Evanston, IL: Row, Peterson, 1958. 2–5 This story of Jumping Johnny and his trained mule Skedaddle is rendered “with humor and directness” and “has the mountain folk quality we have come to expect from this author” (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1958).

Jumping Johnny Outwits Skedaddle, illus. by Raymond Burns. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1971. 2–5 Set in the Tennessee mountains, this is the story of Jumping Johnny and his strong-willed, untrainable mule Skeddadle. “Johnny eventually figures out how to train his mule to do farm work and carry heavy loads, and Johnny and Skedaddle successfully journey through the mountains during a snowstorm to fetch a doctor for the many sick people in Johnny’s settlement, ‘No-End Hollow.’” This “wellpaced story moves agreeably from dilemma to dilemma and should sustain reader interest” (Library Journal, July 1972). A title in the Folk Tales series and in the Reading Shelf series.

Lester and His Hound Pup, illus. with photographs by Joan Balfour Payne. New York: Hastings, 1960. 3–5 This boy-loves-dog story set in the Tennessee mountains “may have more general appeal than some of the author’s previous books.” It depicts mountain people and place with “[f ]ine feeling.” The book compares with Billy Clark’s Mooneyed Hound, which is for older readers (Library Journal, June 15, 1960). The novel “appeals ... as an adventure story, as a depiction of the habits and temperament of the hound dog, and as a rich portrayal of life among the Tennessee mountaineers.” Payne’s illustrations lend “strong support to well paced text” (Kirkus Reviews, Feb. 1, 1960). According to Saturday Review, urban children will find the Cumberland Mountains setting “as unfamiliar as an exotic Eastern land.” The “simple and warm” story is “filled with the special flavor of the region” and depicts “a way of life that still can be found in this country but is fast disappearing” (May 7, 1960).

Lizzie, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1944. 4–6 Lizzie earns money by selling flowers to the owner of a hotel in the Tennessee mountains. She makes friends with a “little city girl” and is able to leave her mountain home for a city visit with her new friend. “Lizzie is a charming character, and the mountaineer expressions and bits of description” lend the

140 • Justus story “atmosphere.” Except for Lizzie and Gramps, “the characters are wooden,” but Justus delivers a “pleasant regional story,” nevertheless, with “[a]ttractive illustrations” (Library Journal, May 15, 1944). The Peabody Journal of Education comments that any new Justus “mountain story ... is cause for rejoicing.” In this case, the “dialect is not overdone,” and though the “quaint expressions and phrases” do not really qualify as dialect, the effect is “charming” (Sept. 1944).

Luck for Little Lihu, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Aladdin, 1950. 3–5 “Slight but pleasant story” about the fortunes of Lihu, who is the 13th child in his Tennessee mountain family. “Major happenings are the acquisition of a mule, making it possible for Little Lihu to go to school, and his learning to read the Good Book as a Christmas present for his mother” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1950). Lihu also learns to read Robinson Crusoe, which was a present from his grandfather. “A Tennessee Mountain woman herself, May Justus is able to write simply and sincerely” about this character (Horn Book, Nov. 1950). She “has written a simple, flavorsome tale of the mountain people,” with “more substance” than much of her “recent work. The color of the regional speech is conveyed in words and rhythm, rather than in literal, hard-to-read dialect” (New York Times, Oct. 29, 1950).

Lucky Penny, illus. by Frederick T. Chapman. New York: Aladdin, 1951. 3–4 This story of a hound dog (Snapper), two mules (Sampson and Dilly-dally), and two boys (Davy Carr and Mimmy Greer), set in No-End Hollow in the Tennessee mountains, “come[s] alive” with Justus’ “vigorous” plot. As in Luck for Little Lihu, she has altered her presentation of dialect, using “the turn of phrase and unusual wording typical of this section without allowing the reading to become too difficult. There is a definite plot, too, which holds one’s attention.” Unfortunately, Chapman’s illustrations are “mediocre” (Library Journal, Aug. 1951).

The Mail Wagon Mystery, illus. by Lucia Patton. Chicago: Whitman, 1940. 4–6 This is a Tennessee-mountain story about the robbery of the mail wagon, which brings the payroll to miners; includes a feud between the Murrays and the Coomers.

Mary Ellen. Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1947. 3–5 Mary Ellen first appeared as a character in the Justus title Near-Side-and-Far in 1936, followed by Here Comes Mary Ellen in 1940. According to the Peabody Journal of Education, this is another story about “East Tennessee mountain people told as only May Justus can tell a story” (Sept. 1948).

Mr. Songcatcher and Company, illus. by Howard Simon. New York: Doubleday, Doran, 1940. 3–6 Joe Purdy, who wants a fiddle, accompanies the “outlander” Mr. Songcatcher in his search for

old ballads. Together they travel to places with names such as Kettle Creek, Look-A-Yonder, and Far Beyant, interviewing neighbors and taking notes. The New York Times praises the “genuine and human qualities” of Justus’ story, which are “well expressed” in the illustrations, making for a deserving book (Nov. 10, 1940). Library Journal disagrees but finds redeeming qualities, nevertheless: “There is no absorbing plot; the numbers of characters are confusing; folkways are packed in rather solidly. But all those who love the Smokies rejoice to have another book for children which presents so well life in the more remote parts of the mountains” (Sept. 1, 1940).

Nancy of Apple Tree Hill, illus. by Lucia Patton. Chicago: Whitman, 1942. 6–up Nancy and Dan Turner must care for their ten younger siblings while their father is ill, so they move to their father’s old Tennessee home where they work at Apple Tree Hill and earn enough money to keep the family together and settle debts. This title is characterized by “much less emphasis on background of the Smokies and customs of the mountaineers than in [the] majority of [Justus’] books” (Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1942). According to the Peabody Journal of Education, “Another Tennessee book by Miss Justus is always welcomed with delight.” The action and adventure are appealing, and though “the children earn the living” in this story, “there is no unbelievable good fortune or ability beyond their ages” (May 1943).

Near-Side-and-Far, illus. by Grace Mallon. New York: Suttonhouse, 1936. 3–4 Mary Ellen is the middle child and can “be spared best,” so she is sent to spend the winter with Granny Allen, who lives on Big Log Mountain. Mary Ellen is happy with the opportunity to attend school (which has glass windows), buy a pair of shoes, experience a Thanksgiving feast, and make friends with Lovey Jane. Justus’ story “is simply told and peopled with kindly folk.... The dialect is unobtrusive and the black and white illustrations ... are well suited to the story” (Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1937). The New York Times is effusive in its praise of the book: Justus “knows ... the courage and ingenuity with which the hill people face” poverty, and she renders their story with “effective simplicity.” On the other hand, this title is not as “substantial in plot and characterization” as Justus’ previous titles, though the “authenticity of detail” continues to “distinguish her best work” (Feb. 14, 1937).

The Other Side of the Mountain, illus. by Berkeley Williams. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Doran, 1931; New York: Hastings, 1957. 3–5 Until she is ten years old, Glory Allison lives on Little Twin Mountain in Tennessee; then she is able to visit “Far Beyant,” and adventures follow. Justus depicts the ordinary “happenings of mountain

Justus • 141 children as well as the glory of the Twin Mountain in the Great Smoky Ranges” (Wisconsin Library Bulletin, Oct. 1931).

agrees that the “style is somewhat young” for the targeted age group, and the book can be read aloud for the younger grades (Oct. 1, 1953).

Peddler’s Pack, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1957.

Peter Pocket’s Book, Including Peter Pocket and Peter Pocket’s Luck, illus. by Mabel Pugh. New York: Doubleday, Doran, 1934.

1–5 In the Introduction, Justus says she has known most of these “play party games, songs, riddles, and rhymes” all her life: “As a child in the Great Smoky Mountains I learned them from my neighbors and kin. I learned them in my log-cabin home and in the old log schoolhouse where I went to school to my father. My mother ... taught me most of the playparty songs ... [and my] father gave me most of the tunes” (14). Booklist considers the collection a “pleasant, attractively illustrated bit of Americana” ( July 1, 1957). According to Horn Book, “Children think these are great fun, and lower-grade teachers find them useful in teaching phonics” (Aug. 1957).

2–4 In this sequel to Justus’ 1927 tale about Peter Pocket, the main character has advanced three years to age nine. “In this he has his ninth birthday, goes to the mountain school, and to the village to sell firewood, and continues to play his merry tunes and to sing” (Booklist, Nov. 1930). A title in the Junior Books series.

Peter Pocket: A Little Boy of the Cumberland Mountains, illus. by Mabel Pugh. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1927.

The Right House for Rowdy, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1960.

1–3 Justus relates an episodic story about Peter Pocket, who lives in the Cumberland Mountains and is much loved by his community, his teacher Miss Maggie, his Granny Messer, and his dog Pickle Pup. Peter enjoys a happy life and eventually gets the fiddle he so desperately wants. The final message, that love “counts far more than riches, ... was proved in the story” (Booklist, Dec. 1927). A Bookman review is incredibly enthusiastic about the verisimilitude of this tale: “The reader feels with him — his affections, his loyalties, his suffering poverty and self-denials, his passion for music. So much do I care for Peter and this little book that I found myself at the end ... dreaming dreams of Peter’s future musical career! It’s an enchanting story, full of freshness and poignancy” (Nov. 1927). Peter Pocket is May Justus’ first book for children.

Peter Pocket and His Pickle Pup, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1953. 2–4 The character Peter Pocket first appeared in 1927; in this collection of 13 “chapters” in a year of his life, his adventures continue on Pine Mountain, with Granny Messer and Pickle Pup, his dog. According to the Chicago Sunday Tribune, Justus’ personal experience of attending a Tennessee mountain school informs the story with “good local color, fine every day sights and sounds, old sayings and customs, and the speech of a genuine, warm, friendly sort of mountain folk” (Nov. 15, 1953). The New York Times Book Review describes Peter’s “mountain world” as full of “the pleasures and the privations of backwoods cabin folk.” Justus’ tale is “easy-going,” though she does not stint in presenting the difficulties of Peter’s life. The “tongue-twisting names make for stumbly reading aloud,” but the book is, on the whole, easy reading for the age group (Sept. 20, 1953). Library Journal

1–4 A reissue of two titles previously published in 1927 and 1930.

Peter Pocket’s Luck, illus. by Mabel Pugh. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Doran, 1930.

1–3 Tib Turner, who lives in a cabin with his parents in No-End Hollow, needs a house for his dog Rowdy. “This story answers the demand by young readers of the author’s previous books who asked for another dog story. Very nice black-and-white drawings by Jean Tamburine show cozy interiors and the outdoor activities of a Tennessee mountain family” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1960). According to Kirkus Reviews, “May Justus ... writes knowingly of the locale ... [and] incorporates a very believable situation into a framework of natural humor and gentle fantasy” (Sept. 1, 1960).

Sammy, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1946. 2–4 Sammy Pennybacker, who lives in the Tennessee mountains, wants new clothes for the lastday-of-school program, when he plans to sing a song and accompany himself on the banjo. Sammy is able to help Mr. Songcatcher in his search for a particular ballad, “There Was a Little Tree,” and as a result, gets his wish. Justus includes the words and music for the ballad. “Authentic details of mountain life, an engaging little boy, and colorful illustrations compensate for lack of plot in this happy story” (New York Times Book Review, Sept. 1, 1946). Kirkus notes the “[p]leasant family relations, quaint speech and customs” (Aug. 15, 1946), and Library Journal says the tale is “told absorbingly” (Oct. 1, 1946).

Smoky Mountain Sampler, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Abingdon, 1962. 4–6 A collection of seven stories from Justus’ previously-published titles, including Dixie Decides (1942), The House in No-End Hollow (1938), Honey Jane (1935), Cabin on Kettle Creek (1942), Mr. Songcatcher and Company (1940), and Bluebird, Fly Up! (1943). Also includes songs from Raine’s Land of

142 • Justus Saddle-bags. “Juvenile admirers of the May Justus stories will recognize the episodes, but most libraries will find hardly enough use for this to justify purchase” (Library Journal, Jan. 1963).

Step Along and Jerry Jake, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1942. 4–6 Step Along, a Tennessee Cumberland Mountain peddler, and Jerry Jake develop a mutually beneficial friendship, which allows Jerry to realize his dream of visiting “Far Beyant.” “Wholesome, unpretentious story of Tennessee mountain folk, with nice atmosphere and satisfactory characterization.” The title will be “useful also for slow readers somewhat older, though Christine Chisholm’s illustrations picture Jerry as much younger than going on eleven, as he is supposed to be” (Library Journal, Aug. 1942). This title is praised by the Peabody Journal of Education as “another of May Justus’s delightful stories of the Tennessee mountains” (May 1943).

Surprise for Peter Pocket, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1955. 4–6 The Peabody Journal of Education considers this Justus title a “precious story” about Peter Pocket, Granny Messer, and his Pickle Pup, who live the “simple life” on Pine Mountain, “which Justus has made famous” (Sept. 1955). The plot concerns Peter’s collection of his father’s songs, which is eventually published as a book. The New York Times Book Review deems this a “fine regional tale” about Peter and the “warmhearted mountain people.” The book could have been better, however, if Justus “had let a smidgen of human orneriness mingle with that pure mountain air” (May 1, 1955).

Susie, illus. by Christine Chisholm. Chicago: Whitman, 1947. 4–5 The Tennessee mountain peddler, Step Along, who appeared in Justus’ 1942 title Step Along and Jerry Jake, comes down with a cold and stays two nights with the Linders family on Little Twin Mountain. “Susie and her brothers enjoy company food, music, and singing during his visit. Most of all, they like the ‘pretties’ he carries in his pack and the ‘fancyfine treasures’ he gives them when he leaves. Authentic regional material with fine illustrations” (Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1948). Kirkus Reviews considers the story “Excellent supplementary reading as well as entertainment” (Mar. 1, 1948).

Tale of a Pig: Adaptation of an American Folk Song, illus. by Frank Aloise. New York, Abingdon, 1963. K–3 This title is a 25-page adaptation of an old folk song that appears on page 72 of Justus’s Peddler’s Pack [see above]. Contains music and words of the song.

Tales from Near-Side and Far, illus. by Herman B. Vestal. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1970.

2–5 This collection of four stories from the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee (“Hound Pup Names Himself,” “Here Comes Step-Along,” “A Good Stay-Place,” and “Jumping Johnny”) features “authentic regional atmosphere and dialect” with illustrations “that are reminiscent of McCloskey’s for Journey Cake, Ho!” (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1970).

Then Came Mr. Billy Barker, illus. by Joan Balfour Payne. New York: Hastings, 1959. 2–4 Mr. Billy Barker builds a cabin and plants a garden at the foot of Big Log Mountain, which is home to Slippy Coon, Snoopy Possum, and an assortment of other animals. They decide to force him to move by destroying his garden. When Mr. Billy Barker erects a scarecrow that looks amazingly like himself, the animals think there are two of him and decide to leave. They find a good home on the other side of Big Log Mountain in Barker’s former cabin, which had fallen down and which is surrounded by a good supply of persimmons and wild grapes. The absence of dialect in this 45-page story makes it easier to read than many of Justus’ other books, but the length and the loose plot make it unsuitable for very young readers. (RH)

Toby Has a Dog, illus. by Sanford Tousey. Chicago: Whitman, 1949. 1–4 Uncle Tobe gives his nine-year-old namesake Toby Tolliver a dog. Toby lives on a farm in NoEnd Hollow on Little Twin Mountain. All the farm animals have names (Molasses the mule, Missy the cow), but Toby cannot find the right name for the “hound pup.” His father suggests “Worthless” because the dog, unlike the other animals, does not earn his keep and causes more trouble than he is worth. When the family goes to Big Meeting Day to hear the Circuit Rider preach, Toby instructs the dog to guard their picnic basket, and the dog saves it from Traipsing Tom, who tries to steal it. Toby is so happy he yells, “Whoop-ee! I’ve thought of a name for you, hound pup. It’s Hunky-dory!” (30) Everyone agrees that the name suits the dog, especially Uncle Tobe, who is proud of both Toby and Hunky-dory. The simple story is decorated with black-and-white drawings and four-color illustrations that do not interpret the text accurately and depict Toby as much older than age nine. Justus uses no dialect in this title but relies on vocabulary to convey a sense of regional speech. Hunkydory (spelled without the hyphen) appears again in two Little Golden Books Fun for Hunkydory (1952) [see above] and Whoop-ee, Hunkydory! (1963) [see below]. (RH)

Use Your Head, Hildy, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Holt, 1956. 2–4 Hildy’s mother goes away to “Far Beyant” to care for her sister. In her mother’s absence, Hildy, age 12, is left with the responsibility of caring for her family, but she takes advantage of her mother’s saying,

Kastner • 143 “Use your head, Hildy.” Booklist considers the title “unessential but agreeable and flavorsome” ( June 1, 1956). According to the New York Times, “The narrative is slight, but for any small girl who likes to housekeep there is a satisfyingly warm picture of family life.” The illustrations and “folksongs from this Tennessee author’s own collection add to the homely appeal of this little regional story” (May 6, 1956). Saturday Review considers this “a choice story of family relationships” (May 12, 1956).

Whoop-ee, Hunkydory!, illus. by Eileen Fox Vaughan. Racine, WI: Whitman, 1952. K–2 This Little Golden Book continues the tale of Hunkydory, a “hound pup,” and his master, Toby, who were first introduced in the 1949 title Toby Has a Dog [see above]. When Toby yells, “Sic that rabbit — go after him!” Hunkydory tries his best but is ashamed that he cannot catch the rabbit, which disappears into the turnip patch. More than anything, Hunkydory wants to learn to run “as fast as the wind,” so he makes friends with Molasses, the mule, and learns that he must wait until he grows up. Then he will be able to run fast. This didactic tale features rural characteristics and colloquial language, but the setting is not specifically identified as Appalachian, and Justus avoids the heavy dialect of many of her stories. (RH)

Winds a’Blowing, illus. by Jean Tamburine. New York: Abingdon, 1961. 2–5 Justus’ collection of 64 poems for young children reflects her experience and life among the Tennessee mountains. According to the Peabody Journal of Education, Justus has “captured” the “charm” of that life, as well as the “friendliness of mountain people” (Nov. 1961). Gwendolyn Brooks’s review for the Chicago Sunday Tribune deems these “Exuberant little lyrics that feature simple charm and melody” (Nov. 12, 1961). Not all reviewers agree, however. Kirkus Reviews argues that the “old fashioned charm” may be “alien” to urban children, and the illustrations depict younger children than the age group that will “best enjoy these poems” ( June 1, 1961). Library Journal does not recommend the book: “Rhythms and diction as well as [the] illustrations are amateurish” ( July 1961).

You’re Sure Silly, Billy!, illus. by Herman B. Vestal. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1972. 1–4 Justus’ title in the Venture Book Reading Program series is the story of Silly Billy who has no common sense and creates chaos because he “follows directions to the letter.” Like other titles in the series, it is “not overly funny.” However, the illustrations depict the “absurdity” well (School Library Journal, May 1973). Silly Billy is Justus’ adaptation of the ancient character known as Epamanondas, one of the original characters in the tradition of sillies. The tale is also compared with the Galdone Jack tale variant, Obedient Jack (1971).

Kassem, Lou Listen for Rachel. New York: McElderry, 1986. 6–9 Kassem’s coming-of-age story is set at the beginning of the Civil War. When Rachel’s parents die in a fire that destroys their store in Nashville, Tennessee, she goes to live with her “feisty, wise, humorous” grandparents in the mountains of East Tennessee. Rachel’s primary problem is adjustment: “Friends her own age are harder to find; city manners and outspoken intelligence put off the unsophisticated mountaineers.” While nursing the wounded Yankee Ben, she falls in love, and he decides to return to the “mountains she has come to love” when the war ends. “Kassem’s deft pen has made [her] real enough to sustain the story” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 1986). The Bulletin is less positive: “The plot devices” are “artificial,” and the style is “old-fashioned and occasionally trite.” But the “setting is strong, the dialect handled naturally, and the romance between Rachel and the Yankee soldier ... innocently appealing” ( Jan. 1987).

A Summer for Secrets. New York: Avon, 1989. 5–up At age six, Laura Vail discovered that she had the gift of foreknowledge of events. Now a teenager, she is embarrassed by her “difference” from her peers but is strong enough to be an individual. At her family’s summer chalet in the Virginia mountains, near the West Virginia border, she renews her sevenyear friendship with 14-year-old Toby Lancaster, who works at Crystal Mountain Stables. Toby helps her learn that uniqueness is not necessarily weirdness. When Laura’s gift of “sight” into the future helps rescue a kidnapped child, she confides in Toby, and he proves to be a good friend. The weak plot and sketchily drawn adults probably will not weaken the appeal of this pre–love-interest novel for early teens. (RH)

Kastner, Jill Snake Hunt, illus. by author. New York: Four Winds, Macmillan, 1993. K–2 Kastner’s story is based on memories of hiking with her grandfather in the Tennessee mountains. The exaggerated premise of the book is that Jesse and her Granddad go on a snake hunt, because snake tastes like chicken and can be served for dinner, but along the way they are startled by a flock of birds. “Kastner’s oil strokes on gessoed paper continue to contrast Granddad’s humorous fantasies of the hunt with his granddaughter’s cautious anticipation and apprehensions” (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1993). “It’s left to the reader to determine if Granddad is a storyteller who likes to play games, or if his storytelling has inflated his notion of his own hunting prowess.... These expressive oil paintings and comic side panels are among Kastner’s best work, ... and their theatricality is a counterpoint to the subtle humor of her words” (Publishers Weekly, July 19, 1993).

144 • Kavanagh

Kavanagh, Jack Honus Wagner. New York: Chelsea, 1994. 7–up A biography of Wagner, shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Shoeless Joe Jackson. New York: Chelsea, 1995. 3–up A biography of South Carolina native and baseball player “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.

Sports Great Joe Montana. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1992. 3–6 This “typical offering of its type” focuses on Montana’s sports career through 1990 but ignores his personal life. The book emphasizes his achievements at Notre Dame and as an NFL pro player, including Super Bowl appearances (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 1992). Includes black-and-white photographs.

Kay, Alan N. The following two titles from the Young Heroes of History series have Appalachian settings. Each includes bibliographical references.

No Girls Allowed. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 2003. 4–6 Two young girls join forces at the Battle of Antietam in the Civil War. “Mention of historical figures and places allows readers to learn facts in an easy-to-read format” (School Library Journal, Oct. 2004). Number five in the Young Heroes of History series.

Nowhere to Turn. Shippensburg, PA: White Mane, 2002. 7–9 Orphaned and living with an aunt and uncle, young Thomas runs away from their farm near Philadelphia to join the Union Army in 1862. Thomas and his dog Blue wind up in the thick of battle, from which the 12-year-old runs, but he returns and fights in the Battle of Antietam. “Although the characters are not very well rounded, the action and coming-ofage struggles make this book potentially popular for readers of historical fiction” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Oct. 2003). School Library Journal says that “themes such as antislavery, supporting the troops, and preserving the Union are balanced with Thomas’s personal problems and experiences. Some unresolved relationships will lead readers to the next installment in this series” (Nov. 1, 2003). Number four in the Young Heroes of History series.

Keams, Geri Grandmother Spider Brings the Sun: A Cherokee Story, illus. by James Bernadin. Flagstaff, AZ: Northland, 1995. K–3 Keams presents her version of a Cherokee legend where Possum, Buzzard, and Grandmother Spider attempt to bring the light to their dark side of the world. Keams relays this tale in a “lively, informal

style that lends itself to reading aloud” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1995). Illustrator Bernardin’s “portrayal” of the earth before and after sunlight is introduced is complemented by his “animal characterizations” (Horn Book Guide, Mar. 1996).

Keats, Ezra Jack John Henry: An American Legend, illus. by author. New York: Pantheon, 1965. K–3 The story of folk hero John Henry “is captured in a simple rhythmic picture book including the episodes of his birth with a hammer in his hand, work on the riverboat, driving spikes for the railroads, and beating the steam drill machine through the mountain.” Newbery-Medalist Keats’s illustrations are “dramatic and colorful ... with large bold figures [that] express the feeling of this tall tale” (School Library Journal, June 15, 1965). “Collage art and folk literature combine seamlessly” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 10, 1987).

Keehn, Sally M. Anna Sunday. New York: Philomel, 2002. 5–8 Keehn presents a Civil War story about motherless Anna Sunday, age 12, and her younger brother Jed, whose father is wounded in the first Battle of Winchester while fighting for the Union. The two children travel from their New Oxford, Pennsylvania, home through Maryland to Winchester, Virginia, to find their father, with Anna posing as a boy, Adam. Booklist considers this historical novel “well-researched” and says that “Keehn creates a number of vivid settings and original, believable characters, whose idiosyncrasies add texture and occasional humor to the story” ( June 1, 2002). Though the children have “possibly too many” adventures, they learn that “stereotypes don’t hold true” (Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2002). According to Publishers Weekly, Keehn’s “involved tale ... is at least plausible if not always fully believable” ( June 17, 2002). “Anna’s lively, first-person narrative and the novel’s girl-in-disguise intrigue create not only an absorbing perspective of the Civil War’s impact on the home front but also an understanding of 19th-century gender roles.” Though “Keehn is a bit heavy-handed with Anna’s ‘Look what I can do now that I’m in trousers!’ moralizing, she offers a well-paced coming-of-age story in which love and courage transcend war and politics” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2002). “This work of historical fiction ... will offer exciting reading for youngsters who enjoy stories of adventure, bravery, and triumph against great odds” (Childhood Education, Fall 2002).

Gnat Stokes and the Fogg y Bottom Swamp Queen. New York: Philomel, 2005. 5–8 Keehn adapts the Scottish ballad “Tam Lin” to an Appalachian, post–Civil War setting and tells the story through the voice of heroine Gnat Stokes. This “magical Appalachian tall tale ... is by turns, creepy, laugh-aloud funny, touching, and utterly

Kellogg • 145 satisfying.” The narration is “sassy and straight out of the Tennessee hills” (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2005). “Sally Keehn has created a remarkable heroine with an authentic Smoky Mountain voice. The dialect helps create the world of post–Civil War era mountain folk” (Library Media Connection, Jan. 2006). Kirkus Reviews considers this a “warm, suspenseful, over-the-top adventure that bubbles up with swamp wisdom” (Mar. 1, 2005). School Library Journal has this to say: “Told in Gnat’s mountain-tinged, irreverent voice, this imaginative tale is strewn with laughter from humor involving the consumption of beans to send-ups of self-righteous community figures who don’t favor education” (Apr. 1, 2005). The Horn Book Guide is alone in its somewhat negative assessment: “This Appalachian story ... is rich in colloquial language and characters, but the jumpy narrative ... is sometimes confusing” (Fall 2005).

I am Regina. New York: Philomel, 1991. 6–8 Keehn’s Indian captivity story is set in 1755 at the beginning of the French and Indian Wars in western Pennsylvania. Regina is kidnapped, given the name Tskinnak, and adjusts so readily to her new life that she comes to hate the British. In the end, she rejoins her mother. The novel is a “well-researched account of a factual story,” which “neither shies away from the horrible truths of war nor sentimentalizes its emotional content” (Publishers Weekly, Dec. 17, 2001). According to the Bulletin, “Characterization is adequate, and details of period and place are convincing; the writing has good pace, with a present-tense, firstperson narrative that is at times compelling” (Apr. 1991).

ume — West Virginia. In a totally implausible and thinly constructed mystery, Hannah gets transported from a science field trip in Wisconsin to a West Virginia community that is preparing for a festival. She quickly makes friends with Anne Megan Jones and her brother Jack, champion fiddler of the community. Hannah’s angels reveal that Zack has been kidnapped by his arch rival, Ben Turner; then they assist her and Annie in finding Zack and getting him to the festival just in time to win the fiddle contest. Throughout the adventure, Hannah keeps a journal to share with her best friend Katie when she returns to Wisconsin. The adults and the angels in the story are shadowy figures with no character development; West Virginia is depicted through the usual stereotypes — strip mining, fiddling, quilting, dialect, etc. A glossary at the end, titled “Cool Appalachian Stuff,” features characteristics (apple butter, good and bad mushrooms, quilting bee, raccoons, willow) that are not distinctive to the region. (RH)

Keller, Helen The Story of My Life. New York: Doubleday, 1902.

4–12 This biography of singer, and composer Dolly Parton is included in the Rock ’n Pop Stars series.

6–up Keller’s autobiography has remained in print since its first publication in 1902. A lengthy 1906 review in the New York Times begins with this observation: “The tedious steps of the process of awakening the intelligence of a human being deprived of all of the ordinary means of communication with her fellows at an age so early that practically no foundation had been laid by normal means — such is the material of this book on the life of Helen Keller, written partly by herself. The scientific interest of the process is great, both in itself and for the light it throws on the unconscious and unobserved processes by which children with all their senses learn the same things that have been laboriously acquired by this girl, stricken blind and deaf before she was two years old. The human interest of the story is hardly less great” (Mar. 21, 1906). In 2003 Norton reissued the original, reformatted 1903 edition with a new Foreword and Afterword by Roger Shattuck. Library Journal notes that the New York Public Library named Keller’s autobiography “one of the 100 most important books of the 20th century” and that this centennial edition contains ten illustrations, an index, and a suggested reading list, but more importantly, “material not found in previous editions, including accounts by teacher Anne Sullivan and assistant John Macy.” It is a “gem” (Mar. 1, 2003).

Keep, Linda Lowery

Kellogg , Steven

Notes from Blue Mountain: Hannah and the Angels. New York: Random, 1998.

Johnny Appleseed: A Tall Tale, illus. by author. New York: Morrow, 1988.

2–5 Hannah Martin lives in Geneva, Wisconsin, but angels send her on altruistic trips around the world: Australia, Kenya, Mexico, and — in this vol-

2–4 According to School Library Journal, Kellogg’s “brief text combining legend with fact, coupled with the picture book format, makes this life of

Magpie Gabbard and the Quest for the Buried Moon. New York: Philomel, 2007. 5–8 In an “enchanting tall tale from a talented raconteur” (Publishers Weekly, Feb. 12, 2007), Keehn presents the story of 13-year-old Magpie who relies on her “cussedness” to retrieve the moon buried by goblins and to save her family. Keehn “draw[s] on elements of British folklore consistent with Appalachian heritage [and] writes an original, down-home American fantasy about a girl with ... gumption” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 2007).

Keely, John Dolly Parton. Mankato, MN: Creative, 1979.

146 • Kelton Johnny Appleseed the most accessible and entertaining one available for young children.” The “one disturbing flaw” is that Chapman does not age during the book (Oct. 1998). Publishers Weekly considers this a “succinct rendition” of Chapman’s life “in a polished blend of fact and fiction” (Aug. 12, 1988). The Bulletin emphasizes the oversized format of the book, which gives Kellogg “a fine opportunity for pictures that are on a large scale, colorful and animated if often busy with details.” Additionally, he manages to delineate fact from myth. “There’s some exaggeration, but on the whole the biography is factual and written with clarity” (Nov. 1988).

Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett: A Tall Tale, illus. by author. New York: Morrow, 1995. K–3 Kellogg’s story about Davy Crockett’s tall-tale wife is “scrupulously sourced” and illustrated with his “characteristically energetic paintings” that match “this story’s kinetic hyperbole” (Bulletin, Sept. 1995). According to Publishers Weekly, Kellogg’s retelling is “flawed by some jarring transitions and an overly abrupt ending,” but it is, nevertheless, “a merry tale” illustrated by “buoyant colored ink, watercolor and acrylic art. Here he comically captures the boundless energy of his larger-than-life heroine” (Sept. 25, 1995).

Kelton, Nancy The Finger Game Miracle, illus. by Ron Recchio. Milwaukee: Raintree; Chicago: Childrens, 1977. 2–3

A biography of Helen Keller.

Kemp, Steve Who Pooped in the Park?, illus. by Robert Rath. Helena, MT: Farcountry, 2005. 2–5 Kemp’s text provides excellent information on how to identify animals in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by their scat, tracks, and other signs. Eight animals are presented: the cottontail rabbit, white-tailed deer, beaver, coyote, wild turkey, skunk, wild hog, and black bear. Each is featured in a two-page identification chart in the back, which could serve as a simplistic field guide. Unfortunately, the awkward, stiff dialogue and unattractive illustrations detract from the information, which would have been more effective if presented as a straightforward informational book. Boxed insets labeled “The Straight Poop” offer tidbits of additional information and contribute to the overall humorous tone of the book, which may appeal to some readers. (RH)

Kendall, Martha E. Nellie Bly: Reporter for the World. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1992.

4–7 Kendall presents a “jaunty” biography of Pennsylvania native and journalist Nellie Bly (Horn Book Guide, Spring 1992). Included in A Gateway Biography series.

Kent, Deborah Helen Keller: Author and Advocate for the Disabled. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2003. 3–6 A biography with “minimal fictionalization” of conversation and emotion; though it is “idealistic and simplified, the texts are fluid and appropriate for the target audience.” Includes sidebar tidbits, some of which “explain the text, while others are merely trivia.” Black-and-white photographs are of “average-quality” (School Library Journal, Apr. 2004).

Kent, Zachary Andrew Carnegie: Steel King and Friend to Libraries. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1999. 6–up Included in the Historical American Biographies series, Kent’s biography provides a “balanced” and “well-researched” (Kirkus, Dec. 1998) portrayal of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Includes photographs, maps, chronology, glossary, recommended titles for further reading, and an index.

Andrew Johnson: Seventeenth President of the United States. Chicago: Childrens, 1989. 4–7 Kent’s biography in the Encyclopedia of Presidents series focuses on “controversial situations” such as Johnson’s impeachment trial, which ended in acquittal as he sternly battled Congress in efforts to carry out Lincoln’s wishes in the South.... Extensive use of black-and-white photographs and engravings adds visual interest to these well-rounded texts” (Booklist, July 1989).

The Battle of Antietam. Chicago: Childrens, 1992. 3–6 Describes the events surrounding the bloody confrontation between Union and Confederate troops in the Maryland countryside on September 17, 1862.

The Story of John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry, illus. with photographs. Chicago: Childrens, 1988. 4–6 In this title from the Cornerstones of Freedom series, “Kent deals with the issue of slavery as well as the complex causes of the Civil War as he tells the story of John Brown and his raid.” He presents the story “factually but with excitement, using many quotes from eyewitnesses” and giving “more than the standard encyclopedia information for reports or for students curious about the particular events.” The illustrations “come from contemporary sources, thus adding a sense of historic realism” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1988).

Key • 147

Tecumseh. Chicago: Childrens, 1992. 3–5 Kent’s title in the Cornerstones of Freedom series is a welcome addition to the scant information about this Shawnee Chief available for this grade range (School Library Journal, Jan. 1993). Includes color photographs, and reproductions of prints and paintings.

Kessel, Kristin Martha Graham. New York: Rosen, 2005. 2–5 From the Library of American Choreographers series, Kessel presents a brief biography of choreographer and Pittsburgh native Martha Graham.

Ketchum, Liza Orphan Journey Home, illus. by C. B. Mordan. New York: Avon, 2000. 4–7 Set in 1828, this piece of historical fiction follows two children from Illinois to Kentucky. When their parents die from “milk fever,” Jesse, the 12-yearold narrator, and her older brother return to their Kentucky family, hoping for a better life. “Based on fact and originally published as a newspaper serial, the book boasts the same rough-hewn scratchboard illustrations that accompanied the first printing.... Ketchum creates realistic problems for her believably drawn young protagonists.... The author depicts an America that was often unremittingly cruel through the narrative voice of a quick-witted, resourceful young girl” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1, 2000). Booklist says that Ketchum “avoids melodrama,” and though the tale is “based on a true family account, ... her research doesn’t swamp the plot” ( June 1 and 15, 2000). The Horn Book Guide notes the “fast-paced, present-tense narrative” that is “written in short, cliffhanger chapters” (Fall 2000).

Key, Alexander Cherokee Boy. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1957. 5–7 Tsi-ya is a Cherokee boy on the Trail of Tears who escapes from an Illinois stockade, hoping to return to his home in the Carolina mountains. Key’s historical novel is “[v]ividly told” and exposes the “tragic and badly managed removal of the five civilized tribes of Indians” from their native lands to Oklahoma. Tsi-ya leads four other escapees over 500 miles “with Indian intuitiveness” until they reach “the hidden valley and safety” (Library Journal, May 15, 1957).

Escape To Witch Mountain, illus. by Leon B. Wisdom, Jr. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1968. 5–8 Described as a “fascinating, thought-provoking story,” this rare piece of Appalachian fantasy relates the adventures of Tony and Tia, two extraterrestrial children who are searching for their “former compatriots now presumed to be living in the vicin-

ity of a southern Blue Ridge Mountain community.” The children have supernatural powers and speech capabilities, which cause them to be pursued as “witches” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 1968). In 1975, Disney released a film version of the book but set it on the coast of California.

The Forgotten Door. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1965. 4–6 Jon is a child from another planet who accidentally falls through a “doorway” into Southern Appalachia. Because of his supernatural powers, particularly his ability to communicate with animals, he is considered “suspicious” but is befriended by a local family. “A competently written space fantasy with certain overtones that widen its range of interest” (Horn Book, Aug. 1965).

Jagger, the Dog from Elsewhere. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1976. 5–7 Jagger is an extraterrestrial dog who winds up in north Alabama because of a cosmic time shift. Accustomed to a utopian society and telepathy, he is unsuited to a world of exploitation and fear. He is befriended by two children, whom he guards by performing heroic deeds. “Key uses the book as a vehicle for disapproval of the violence in our society, but he does it quite openly, so that it does not become a burden to the plot.” Key’s book is not without its weaknesses: There is a “surfeit” of action; characters successfully “guess what Jagger is trying to communicate”; and the action is too neatly concluded. The “awful beast kills Tess, her husband confesses the murder plot, the hunters understand that Jagger is not evil, the children’s long-lost father appears, and Jagger is delighted when someone from his own world comes to take him home” (Bulletin, Mar. 1977).

Mystery of the Sassafras Chair, illus. by Louis Segal. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1967. 5–7 Key’s departure “from his previously successful science-fiction framework for fantasy” involves a magic chair made of sassafras wood. When the dead sit in this chair, people attuned to other dimensions of life can communicate with them. “The characters are exaggerated stereotypes, and the plot defies all logic” (Library Journal, May 15, 1967).

The Preposterous Adventures of Swimmer. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1973. 5–9 This “lightly written story” about an otter that can think and communicate with humans is set in the Great Smoky Mountains. Swimmer experiences multiple conflicts, the least of which are ill-intended individuals who would exploit his talents. “A folksy Appalachian atmosphere gives flavor to the writing” (Horn Book, Apr. 1974). School Library Journal says, “The many characters, both animal and human, make this animal fantasy hard to follow; plot development is artificial, and events fall too neatly into place” (Oct. 15, 1973).

148 • Kidd

With Daniel Boone on the Caroliny Trail. Chicago: Winston, 1941. 5–7 Key delivers a fictionalized biography of Boone that emphasizes his daring and adventuresome nature from his childhood. Key also includes a fictional friendship between Boone and George Washington, who helps the Boones to settle in the Yadkin Valley. “Swift action, strong characterization, and lively style make this story very readable. The meeting between Boone and Washington is pure fiction, the author admits. But it could have happened” (Library Journal, Feb. 1, 1941).

Kidd, Ronald Monkey Town: The Summer of the Scopes Trial. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2006. 5–up Ronald Kidd’s characters manipulate the challenge to evolution to bring attention to their small town. Told through the eyes of 15-year-old Frances Robinson, this historical fiction is an “engaging presentation” (Horn Book Guide, Oct. 2006) and readers “will be pleased by the depth of character and ideas” (Kirkus Reviews, Dec. 15, 2005). Kidd “admirably describes the carnival-like atmosphere in Dayton during the trial, while documenting a sheltered girl’s struggle to make sense of a broader world” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Feb. 2006).

On Top of Old Smoky: A Collection of Songs and Stories from Appalachia, illus. by Linda Anderson. Nashville, TN: Ideals, 1992. K–up Eleven song lyrics without music and three folktales make up this collection of Appalachian material. Booklist calls this volume “a showcase” for Appalachian native Linda Anderson’s “handsome examples of folk art” (Dec. 1, 1992). Songs such as “The Frog He Went A-Courting” and “Hush Little Baby,” along with classic tales such as “Jack and the Bean Tree” are included, but the absence of a table of contents, index, and music is a flaw. Kidd employs Appalachian dialect somewhat successfully, but his Introduction “adopts a cloying storybook tone” and “provides little in the way of specific information,” according to Publishers Weekly: “The book’s design is particularly attractive, with the borders that frame each picture repeated to set off the accompanying text” (Oct. 5, 1992).

Kiely Miller, Barbara Sam Houston. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens, 2007. 2–4 Developed for early readers, this brief biography in the Great Americans series covers the teen years of Tennessee native Sam Houston, including his relationships with the Cherokee and his service as a representative and governor of Tennessee. Houston “fail[s] to come to life, and students will not likely be inspired to read more” (School Library Journal, Nov. 2007).

Kile, Robin Propst ...And They Named Me “Hope,” illus. by Emily Megan Chambers. Victoria, BC: Trafford, 2005. K–3 Tells the story of a Farmall H tractor that was sold to a West Virginia farmer in 1945.

I Am a Miracle! Scout’s Story, illus. by Emily Megan Chambers. Victoria, B.C.: Trafford, 2004. K–3 Kile presents a motivational story about Scout, a lamb born on the Short’s farm near Franklin, West Virginia.

Killens, John Oliver A Man Ain’t Nothin’ but a Man: The Adventures of John Henry. Boston: Little, Brown, 1975. 6–up Killens’ fictionalized biography of “the legendary Black strong man, John Henry” is “speculative” but “believable,” placing “more emphasis on John Henry’s love life, emotions, and friendships than on his fabled feats of strength.” Because of the “several instances of swearing and sexual descriptions which are appropriate to the story,” this book is more suitable for older readers than is Harold Felton’s John Henry and His Hammer (1950) or Ezra Jack Keats’ John Henry: An American Legend (1965) (School Library Journal, Nov. 1975).

Kimball, Dean Constructing the Mountain Dulcimer. New York: McKay, 1975. 7–up Booklist considers Kimball’s how-to book an “extensive, well-illustrated manual on building an appealing folk instrument, combining rudimentary woodworking and musical interests.” A cautionary note is included, explaining that building a dulcimer is a “complicated and exacting process,” but it is “well described,” making it seem that “patience” is “the only skill required” ( Jan. 15, 1976). Includes appendices and bibliography.

King , Elisha Sterling Wild Rose of Cherokee or Nancy Ward, “The Pocohontas of the West”: A Story of the Early Exploration, Occupancy and Settlement of the State of Tennessee. Nashville: University Press, 1895; Etowah, TN: Myrtle K. Tatum, 1938. 5–up “Wild Rose” is the Cherokee name of Nancy Ward, who was the daughter of an English woman, Lady Lucy Ward, and the Cherokee chief Oconostota. This highly romanticized account of a true story of love between English Lieutenant Sir Francis Ward and the Cherokee Wild Rose takes place in East Tennessee (what was then the State of Franklin). The story is overwritten and condescending to the Native American: “Ug! Ug! Did the ugly

Knapp • 149 pale face think he steal my pet, my ‘Wild Rose’? Where is he? Me hack him to pieces — me tie him to a stake, and roast him like venison” (9). Other examples border on disrespect: “Tenassee [sic] [was] their chief city.... You will laugh, when I tell you what kind of a city it was.... It ... was only a scattering village of miserable huts and wigwams.... This old insignificant Indian town would never have been known in history, had it not given a name to one of the noblest rivers and commonwealths in America” (20–21). The early chapters give the historical background for the French and Indian War and explain Lady Lucy Ward’s role in securing Cherokee support for the English. Later chapters focus on the love theme and characters such as Tame Doe and her dog Foxie who aid Wild Rose, Dragging Canoe, and the English. The book is valuable for its early rendering of this tale, peopled by such now-famous historical figures as Daniel Boone, William Bean and his wife, and the French Baron Des Johnnes. Though the book was intended for a juvenile audience, its style, format, and syntax are not suited for today’s child reader. It makes excellent fodder for research, however, and students in the middle grades would enjoy comparing this 19thcentury account of East Tennessee history with contemporary texts. (RH)

Kingsbury, Robert Roberto Clemente. New York: Rosen, 2003.

Klausner, Janet Sequoyah’s Gift: A Portrait of the Cherokee Leader. New York: HarperCollins, 1993. 4–7 Klausner’s “evenhanded” biography of Sequoyah focuses on his creation of the Cherokee syllabary, as well as his role in the Trail of Tears. She includes discussion of the “criticism and ridicule Sequoyah endured from his people while developing the syllabary and discusses the disagreements among Cherokee leaders over leaving their homeland.... This is a solid work with many applications for study” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1993). The Horn Book Guide considers this an “informative and readable account,” which “acknowledges that both conjectural and factual material make up what is known about the legendary wise man” (Sept. 1993).

Klein, Jeff Z. Mario Lemieux, Ice Hockey Star. New York: Chelsea, 1995. 7–up This title in the Great Achievers series glosses over Lemieux’s struggle with Hodgkin’s disease, and though Klein gives a “thorough” account of the hockey player’s life, he is viewed from a distance, and his personality remains obscure” (Horn Book Guide, Sept. 1995).

Klingle, Cynthia, and Robert B. Noyed

4–7 This biography in the Baseball Hall of Famers series includes information on Clemente’s childhood and the various ethnic prejudices that he endured. The text is “straightforward” and “lack[s] the sort of interesting anecdotes and colorful language that can draw in readers.” This title may be suitable for reluctant readers (School Library Journal, June 1, 2003). Includes both color and black-and-white photographs in a format suitable for easy reading.

Helen Keller: A Level Two Reader. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2002.

Klass, Sheila Solomon

4–6 This biography of the black teacher, journalist, and civil rights activist is included in the Black Americans of Achievement series.

Kool Ada. New York: Scholastic, 1991. 5–7 When Ada loses her father to black lung disease, she goes to live in an inner-city Chicago neighborhood. Having suffered the tragedy of her parents’ and brother’s deaths and being uprooted from “her beloved Appalachia,” she ceases to speak and is abused by her classmates as a “retard,” but through the support of people who love her, she adapts and thrives (Horn Book Guide, Mar. 1992). An article about children who have lost one or both of their parents, in the Wilson Library Bulletin, features Ada as an example of the type of character —“a discipline problem and underachiever”— with whom middlegrade readers will identify because she is a survivor and worth the “investment” of others in her well being ( June 1992). Booklist agrees that Ada is a character kids will care about; she’s feisty, brave, and willing to take a stand (Oct. 15, 1991).

K–3 Included in the Wonder Books series, Klingel’s “formulaic” biography of Helen Keller fails to provide readers a “clear sense [of her] accomplishments” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2002).

Klots, Steve Ida Wells-Barnett. New York: Chelsea, 1994.

Knapp, Ron Charles Barkley: Star Forward. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1996. 4–7 Knapp presents the life story and basketball career of Alabama native Charles Barkley. Included in the Sports Reports series, the biography includes bibliographical references and an index.

Sports Great Bo Jackson. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1990. 5–8 Included in the Sports Great Books series, Knapp’s biography presents the life and playing career of Alabama native and football and baseball standout Bo Jackson. The Horn Book Guide reviewer is disappointed in the title and notes that the attempt to “humanize [Jackson] is trivializing” ( July 1990). In

150 • Knudsen spite of “choppy writing and awkward phrasing,” the book will appeal to young readers (Booklist, Oct. 15, 1990). Includes an index.

that this series includes “not only details about the subject’s life but historical background as well” (Fall 2004).

Sports Great Bobby Bonilla. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1995.

The Story of Mother Jones. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2004.

4–10 A brief introduction to the career of Bobby Bonilla, who played with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1986–1991. Included in the Sports Great Books series, this formulaic title is “[r]ecommended, with minor flaws” (Horn Book, Mar. 1, 1994). Includes an index.

3–4 A biography of the labor leader who grew up in Ireland, emigrated to the United States, lost her family to yellow fever, and helped the working class, especially coal miners and child mill workers, achieve better working conditions in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This title in the Breakthrough Biographies series includes an index.

Sports Great Mario Lemieux. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1995. 4–6 A biography in the Sports Great Books series of the French Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Includes an index.

Knudsen, Shannon Nellie Bly. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2006. 3–7 Biography of Pennsylvania native and journalist Nellie Bly. Included in the History Maker Bios series, the title presents historical illustrations, maps, and sidebars, but Horn Book Guide considers the “cartoony chapter-openers ... garish” (Spring 2006). Knudsen recommends books for further reading and includes a list of websites, a selected bibliography, and an index.

Koenig , Teresa Lionel Richie. Mankato, MN: Crestwood, 1986. 3–6 Koenig examines the life of Alabama musician and songwriter Lionel Richie. The Macon County native achieved prominence singing with the Commodores.

Koestler-Grack, Rachel A. Chief John Ross. Chicago: Heinemann, 2004. K–4 Included in the Native American Biographies series, Koestler-Grack presents a brief biography of John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears. In spite of a “somewhat cluttered design,” the Horn Book Guide (Spring, 2005) recommends the title. Includes maps, a reading list, a glossary, and an index.

The Story of Helen Keller. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 2004. 2–4 This biography in the Breakthrough Biographies series is considered “readable” with “clear” chapters that are “accompanied by photographs, reproductions, and quotations.” The book “provides information about sign language and Braille and includes a Web site [sic] where readers can view the Braille alphabet and type in a name to read it in Braille.” The book is “carefully researched, presenting good and respectful coverage” of a remarkable life (School Library Journal, Apr. 1, 2004). The Horn Book Guide concurs

Tecumseh. Mankato, MN: Blue Earth, 2003. 3–6 “[I]n a sympathetic, yet neutral, tone,” Koestler-Grack presents an adequate portrayal of Tecumseh’s attempt to unite Native American tribes into one nation (School Library Journal, Apr. 2003). Included in the American Indian Biographies series, the title is illustrated with drawings and photographs.

Kohn, Bernice Talking Leaves: The Story of Sequoyah, illus. by Valli [pseud. of Valli Van de Bovenkamp]. New York: Hawthorn, 1969. 1–3 Kohn’s biography is marred by “oversimplification and generalization,” but it is, nevertheless, a “whole clear, factual” introduction to Sequoyah for children. She emphasizes his creation of the Cherokee syllabary but includes personal information as well. “While Valli’s stylized illustrations feature appealing, glowing colors on alternate spreads, ... the attempt to portray Indian types has only succeeded in the creation of grotesque, carnival-like, distorted figures, not at all Indian in feeling and lacking the dignity of the subject matter.” In spite of the “dearth of excellent titles on this subject for this age group,” this title does not fill the gap (School Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1970).

Kollock, John These Gentle Hills. Lakemont, GA: Copple, 1976. 6–up The title refers to the hills of Georgia, the setting of this 95-page book, which Kollock describes as a “rambling” history (71). The book jacket says that Kollock has “preserved what he knew as a child of the farm life and historical sites” and that “he is after the essence of ... the Blue Ridge.” Though the eye is immediately attracted to the line drawings and the ten color plates in the center of the book, this is more than a coffee-table book. It is well written, easy to read, and done with a sufficient degree of objectivity to render it superior to Cynthia Rylant’s contemporary Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds. It covers exploration, expansion, architecture, travel, timbering, milling, and the slow life of the people. It is, in short, an evaluation of a lifestyle and a place. The absence of a table of contents and an index lim-

Krishef • 151 its its usefulness to researchers, but the bibliography is helpful. (RH)

Korman, Justine Davy Crockett and the Creek Indians, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1991. 1–5 Korman’s title, based on the Walt Disney television show, is number two in Disney’s American Frontier series.

Davy Crockett at the Alamo, illus. by Charlie Shaw. New York: Disney, 1991 1–5 Davy Crockett at the Alamo, the fourth title in Disney’s American Frontier series, is based on the Walt Disney television show.

Kornfeld, Anita Clay In a Bluebird’s Eye. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1975. 6–up Honor Jane Whitfield, age 11, lives in Depression-era Margate, Tennessee, a coal-mining town in the Great Smoky Mountains. Her faith is tested by her parents’ dysfunctions and the town’s prejudices. Kornfeld develops this “moving story of a lonely, imaginative girl” with a “deep sense of poignancy leavened by the author’s light-handed touch.” In spite of Honor Jane’s youth, “she is so convincing and human that teenagers will be able to identify with her experiences, dreams, and rebelliousness” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1975).

Kosof, Anna Jesse Jackson, illus. with photographs. New York: Watts, 1987. 6–up In contrast to Halliburton’s biased biography of Jackson (1972, 1984), this “sympathetic but not uncritical” account presents “the real Jesse Jackson — both pro and con.... It is a good beginning spot from which to construct a fair picture of Jackson and his political ideas” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1988). Kosof draws from her personal involvement with civil rights issues to create a picture of Jackson that is “straightforward and simple without being condescending” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1987).

(May 8, 1995). The Horn Book Guide praises the biography as “accessible” with “clear text” and good illustrations (Sept. 1995).

Kramer, Jon Bo Jackson. Austin, TX: Raintree SteckVaughn, 1996. 2–4 Included in the Overcoming the Odds series, Kramer presents the life and career of Alabama native Bo Jackson, including a discussion of how Jackson devoted himself to baseball after an injury ended his football career.

Kramer, Sydelle A. Ty Cobb: Bad Boy of Baseball. New York: Random, 1995. K–3 From the Step into Reading series, Kramer presents the story of Franklin, Georgia, native and baseball player Ty Cobb. Known for his surly temperament, the “Georgia Peach” was often referred to as the most hated man in baseball. Though “meant to lend immediacy to the account [the short choppy sentences are] irritating” (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 1995).

Krensky, Stephen Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier, illus. by Debra Bandelin and Bab Dacey. New York: Aladdin, 2004. 1–3 This portrayal of Davy Crockett gives beginning readers a balanced view of his life. From the Ready-to-Read Stories of Famous Americans series, Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier is “clearly and entertainingly conveyed” (Horn Book Guide, Apr. 2005) and a “stimulating introduction to the king of the wild frontier” (Booklist, Dec. 2004).

Nellie Bly: A Name to Be Reckoned With, illus. by Rebecca Guay. New York: Aladdin, 2003.

Kraft, Betsy Harvey

3–4 Krensky’s portrayal of Pennsylvania native Nellie Bly is a “vivid account” of her career as a journalist (Booklist, June 2003. Using direct quotes from Bly’s published works, Krensky’s narrative “resembles thought and dialogue, [and he] avoids fictionalization of speech and feelings” (School Library Journal, Sept. 2003). This title in the Milestone Books series includes a chronology and a bibliography.

Mother Jones: One Woman’s Fight for Labor. New York: Clarion, 1995.

Krishef, Robert K.

6–up Publishers Weekly considers Kraft’s biography “scintillating” and “well-illustrated”; it “achieves the formidable task of doing justice to its redoubtable subject, Mary Harris Jones,” labor leader and activist. “Kraft chronicles her triumphs ... but she also discusses Jones’s blatant self-promotion and her scattered but costly defeats.” Kraft makes “sophisticated use” of Jones’s less-than-objective autobiography, along with “other primary sources,” including “personal anecdotes that reveal Jones’s remarkable conviction”

4–up Typical of titles in the Country Music Library series, this 69-page biography of Dolly Parton is divided into short chapters that focus on the significant people and events in her life: Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton (her parents), Bill Owens, Carl Dean, and Porter Wagoner. The opening chapter, titled Cinderella, establishes the theme: “poor little mountain girl” rises to become a star and a shrewd manager/business woman. The chapter on Joseph ex-

Dolly Parton. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1980.

152 • Krishef plains how Parton came to write “Coat of Many Colors” and provides good material for the child interested in Parton’s book of the same name or in Ann Bates’ Ragsale. The chapter on Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt places Parton in a context beyond traditional country music. Though largely flattering, the book addresses the major controversies of her career from a relatively balanced perspective. An index and discography are included. The period black and white photographs will appeal more to adults than to children. (RH)

cise” as well as “readable and well-paced profile.” Emphasis is placed on “Ball’s role as an innovator who set the groundwork not only for comedians, but for women in general by becoming the first female to own a television production company. The final chapters present her personal problems and professional life after I Love Lucy” ( July 1, 1992).

Loretta Lynn. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1978.

6–up Barbara must decide whether she wants to go to college or have a career. When she opens a summer camp in the North Carolina mountains, her career flourishes but college suffers. “Older girls will like Babs and her friends, but will find very limited interest in the career. Story is well told” (Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1956).

5–8 Another Krishef title in the Country Music Library series offers “a straightforward account of the entertainer’s life without fictionalization or adulation” and outlines “the long, hard road to what may seem ‘overnight success.’” Krishef “takes the trouble to show how exhausting and unsatisfying success can be once the star is made.” Another important theme is that Lynn “worked hard for what [she] got, and [her] talent was second only to [her] determination,” a “message” that is absent from the “more glamorized biographies.” Unfortunately, the title glosses over “hard-core personality problems,” but it is nevertheless a good introduction to country music’s “reigning queen” (Booklist, July 1978). Includes an index and discography.

Krishef, Robert K., and Stacy Harris The Carter Family: Country Music’s First Family. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1978. 5–up Krishef ’s title in the Country Music Library series is considered a cut above the usual series biography of this nature. “One of the things that emerges most clearly is the important place of business and entertainment right up there alongside appreciation of pure music.” The fact that country music is “gaining in historical stature” makes this title significant (Booklist, Dec. 15, 1978). The “combination of attractive format with an informative text that is better written than most of this type may even stir the interest of non-country fans” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1979). The Carter family home place and Carter Fold, a performance venue, in Hiltons, Virginia, are part of the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Music Heritage Trail.

Kroll, Harry Harrison My Heart’s in the Hills. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1956.

Kudlinski, Kathleen V. Helen Keller: A Light for the Blind, illus. by Donna Diamond. New York: Viking Kestrel, 1989. 3–6 Kudlinski’s “useful” biography represents a “smooth recounting of Keller’s remarkable life, making clear the emotional burdens as well as the physical difficulties created by Keller’s dual handicap.” Keller’s personal life “is only briefly sketched, and some readers may wonder about the woman behind the very public image,” though “there are hints of negative elements” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1990). The Horn Book Guide considers the biography to be “a bit too idealized and reductive” and the illustrations “overly pretty” ( July-Dec. 1989).

Rachel Carson: Pioneer of Ecolog y, illus. by Ted Lewin. New York: Viking Kestrel, 1988.

Krohn, Katherine E.

3–6 Carson, born in Springdale, Pennsylvania, in 1907, knew early on that she wanted to be a writer and published her first story in St. Nicholas when she was ten. Though she excelled equally at English and science while in college, she chose to focus on science. The result was two classic pieces of American literature: The Sea Around Us and Silent Spring. “Kudlinski has admirably captured the driving force of a shy but courageous woman in a succinct, respectful approach” that makes a superb “curriculum resource” (Booklist, Mar. 15, 1988).

Lucille Ball: Pioneer of Comedy. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 1992.

Kuhn, Betsy

5–8 According to Booklist, “It’s hard to translate the visual hilarity” of Lucille Ball’s famous television show into print. The opening of Krohn’s book makes such an attempt, trying to describe the famous candy-conveyor-belt scene for young readers. The biography is “better at details than at bringing Lucy to life” ( June 1, 1992). School Library Journal considers the book’s opening “unsuccessful,” though it is a “con-

4–6 Ellen Cummings is in the sixth grade in Bells Gap, Pennsylvania, and wants to be an archaeologist, but she is also talented at writing countrymusic songs and aspires to be a star. She and her best friend Valery eventually sing at a Kiwanis cookout, and Ellen finds an artifact (a handle) in her back yard,

Not Exactly Nashville. New York: Delacorte, 1998.

Lambert • 153 but she never wins the First Annual Rising Star Contest as she had hoped. Kirkus Reviews considers this a “lively and readable tale” that renders “the inner turmoil, aspirations, and confusion” of preteens (May 1, 1998). Booklist notes the “rather truncated climax,” but praises the “good pacing and respectable character development.” The book’s best feature, however, is its country-western milieu, one not often noticed in children’s books (Apr. 15, 1998). “Though there is a maze of plot-twisting details, Kuhn keeps everything in hand with easy humorous dialogue and fast pacing,” along with the usual “ridiculous ... preteen triumphs and woes.” This debut novel will be a hit with young readers (Bulletin, Sept. 1998). Publishers Weekly agrees that the plot is “sluggish” and burdened by “minutiae about clothing and menus” ( June 1, 1998).

the infusion of fantasy elements distracts and confuses the reader. (RH)

Kummer, Patricia K.

West Virginia. New York: Childrens, 2006.

West Virginia. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 1998.

1–2 This title in the Rookie Read about Geography series provides beginning readers with an introduction to the state’s geography, people, and wildlife.

3–4 This title in the One Nation series provides an overview of the Mountain State, including its history, geography, people, and living conditions. Includes a bibliography and index.

Kunstler, James H. Davy Crockett, illus. by Steve Brodner. New York: Rabbit Ears, 1995.

Kurtz, Jane Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Mary Haverfield. New York: Aladdin, 2004. K–4 Included in the Ready to Read series, Kurtz’s biography of Johnny Appleseed provides “[a]n appealing way to open discussions of our country’s historical or legendary past,” (Kirkus Reviews, Aug. 15, 2004). In spite of minor flaws, the Horn Book Guide recommends the title, suggesting that the “[s]entimental watercolor illustrations idealistically picture Appleseed’s westward travels along the Ohio River” (Fall 2005).

LaBella, Susan

Lace, William W. The Pittsburgh Steelers Football Team. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1999.

2–5 Kunstler has spun “a nonstop, rollicking tale of the real and legendary feats” of Davy Crockett. The writing is robust, but the illustrations fail to measure up (School Library Journal, Feb. 1996).

4–6 This title in the Great Sports Teams series covers the history of the team that has played in Pittsburgh for more than sixty years, discussing some key players, coaches, and important games. Includes a bibliography and index.

Kuntz, John L.

Lakin, Patricia

Tennessee Tiger, illus. by Tina Wells Davenport. Nashville, TN: Scythe, 1996. 3–6 John L. Kuntz “was surrounded by storytelling while growing up near Roan Mountain,” Tennessee, and his first children’s book is based on a local story that is also a family story. Geneva Whitehead, Kuntz’s grandmother, passed down the story of his great-great-great-uncle, Tiger Whitehead, “a local man immortalized by the fact he killed 99 bears during his lifetime but spared the life of a 100th bear brought to him on his deathbed.” Kuntz says he had two reasons for writing the book: “First, he wanted to emphasize how the people of the mountains are great storytellers,” and second, he wanted “to incorporate some elements of mythology into his work.” He also wanted to undo negative perceptions of “the people of the mountains” and to “show young people a positive side to kids who live in the mountains.” Kuntz tells the story through a “fictionalized young protagonist, James Thor Whitehead, a seven-year-old boy growing up on Tiger Creek” in Carter County, Tennessee (Elizabethton Star, May 19, 1996). Unfortunately, the meandering and illogical plot and static characterization do not do justice to this important local story, and

Helen Keller and the Big Storm, illus. by Diana Magnuson. New York: Aladdin, 2002. 1–2 This “straightforward” beginning reader in the Ready to Read: Childhood of Famous Americans series focuses on one incident in Keller’s life as a frame on which to attach biographical details. In this case, it is the story of Keller’s being rescued from a tree during a storm. The cartoon-like illustrations “flow across the pages and complement the text” (School Library Journal, July 1, 2002). The Horn Book Guide finds the illustrations “stiff,” though the book gives a “fairly entertaining” account of Keller’s life (Fall 2002). Includes a chronology.

Lambert, Paulette Livers Evening: An Appalachian Lullaby, illus. by author. Boulder, CO: Roberts Rinehart, 1995. K–3 The Horn Book Guide considers Lambert’s picture book an “amusing, satisfying adaptation of a traditional Kentucky song [that] describes what rural animals do as night comes on” (Spring 1996). Publishers Weekly points out that while the text tells the story of “the sights and sounds of a farm at moonrise,” the illustrations show a father helping pre-

154 • Landau pare his two sons for bed: “unfortunately, the palette is harsh, even garish, and at odds with the tranquil theme of the song” (Nov. 20, 1995). Music is included.

Landau, Elaine The Cherokees. New York: Watts, 1992. 4–6 This title in A First Book series presents past and present overviews of the Cherokee. Includes color photographs, a bibliography, and index.

The Shawnee. New York: Franklin Watts, 1997. 4–6 Landau’s description of the Shawnee is a “clearly written” account of the history, tradition, and practices of the tribe (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 1997). Included in A First Book series, this title provides a comprehensive discussion of conflicts with European settlers. Glossary, bibliography, and index are included.

Lane, John, and Betsy Wakefield Teter, eds. The Place I Live: Hub City Kids Write About Home. Spartanburg, SC: Hub City Writers Project, 2001. 2–up This anthology features the work of more than 100 Spartanburg, South Carolina, poets, prose writers, and artists, from grades one through six. It is a handsome collection of children’s work, which often reflects the usual classroom “prompts” and assignments, such as “The place I live ... ,” “I am a ... ,” and “My House....” The result is sometimes ordinary and sometimes not. The art work is striking (Pathammavong, Zorn, Campbell-Cook), and some of the poetry is remarkable (Vaughn’s “Hearse”). Though books of this nature appeal largely to a limited audience, The Place I Live is a good model for student projects that bring together a community and its schools. (RH)

Langstaff, John, ed. Frog Went A-Courtin’, illus. by Feodor Rojankovsky. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1955; San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1991 K–2 Langstaff ’s picture-book adaptation of an old ballad, “The Frog and the Mouse,” is “one of the gayest of picture books,” with “swinging rhythm” and “bright, detailed full-page illustrations [that] blend verse and pictures.” The musical accompaniment is “the tune as sung in the Southern mountains” (Saturday Review of Literature, May 14, 1955).

Over in the Meadow, illus. by Feodor Rojankovsky. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1957; San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, (1972) 1992. K–1 The Saturday Review of Literature considers this an “enchanting rendition of the tuneful old

counting song about our meadowland neighbors.” Rojankovsky’s “superb illustrations ... surpass any he has ever done,” except for those in Langstaff ’s Frog Went A-Courtin’, which won the Caldecott Medal. Rojankovsky’s drawings are “in exactly the right key” and “add new life and freshness to a story song written more than four hundred years ago for children in Scotland” (Sept. 21, 1957). Includes music and words.

The Swapping Boy, illus. by Beth and Joe Krush. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1960. K–3 Following the success of Frog Went ACourtin’ and Over in the Meadow, Langstaff presents another picture-book version of an Appalachian folk song. He has adapted the words from multiple variants, but the tune “was discovered in the southern Appalachian Mountains by Cecil Sharp, collector of folk music in that section.” The illustrations “are in perfect accord with the broad humor of the text” (Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1960).

Lansing , Elizabeth Hubbard Liza of the Hundredfold. New York: Crowell, 1960. 5–7 Since the death of her mother, Liza, age 12, has struggled with whether to be a tomboy or please her father and become a domestic young lady. “A feud with the neighbors over selling off the timber and a flood bring matters to a climax in this three-dimensional story of Kentucky mountain people.” The characterization is a strength in this above-average coming-of-age story (Library Journal, May 15, 1960).

Shoot for a Mule, illus. by Susanne Suba. New York: Crowell, 1951. 4–6 Jeb, age 11, rescues a mule from a river and competes in a shooting match to win permanent ownership of it. “Unusually good regional flavor and characterization,” combined with illustrations that “seem exactly right,” make for a good story about a “Kentucky mountain boy” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 1952).

Laskas, Gretchen Moran The Miner’s Daughter. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007. 5–up This historical novel, which is set in a West Virginia coal-mine community during the Depression, tells the story of Arthurdale, a New Deal planned community that is promoted by Eleanor Roosevelt. Like a number of girls in novels for this age group, 16-year-old Willa Laura Lowell passes herself off as a boy in order to help the family survive [see Ernst’s The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry (2007) and Houston’s Mountain Valor (1994)]. Willa finds solace in books, but she is also keenly aware of harsh 1932 reality. Poverty and the ugliness of a mining camp are “beautifully realized” (Kirkus Reviews, Dec. 15, 2006). “Richly drawn characters and plot make this an excellent novel” (School Library Journal, Feb. 1, 2007. It is

Lawlor • 155 “bittersweet” and filled with “emotional resonance” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2007). “Strong, believable characters, an engaging plot, and lyrical prose” are the strengths of the book (Voice of Youth Advocates, Apr. 1, 2007). Laskas draws upon her personal experiences to create a compelling story.

Latham, Jean Lee Anchor’s Aweigh: The Story of David Glasgow Farragut, illus. by Eros Keith. New York: Harper and Row, 1968. 5–8 In this biography of naval hero Farragut, whose career with the U.S. Navy began when he was ten years old, Latham delivers a “lively narrative account replete with authentically drawn scenes of marine warfare and life aboard sailing vessels” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1969).

David Glasgow Farragut: Our First Admiral, illus. by Paul Frame. New York: Chelsea, 1991. K–3 Included in the Discovery Biography series but considered “unacceptable” by Horn Book Guide (Sept. 1, 1991).

Rachel Carson: Who Loved the Sea, illus. by Victor Mays. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1973. 3–5 Latham’s biography of Carson focuses on her childhood, the gender biases she encountered, and her successes as a writer and environmental advocate. “Latham’s book, in a large print format, will be useful for third graders who know about ecology and conservation as well as for visually handicapped older readers” (School Library Journal, Sept. 15, 1973).

Retreat to Glory: The Story of Sam Houston. New York: Harper and Row, 1965. 5–7 Library Journal says there was no need to create such a “highly fictionized” biography, including invented “dialogue and incidents,” of “such a colorful person” as Sam Houston. Readers “should be told that it is not authentic.” Latham “does not present a clear, accurate picture” of Houston, “the writing is undistinguished, and there are a number of careless inaccuracies.” Given that other better biographies exist, this title is unnecessary (Library Journal, May 15, 1965). The New York Times takes the opposite view: “With impressively swift pace, Miss Latham, who knows what to omit or merely suggest, does not skimp Sam’s character at all.... This superior account makes both man and history clear and absorbing” ( June 13, 1965).

Sam Houston: Hero of Texas, illus. by Paul Frame. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1965; New York: Chelsea, 1991. 3–4 “Jean Lee Latham has selected colorful, exciting incidents to present an authentic, actionpacked picture of Sam Houston,” using “[s]hort, crisp sentences and simple dialogue” (Library Journal, May

15, 1965). This title in the Discovery Books series was reissued by Chelsea in 1991 as a Discovery Biography under the title of Sam Houston.

Lauterer, Jock Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for My Journey Now. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 1980. 7–12 Jock Lauterer “sensitively” photographs and interviews more than 35 “old people living in an isolated mountain valley of North Carolina.... Besides the visual charm of Lauterer’s tender black-and-white photographs, there is a lovely sweetness in the way he has captured the simplicity and wisdom of these ‘remnants of a vanishing human landscape’ who ‘possess unsung skills passed down from their elders, strong beliefs, and an undergirding faith in their fellow man which is all but disappearing from more urban societies’” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1981).

Lawlor, Laurie Adventure on the Wilderness Road, 1775. New York: Pocket Books, 1999. 3–6 For this title in Lawlor’s American Sisters series, she uses actual accounts of the Poage family’s 1775 migration along the Wilderness Road from Virginia to Boonesborough, Kentucky. Along the way, narrator Elizabeth Poage, age 11, reads Gulliver’s Travels and uses the extra pages in the back of the book as a journal, describing “the arduous, lonesome journey by foot,” their encounters with Cherokee Indians, and her conflicts with her sister, Martha. Lawlor’s “meticulous” research reflects the white point of view and her appended author’s note “points out that the Indian way of life was threatened and that atrocities were committed by both Indians and whites. Still, the racism is hard to read: on the first page, and on nearly every page after that, the whites are afraid of panthers and wolves, but even more so of the lurking savage Indians with scalping knives.” Unfortunately, “the Indians’ displacement is barely registered” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 1999.) The Horn Book Guide considers the book “formulaic,” but the characters are “realistic” and the plot “well-paced” (Spring 2000). Library Journal argues that the characters are “not well developed,” but the story line is “fresh.” The “historically accurate setting” is a plus (Nov. 1, 1999).

Daniel Boone, illus. by Bert Dodson and with photographs. Niles, IL: Whitman, 1989. 5–9 For this “riveting account” of Daniel Boone’s life, Lawlor uses primary source documents that were collected by Lyman Draper, a 19th-century scholar of Boone’s life. Her Introduction establishes at the outset her desire to dispel the myth of Boone, and unlike most accounts of his life, Lawlor’s “real story is more interesting than the cultural myth.” Lawlor provides copious footnotes and exposes “unflinchingly” the war between the whites and the Indians. Boone’s

156 • Lawrence character flaws are also addressed; he “nevertheless emerges, on balance, as a man whose physical and moral stature, augmented by an irrepressible sense of humor, made him memorable in the eyes of Indians as well as whites.” This biography “is as solidly researched and dynamic as children’s biography should be” (Bulletin, Feb. 15, 1989). Lawlor delivers this account of a life with “penetrating insight” and “peppers” her prose with Boone’s wit, resulting in a “powerfully drawn biography” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 1989).

attend Highcliff College. Their interest in geology provides the reader with “smoothly integrated, factual material on rare earth minerals, gemstones, and daily life in Appalachia.” Major and minor characters are “generally believable” and substantive (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1971.)

Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit. New York: Holiday, 2001.

5–9 Morgan James is the main character in “this whopper of a yarn” set at the end of the War of 1812. Morgan’s search for a minister who will marry him to “the luscious” Annabel Lee takes him to New Orleans. There he “singlehandedly” wins the war. “This tale brims with the same sort of screwball characters, fantastic situations and rattling pace found in a vintage Sid Fleischman story — and it’s just as much fun” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 27, 1989). Booklist also invokes a comparison with Sid Fleischman’s fiction, saying that Lawson’s work is “more complex” and that the “story becomes somewhat befuddled” by this complexity. Nevertheless, the laughs are worth the read (Oct. 15, 1989). The Horn Book Guide considers the characters “interesting,” but the plot “is severely confused by the brevity of style” ( July-Dec. 1989).

4–up Reviewers are in agreement in their praise for Lawlor’s “well-researched” biography that “places Keller squarely in the context of her time” and “delves into more complex issues.... Photographs and prints effectively join the narrative in vivifying this determined and inspiring woman” (Publishers Weekly, July 2, 2001). Lawlor “has done her homework” in presenting “the whole woman” with “affection and honesty” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 2001). The use of primary materials “brings Keller’s interior thoughts to life and hints at her highly-developed sense of humor” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2001). Lawlor “makes a fascinating, living being out of the plaster saint” (Kirkus Reviews, June 15, 2001).

The Real Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Mary Thompson. Morton Grove, IL: Whitman, 1995. 3–5 Lawlor presents yet another well-documented biography, this one focused on an American folk hero, John Chapman, who became known as Johnny Appleseed. At age 21, Chapman left his home in Massachusetts and traveled through Pennsylvania and Ohio frontier territory. As with her other biographies, Lawlor exposes the myths and “details his extensive travels (which lasted more than 50 years), outlines his contributions to American horticulture, and offers possible reasons for his legendary status. Original wood engravings and nineteenth-century woodcuts enhance an informative, readable book” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1995). The Bulletin considers her book a “credible portrait of an astute, albeit eccentric, entrepreneur who despite financial setbacks, amassed and maintained extensive landholdings.... Thompson’s wood engravings [are] based closely on descriptions offered by Chapman’s contemporaries” (Nov. 1995). Includes a reading list, extensive bibliography, and index.

Lawrence, Mildred Walk a Rocky Road. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1971. 7–up Silverbell Kershaw and Kelsey McLeod are high-school seniors from Curiosity Cove, Appalachia, who work in an Appalachian Studies Program and are trying to earn a scholarship in order to

Lawson, John If Pigs Could Fly. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989.

You Better Come Home with Me, illus. by Arnold Spilka. New York: Crowell, 1966. 4–up Lawson’s fantasy is about a talking, walking scarecrow who takes seriously the casual invitation to “come home with me.” Publishers Weekly sees the book as a piece of writing “that will be defined by the character” and insight of the reader. “For this reader, this story of a boy who comes to the Appalachians looking for the place where he belongs is a gallant quest that challenges the saddest words in the world, ‘You can never go home again’” (Sept. 26, 1966).

Lawton, Val West Virginia. Mankato, MN: Weigl, 2002. 3–4 This title in the series A Guide to American States includes a bibliography and index.

Laycock, George Big Nick: The Story of a Remarkable Black Bear, illus. by Nancy Grossman. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1967. 5–up Big Nick is the story of 11 years in the life of a black bear in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also the story of “bears in the parks who are petted, pampered and taught to beg, but feared for their size and punished for their strength” (New York Times Book Review, June 25, 1967). Laycock relates the many threats to bears, both human and beast, including tourists and traffic in the park. As a cub, Big Nick is freed from a trap and captured by

Le Grand • 157 Johnny Swope, the first of many adventures in Big Nick’s life. His mother frees him from the shed where Johnny hides him. When she is later killed by a bear hunter, he is befriended by another female bear, who has lost her cubs. He is captured again as an adult, but he manages to free himself and continues to raid campgrounds and tourists’ vehicles. While the story is sad, Laycock tells it beautifully. (RH)

according to the Bulletin. But Lee’s “perceptive interpretation of cultural patterns in Southern Appalachia, her fine characterization and her sensitivity to the complexities of human relationships” save the book from convention, triteness, and cultural cliché ( Jan. 1981).

Leathers, Daniel

7–12 Enie Singleton comes from large family who lives in Depression-era Alabama, but she is different from the rest of the family. She longs for an education, but is burdened with housework and childcare after her mother dies. Then her father remarries, and life changes. “Although it is primarily her story, other members of the family are so delicately drawn that each comes to life on the page.... Seldom does a book for older girls offer such perfect portrayal of characters and such perfect feeling for time and place. A story like this doesn’t come along very often but it stays for a long, long while” (Library Journal, Nov. 1963).

The Johnstown Flood, 1889. Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2007. 3–6 Included in the Natural Disasters series, Leathers explains the cause of the Johnstown Flood and provides a scientific explanation of the disaster. Intended as a chapter book for beginning readers, this and other titles in the series “might be more useful to reluctant report writers than to those fascinated by the subjects” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2008). Includes a timeline, glossary, bibliography, and index.

Leavitt, Amie Helen Keller. Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2007. 1–4 Biography of Helen Keller included in the What’s So Great About ... ? series.

Leavitt, Dorothy Adventure on the Tennessee. Boston: Little, Brown, 1952. 5–9 Leavitt’s story takes Representative Cabitor and family on a visit to TVA dams, starting in Virginia and traveling through the Tennessee Valley, ending at Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and visiting Watauga Dam in Carter County, Tennessee, along the way. “This authentic picture of TVA and its significance is not only pleasant reading ... but contains much information about interesting people and places along the route” (Library Journal, Apr. 1, 1952).

LeBoutillier, Nate Pittsburgh Steelers. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 2006. 1–4 This title in the Super Bowl Champions series includes an index.

Lee, Mildred The People Therein. New York: Houghton Mifflin/Clarion, 1980. 6–8 Mildred Lee sets this novel in Dewfall Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains. Lanthy Farr, who is lame, has a relationship with Drew Thorndike, a botanist from Boston who is also an alcoholic. Lanthy becomes pregnant with Drew’s child and gives birth while he is back in Boston, caring for his dying sister. He returns to Lanthy and marries her, providing a “happy ending to a fairly conventional romance,”

The Rock and the Willow. New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1965.

Lee, S. C. Little League Leader, illus. with photographs by Jerry Robinson and Santiago Rivera. Huntsville, AL: Strode, 1974. 4–7 The main character of this baseball story is nine-year-old Paul Daley. The Daleys and the Saylors have just moved to Huntsville, Alabama, because the fathers follow construction work. Unfortunately, they arrive in Huntsville during a labor strike, and Paul is faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to join the Little League team or tell the coach that his family might have to move again. Mack Rust and his father — both bullies —figure heavily in the plot, as does Paul’s spooky neighbor Mr. Borman, who is a gardener with a heavy German accent. Mr. Borman is threatened with being fired from his job as the school janitor because he tells the principal about strange men he has seen snooping around the school. The boys get involved and uncover a Communist Russian plot, which concludes with their being captured. The ending, complete with Russian spies, is silly and weak, but the baseball story is good, if predictable. (RH)

Young Bear: The Legend of Bear Bryant’s Boyhood. Tomball, TX: Circle, 1983. 7–up Biography of the legendary Alabama football coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Le Grand [pseud. of Le Grand Henderson] Augustus and the Mountains, illus. by author. Indianapolis, New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1941. 4–6 Augustus’ family lives on a houseboat on the Mississippi River. When his mother is invited to visit relatives in Piney Pass, Kentucky, his father trades

158 • Lenski the boat for a car, and the family sets out for an adventure, which involves an Indian reservation and illintentioned locals. Augustus, of course, “saves the day.” “It is just such an adventure as any small boy who ever heard of Indians dreams of for himself. Le Grand, who apparently knows boys as well as he knows the South, has told it with a humorous pithy style in prose and pictures” (New York Times, Oct. 5, 1941). Booklist considers the family adventures to be “hilarious” and notes the significance of Augustus’ meeting “face to face with real Indians” (Dec. 1, 1941).

theme park, located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Lentz includes a brief history about the real Tweetsie, a narrow-gauge railroad that was vital to East Tennessee and western North Carolina during the first half of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the Wild-West motif of the theme park, which is the core of the book, conflicts with the Appalachian history of this train and captures none of its importance. Nevertheless, it will appeal to all train enthusiasts and to young children who have visited or plan to visit the park. (RH)

Lenski, Lois

Leppard, Lois Gladys

Blue Ridge Billy. New York: Lippincott, 1946.

According to Leppard, the Mandie series and the Young Mandie Mystery series, numbering more than 45 books combined, offer Christian stories based on her mother’s childhood. These titles are “especially for all you people in and around Franklin, North Carolina, and Macon, Swain, Jackson, Buncombe, and Transylvania Counties.” The mysteries are set mostly in Charley Gap, North Carolina, and environs, but Mandie’s adventures often take her to places such as New York, London, Belfast, Paris, and Rome. Only the titles having Appalachian settings are included below. (RH)

3–7 Set near Boone, North Carolina, Lenski’s story of Billy Honeycutt is the third title in her series about American geographical regions. The plot is predictable, and the dialect seems gratuitous, but according to Library Journal, “she presents with accuracy, sympathy, and understanding the colorful natives and their customs. Quaint expressions and distortions in spelling may hinder the reading for some, but an attractive format and appealing plot will make it generally welcome” (Nov. 1, 1946).

Coal Camp Girl. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1959. 3–6 Another title in Lenski’s series of stories about American geographical regions, this one set in the West Virginia coal fields, where coal is the center of life. “It is the children’s life, too, giving them good times and bad, happiness and trouble. Seen through the eyes of Tina, whose father and uncles are miners, this is a realistic, richly detailed picture of a life strange to most children” (Library Journal, Dec. 15, 1959).

Lentz, Alice B

The Haunted Shop. New York: Bantam, 2002. 3–5 Mandie and Irene plan to visit Bryson City, North Carolina, with Miss Abigail, but their friend Joe dismisses the opportunity because he has been there before and he finds the town “stuffy.” The adventure that develops proves him wrong, however. This title is number seven in the Young Mandie Mystery series.

Mandie and Her Missing Kin. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1995.

2–up In many ways, this title is a nostalgic journey for adults rather than a story that will capture child readers. David Griffin’s beautiful paintings express the joy and beauty of the mountain setting where five generations have enjoyed visits to Grandmother’s house. Told in first person by one of four siblings (a female), the story has religious undertones and reads more like a bedside book for the guest room than a children’s book. It is lovely, attractive, and inspiring, but the plot and characters are vague. While no specific setting is identified, Ruth Bell Graham, who lived in Buncombe County, North Carolina, wrote the four-sentence Foreword, which says the book “is very much like the place where I live.” (RH)

3–5 Volume 25 in the series finds Mandie making a visit to Joe Woodward and the cabin where she and her father lived. “Joe and Mandie get no response when they knock on the door, but they are sure someone is living in the old cabin. When shots are fired at the house from up in the hills, they head for home. There are several mysteries brewing. Joe’s dog has disappeared. Also someone seems to be getting into the old schoolhouse and writing notes on the board. Is a romance brewing between the schoolmaster and Miss Abigail? A typical Mandie story, Snowball and all” (Librarian’s World, Spring 1996). C. B. Review says the books are “well-written with interesting plots,” but the “direct Christian content ... is slight,” and some aspects are “incongruous, but most children probably won’t notice.” Examples include “the stereotypical English used by Indians in old, old Westerns” ( Jan./Feb. 1996).

Tweetsie Adventure, illus. by Carol B. Murray. Johnson City, TN: Overmountain, 1995.

Mandie and Joe’s Christmas Surprise. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1995.

K–3 This is the story of a little boy, Marc, enjoying the drama and fantasy of the Tweetsie Railroad

3–5 Finding herself in charge of the Christmas Eve pageant, Mandie is determined to remind

Mountain Magic: A Family’s Legacy of Faith, illus. by David Griffin. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

Leppard • 159 her Franklin, North Carolina, community of the true meaning of Christmas. She and Joe Woodard collect the town’s orphans and house them in the church basement, hoping that the play will move the community to find homes for the children. Designed as a Christmas giftbook, this publication also includes the script of the play.

Mandie and Mollie and the Angel’s Visit. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1998. 3–5 During Mandie’s European tour with Celia Hamilton, Mrs. Taft, and Senator Morton, they visit Belfast, Ireland, where Mandie saves a young girl, Mollie, from a linen-mill fire. In this title, Mollie joins Celia for Easter vacation at Mandie’s house; then she disappears. Mandie and her friends and family look for Mollie, while Mollie learns about Jesus and looks for angels. Mollie’s aunt also figures in the story at the end. As with Mandie and Joe’s Christmas Surprise, this Mandie holiday adventure includes the script of a play that children can perform.

Mandie and the Abandoned Mine. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1987. 3–5 In volume eight of the Mandie series, an abandoned ruby mine on property belonging to Mandie’s uncle is the source of a secret to which only the Cherokee Ned knows the answer. Mandie and her friends intend to explore the mine, but their Thanksgiving Holiday holds other events in store. “There’s plenty of mystery and excitement as Mandie and Joe are kidnapped and left by the kidnappers in an oarless boat careening down the river. Those who have followed the adventures of Mandie will enjoy this new adventure and continue to marvel that Snowball, Mandie’s beloved pet, has managed to remain a kitten through all 8 books” (Librarian’s World, Fourth Qtr. 1987–1988). Mandie possesses a “guileless and winsome spirit.... The reader is introduced to a variety of interesting characters of different races who speak in dialect” (Moody, Dec. 1987).

Mandie and the Angel’s Secret. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1993. 3–5 Title number 22 of the Mandie series begins in London with Grandmother Taft, Molly, Uncle Ned, and Mandie hurriedly making arrangements to return to America. Mrs. Taft and Uncle Ned are obviously keeping something from Mandie, and their desire for secrecy is explained only when Mandie returns home to find her mother ill with fever and her little brother Samuel dead. Mandie meets an angel who gives her the idea to wire Dr. Plumbley in New York to come and save her mother’s life. He does, of course. Woven throughout is a weak mystery of a woman in black who intermittently appears, sobs, and vanishes when Mandie sees her. She turns out to be cousin Isabelle who was in love with Mandie’s father before he married Elizabeth, her mother. This Isabelle subplot serves no causal or motivational purpose in

the story, and the ending is implausible. There is little plot or action, making the story totally dependent on dialogue. Mandie is a bit too melodramatic as the center of attention. The attempts at African American dialect in the character of Liza and Native American dialect in the character of Uncle Ned are gratuitous. The story is a throwback to the didactic sentimentalism of the 19th century. (RH)

Mandie and the Buried Stranger. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1999. 3–5 During spring break from the Misses Heathwood’s School for Girls, Mandie returns home, eager to spend time with her friend Joe Woodard, whom she has not seen since he left for college after Christmas. The two engage in a mystery involving the mountains, a pile of mica, and a stolen wagon. This title, set in 1902, is volume 31 in the Mandie series.

Mandie and the Cherokee Legend. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1983. 3–5 In this second title in the Mandie series, the protagonist travels for a first visit with her Cherokee relatives. Mandie quickly wins over the whole lot, except for a cruel cousin who is suspicious of her and toward whom she feels hatred. Her discovery of Indian golden treasure in a cave only complicates matters. “There’s plenty of action in this book, but, at the end, the resolutions of the problems are somewhat simplistic” (Christian Book and Librarian, Oct. 1983). This “wholesome entertainment” is “exciting, fast moving, and teaches how to relate to people who are hard to get along with” (Provident Book Finder, July-Aug. 1984).

Mandie and the Courtroom Battle. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1996. 4–7 Volume 27 in the Mandie series presents a “prissy and unbelievably good” Mandie dealing with the loss of her father’s will. “The demeaning portrayal of black servants and a Native American, all of whom speak in dialect, adds to the stilted, distracting quality of writing. The plot is overly complicated and confusing, with unclear allusions to what has transpired in past books, and some subplots, such as one about a ruby mine, that add nothing to the story at hand.” Though Leppard intends the series to convey Christian ideals, these values are “unclear” with the exception of “Mandie reciting a favorite Bible verse when she is afraid” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1997).

Mandie and the Dangerous Impostors. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1994. 3–5 At the end of her summer vacation, Mandie visits Uncle Ned and his granddaughter Sallie, where she gets a message that the Cherokee boy Tsa’ni wants to see her. Tsa’ni has the reputation of being a trouble maker. Accordingly, “When Mandie arrives, Tsa’ni is nowhere to be found, and she dis-

160 • Leppard covers that her Uncle Wirt has disappeared as well” (Teach, Spring 1995). This title is volume 23 in the Mandie series.

Mandie and the Dark Alley. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2000. 3–5 When Mandie and Celia rush to meet curfew at school, they take a shortcut through a dark alley where Mandie loses her locket. At the same time, one of Mrs. Taft’s valuable heirlooms disappears, and Mandie believes the theft is connected with the dangerous alley because she has heard suspicious noises coming from a warehouse nearby. Against all caution, Mandie and Celia return to the dangerous alley to investigate the theft. This title is volume 33 in the Mandie series.

Mandie and the Forbidden Attic. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1985. 3–5 In the fourth book in the Mandie series, Mandie is sent away to boarding school, where she struggles to adjust and fit in. Eventually she meets a new friend, Celia, and the typical Mandie adventures follow. “Mysterious noises in the school attic, being discovered while investigating, punishment, and finally, a surprising discovery, all go into making this story one to be enjoyed” (Calvary Review, Winter 1985). “The accurate descriptions” of the early 1900s and the “wholesome” nature of the fiction make it “interesting and insightful for young people today” (Christian Renewal, Oct. 7, 1985).

Mandie and the Ghost Bandits. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1984.

following their Florida vacation with Senator Morton, and discover that a huge crack has appeared in the secret tunnel underneath her house. The crack begins to widen, and Mandie finds a huge cavern behind it. The mystery that evolves threatens the collapse of her house and shakes her courage.

Mandie and the Hidden Treasure. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1987. 3–5 Having found an old treasure map that was drawn by her Aunt Ruby, Mandie sets out to find the treasure. The map begins adventure number nine in the Mandie series, which involves Mandie’s friend Joe, and Sally, the granddaughter of Mandie’s beloved Indian friend, Uncle Ned. “Those who have followed Mandie through her escapades in previous books, will enjoy this new story with a surprise awaiting at the end” (Librarian’s World, First Qtr. 1987).

Mandie and the Holiday Surprise. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1988. 3–5 The 11th book in the Mandie series is a Christmas mystery set at the boarding school attended by Mandie and her friend Celia. “The story revolves around the preparations for Christmas, and the disappearance and reappearance of the Christmas presents Mandie has wrapped and put under the tree. As Christmas arrives and Mandie discovers the secret, she’s not sure she wants it. Light reading for Mandie fans” (Librarian’s World, First Qtr. 1989). Moody Monthly describes Mandie as a “sort of Christian Shirley Temple,” all of whose friends —“black, Indian, southern, and northern—are back in this book” ( June 1989).

3–5 The third book in the Mandie series involves the secret transfer of Cherokee gold from a small bank in Bryson City to one in Asheville, North Carolina. The discovery of the planned transfer results in a train robbery, injury to Uncle Ned, and the kidnapping of Mandie. “This exciting story revolves around the search for the stolen gold. Good junior-age fiction” (Librarian’s World, Fourth Qtr. 1984). The Prairie Overcomer praises the plot as “believable, but so exciting” ( Jan. 1985)!

3–5 Mandie and Celia get involved in yet another mystery, number 24 in the Mandie series, at the Misses Heathwood School for Girls in Asheville, North Carolina. Librarian’s World considers this an additional “typical Mandy story” (Spring, 1995), but Teach considers it a “great new tale in the popular Mandie series” (Fall 1995).

Mandie and the Graduation Mystery. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 2004.

Mandie and the Long Goodbye. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1998.

3–5 In volume number 40 of the Mandie series, Mandie and Celia prepare to graduate from the Misses Heathwood’s School for Girls. Mandie looks back at all her adventures and anticipates an exciting future, which includes her grandmother’s (Mrs. Taft’s) graduation gift of a European tour for both girls. But her immediate problem is that someone is rifling through Mandie’s and Celia’s rooms and Mandie’s graduation dress goes missing.

3–5 After the Christmas holidays, Mandie learns that her good friend Joe Woodard is leaving Charley Gap, North Carolina, for college. He gets a warm send-off with a going-away party that results in a mystery for Mandie and her friends, and as he is leaving on the train, he yells something to Mandie that she cannot quite make out. This title is number 30 in the Mandie series.

Mandie and the Hidden Past. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 2003. 3–5 In volume 38 of the Mandie series, Mandie and her friends return to Franklin, North Carolina,

Mandie and the Invisible Troublemaker. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1994.

Mandie and the Medicine Man. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1986. 3–5 Number six in the Mandie series, this book finds progress on Mandie’s hospital for the Cherokee Indians being sabotaged. Christian Readers

Leppard • 161 Review reports that children like the book but have critical comments, such as the difficulty of “keeping all Mandie’s Indian relations straight,” the anachronistic nature of her detective activities, and her “uncontrolled temper” (Dec. 1986). “The books have a high moral tone but they are not ‘religious over much.’ In fact, we do not recall anyone going to church” (Biblical Evangelist, Jan. 1988).

Mandie and the Secret Tunnel. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1983.

Mandie and the Midnight Journey. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1989.

Mandie and the Tornado. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 2001.

3–5 When a new baby brother comes into the house, Mandie runs away from home, intending to live with her relatives among the Cherokee Indians. This title is number 13 in the Mandie series.

3–5 As Mandie prepares to leave school for the spring holiday, she receives a letter from home that says someone is living in the old, abandoned house on the edge of the Shaw property. But no one knows who it is. Upon her arrival at home, Mandie sets out to discover the mystery of the flickering light and who is hiding in the old house. This title is volume 34 in the Mandie Series.

Mandie and the Missing Schoolmarm. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 2004. 3–5 In volume 39 of the Mandie series, her teacher, Miss Hope, goes missing during summer vacation. Her sister Prudence enlists Mrs. Taft’s aid in searching for Hope, and Mandie fears that if she is not found, her grandmother will take her place. After all, Mrs. Taft owns the building. This thought spurs Mandie and her friends to mount their own search for their missing teacher.

Mandie and the Mysterious Bells. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1988. 3–5 In volume ten of the Mandie series, Mandie sets out to discover why the church bells chime 13 times at midnight and becomes involved in a series of strange events. “The Asheville townspeople become alarmed, and when the flu epidemic hits the town, many people are ready to blame it on the weird goings-on at the church. Mandie, however, solves the mystery and helps the town get back to normal.” This latest installment in the Mandie series offers “quick reading, interesting, and intriguing” situations that will “not disappoint” (Bookstore Journal, Oct. 1988).

Mandie and the Quilt Mystery. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 2002. 3–5 Rummaging in the attic, Mandie finds a mysterious and disappearing quilt that bears a Cherokee message. Instructions are included for making a quilt block identical to Mandie’s. This title is number 35 in the Mandie series.

Mandie and the Schoohouse’s Secret. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1996. 3–5 Mandie’s grandmother, Mrs. Taft, buys the building where the Misses Heathwood hold their school and decides to modernize it with electricity and a furnace. The renovation leaves holes in the floor and wall of Celia and Mandie’s room, through which they hear odd nighttime noises. Then Mandie’s cat Snowball disappears, and the girls’ search for him in the mysterious building leads them to hidden pirate treasure, which they try to return to its rightful owners. This title is number 26 in the Mandie series.

3–5 In volume one of the Mandie series, Mandie’s father has just died and she runs away to live with an uncle in his mansion. Her Indian friend Ned comes to her assistance. “There are many adventures and surprises in this junior-age story of life in bygone days” (Librarian’s World, Third Qtr. 1983).

Mandie and the Trunk’s Secret. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1985. 3–5 This fifth Mandie title involves the contents of a trunk discovered in the boarding school’s attic. The girls “learn it isn’t right to pry into other people’s business. It would be helpful to have read the preceding books, but not essential, since this one manages to recap quite a bit. Though the mystery alludes to star-crossed lovers, the writing style is better suited to younger girls of about nine or ten” (Christian Bookseller, Dec. 1985).

Mandie and the Unwanted Gift. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1997. 3–5 As Mandie prepares to go home for Christmas, she is excited but also worried because she has invited Jonathan Guyer and his father to visit them during the holidays and she has not told her grandmother, Mrs. Taft, who is not fond of Mr. Guyer. Another concern is that Jonathan and Mandie’s friend Joe Woodard do not appear to like each other. At the Shaw home, a strange gift for Mandie appears on the doorstep and complicates the holidays even further. This title is volume number 29 in the Mandie series.

Mandie’s Cookbook. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany, 1991. K–3 This cookbook, designed to reflect food from the era of the Mandie series, offers period recipes that are “heavy on fats and sweets.” It gives “minimal” instructions for measuring and mixing and is “entirely lacking in safety precautions. Unsuitable” (Horn Book Guide, Jan.-June 1992).

Merry Christmas from Mandie. New York: Bantam, 2000. 3–5 Miss Abigail invites the entire school to help trim the Christmas tree. Abigail, who doesn’t usually have a Christmas tree and who lives in the loveliest house in all of Swain County, is putting up

162 • Lepthien a tree this year mainly for Faith, who is living with her temporarily. As Mandie prepares for the party, gifts begin appearing on her doorstep that would be perfect for all her friends, and she must solve the mystery of their appearance. This title is a special edition of the Young Mandie Mystery series.

The Missing Book. New York: Bantam, 2002. 3–5 This Young Mandie Mystery, number six in the series, is set in motion when her book disappears. Joe, who carries her books to and from school, has not seen it, and Mandie is worried about the expense of replacing it, as well as her teacher’s (Mr. Tallent’s) disapproval. A craft project is included.

The Mystery at Miss Abigail’s. New York: Bantam, 1999. 3–5 As Mandie anticipates Miss Abigail’s Christmas party, she and Faith discover that Abigail’s prized china teapot is missing. Worried that residents of Charley Gap may have to start locking their doors to prevent further thefts, the girls are determined to find the teapot and solve the mystery in time for the party. This title is number three in the Young Mandie Mystery series.

New Girl. New York: Bantam, 1999. 3–5 Sarah, a girl Mandie’s age, moves into the old cabin on the hill. Mandie is eager to make a new friend, but Sarah is strangely distant, so Mandie sets out to discover why. This title is number two in the Young Mandie Mystery series.

The Secret in the Woods. New York: Bantam, 2001 3–5 The woods surrounding the homes in Charley Gap turn mysterious, with strange noises, shadows, and voices. Though Joe Woodard tries to convince his friend Mandie to leave well enough alone, she refuses and sets out to discover the secrets of the woods. This title is number five in the Young Mandie Mystery series.

The Talking Snowman. New York: Bantam, 2001. 3–5 With the onset of winter in Charley Gap and a huge snowfall, Mandie and Joe make a snowman on her front lawn. During the night, Mandie hears someone talking outside her window. She looks out to find only the snowman and wonders whether he can talk. This mystery, number four in the Young Mandie Mystery series, sets her on yet another adventure.

Who’s Mandie? New York: Bantam, 1999. 3–5 When Mandie and Joe Woodard find an abandoned kitten, Spot, in the woods, they set out to solve the mystery of who left it there. Unfortunately, solving the mystery may mean giving up the first pet Mandie has ever had, but Mandie gets Spot’s kitten Windy in the end. This is the first title in the Young Mandie Mystery series.

Lepthien, Emilie U. The Cherokee, illus. with photographs. Chicago: Childrens, 1985. 2–4 Lepthien’s title in the New True Books series gives “a concise overview” of the Cherokee, “clearly highlighting their history, peoples and culture.” The “simple” style “conveys a sense of outrage at the past, mixed with admiration of a proud people.” While the content of this book is available elsewhere, it is, nevertheless, a good overview for young readers. Illustrations, formatting, and an index are also plusses (School Library Journal, Mar. 1986). Booklist also notes the “comprehensive (for the age level) simple” nature of the title, as well as the format and end matter (Dec. 1, 1985).

LeSourd, Nancy Christy: Christmastime at Cutter Gap, illus. by Bill Farnsworth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz, 2003. K–3 LeSourd bases this title on the main character of Catherine Marshall’s novel Christy. (Marshall was LeSourd’s mother-in-law.) LeSourd’s popular adaptations of Christy are designed for a television audience and for older readers. This is her first picturebook adaptation. “Here Christy helps an injured student and reminds everyone that the greatest gift of all is Jesus” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 22, 2003).

Lester, Julius John Henry, illus. by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial, 1994. K–3 Lester’s award-winning picture book about John Henry and the construction of the railroad tunnel through the West Virginia Allegheny Mountains “is a tall tale and a heroic myth, a celebration of the human spirit.” He tells the story, based on several variants of the folk legend, “with rhythm and wit, humor and exaggeration, and with a heart-catching immediacy that connects the human and the natural world.” Pinkney’s “dappled pencil-and-watercolor illustrations capture the individuality of the great working man, who is part of the community and who has the strength of rock and wind” (Booklist, June 1994). The Bulletin praises the “successful melding of rich prose and challenging visual imagery” (Oct. 1994), and the Horn Book Guide calls the book “little short of magnificent” (1994).

Le Sueur, Meridel Chanticleer of Wilderness Road: A Story of Davy Crockett, illus. by Aldren A. Watson. New York: Knopf, 1951. 5–8 Le Sueur’s biography “has the strong, poetic, humorous quality of frontier vernacular, with many verbatim accounts from original sources.... Robustly illustrated by Aldren A. Watson” (Library Journal, Dec. 1, 1951).

Libal • 163

Little Brother of the Wilderness: The Story of Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Betty Alden. New York: Knopf, 1947.

and folksy, patriotic personality.” This is a “clear, thoroughly researched portrait” (Mar. 15, 1988). Includes a glossary and index.

4–5 The style of this biography of Jonathan Chapman is “simple, dignified and readable.” Alden’s illustrations “have humor and a folk-tale quality,” and the type “is large and clear” (Library Journal, May 15, 1947).

Levitt, Steve

Nancy Hanks of Wilderness Road: A Story of Abraham Lincoln’s Mother, illus. by Betty Alden. New York: Knopf, 1949. 3–7 Library Journal deems this a “beautiful story of Nancy Hanks, of her marriage to Tom Lincoln and the childhood of Abe Lincoln,” with “charming poetic” prose that compares with Daugherty’s Daniel Boone. Though the book is for young readers, “older readers will probably have a keener appreciation of its style.” Alden’s illustrations “supplement the story beautifully” (Nov. 1, 1949).

Levine, Ellen Rachel Carson. New York: Viking, 2007. 6–9 Included in the Up Close series, Levine’s “honest and engaging” (Horn Book Guide, Oct. 2007) biography of Rachel Carson is a “balanced, thoroughly researched introduction to an original scientist whose work remains of urgent importance today” (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2007).

Levinson, Nancy Smiler Clara and the Bookwagon, illus. by Carolyn Croll. New York: Harper and Row, 1988. 1–3 The Bulletin begins its review of Levinson’s title with this observation: “This is one of those books you want to put in every six-year-old’s hands— personable, easy-to-read historical fiction about a period when books were hard to get and reading was a privilege.” Set in 1905 and based on a true story of the nation’s first bookmobile, the story is told through the perspective of Clara, whose father thinks reading is not for farm people. The plot “builds naturally,” and the “style is contained without becoming contrived.” The illustrations are “doll-like,” conveying a sense of the “Pennsylvania Dutch than a Maryland setting,” but the “rounded shapes and blended tones” are appealing (Feb. 1988).

Chuck Yeager, the Man Who Broke the Sound Barrier: A Science Biography. New York: Walker, 1988. 3–6 School Library Journal considers Levinson’s title to be “far more complete and readable” than Ayres’ Chuck Yeager: Fighter Pilot (1988). It is “obviously based on extensive research,” and the “writing is fresh, crisp, and fast-moving” (May 1, 1988). Kirkus agrees that Levinson successfully explains “why Yeager is famous, capturing both his technical brilliance

Journey to the Mountain — A Roots Tale. Lulu. com, 2006. 3–6 According to Steve Levitt’s blog, this self-published title is an “historical fiction adventure story” that “uses the journeys and challenges faced by a Cherokee girl, an African American slave and an Irish immigrant boy to uncover the historical roots of Southern Appalachian culture and the origins of the American traditional folk dance ‘clogging.’” Leavitt lives in a cabin in Efland, North Carolina. (RH)

Lewis, J. Patrick The Moonbow of Mr. B. Bones, illus. by Dirk Zimmer. New York: Knopf, 1992. 1–4 A note explains that this picture book is based on a natural phenomenon that can be observed at Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls when the weather conditions are right. Lewis writes a fictional explanation of the mystery through the character of Mr. Bones who peddles practical items and jars filled with magical weather oddities, such as Sundrops, Snowrays, and Moonbows. These are prized by the community until a literal-minded outsider dispels their charm. “Zimmer reinforces the legendary tone with a rustic setting and homespun characters.” The “pictorial frames” are “ingeniously varied with insets and overlays” (Bulletin, June 1992). According to Booklist, “Lewis tells the story with a lilting, colloquial rhythm.” The illustrations, which are “pen and color with detailed cross-hatching,” create a “boisterous, comic-book style”: “The world is transformed” ( Jan. 15, 1992).

Libal, Joyce Southern Appalachia. Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2005. 5–8 Though Libal’s cookbook cites The Culinary Institute of America as a consultant to the American Regional Cooking Library series, to which this title belongs, School Library Journal considers the book “disappointing.” It “fail[s] to provide the clear, explicit instructions that characterize excellent cookbooks for kids,” and it is fraught with errors: A “photo of a blender is captioned ‘electric mixer’”; “ingredients are not consistently listed in the order used, the number of servings produced is not noted, and nutritional information is not given. Instructions are presented in a single paragraph and are at times vague.” While this title provides cultural and traditional culinary information and the illustrations are attractive, there are other, better books available for children (Aug. 1, 2005).

164 • Lillard

Lillard, David West Virginia. Berkeley Heights, NJ: MyReportLinks.com, 2003. 4–6 This title in the States series discusses the land and climate, economy, government, and history of the state of West Virginia. Includes websites, a bibliography, and an index.

Lindbergh, Reeve Johnny Appleseed, illus. by Kathy Jakobsen. Boston: Joy Street, 1990. K–3 This story of Johnny Appleseed is told in verse from the perspective of a fictional frontier grandmother, Hannah. The Bulletin praises Lindberg’s poem as “plain spoken” with “the sturdy rhythm of a sampler verse.” Jakobsen’s folk-art illustrations are “cozy and balanced ... with small particulars that will hold a child’s eye” (Oct. 1990). Horn Book evaluates this volume as “outstanding” and “a splendid production” (Mar. 1, 1991). “Lindbergh’s quiet tale emphasizes the man’s true religious nature. It’s a treasure” (School Library Journal, Sept. 01, 1990). “An eye-catching book that should intrigue browsers and fit curriculum needs nicely too” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1990). Publishers Weekly notes that, unlike the myriad other books about this folk hero, Lindbergh does not depict him as a “superhero; this work shows him as a gentle, religious man on a mission, a lover of the land with a consuming interest in the environment” ( July 13, 1990). Includes a historical note about John Chapman and a map.

Linzey, Alicia V., and Donald W. Linzey

and extinct species. The map has been dropped, but the excellent appendices, glossary, and bibliography are retained. While the photographs are good, they may not compare well with photographs in other contemporary children’s informational books because of their size; in some cases, they are so small as to render the details indistinguishable. (RH)

Lisandrelli, Elaine Slivinski Ida B. Wells-Barnett: Crusader Against Lynching. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 1998. 6–up Lisandrelli’s title in the African-American Biographies series “brings to life the heroic tale of Ida B. Wells-Barnett.” Though born into slavery in 1862, Wells was a life-long activist for racial equality and against lynchings. “Students looking for material on this well-known crusader will appreciate this clearly written biography” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 1998). The Horn Book Guide is less enthusiastic: This title “dutifully (and somewhat dully)” presents Wells’s amazing life (Fall 1998).

Littlesugar, Amy Shake Rag: From the Life of Elvis Presley, illus. by Floyd Cooper. New York: Philomel, 1998. K–3 Intended for young readers, this biography of Elvis Presley provides a glimpse into his childhood and the influence of the blues on his music. The author “has turned a hardscrabble youth into the rhythm of myth and the wail of the blues.” This easyreader title “exalts the power of music, and because it’s about such a legendary figure, it exerts an even greater hold” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 1, 1998).

Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1971.

Locker, Thomas, and Joseph Bruchac

5–up The Linzeys, who worked as mammologists in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, based this book on research they began in 1963, though it is supplemented with older studies as well. Created as a guide for visitors, it functions as a handy aid for identifying and understanding Park mammals. “There are 32 excellent photographs, a map of the Park area, a checklist, and glossary. The literature cited section will be of great value to those who wish to find more technical information pertaining to the natural history of the Park and should prove a valuable aid to the amateur naturalist visiting this part of the Southern Appalachians” (Choice, Nov. 1971).

2–6 Booklist considers Locker and Bruchac’s collaboration a “handsome picture-book biography” in which “Bruchac writes lyrically about [Carson’s] love of nature, particularly the ocean, and concludes with an appreciation of her impact on the environment.” Locker’s illustrations depict “dramatically lit scenes that capture the beauty and majesty of nature” ( July 1, 2004). School Library Journal agrees that Locker’s paintings are “lush and serene” but considers the biography of this “complex woman” to be “very cursory,” making for a “marginal” book, though it is “unfailingly lovely” ( June 1, 2004.). Horn Book Guide is severe in its criticism, calling the text “mawkish” and the illustrations “yellowish landscapes [that] do little to elucidate the subject of this barely-a-biography” (Fall 2004). Unattributed quotations are appended.

Linzey, Donald W. Mammals of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Blacksburg, VA: McDonald and Woodward, 1995. 5–up This revision of the Linzeys’ 1971 edition includes 70 mammals, new locality and elevation records, new Park territory, and updates on rare

Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder. Golden, CO: Fulcrum, 2004.

Logue, Mary Trust: The Story of Helen Keller. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2001.

Love • 165 3–4 A biography of Helen Keller, who overcame deafness and blindness.

Lomask, Milton Andy Johnson: The Tailor Who Became President. New York: Ariel, 1962. 7–9 Library Journal says that “little has been written for this age level” about this President and emphasizes Johnson’s “courage, sufferings, and great faith in the Union, presenting him in a more favorable light than many accounts in history books.” Lomask, who wrote the adult account of Johnson’s impeachment, “utilizes new material on Johnson’s wife and gives a detailed character study depicting the man and his personal philosophy as well as conveying the spirit of the times, particularly through language of the period.” The book is recommended as “superior in style of writing and historical flavor” (Mar. 15, 1962).

London, Jonathan Where’s Home? New York: Viking, 1995. 5–7 With this title, London explores the theme of Appalachian outmigration. Adrian, age 14, and his father, a Vietnam veteran, leave West Virginia for Detroit and then hitchhike to San Francisco, where they join the ranks of the unemployed and homeless. “Like many stories about the homeless on the road, London’s first novel is hushed and reverential, the characters too perfect.... What will keep kids reading is the nightmare of homelessness brought close and the spare poetry of London’s style.... Every page reveals metaphor and music in ordinary things” (Booklist, June 1 and 15, 1995). According to the Horn Book Guide, the book has “some affecting moments,” but it is “essentially a pastiche of dreams, memories and surreal characters and situations that distance the reader from the narrative” (Spring 1996). The Bulletin argues that there is “more artistry than emotional impact” (Oct. 1995). ALAN Review says it is easy to read but not easy to “digest” (Winter 1996).

Long , Cathryn The Cherokee. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2000. 4–6 This title in the Indigenous Peoples of North America series discusses the traditional life of the Cherokee peoples in the southern Appalachian Mountains, their beliefs and sense of community, culture, their forced migration along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma, and life in the 20th century and beyond. Includes an index and bibliography.

Long , Laura David Farragut: Boy Midshipman. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1950. 3–7 Long’s title in the Childhood of Famous Americans series “will have an Horatio-Alger appeal” because of Farragut’s boyhood adventures in the War of 1812 (Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1950).

Lorenzo, Carol Lee Heart-of-Snowbird. New York: Harper and Row, 1975. 6–8 Lorenzo’s story of Laurel Ivy is a “warm and vivid piece of regional fiction, full of minutiae that bring Appalachia into clear focus.” Laurel Ivy has a pet opossum and an Indian friend, Hank Bearfoot, who is the source of bigotry and small-mindedness. Lorenzo uses the “interrelationships” among these and other characters to “supply the tensions that make the fiction move.” Laurel Ivy has few successful “attachments,” but Hank is an exception because he is “a born naturalist, who, like herself, falls under the spell of the mountains.... Laurel Ivy stands as an indomitable, free spirit” (Horn Book, Aug. 1975).

Lossiah, Lynn King Cherokee Little People: The Secrets and Mysteries of the Yunwi Tsunsdi, illus. by author. Cherokee, NC: Cherokee, 1998. 4–7 As stated in the “Forward” [sic], this book is an introduction to “a vital part of the Cherokee culture as it has never before been presented, the secrets and mysteries of the Cherokee Little People” (8), also called the Little-People-Who-Wore-White. The stories and bits of folklore in this volume are adapted from James Mooney’s Myths and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees (1900) and from oral histories collected on the Qualla in North Carolina. Some of the stories tell how the Little People come to the aid of the Cherokee; some are cautionary tales intended to make children behave; and some are stories of sightings. All are written in simple, poetic language that sets an appropriate mood and is excellent for easy reading. Lossiah’s black-and-white illustrations are romantic renderings of animals and Cherokee figures, and the chapters are marked by stylized drawings of Cherokee faces. In several instances, the text is superimposed on the drawings, making for very difficult reading, and the variety of page layouts creates an uneven flow. An appended order form (which is cross-referenced in the text) offers for sale four, poster-size drawings from the book and makes one wonder whether the text is merely a frame for the art work. MariJo Moore’s essay in A Broken Flute admits that “there are many who doubt that these magical, mystical people actually exist. But as they stand on their reasoning and look for proof, those of us who do believe are sitting back and continuing to enjoy the wisdom and gifts of the Yunwi Tsunsdi” (New York: AltaMira, 2005). No source notes, bibliography, or index is included. Its flaws aside, the book presents interesting material that will attract young children. Researchers will want to use the original Mooney text. (RH)

Love, Robert Elvis Presley. New York: Watts, 1986. 3–up This title in the Impact Biography series includes a bibliography, discography, and filmography.

166 • Lowe

Lowe, Felix C. John Ross, illus. by Patrick Soper. Austin, TX: Steck-Vaughn, 1990. 3–6 This title in the American Indian Stories series presents the life of Chief John Ross and his attempt to prevent the forced removal of the Cherokee from their land.

Lowenstein, Sallie The Mt. Olympus Zoo, illus. by author. Kensington, MD: Lion Stone, 1997. 4–7 Every summer Harold Powers takes his family on a “weird” vacation, and this year he has bought a “packaged tour of odd-ball, off-the-beatentrack zoos in the Appalachian Mountains” (2). Young Nicholas Powers narrates this first-person account of the family’s trek into a mountainous region where they encounter the Mt. Olympus Zoo, which is a collection of mythological creatures run by the Keeper and an assortment of Gargoyles. During the first half of the book, Nick, his dad, his sister Olivia, age seven and one-half, and their mother Martha tour the zoo, a weak plot device designed to introduce the mythological bestiary, illustrated in pen-and-ink sketches by the author. The second half of the book involves a plan to save the zoo from the local community and Zoning Commission. Harold just happens to be an attorney, and Martha just happens to be good at writing promotional brochures. In the end, the zoo is promoted as an educational experience and is passed off as a hoax or cleverly-designed theme park, though the Powers family and the reader know that the creatures are real. The previously-suspicious community is inexplicably charmed into enthusiastic acceptance of the zoo. The thin and predictable plot is part Jurassic Park (the hatching of a Fire Drake) and part Harry Potter series (an encounter with a Hippogryph and the uprooting of a plant whose screams necessitate the wearing of ear plugs). Though the book is set in Appalachia, there is nothing Appalachian about it, and one wonders what the author intended by her choice of settings. When the setting occasionally shifts to woodlands and the area surrounding the Zoo, Lowenstein could have developed the Appalachian flora and fauna in contrast to the mythology that is at the core of her novel; alas, she does not. The locals are identified by their non-standard English, but it doesn’t pass as dialect. The book concludes with a 12-page Alphabetical Listing of Mythological References, prepared by John Kenny; no citations are included. This volume would have been more successful if Mr. Kenny had fully developed and documented his mythological bestiary and Ms. Lowenstein had omitted the story. (RH)

4–8 In this award-winning novel, Lowry presents a “change from her usual ... suburban, middleclass protagonists.” Rabble Starkey, age 12, is abandoned by her father and lives with her mother in West Virginia among an assortment of characters whose lives are anything but stable and successful. Against this backdrop, she nevertheless survives, even thrives. “The action is slight, but the small-town, down-home ambiance feels authentic; the rhythm of the local speech throughout is enjoyable but understandable; the humor is low-key; and the characterization is splendid.... Rabble is an interested and understanding observer of life, truthful but compassionate, hardworking and unresentful of her problems, an agreeable and distinct personality” (Horn Book, July/Aug. 1987).

Lucas, Eileen The Cherokees: People of the Southeast. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 1993. 4–8 This title in the Native Americans series follows a template format in giving data about “current populations” and “facts about traditional ways and historical houses and foods.” Unfortunately it also perpetuates misconceptions by showing “a man standing in a stereotypical pose wearing distinctly non– Cherokee clothing” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1994). The Horn Book Guide is more positive, calling this a “[t]horough and attractive” book that supplies “clear information” about the Cherokees, along with “their history and current ways of life” (Spring 1993).

Ludwig , Charles Stonewall Jackson: Loved in the South, Admired in the North. Fenton, MI: Mott Media, 1989. 3–4 A biography of Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson, the famous Civil War Confederate General.

Lund, Bill The Cherokee Indians. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 1997. 2–3 This title in the Native Peoples Series provides an overview of the past and present lives of the Cherokee people, covering their daily life, customs, relations with the government and others, and more. Includes a bibliography and index.

Lundell, Margo A Girl Named Helen Keller, illus. by Irene Trivas. New York: Scholastic, 1995. 3–6

A biography in the Hello Reader! series.

Lundgren, Hal

Lowry, Lois

Mary Lou Retton: Gold Medal Gymnast. Chicago: Childrens, 1985.

Rabble Starkey. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1987.

3–up School Library Journal considers this title to be formulaic and “adulatory to the point of utter

Lynn • 167 boredom.” The writing style and format are inconsistent with the reading level, and the absence of front matter and end matter renders them unsuitable for reports. “Only for libraries with an insatiable demand for sports biographies” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 1986).

Lydon, Kerry Raines A Birthday for Blue, illus. by Michael Hays. Niles, IL: Whitman, 1989. 2–3 This book for early readers tells the story of one day — Blue’s seventh birthday — when he travels with his family along the Cumberland Road toward the west. The Bulletin considers the style to be “a bit plodding,” but the story is “simple enough to be comprehended (both in the sense of concepts and of vocabulary difficulty) by primary grades readers.” Though the story isn’t “very exciting, ... it does give a picture of one segment of the pioneer experience in westward expansion” (May 1989). Includes a map and a note with historical information about the Cumberland Road, which became known as the National Road.

Lynch, Emma Helen Keller. Chicago: Heinemann, 2005. 2–4 The biography “offers basic information in mostly short and choppy sentences” that “reiterate rather than impart new information.” A few blatant inaccuracies are offset by details that “lend a level of authenticity and interest to the text.” David Adler’s A Picture Book of Helen Keller (1990) and Helen Keller (2003) [see above] are better books (School Library Journal, Oct. 2005). Contains a fact file, timeline, glossary, suggested reading, and index.

Lynn, Jodi Blue Girl. New York: Puffin, 2003. 5–8 Blue Girl, the third title in the Glory series, finds Glory Bee Mason, age 13, still expecting that she will die from the “poison” she was forced to drink when she was ejected from her West Virginia community. In a foster home in Brookline, Massachusetts, outside Boston, she struggles to adjust to a new life with her foster family, the Kellys, and she is insecure in a new school among strangers. A reader does not necessarily need to have read the first two books, but knowledge of the background details will be of help. “Adolescents will relate to Glory’s awkward moments and to the loyalty she feels for Katie. However, an impending sense of doom builds, and the final scenes in this installment seem more forlorn than anticipatory. As a whole, the twists and turns in the story line do not quite ring true” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2003). The Horn Book Guide considers the books “overwritten” and “melodramatic” (Spring 2004).

Forget Me Not. New York: Puffin, 2003. 5–7 This fourth and last title in the Glory series takes Glory from the Kellys in Brookline, a com-

munity near Boston, back to Dogwood, West Virginia, where she observes her family literally from a distance — from outside the circle of community. Needing to “connect” with her family one more time, she runs away from the Kellys and hitchikes to West Virginia, a plot line that is annoyingly “tidy.” At the grave of her friend Katie, she meets her mother, who tells her that the “Water of Judgment” was not poison; it was merely water and was meant to be symbolic. Freed from the belief that she is going to die, she asks her mother if she can stay in Dogwood; her mother merely answers, “You’ll be fine.” So Glory leaves Dogwood for the last time and calls the Kellys, who take her back to Boston, which is now her home, and adopt her. The novel ends with references to the Appalachian Mountains and with the wish that someday her Dogwood family will visit her. (RH)

Glory. New York: Puffin, 2003. 5–8 Lynn’s series of four novels about Glory Bee Mason get mixed reviews. Glory is the daughter of a town leader in Dogwood, West Virginia, a fundamentalist, isolationist Christian community that shuns all vestiges of modern life, including electricity, cars, and telephones. At age 13, Glory is a typical, inquisitive child, eager to challenge authority. Unfortunately, a bit of teenage acting-out results in the death of her friend, Katie. As a result, the community forces her to drink the “Water of Judgment,” which is supposedly poison, and expels her from the community. She manages to survive in the woods and is eventually befriended by a young man, Jake, who helps her on her journey to Boston, “a symbol of her future as an individual.” Glory is “likable,” but her “first-person voice is not totally successful, and some plot elements are never resolved.... Overall, this is a book with potential, but it reads more like a rough draft than a finished novel” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 2003). According to the Bulletin, the “setup of the cult-like situation initially involves some forced dialogue, expository description, and stock secondary characters, but ... the pace [eventually] becomes compelling.” Her survival in the woods is “barely credible” but appealing as a “survival” story. Readers will like Glory’s “willful determination” and the “semiromantic relationship” with Jake (May 2003). A review in Voice of Youth Advocates is less kind: “The plot limps along predictably ... and the foreshadowing is spread thickly.” The book “provides only dim enjoyment” (Apr. 2003). According to Kirkus Reviews, Lynn’s first novel shows Glory to be “likable,” but the “predictable plot is marred by implausible situations” (Mar. 15, 2003).

Shadow Tree. New York: Puffin, 2003. 5–8 This second installment in the Glory series finds the protagonist in the town of Shadow Tree, where she is befriended by Becky and given a job in her jewelry shop. Knowing that the Child Welfare agency is looking into her situation, she leaves the se-

168 • Lyon curity of Becky’s home and friendship and makes it to Boston. “Mediocre writing leaves the protagonist and the supporting characters somewhat bland and unconvincing. While the book holds potential for an interesting plot and character development, that potential is unrealized and Shadow Tree falls flat” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2003). Understanding this title depends heavily on knowledge of Glory, the first title in the series

Lyon, George Ella A B Cedar: An Alphabet of Trees, illus. by Tom Parker. New York: Orchard, 1989. K–3 Lyon’s alphabet book is intended to teach trees, not letters, and according to Horn Book, it “might well foster an early awareness of the variety and beneficence of trees.” The book also presents multicultural and intergenerational concepts in the hands that hold the leaves; the leaves themselves are botanically correct and could be used as field guides. The format is also remarkable, making use of double-page spreads that emphasize the letters in relationship to the names of the trees. “After the alphabetical arrangement, the illustrations show a profusion of hands and of leaves with visible seasonal changes, and a brief statement provides a satisfying conclusion to a carefully planned, highly original production” (Sept./Oct. 1989).

Ada’s Pal, illus. by Marguerite Casparian. New York: Orchard, 1996. K–3 Ada is a dog, a “black mop-without-ahandle”; her best friend is another dog, Troublesome, “your big knock-the-mail-carrier-down dog.” When Troublesome dies, Ada mourns his loss so severely that the only cure is a new puppy for her to love. School Library Journal says this is a “moving tale about dogs’ true best friends: other dogs.... Vivid, poetic language is paired with realistic colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations. Though the text directs readers’ attention to canine relationships, the pictures develop the supporting theme as well; it’s obvious how deeply the girl cares about her dogs. The illustrations are full of energy, conveying motion and change” (Sept. 1996). According to Booklist, Casparian’s “realistic illustrations ... add warmth to the story and clearly show the distinctive personalities of the dogs,” resulting in a “heartwarmer” of a book (Sept. 15, 1996). The Horn Book Guide praises the illustrations as conveying “a strong sense of motion” (1996).

Basket, illus. by Mary Szilagyi. New York: Orchard, 1990. K–2 Lyon’s “simple picture book” tells the story of a basket that “assumes mythic proportions as time goes by.” First, it was an egg basket; then it became the repository for an assortment of essential items: scissors, plums, and finally, a spool of thread. “The basket becomes ingrained in family folklore, in-

creasing in importance even when it gets lost in Grandmother’s move to an apartment.” Szilagyi’s illustrations are “subdued” and “quiet,” but “their quiet tones aren’t matched by the awkward drafting” (Bulletin, Oct. 1990). The Horn Book Guide judges the illustrations to be “a match for the warmly appealing book” (1990). Kirkus Reviews praises “Lyon’s nicely cadenced, quietly allusive text — poetically evoking generations of productive, nurturing women,” which “outshines Szilagyi’s prosaic illustrations” ( June 15, 1990).

Borrowed Children. New York: Orchard, 1988. 5–7 Amanda, age 12, must leave school to care for the house and her new baby brother. As the oldest child, in a poor family living in Depression-era Goose Rock, Kentucky, Mandy comes to resent her burdens and is aware that her brothers get “preferred treatment.” As a reward for her effort, she is allowed to visit her grandparents in Memphis during the Christmas holidays. In Memphis, she is introduced to blues music, a new set of traditions, and, most importantly, the fact that Aunt Laura is an alcoholic in an unhappy marriage. Lyon’s theme is “clear” but not “simplistic,” and the settings are not “generalized.” Omie and Opie, the Memphis grandparents, “are well delineated as an older couple who make peace with their past in the shape of children who have not turned out as expected.” But the “book’s strongest point ... is subtleties of human exchange” (Bulletin, Mar. 1988).

Cecil’s Story, illus. by Peter Catalanotto. New York: Orchard, 1991. K–3 Lyon’s Civil War story is, according to Horn Book, a place where the “concerns of times past and times present merge in a poignant, masterfully illustrated picture story.” Told in an unusual secondperson, conditional-tense point of view, from the perspective of a young boy left behind as his father goes off to war, it focuses on his fears and tensions as he waits. The emphasis in the illustrations is on the passage of time, demonstrated by the movement of the sun and the hatching of chicks. Catalanotto’s illustrations “translate the uncomplicated, straightforward text into visual representations of the boy’s imaginings” with “muted” colors that convey “an interior reality, creating a series of impressions rather than a photo-documentary.... Words become inadequate substitutes for the experience of reading this book. It speaks for itself— directly to the heart” (May/June 1991). The Bulletin is critical of Catalanotto’s illustrations that depict the passage of time and suggests that these will need to be explained by an adult. “Although it’s more a mood piece than a story, the mood is wellevoked, and the final message ... is a gentle assurance of emotional constancy in the face of physical change” (Mar. 1991).

Come a Tide, illus. by Stephen Gammell. New York: Orchard, 1990.

Lyon • 169 K–3 Much has been written about Kentucky floods, but Lyon’s picture book invokes a different point of view. While the danger of the rising waters is always present, the text and illustrations offer a humorous perspective that offsets the threat. “Capturing the diction and homely imagery of a down-to-earth rural community, the first-person text richly evokes the sturdy qualities of folks who, beset by spring floods, respond to nature’s challenges with common sense and wry humor.” Lyon’s “narrative has been honed to perfection, unmarred by an excess word.” Gammell’s “energetic illustrations” are “remarkable for their expressive lines and elegant use of watercolor” (Horn Book, Mar./Apr. 1990). The Bulletin is a bit less positive: “Appalachian residents may find the verbal and visual imagery a bit quaint ... but the child’s-eye view of disaster-as-exciting-adventure offers a tonal balance of enthusiastic bounce and reassuring warmth” (Apr. 1990)

Counting on the Woods, illus. with photographs by Ann W. Olson. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1998. K–3 George Ella Lyon and Ann W. Olson, who are good friends, have collaborated on a counting book that invites readers to look closely at the natural world. Publishers Weekly praises Lyon’s “lyrical text” and Olson’s “crisp color photographs” that combine for a “beguiling counting book” that engages readers with nature. “The poem’s gentle and reflective tone” encourages readers to notice the detail and “stretches the imagination.... While a few of Lyon’s more elliptical or syntactically complex lines may be a bit challenging, Olson’s photographs, taken in eastern Kentucky, shed light on their meanings and will delight nature-lovers of any age” (Feb. 23, 1998). Booklist calls this a “gem of a counting book” that is “deceptively simple” and can also be used as a “science lesson” (Mar. 1, 1998).

Gina.Jamie.Father.Bear. New York: Atheneum, 2002. 6–up Lyon’s novel is an ingenious blend of contemporary realism and classic myth, a magical and archetypal piece of artistry. There is something new and fresh in the interwoven stories of two motherless families in two parallel centuries and settings that eventually converge. In Cleveland, Ohio, Gina lives with her brother Marty and her surgeon father, Dr. Ourisman. In another century and another place, Jamie lives with his father (Da) and two sisters, Anadel and Lily, in a stone cottage with a mountain at its “back door” (12). Eventually Gina and Jamie meet in a place and time “in between” contemporary Cleveland and ancient Bridestowe. In fashioning this dual tale, Lyon has “dipped her ladle into the cauldron of story,” as Tolkien would describe it (“On Fairy-Stories,” The Tolkien Reader, Ballantine, 1966, pp. 25–26), and has pulled up a classic motif best known in the tales of “Beauty and the Beast,” “East of the Sun and West of

the Moon,” “The Black Bull of Norroway,” and the Appalachian variant “Whitebear Whittington” (RH). The Horn Book considers this melding of myth and contemporary life an “intriguing, if not entirely satisfying, puzzle.” But “like a complicated dream,” the book “has the capacity to keep readers entranced while they try to sort through what it all means” (Sept./Oct. 2002). School Library Journal agrees that the book is “thought-provoking”; its “intriguing” patterns “resist easy interpretation” (Aug. 2002). Publishers Weekly offers strong praise for a “finely drawn tale”: “Lyon stitches more than a touch of magic into the story’s fabric,” and her “poet-roots inform her vivid imagery ... and metaphoric prose,” making for a “lyrical, memorable tale” (Sept. 9, 2002). And according to Booklist, Lyon’s “language — beautiful, precise, lush, and musical, with a poet’s attention to sound—will enable readers (even those who aren’t attracted to fantasy) to fly through the more esoteric passages and to connect with this mysterious, affecting story about uncovering family secrets and the fierce power of love between parents and children” (Dec. 15, 2002).

Here and Then. New York: Orchard, 1994. 5–8 Abby is a seventh-grader who reluctantly participates in a Civil War reenactment at a Kentucky battleground to mollify her parents. When she takes on the role of Eliza Hoskins, a Civil War nurse, the line between past and present disappears. Abby and her friend Harper are able to help Eliza by supplying medical supplies that Eliza needs. This time-shift novel gets mixed reviews. “The premise is dramatic, but the novel is sketchily outlined.... There are also some confusing shifts between Abby seeing Eliza and Abby being Eliza, and the book as a whole resists logical development in favor of a dreamy ambiguity that ultimately fails to justify its mystery” (Bulletin, Nov. 1994). Booklist is more positive: “The story is slight but is well paced and does have the occasional powerful moment as Abby reacts to the horrors of war as seen through Eliza’s eyes” (Oct. 1, 1994). The Horn Book Guide says, “The succinct and passionate first-person narrative brings the characters to life” (1994).

Mama Is a Miner, illus. by Peter Catalanotto. New York: Orchard, 1994. 1–4 Lyon’s picture book treats a rare topic for children’s literature — women miners, but it meets with mixed reviews. The Bulletin considers it “confusing” and “oblique.” “While the mining details have interest, they’re underexplained for the picture-book audience ... and occasional sidebar poems ... distract rather than enhance.” The child’s concern for her mother gives the book a “strong center,” but the father is, unfortunately, glossed over (Sept. 1994). The Horn Book Guide considers it “[o]bscure but deeply touching” and a story “that sensitive children will feel” though they may not cognitively understand it (Spring 1995).

170 • MacDonald

Red Rover, Red Rover. New York: Orchard, 1989. [Reissued as a paperback in 1997 under the title The Stranger I Left Behind. See below.]

The Stranger I Left Behind. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1997.

5–7 This is a novel about change. Stephanie Ann Mitchell (Sumi) is twelve when her grandfather dies; her older brother goes off to boarding school; her best friend moves; and her mother is so self-absorbed with her own grief that she is unavailable to Sumi, who is experiencing the onset of puberty. Though it has “all the earmarks of soap opera,” it “avoids self-pity and melodrama.... The author follows Sumi’s hesitant steps from a secure childhood into the puzzling world of adults with both perception and compassion and gives considerable insight into one girl’s troubling pre-adolescent experience” (Horn Book, Jan./Feb. 1990). According to the Five Owls, Sumi is faced with physical and emotional change that is “mystifying”: “This novel is carefully crafted around its theme and offers a philosophical and compassionate understanding of how change as an internal and external force can powerfully affect certain times in one’s life” (Nov./Dec. 1989).

A Traveling Cat, illus. by Paul Brett Johnson. New York: Orchard, 1998.

A Regular Rolling Noah, illus. by Stephen Gammell. New York: Bradbury, 1986. K–3 In this picture-book adaptation of a Lyon poem about an incident in her grandfather’s life, a young boy is hired to accompany a neighbor’s animals on a train because the family is moving from Kentucky to Canada. He considers himself “a regular, rolling Noah.” He manages his first trip out of the mountains with skill and competence and gladly returns home at the end of his adventure. Horn Book praises Gammell’s watercolor illustrations; they “glow with warmth and good humor,” providing “visual” pleasure (Nov./Dec. 1986).

A Sign, illus. by Chris K. Soentpiet. New York: Orchard, 1998. K–3 This picture book is based on a snippet from A Wordful Child, Lyon’s autobiography for children. It explains that she was first attracted to a neon sign and wanted to be a sign maker. After the typical series of imagined career choices, she becomes a writer, “making words glow like the neon, balancing them on the high wire, and sending them out like a rocket to the hearts of her readers. Soentpiet’s realistic watercolors are suffused with light and bring this very autobiographical essay to colorful life” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1998). The Bulletin suggests that the “similes are forced” but that the “child’s-eye-view memories” are appealing. The conclusion “may be a bit vague,” but “young readers will easily identify with the child’s changing desires for her future” (Apr. 1998). Booklist feels that readers will identify with Lyon’s story. Soentpiet’s artwork “evokes the 1950s and 1960s, when Lyon was growing up,” and “extends Lyon’s point about the various ways dreams can come true” (Feb. 15, 1998).

5–7

[See Red Rover, Red Rover above.]

K–2 A little girl named Ruth finds a cat at the drive-in theater and names it Boulevard, because she knew it was a “traveling cat.” In the course of a year, Bouvie has five kittens but moves on, and Ruth is left with a kitten. “Written with simplicity and dignity, this story conveys both the child’s emotions and the cat’s independence without the fuss and gush so often associated with pet stories.” The illustrations “portray emotions with restraint” (Booklist, Nov. 15, 1998). The Horn Book Guide agrees that the story is “[n]either sentimental nor maudlin, the text ... is understated yet evocative” (Spring 1999).

Who Came Down That Road?, illus. by Peter Catalanotto. New York: Orchard, 1992. K–2 Lyon and Catalanotto “offer a lean, lyrical text and shimmering, luminous paintings to produce and extraordinary picture book that both clarifies but doesn’t oversimplify the difficult concept of historical time and evolution.” It ends with the “mysteries of creation,” and Catalanotto’s artwork “complements Lyon’s ... poetic text with stunning and evocative watercolors that are filled with light and beauty” (Publishers Weekly, June 29, 1992). Booklist is equally enthusiastic about the book: “Lyon’s tranquil story takes children on a journey through time.... The majestic leap from concrete to abstract may be difficult for children to grasp, but the narrative is brief and plainly spoken.” The book is “filled with an unmistakable sense of joyful respect” which is mirrored by Catalanotto’s watercolors (Sept. 1, 1992).

A Wordful Child, illus. with photographs by Ann W. Olson. Katonah, NY: Owen, 1996. K–4 In this title in the Meet the Author series “Lyon ... speaks eloquently about her love of words” and her family’s tradition of storytelling. The book has “excellent-quality full-color photographs and reproductions.” While most of the details about Lyon’s life can be found in Something About the Author, this book is “on an easier reading level” and is “far more visually appealing” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1997). Booklist considers these titles to be “a fine series” (Sept. 1, 1996). The Horn Book Guide says the title is a “highly readable and individualistic” story of Lyon’s life (1996).

MacDonald, Margaret Read The Old Woman and Her Pig: An Appalachian Folktale, illus. by John Kanzler. New York: HarperCollins, 2007. K–2 Finding a penny, an old woman sets off to town to buy a pig, but upon their return the pig re-

Madden • 171 fuses to cross a bridge, so the woman enlists the aid of a cat, a rat, and a dog to coax the pig across. MacDonald’s “knack for toddler-friendly patterning and dialogue is evident” (Bulletin, Apr. 2007). Combining “mountain flavor” with “folksy fun,” MacDonald’s adaptation of this Appalachian cumulative tale “is in fine fettle with its down-home cadence, rustic setting and spunky characterizations” (Kirkus Reviews, Dec. 2006).

Macht, Norman L. Christy Mathewson. New York: Chelsea, 1991.

“vivid, magic, full of dry irresistible humor, unexpected turns and dramatic effect.” They are described as “epic in quality,” and rendered in “mountain vernacular, plain and unsmoothed, the broad, homely speech of the soil.” MacKinstry’s illustrations make for a “perfect collaboration between author and artist” (New York: Coward-McCann, 1928). These tales first appeared under the title “A Mountain Munchhausen” in the July-November, 1924, issue of the Century Magazine.

MacLeod, Elizabeth

4–7 Macht’s biography highlights the life and career of Factoryville, Pennsylvania, native Christy Mathewson. Considered one of the best baseball players of all time, Mathewson pitched three shutouts for the New York Giants in their win over the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1905 World Series. Inducted into the inaugural Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, Mathewson pitched two no-hitters, 80 shutouts, and is credited with 373 career wins. He wrote five fiction books about baseball and co-wrote Pitching in a Pinch (Putnam, 1912) with John N. Wheeler. Published in the Baseball Legends series, Christy Mathewson includes bibliographical references and an index.

Helen Keller: A Determined Life. Toronto: Kids Can, 2004.

Roberto Clemente. New York: Chelsea, 1994.

Macnow, Glen

3–4 Biography of the Puerto Rican baseball player, who played 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Satchel Paige. Mankato, MN: Chelsea, 1991. 4–6 Macht presents the life of Alabama native and baseball great, Satchel Paige. “Recommended” for middle-grade students (Horn Book, Mar. 1, 1992).

Ty Cobb. Mankato, MN: Chelsea, 1992. 4–7 This biography of baseball legend Ty Cobb is “Recommended” (Horn Book, Sept. 1, 1993).

MacKaye, Percy Tall Tales of the Kentucky Mountains, illus. by Elizabeth MacKinstry. New York: Doran, 1926; New York: Longmans, Green, 1930; Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1973. 4–up From the first line of the Foreword, the reader is drawn into an Appalachia that is remote, isolated, and foreign: “In the mountain heart of our New World, the Old still survives. Beyond the blue crests of the Kentucky Ridges broods a fabulous Land of Long Ago” (9). The tales were collected “during a lucky sojourn in the mountains, spent in close friendly touch with the native people” (10). One particular informant, who is the core of the collection, is a legendary character known as Solomon “Sol” Shell, who supposedly wore a coonskin cap and lived to be 98. A review in The Three Owls, Volume II, says Sol was “spiritual kin” to the 18th-century tale teller Munchhausen, but Sol’s tales have more to recommend them:

3–6 A title in the Snapshots: Images of People and Places in History series, the book has a “scrapbook-like” design: “MacLeod’s commentary is a collection of bits and pieces about Keller, smoothly integrated to reveal the struggle, the sadness, and the success” of Keller’s life (Booklist, Mar. 1, 2004). Other interesting components include “a sample of Keller’s handwriting and charts that demonstrate sign language and Braille” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2004). Includes a variety of photographs and a timeline.

Sports Great Charles Barkley. Springfield, NJ: Enslow, (1992) 1998. 2–6 This title in the Sports Great Books series profiles the life of one of the top basketball forwards in NBA history.

Madden, Kerry Gentle’s Holler. New York: Viking, 2005. 4–8 Twelve-year-old Livvy Two is the third of nine children in a family that lives in a Maggie Valley, North Carolina, “holler” in the 1960s. Her father is a musician-dreamer, and her mother is burdened by work, pregnancies, and responsibilities; nevertheless, they provide a stable marriage and a secure, though poor, home for the family. Libby Two is frustrated and angry about having to shoulder many of the responsibilities of housework and caring for Gentle, her blind, three-year-old sister. Livvy Two experiences the typical conflicts of a teenage girl and, when her father suffers an accident, she comes of age. “Women in professional roles and references to the Civil Rights movement tie the story to national events. Livy’s narration rings true and is wonderfully voiced, and Madden’s message about the importance of forgiveness will be well received” (School Library Journal, June 1, 2005). Booklist emphasizes the family “love and light,” and the “very human” characters (Mar. 1, 2005). Kirkus focuses on the humor, the details of life in the Smoky Mountains, and the depiction of poverty but questions the plot, which sometimes stretches “credibility.” The “graceful, spirited” writing is the

172 • Mader book’s strength (Feb. 15, 2005). Grandma Horace and Uncle Hazard the dog provide comic relief in a story that “will burrow deeply into the hearts of young readers” (Publishers Weekly, Mar. 28, 2005).

Louisiana’s Song. New York: Viking, 2007. 5–8 With “fluid and heartfelt storytelling” Madden continues the tale of the Weems family and their “hardscrabble” existence (Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2007). Set in the mountains of North Carolina, this sequel to Gentle’s Holler is “[b]eautifully written and true to its setting” (Booklist, June 1, 2007).

brary Journal, Nov. 2003). Includes a timeline, reading list, glossary, and index, as well as sidebar information from primary sources.

Manger, Ted The Pittsburgh Pirates. New York: Random, 1993. 4–7

A title in the Inside Pitch series.

Mara, Wil Roberto Clemente. New York: Childrens, 2005.

Mader, Jan

1–2 This title in the Rookie Biographies series includes an index.

Appalachian Mountains. New York: Childrens, 2004.

Margolin, H. Ellen

K–4 chain.

Introduces the Appalachian Mountain

Malakoff, Anna, and Frances D. Powdrell Minkapee, illus. by Donna D. Segal. Glendale, CA: Great Western, 1983. 4–7 Fictional account of Minkapee, a Cherokee Indian chief, who brought about peace between settlers in the Tennessee-Kentucky frontier and the Cherokee.

Mandel, Peter Say Hey: A Song of Willie Mays, illus. by Don Tate. New York: Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2000. K–3 Willie Mays, who played center field for the New York Giants, was known as the “Say Hey Kid” because of his positive, effervescent attitude. Mandel uses the nickname as a refrain in this biography told in rhyming couplets, which School Library Journal considers “forced and awkward.” The “simplicity of the narrative often results in confusion and lack of clarity,” but Tate’s illustrations provide “exciting movement and action.” Though there is little available about Mays for this age group, readers “wanting some substance on this famous ballplayer will have to look further” (Aug. 8, 2000). Booklist offers a more laudatory view of the book, emphasizing Mays’s “playground exuberance” that contrasts to modern players who emphasize contracts and salaries. While the rhyming narrative “can’t stand alone as a biography,” and the illustrations miss the mark (in one scene showing Mays to be throwing left-handed), readers may overlook these shortcomings (Feb. 15, 2000). The Horn Book Guide also notes that the illustrations don’t do justice to Mays’s “exquisite skill and grace” (Fall 2000).

Manera, Alexandria Bessie Smith. Chicago: Raintree, 2003. 2–5 Manera presents a “[s]imple, clear, objective overview” of singer Bessie Smith’s life (School Li-

Goin’ to Boston: An Exuberant Journey in Song, illus. by Emily Bolam. New York: Handprint, 2002. K–2 The history of this 1920s Appalachian folk song is presented in an author’s note at the end, which includes the music. Margolin has adapted and extended the original song, transforming it into a long cumulative tale, but the real content of the book is delivered in Bolam’s illustrations of the motley assortment of individuals that accompanies a “bluesmocked girl” to Boston Common. The result is a “jaunty lyrical tale” and song that “celebrate communal green spaces” (Publishers Weekly, May 6, 2002). Horn Book Guide compares one of Bolam’s doublepage spreads with Seurat’s painting “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” (Fall 2002). School Library Journal also praises “Bolam’s bright and cheery illustrations” rendered in “a spring palette of new greens, sunny yellows, and clear blues” ( July 1, 2002). Kirkus Reviews is alone in its assessment that this is “an unfortunate coupling of rather plain illustrations with a very, very long song” ( June 1, 2002).

Marino, Dan, and Steve Delsohn Marino! Chicago: Contemporary, 1986. 6–9 Pittsburgh native Dan Marino relates his autobiography with assistance from Steve Delsohn. Though readers can find Marino’s statistics in other books, his “personal” viewpoint and “insight into separating personal performance from fan expectations and media hype” are not available elsewhere (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1986). Includes photographs.

Marion, Jeff Daniel Hello, Crow, illus. by Leslie Bowman. New York: Orchard, 1992. K–4 When a grandfather brings home a crow fledgling, his grandson becomes charmed by its mischievous and mysterious nature, its attraction to glittering objects, and its thievery. As he goes about his farm chores, he calls out, “Hello, Crow,” expecting a greeting, which eventually comes, but then the crow

Marsh • 173 disappears. When the boy ages to become himself a grandfather, he still muses and reminisces about the crow and whether it really answered him. Bowman’s illustrations are an “evocative accompaniment to this simple story” (Horn Book, Nov./Dec. 1992). Booklist concurs that the “simple poetic words” and Bowman’s illustrations tell the story of “common things transformed”: “The story captures the power of ordinary things to make us wonder” (Oct. 1, 1992). Marion bases this story on a family tale; he is a native Tennessean and formerly a faculty member at CarsonNewman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.

mente’s life offset the book’s limitations (Mar. 15, 2005). The Horn Book Guide points to the useful sidebars, which provide “entertaining anecdotes” (Fall 2005). Voice of Youth Advocates says the “tension in the book relies on the hyped expectations of sports stories,” but the story of Clemente’s life is nevertheless “adequate” ( June 2005). Includes appendices, websites, and a bibliography.

Markham, Lois

6–up Marrin’s biography presents Jackson as a “product of a rough-hewn, eye-for-an-eye backwoods culture ... and paints a vivid picture of Jacksonian society” (Booklist, Dec. 1, 2004). School Library Journal considers the title a “fine study of our seventh president [and] a history and analysis of the times in which he lived” (Dec. 2004). Illustrated with reproductions of photographs and political cartoons; contains suggested titles for additional reading, a bibliography, and index.

Helen Keller. New York: Franklin Watts, 1993. 4–6 This is a “well-written biography” with “clear prose,” though it “includes some unattributed dialogue.” The book dispels some of the heroic myths about Keller and presents her as a “very human woman” (School Library Journal, June 1, 1993). Includes photographs of Keller with Patty Duke, the child actress who portrayed her in the movie The Miracle Worker.

Markle, Sandra The Fledglings. New York: Bantam, 1992.

Marrin, Albert Old Hickory: Andrew Jackson and the American People. New York: Dutton, 2004.

Marriott, Alice Sequoyah: Leader of the Cherokees. New York: Random, 1956.

6–9 Kate, age 15, is orphaned when her mother dies in an automobile accident. She refuses to live with her aunt and cousins, whom she barely knows but dislikes, so she runs away to live with her grandfather, Tsan, a Cherokee Indian living on Snowbird Mountain, near Cherokee, North Carolina. He is less than enthusiastic about having her in his life, but they become drawn together as he teaches her about her heritage and she nurtures and tames an eagle fledgling. According to the Bulletin, readers who like Jean Craighead George’s fiction will like Markle’s novel, though it functions at the “melodramatic level,” and certain plot elements are “not always convincing.” But the “sentimental” aspects are offset by a “briskness” (Sept. 1992). Includes a glossary of Cherokee words.

4–6 Marriott, who is considered well versed in Indian traditional crafts, emphasizes Sequoyah’s “craftsmanship,” his creation of the Cherokee syllabary, and the history and “customs” of the Cherokee. This book is suitable for older, less-advanced readers, as well as its intended younger audience (School Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1956). Includes an index.

Márquez, Herón

ries.

Roberto Clemente: Baseball’s Humanitarian Hero. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda, 2005.

The Great Clemson Football Mystery, illus. by Priscilla Rhodes. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 1983.

4–up School Library Journal considers this an “excellent biography” that is “well organized and enlivened with interesting details and anecdotes.” It covers his childhood in Puerto Rico, the major statics of his 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his struggles with ethnic prejudice, and his untimely death in a plane crash in Nicaragua. “Balancing facts with insightful perspective, this is a readable, well-rounded portrait of a remarkable individual” (May 1, 2005). Booklist, on the other hand, considers the biography merely “serviceable” with writing that is “not scintillating” and photographs that seem to have been selected “at random.” Fortunately, the details of Cle-

Marsh, Carole [Longmeyer] Carole Marsh is such a prolific publisher (more than 10,000 titles) that only a sampling of her work has been included.

Davy Crockett. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 2002. 2–6

A title in the One Thousand Readers se-

3–5 Like other Gallopade mysteries, this disappointing title has little to recommend it. Designed as a “Pic-a-Point Sportsmystery” [sic], the book allows readers to make choices that lead to different outcomes and endings. The plots are illogical and thin; the writing is flawed. Consider, for example, this sentence: “Before you know it, it’s the end of the game and nothing awful has happened except your team won” (47). The clumsy illustrations add no value. Though the book is supposedly set at Clemson, the university is mentioned by name only once in an endnote that promotes another “Pic-a-Point” mystery. (RH)

174 • Marsh

The Mystery of Biltmore House, illus. with photographs by author. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 1982.

Marsh, Olive V.

3–5 Stacy Brown’s mother is teaching at a mystery writers’ workshop held at the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. She and three other children, whose parents are also attending the workshop, get caught up in the implausible mystery of the missing chess set that belonged to Napoleon. Left to roam the Biltmore house and grounds without supervision, the children solve the mystery, following a series of “clues” that stretch credulity. Information about the Vanderbilts, the house itself, the Grove Park Inn, Thomas Wolfe’s house, and Carl Sandburg’s home at Flat Rock is preachy, incidental, and has little relation to the characters or plot. The author’s black-andwhite photographs of the children in various Biltmore House locations are gratuitous and of poor quality. (RH)

6–up In the tradition of Appalachian apologetics, this 95-page book is more treatise than story. When Virginia and Roger, twins, are orphaned, they are sent to live in Left Fork, Kentucky, with their father’s sister. There they are met with a good many kin and a style of living to which they easily adjust. Marsh sermonizes about the “people of the southern mountains [who] have the purest Anglo-Saxon blood in America” (11). Descriptive passages glorify the mountain culture: “Mountaineer beliefs and customs were still much as they had been in pioneer days” (62). And though the twins’s relatives are clearly mountaineers— they all farm, weave, and sing old ballads — they are depicted as “above” the mountain culture or as a higher class of mountaineer. Virginia and Roger’s experience in Left Fork turns out happily, largely because they are quick to realize the virtues of mountain life. The book ends with the opening of an important new schoolhouse and bridge, whereupon Virginia exclaims, “I’m glad, glad, glad that we came” (95). The twins are high-school juniors, but they will strike modern readers as much younger. In short, Marsh does too much “telling,” does not develop characters well, and does not allow her characters to act. (RH)

The Mystery of the World’s Fair, illus. with photographs by author. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 1981. 3–5 Though this book is set in Knoxville, Tennessee, the site of the 1982 World’s Fair, there is no detail to identify the locale or the Fair setting. Eight children discover and foil a plot to create a computergenerated blackout on the opening day of the Fair. They tour the city, and they have free-run of the World’s Fairgrounds, but all aspects of the setting (including a map of the Fairgrounds), plot, and characters are stock, generic, and implausible. There is an attempt to introduce computer terminology, such as “chips,” “bugs,” and “menu,” but assumptions about computers (even in 1982) are simplistic and misleading, including the role of a real “mouse.” An underlying theme of world’s fairs in general offers a few facts about the history of world exhibitions. The author’s black-and-white photographs of eight children, identified as the “real” characters in the book, add little to this weak volume. (RH)

Secret Christmas Potpourri and Tussie Mussie Story Kit. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 1998; Topeka, KS: Tandem, 2003. K–2 A typical Marsh “product,” this book is set in Appalachia on Christmas Eve and includes instructions for making potpourri and “tussie mussies.” (RH)

Tecumseh: An Ohio Experience Reader. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 2001. K–5 Biography of Tecumseh written by the highly productive Carole Marsh.

The Virginia Reader: Davy Crockett. Peachtree City, GA: Gallopade, 2001. K–5 series.

A title in the of the Virginia Experience

Southern Highland Summer. Columbus, OH: Wartburg, 1945.

Marshall, Catherine Christy, adapted by Anna Wilson Fishel. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967. 4–8 When Catherine Marshall’s Christy was first published in 1967 as a 450-page novel for adults, it was met with mixed reviews. Library Journal acknowledges that the story was based on the experiences of Marshall’s mother, who taught school in the Tennessee mountains in the early 1900s, and quotes Marshall as saying that she “‘scarcely knew where truth stopped and fiction began.’” The book was described as having “the usual trappings” of Appalachian life (Oct. 1, 1967). The Christian Science Monitor considered it “impossibly idealistic” (Oct. 12, 1967). Nearly 30 years later, Marshall’s work has been adapted for a much younger audience, “resulting in inevitable losses in depth and detail.” However, the basic story of a 19-year-old teacher in a mission school in Cutter Gap, Tennessee, remains intact, along with the Appalachian “trappings” noted in 1967 — feuding, moonshining, religious crises, and details of daily life. “Christy and the mountain people are well portrayed and realistic, and children who enjoy the TV show [CBS 1994–1995] will probably like the book.” On the other hand, the original text is accessible to “good sixthand seventh-graders” (School Library Journal, July 1995).

Martin, Michael J. Chuck Yeager. San Diego, CA: Lucent, 2003.

Mattern • 175 7–up This biography for older readers of the noted Air Force test pilot from West Virginia relates how Chuck Yeager distinguished himself as a young pilot in World War II and subsequently became the first person to break the sonic barrier.

Martin, Mollie Pittsburgh Pirates. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1982. 4–6 From the Baseball Today series, Martin presents a history of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Martin, Patricia Miles

promised” by “occasional awkwardness in the use of dialect.” Gayheart’s illustrations tend “toward the cartoonish” at times but present “beautiful detail” as well ( Jan./Feb. 1989). The Macon [Mississippi] Beacon references the pure nostalgia of the “delightful little volume” ( June 15, 1989). And George Brosi’s Appalachian Mountain Books considers it a “wonderful book of good ole boyhood nostalgia” (Vol.5, No.2, 1989). Willard Gayheart is from Galax, Virginia.

Mason, Miriam E. Becky and Her Brave Cat, Bluegrass, illus. by Robert MacLean. New York: Macmillan, 1960.

2–4 This title in the See and Read Beginning to Read series is “idealized yet factual ... with dramatic highlights” from all phases of Andrew Jackson’s life and career. It follows the same format as all other titles in the series (Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1966).

3–6 Library Journal points out that this title repeats material contained in Enid Meadowcroft’s Daniel Boone biographies; however, Mason’s title focuses on the “younger Boone children” and the perspective of the smallest Boone child, Becky. For this reason, it is more suitable for a younger audience than is Meadowcroft’s work. “Good characterization of people and pets” (Sept. 15, 1960).

Daniel Boone, illus. by Glen Dines. Putnam, 1965.

Daniel Boone: Wilderness Trailblazer, illus. by Harve Stein. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1961.

2–4 This title in the See and Read Beginning to Read series captures the “feeling and spirit” of Boone’s life. The illustrations, standard for the series, are “realistic and informative” (School Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1965).

3–6 This title in the Piper Books Biographies series is less than objective. In spite of the author’s note at the end, which explains how Mason conducted her research and that she fictionalized only in the dialogue, the depiction of Boone’s thoughts cannot be considered authentic. The biography opens with the birth of Boone’s sister Mary when he is two and onehalf years old. It ends with the siege of Boonesborough when he is 50, and his last years are glossed over in a final chapter. Maps and pronunciation guides are good, but the book doesn’t add much to the glut of biographies on this frontier hero. (RH)

Andrew Jackson, illus. by Salem Tamer. New York: Putnam, 1965.

Martin, Patricia Stone Jesse Jackson: A Rainbow Leader. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1987. 2–4 A title in the Reaching Your Goal series, Martin’s biography of Jackson is deemed weak, at best: “Even if one were to accept the premise that firmly didactic biographies are still valid additions to library collections for children,” this series is “so poorly written and so badly illustrated that they do not meet this long-discarded ... goal.” Criticized for its “pasteup of dates, broad statements, and unsubstantiated impressions,” this book is “not worthy of its subject” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1988).

Mashburn, William Mountain Summer, illus. by Willard Gayheart. Blacksburg, VA: Pocahontas, 1988. 7–up Mashburn grew up in the 1930s in a community called Birch, near Beaver Creek, between the Notley and Hiwassee rivers. Birch was eventually purchased by the Tennessee Valley Authority and inundated by what is now Hiwassee Lake. Mashburn went on to become a professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and began this book as a Christmas gift to his mother. The Roanoke Times and World News compares the book with the fiction of Jesse Stuart (Sept. 24, 1989). Blue Ridge Country comments on the “generally true ring” of the fiction, though it is “com-

Masters, Susan Rowan Summer Song. New York: Clarion, 1995. 4–7 Etta May was born to a single mother, who left her with her grandparents, Manny and Gent, in their trailer, which is adorned by Gent’s prized rose garden. When Manny dies, Etta May’s mother reappears to assist with the failing Gent, and she must come to terms with her somewhat selfish, flawed mother. Booklist considers this a “sprightly” book written by a “natural, graceful narrative hand.... The novel grapples constructively with painful reality (Sept. 1995). The Bulletin considers it a “sweet if completely predictable” novel, though Etta May’s struggles “will elicit empathy,” and her “downhome narration [is] warm and credible” (Dec. 1995). “Superior” and “bittersweet” characterize the novel for the Horn Book Guide (1995).

Mattern, Joanne Peyton Manning. Hockessin, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2007. 4–8 From the Blue Banner series, Mattern covers the life and career of football standout Peyton Manning.

176 • May

May, Julian Joe Namath, High-Flying Quarterback. Mankato, MN: Crestwood, 1975. 3–6 A biography of Joe Namath, who, despite personal injuries and professional setbacks, became a top professional quarterback. A title in the Sports Close-up Books series.

Willie Mays: Most Valuable Player. Mankato, MN: Crestwood, 1972. 3–6 This title in the Sports Close-up Books series presents a brief biography of the baseball star who spent most of his career with the Giants and was twice named Most Valuable Player.

May, Kathy Molasses Man, illus. by Felicia Marshall. New York: Holiday, 2000. 1–3 May has written a how-to book on molasses making, told from the point of view of a young African American boy who helps his family with this annual tradition, from cutting the sorghum cane to selling jars of the molasses at a roadside stand. Though the book is “well-researched,” the “description of the lengthy procedure seems to drone on.” The illustrations are of uneven quality (School Library Journal, Oct. 2000). Booklist considers this a “down-home story of familial love and tradition, with all the makings of a sweet read” (Oct. 1, 2000).

Maynard, Charles W. The Appalachians. New York: PowerKids, 2004. 2–5 This addition to the Great Mountain Ranges of the World series follows a “somewhat formulaic” format. It presents factual information about the Appalachian Mountains, including geology, flora, fauna, and culture. Like the other “slim” and “glossy” books in the series, this volume is suitable for young readers in its presentation of “fascinating facts.” The writing is good, and the color photographs are “superb” (School Library Journal, Aug. 1, 2004). Includes an index.

2–5 Tecumseh was a Shawnee Chief who died fighting for the British in the War of 1812. He worked to unify Indian tribes and to motivate their resistance to the white man’s intrusion into their lands. According to Library Journal, this “highly fictionized” [sic] biography “sketches the story of his life until the last battle.” McCague’s biography provides middle ground between Augusta Stevenson’s Tecumseh: Shawnee Boy (1955), a title in the Bobbs-Merrill Childhood of Famous Americans series that focuses solely on Tecumseh’s early life, and Cooke’s Tecumseh: Destiny’s Warrior (1959), which is for more advanced readers (Nov. 15, 1970).

McCall, Barbara A. The Cherokee, illus. by Luciano Lazzarino. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 1989. 4–6 According to Linda Veltze’s Exploring the Southeast States Through Literature, McCall’s history of the Cherokee for young readers includes an index and a list of dates, which make it “useful as a reference tool for readers who might not be motivated to read the entire text” (Phoenix, AZ: Oryx, 1994).

McCall, Edith Adventures Along the Cumberland Gap. Unionville, NY: Royal Fireworks, 2001. 3–7 Volume number six in the Adventures on the American Frontiers series.

Cumberland Gap and Trails West, illus. with photographs by Carol Rogers. Chicago: Childrens, (1961) 1980.

7–up Willie Mays offers baseball tips to children and relays highlights of his life. Introduction by Joe Garagiola.

3–5 This title is one of 16 in Her Frontiers of America series, promoted as new editions of the original 1961 publications. It recounts the adventures of six men including George Washington and Daniel Boone, whose explorations of the Appalachian Mountain area during the 17th and 18th centuries opened up the way west. School Library Journal is not enthusiastic about the original or the reprint: “Except for the covers, everything about this disappointing set of ... books ... is the same. Fictionalizing is so extensive that readers have a hard time picking out the concrete facts from the folklore.” The books are “didactic” and use “[s]exist language” along with “old stereotypes of women and minorities” (Feb. 1981). The absence of back matter renders this and the other 15 titles not very useful.

Mays, Willie, with Charles Einstein

McClung , Robert M.

Mays, Willie, with Maxine Berger “Play Ball!” New York: Wanderer, 1980.

Born to Play Ball. New York: Putnam, (1955) 1975. 6–up

A title in the Putnam Sports Shelf series.

McCague, James Tecumseh: Shawnee Warrior-Statesman, illus. by Victor Dowd. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1970.

Whitetail, illus. by Irene Brady. New York: Morrow, 1987. 4–6 McClung uses a narrative framework to relate the facts of a whitetailed deer’s life, showing its struggle with natural and human dangers such as a bobcat, dogs, bitter winter weather, hunters, snowmobiles, and cars. According to Booklist, he avoids

McKissack • 177 “anthropomorphism,” though the deer, named Star, has occasional encounters with a young boy named Sam, who is sensitive to the deer’s natural beauty and vulnerability. Brady’s illustrations are a “fitting accompaniment” to the story, which is “[c]learly written and moving.” McClung includes opposing views of hunting in an “even-handed way” and provides a good bibliography ( July 1987). The Five Owls is equally enthusiastic about Whitetail: McClung “goes beyond facts” to help the reader understand “the world of a deer,” including the “smell and feel” of its natural environment and the “sensation” of growing antlers. Set in the Pennsylvania Alleghenies, this excellent story, with its useful Appendix, is a good springboard for discussions about the relationships among humans, animals, and the natural world, along with conservation issues and dilemmas (May/June 1987).

McCormack, Shaun Cool Papa Bell. New York: Rosen, 2002. 5–8 Included in the Baseball Hall of Famers of the Negro Leagues series, McCormack presents the life story of Starkville, Mississippi, native James Thomas “Cool Papa” Bell. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, Bell was a National Negro League all-star who played for the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays. Bell regularly batted over 300 and is considered by many baseball enthusiasts to be the fastest man to have ever played the game.

Willie Mays. New York: Rosen, 2003. 3–4 This title in the Baseball Hall of Famers series examines the personal life and baseball career of the man considered by many sports experts to be the greatest baseball player of all time. Includes a bibliography and index.

McDaniel, Lurlene Hit and Run. New York: Delacorte, 2007. 7–up Set in Asheville, North Carolina, this is the story of a popular athlete who hits a bicyclist with his car, leaves the scene of the accident, and covers up his crime. “McDaniel ... has a simplistic style” (School Library Journal, Nov. 2007), but her fans will not “be disappointed by the expected emotional roller coaster” (Horn Book, Oct. 2007).

McDonald, Megan The Bridge to Nowhere. New York: Orchard, 1993. 6–8 Hallie O’Shea’s father Jim is working on a never-completed span of bridge across the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh when he loses his job. To cope with his depression, he isolates himself in his workshop and constructs metal “sculptures,” an act that pushes his family even further away. In the midst of this crisis, Hallie also struggles with her first, typical, sev-

enth-grade relationship with an older boy, Crane Henderson, and ultimately “finds a new strength and the ability to cope.” McDonald has published several picture books, but her first novel is a “welcome” effort that “offers realistic characters, an attention-holding plot ... and an upbeat ending” (Booklist, Apr. 1, 1993). According to the Horn Book Guide, the novel is “engaging,” and the writing is “well-paced” (1993).

McGuire, Edna Daniel Boone, illus. by Jack Merryweather. Chicago: Wheeler, 1945. 4–7 This 250-page biography, a title in the American Adventure series, begins, typically, with the gift of Boone’s first rifle at age 12 and ends with his death in Missouri in 1820. Though it is fictionalized appropriately for the targeted age level, it includes good detail without becoming too tedious for the young reader. The sparing use of dialect and dialogue is effective. Boone’s court martial, his family, and his financial problems are glossed over, and discrepant dates are given for his birth: October 22 and November 2, 1734. Sentences are short and simple. Alternate chapters have study questions of a cognitive, objective nature that are not designed to encourage discussion, and a minimal wordlist is given. While the book doesn’t overly glorify Boone, neither does it add anything new to his story. (RH)

McKinley, Michael The Magnificent One: The Story of Mario Lemieux. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 2002. 7–up series.

A title in the Coolest Books on Earth

McKissack, Patricia C. Jesse Jackson: A Biography, illus. with photographs. New York: Scholastic, 1989. 3–up One of the better biographies of Jackson, this “well balanced” account is considered an update of Chaplik’s Up with Hope (1986) and Kosof ’s Jesse Jackson (1987). “While McKissack’s respect for Jackson is evident in her writing, she is not afraid to deal with the less than pleasant episodes of Jackson’s life.” The author also addresses perceived inequities in how “white” assertiveness is labeled “uppity, audacious and arrogant” in a black man (School Library Journal, Dec. 1989). Publishers Weekly considers this “everything a biography should be.” It leaves readers to decide whether Jackson is “aggressive and overbearing or simply intense and flamboyant” (Oct. 27, 1989).

Ma Dear’s Aprons, illus. by Floyd Cooper. New York: Atheneum, 1997. K–3 Ma Dear is a character fashioned after the life of McKissack’s great-grandmother Leanna in early 1900s Alabama. The narrator of this unusual story is

178 • McKissack her son, David Earl, who can tell the days of the week by the apron Leanna is wearing. On Sunday, she wears no apron at all because this is her one day of rest. The Bulletin considers the ending to be “perplexingly abrupt” and the illustrations “uneven” and “generic,” though they do convey the love between Ma Dear and David Earl ( June 1997). Though representative of Ma Dear’s role as a domestic worker, the apron is also a “metaphor” for the “closeness” between mother and son that results from the shared, hard work. “The pride taken in good, honest work is complicated by race and class,” a “tension” that will not be lost on children (Five Owls, May/June 1997). Booklist applauds McKissack’s emphasis on the cultural and social role of a domestic worker, a topic that is “seldom the focus” of a children’s book. The illustrations demonstrate both the “exhausting work” and the “proud and loving bonds” of this African American family (Feb. 15, 1997).

McKissack, Patricia, and Fredrick McKissack Booker T. Washington: Leader and Educator. Hillside, NJ: Enslow, 1992. 2–4 Originally published in 1992, this revised title in the Great African Americans series still contains “unexceptional text,” though “the visuals and formats have been much improved.” Photographs have replaced the original illustrations, and format has been updated. Chronology, updated further reading, and websites have also been added to the back matter. In spite of its flaws, the biography presents “solid, straightforward” information for beginning readers (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2002). The Horn Book Guide considered the original issue of this title “a rich resource” (1992).

Carter G. Woodson: The Father of Black History, illus. by Ned O. [pseud. of Edward Ostendorf ]. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, (1991) 2002. 2–4 Originally published in 1991, this title in the Great African Americans series offers “simplified [vocabulary], large print, and plenty of black-andwhite photographs and illustrations.” Though the revision is an improvement, the flaws have not been totally eliminated. The choice of vocabulary in the Words to Know section seems “capricious, and the definitions [are] simplistic to the point of inaccuracy.” Additionally the “liberal use of exclamation points and choppy sentences lend an old-fashioned primer quality to the books.” In spite of these limitations, the biography fills a need for this age group (School Library Journal, Feb. 1992). The Horn Book Guide agrees that this “simple, authoritative” biography is a welcome addition for the beginning reader (1991).

Ida B. Wells-Barnett: A Voice Against Violence, illus. by Ned O. [pseud. of Edward Osten-

dorf ]. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, (1991) 2001. 2–4 Ida B. Wells’ life is rendered for the young reader in this title in the Great African Americans series. In spite of the need for beginning-reader biographies, this title is marked by a “didactic feel” and “utilitarian line drawings.” The absence of back matter further limits the book’s usefulness (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1991). School Library Journal offers a slightly more positive assessment. The writing is “simple, clear, and matter-of-fact. Fictionalizing is kept to a minimum.... Accuracy, style, and content are consistent throughout.” On the other hand, the word selection for the Glossary could be improved (Nov. 1991). A much-improved, revised edition was issued in 2001, which includes websites, a glossary, a good bibliography, and index (Horn Book Guide, Spring 2002).

Jesse Owens: Olympic Star. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, (1992) 2001. 2–5 First published in 1992, the McKissacks’ revision of Jesse Owens’ biography is “more appealing than the original” due in large part to the replacement of black and white photographs with appealing artistic shots” (School Library Journal, Aug. 2001). Includes websites, a chronology, and lists for further reading.

Satchel Paige: The Best Arm in Baseball. Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow, (1992) 2002. 3–4 The McKissacks team up again to present an “accessible introduction” (School Library Journal, Jan. 1993) to the life of Alabama native and baseball great Satchel Paige. Having endorsed the book as “recommended” in March 1993, Horn Book revised its assessment a decade later and pronounced the title a “brief, somewhat superficial profile” of the legendary Paige (Apr. 2003). Included in the Great African Americans series.

The Story of Booker T. Washington. Chicago: Childrens, 1991. 2–4 A biography in the Cornerstones of Freedom series featuring large print and color illustrations.

McLeese, Don Helen Keller. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 2003. 1–3 Designed as an easy-reader, this short book tries unsuccessfully “to distill the life of Helen Keller into 24 pages, including an index and a glossary.” Though beginning readers can master the biography, “one might wonder what they will learn by doing so.” Dull photographs are “poorly reproduced” (School Library Journal, Mar. 1, 2003).

Stonewall Jackson. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 2006 1–2 This title in the Military Leaders of the Civil War series details Jackson’s life from his early days as an orphan to his untimely death. Includes a bibliography and index.

Meadowcroft • 179

Tecumseh. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke, 2004.

McNeer, May Yonge

2–4 Included in the Native American Legends series, this is a brief biography of the Shawnee chief who tried to unite Native American tribes.

The Story of the Southern Highlands, illus. by Cornelius Hugh De Witt. New York: Harper, 1945.

McLoone, Margo 2–3 This title in the Read and Discover Photo Illustrated Biographies series tells the story of Washington, who was born a slave and worked in salt mines as a youth but became a national leader for the education of African Americans and founder of Tuskegee Institute.

3–up May McNeer published more than 40 books in her lifetime, several of which focused on particular geographic regions of the United States. The New York Times considers this title weaker than the others in The Story Of series of “pictorial geographies”: “The primitive, gusty life of the mountaineers” is rendered with “color and sympathy,” but the illustrator has failed to capture “the grandeur” of the mountains that “dominates and molds” the people (Dec. 30, 1945).

McMahon, Tom

McSpadden, Mary Catherine

Orient: Hero Dog Guide of the Appalachian Trail, illus. by Erin Mauterer. Waco, TX: WRS, 1995.

Merrily Strum: Mountain Dulcimer for Children. Mountain View, AR: Dulcimer Shoppe, 1975.

Booker T. Washington: A Photo-Illustrated Biography. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone, 1997.

2–4 This true story of Bill Irwin, the first blind person to hike the Appalachian Trail, is told with emphasis on Orient, his German shepherd guide dog. The opening explains how Orient is trained in a seeing-eye school for guide dogs before he meets his blind master, Bill, from North Carolina. A colorful map of the entire trail, from Georgia to Maine, is appropriately “stamped” with a paw print and sets the tone of the story. Maps throughout the book show the progress of Bill and Orient along the trail, and television and newspapers document their progress through Damascus, Virginia; Pennsylvania; Connecticut; and New Hampshire, ending in Maine where friends and family wait to greet them. The trip, which takes eight months, is strenuous for both Bill and Orient, who gets leather boots for his paws. This is a story of spirit, courage, and faith that teaches lessons in overcoming obstacles without being preachy. (RH)

McMeekin, Isabel McLennan Journey Cake, illus. by Nicholas Panesis. New York: Messner, 1942. 4–8 Library Journal notes that this title won the 1942 Julia Ellsworth Ford Award. McMeekin’s “[v]igorous, idiomatic writing and sturdy characterization” complement the frontier setting and theme. Daniel Boone and Johnny Appleseed both make appearances in this “exciting, very American, very readable” book (Dec. 1, 1942).

Juba’s New Moon. New York: Messner, 1944. 4–8 This story of the Shadrow family, which settles on the Kentucky frontier in 1794, is “convincingly portrayed” for this age group, showing the challenges, relationships, struggles, as well as the positive aspects of their life (Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1944).

3–up A 28-page instruction book for playing the Appalachian mountain dulcimer.

Meadowcroft, Enid LaMonte [pseud. of Mrs. Donald Wright] By Wagon and Flatboat, illus. by Ninon MacKnight. New York: Crowell, 1938. 4–6 Set in the late 1700s, this is the story of the three Burd children and their parents who move by Conestoga wagon from a settlement near Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, where Uncle Nat joins them. Then they travel by flatboat down the river to Losantiville, which later became Cincinnati. The action begins with announcement that George Washington has been elected President, whereupon the family loads their belongings into the wagon and sets out on an adventure, which includes danger and encounters with Indians. Along the way, details of frontier history give readers a sense of daily life. The Horn Book finds the book “attractively made, with interesting pictures” ( Jan. 1939). Social Studies praises the “exciting plot” and the “real” characters invented by a “charming story teller” ( Jan. 1939). The New York Times speculates that the “excellent” illustrations are the first to show “what it is like to be inside a Conestoga wagon looking out at the road ahead.” The characters are well drawn, showing their “courage and resourcefulness” (Nov. 13, 1938).

Holding the Fort with Daniel Boone, illus. by Lloyd Coe. New York: Crowell, 1958. 3–6 According to the Peabody Journal of Education, Meadowcroft delivers “a child’s adventure story in classic tradition” with “heroic struggles, tender scenes and the lush scenery of frontier Boonesborough” ( July 1958). Set in 1775 at the outset of the Revolutionary War, the story centers on Daniel Boone and his daughter Jemima as they and their

180 • Meadows neighbors defend “Boonesboro [sic] against overwhelming odds,” which include both Indians and Redcoats. While the conflicts supply the core of the book, the details of everyday frontier life are also prominent. Meadowcroft’s “lively style, with generous use of dialogue and detail” renders “the people and the setting real.” Coe’s illustrations “point up the main events” (New York Times Book Review, Apr. 27, 1958).

On Indian Trails with Daniel Boone, illus. by Lloyd Coe. New York: Crowell, 1947. 4–6 Israel Boone, age 15, not his father Daniel, is the focus of this story, which begins in 1771 when the Boone family leaves North Carolina to travel 300 miles to Kentucky. Boone leaves his wife and children at a settlement mid-way on the trip and takes Israel with him to cross the Cumberland Mountains. The result of the long journey is the establishment of Boonesborough. According to the New York Times Book Review, Meadowcroft “vitalizes facts by weaving them into a simple and exciting story.” The “lively conversations,” “very human young Boones, and the dramatic” illustrations make for good reading ( July 27, 1947).

The Story of Andrew Jackson, illus. by David Hendrickson. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1953. 4–5 Meadowcroft presents a credible biography of the President who wasted his inheritance on horseracing and cock fights, fatally wounded a lawyer in a pistol duel, and married Rachel Donelson before she was divorced.

The Story of Davy Crockett, illus. by Charles B. Falls. New York: Grosset, 1952. 4–5 Meadowcroft contributes yet another title to the Signature Books series, designed for readers who have outgrown the Childhood of Famous Americans series. In this “interestingly written” biography of Crockett, she “gives an authentic description of the hardships and dangers of pioneer life and of Crockett’s contributions to our heritage.” Falls’s illustrations are “excellent,” and the end matter is useful (Library Journal, Nov. 1, 1952).

Meadows, James Jesse Jackson. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World, 2000. 4–6 This “brief, prosaic” title in the Journey to Freedom series may offer “basic appreciation” for its subject, but it is “incomplete.” It dwells on “accomplishments,” while ignoring the “personal” Jackson (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2001). Includes historical photographs.

3–5 A title in the Rainbow Biography series, this book relates the life story of Ida B. Wells, born in 1862, one of America’s most noted activists. As a teacher, a journalist, and a founder of the NAACP, she worked for civil rights in general and to ban the practice of lynching in particular. Though Medearis bases her biography on primary sources, “this is not the author’s best” work. It does make clear, however, “the power of the written word” (Kirkus Reviews, Sept. 15, 1997). “Excerpts from her journal are coupled with a readable text,” making the story of a remarkable woman “accessible” to children (Booklist, Dec. 1, 1997). School Library Journal considers this a “readable” and “inspirational account” of Wells’s “strong will and passion” (Dec. 1, 1997). Includes black-and-white photographs, a chronology, notes, bibliography, and index.

Mellage, Nanette Van Wright Coming Home: A Story of Josh Gibson, Baseball’s Greatest Home Run Hitter, illus. by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 2001. K–3 In this biography for young readers, author Nannette Van Wright Mellage “weaves in” history of the Negro Baseball Leagues, segregated teams, and the impressive baseball career of Josh Gibson (School Library Journal, May 2001). Telling his grandson about Josh Gibson, a powerful hitter for the Homestead Grays, a grandfather recalls the time he saw Gibson play in Yankee Stadium. “Mellage’s easy conversational rhythm accommodates natural-sounding descriptions, [and] [s]ensitive watercolor portraits by Van Wright and Hu capture the vigor of the sport, the edge-of-the-seat thrill of the fans and the affection between the characters” (Publishers Weekly, Apr. 9, 2001). Historical information on segregation is included in an Afterword.

Meltzer, Milton Underground Man, maps by Eros Keith. Scarsdale, NY: Bradbury, 1972. 6–up Meltzer’s historical novel is considered “stiff ” and lacking in “depth and intensity,” particularly in his portrayal of black characters, who come off as “types.” Supposedly based on “actual memoirs” of a 16-year-old farmer’s son, who first becomes a minister and then an abolitionist, the Underground Man devotes his life to helping slaves escape along the Underground Railroad. “Meltzer’s nonfiction accounts of black history are much richer and tighter in their illumination of time and place” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1973).

Mercer, Charles

Medearis, Angela Shelf

Roberto Clemente, illus. by George Loh. New York: Putnam, 1974.

Princess of the Press: The Story of Ida B. WellsBarnett. New York: Lodestar, 1997.

2–4 This is considered a “realistic outline” of the life of Puerto Rico’s great baseball star who died in a

Millen • 181 plane crash in 1972. “There is some fictionalizing of situations and dialogue,” and Mercer avoids Clemente’s “experience with racial prejudice.” Nevertheless, it is a “balanced, highly informative” title in the See and Read Biography series (School Library Journal, Feb. 1975).

Merrill, Jean A Song for Gar, illus. by Ronni Solbert. New York: Whittlesey, 1957. 3–5 Absalom Marvell, his parents, and his five brothers live on Sour Cherry Ridge, along with his pet raccoon Barbary Allen. All the brothers have good singing voices, except Absalom whose voice is scratchy. His brother Gar wants to enter the Song Swapping competition, hoping to win the $100 prize so he can marry. Absalom unknowingly provides the song for Gar, who overhears Absalom singing to Barbary Allen. The “spontaneous” birth of Absalom’s song “suggests how any folk song might be born” (Horn Book, June 1957). According to the Christian Science Monitor, Merrill delivers a “lovely story, with plenty of mountain atmosphere.” Jesse Stuart praised its “flavor of hill music and dancing feet” (May 9, 1957). Booklist considers it an “entertaining and flavorsome story of hill people” (Mar. 15, 1957). Kirkus’ Bookshop Service notes that this is Merrill and Solbert’s first departure from books set in the city, but the story of “Eastern mountain folk” is “engaging” ( Jan. 1, 1957). Library Journal agrees that the story is “rollicking,” and — although brief— it “has humor, mountain flavor, and good family relationships” (Mar. 15, 1957). Music and words for the song are appended.

Meyers, Madeleine The Cherokee Nation: Life Before the Tears. Lowell, MA: Discovery Enterprises, 1994. 3–6

A title in the Perspectives on History se-

ries.

Micklish, Rita Sugar Bee, illus. by Ted Lewin. New York: Delacorte, 1972. 4–6 Micklish tells the story of two girls, one black and one blind. Stephanie “Sugar Bee” Harris is an 11-year-old black child who lives in a Pittsburgh apartment. As a reward for good grades, she is chosen to spend Easter vacation with Rosemary Martin, a blind white child who lives in the country. Horn Book praises the “spontaneous, unforced day-to-day” account of their experiences, which is delivered “without overt didacticism or sentimentalism” ( June 1972). Booklist considers this a “low-key, generally believable story with good characterization and little action” ( July 1, 1972).

Mierka, Gregg A. Nathanael Greene: The General Who Saved the Revolution. Stockton, NJ: OTTN, 2006.

5–11 General Nathanael Greene’s successful campaigns in the South led to victory for the Patriots in the American Revolution. Counties in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee were named in his honor. Included in the Forgotten Heroes of the American series, this title is “competently done” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2007). This is a “lively profile [which] combines an engrossing account of the Revolutionary War with healthy measures of images and passages drawn from primary — and sometimes previously unpublished — sources” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2007). Includes a glossary, timeline, websites, suggested reading, and index.

Miles, Miska Gertrude’s Pocket, illus. by Emily McCully. Boston: Little, Brown, 1970. 3–5 Gertrude Tolliver’s school dress is made from her grandmother’s old dress, and her underwear is made from flour sacks. When she earns a dollar for being a good Samaritan, and her nemesis, Watson Pike, continues to taunt her, she learns something about human pride and dignity. “Poverty is neither glamorized nor sentimentalized” in this Appalachian story that is “as plain and unassuming as the unselfconscious people” at its center (Horn Book, Apr. 1971).

Hoagie’s Rifle-Gun, illus. by John Schoenherr. Boston: Little, Brown, 1970. K–3 Horn Book begins its review of Miles’s book with a dramatic statement: “Hunger, as bony and lean as an old bobcat, stalks the pages of the brief tale of an incident in Appalachia.” Hoagie’s father is unemployed, and the family is living off potatoes, so he goes hunting for meat with his brother, taking the rifle and one bullet. When he confronts a bobcat, who is also searching for its dinner, he cannot shoot it. “The stark prose bares Hoagie’s desperation and records the mounting tension of his hatred until it is resolved in the knowledge that the cat shares a kinship with his family in their struggle for survival. The terse language and the rugged black-and-white drawings convey the staunch independence and spiritual strength of the mountain people” ( June 1970).

Millen, C. M. Blue Bowl Down: An Appalachian Rhyme, illus. by Holly Meade. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick, 2004. K–2 Every evening a little boy and his mother take down the big blue bowl and make bread. Told as a rhyming lullaby, the story celebrates the “joy and delicious rewards of working together.” Meade’s “evocative” illustrations establish the setting, but details of making the bread are absent. Cynthia Rylant’s When I Was Young in the Mountains (1982) or Appalachia: The Voices of Sleeping Birds (1991) provides “richer Appalachian cadences” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2004). Booklist suggests that “Millen’s

182 • Miller syntax may leave readers unfamiliar with Appalachian dialects fumbling to catch the rhythm,” but the “wholesome comforts” of the ritual and Meade’s illustrations are winners (May 1, 2004). Kirkus Reviews considers this a “[s]weet and wonderful” picture book (May 1, 2004), and Library Media Connection echoes the assessment: “Sweet and reminiscent of a wonderfully different time in our history” (Aug./Sept. 2004). An author’s note at the end explains the impetus for the book.

Miller, Connie Colwell Mother Jones: Labor Leader, illus. by Steve Erwin and Charles Barnett, III. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2007. 3–9 Miller presents the life story of Mother Jones in a graphic novel format.

Miller, Jim Wayne Newfound. New York: Orchard, 1989. 7–10 Jim Wayne Miller’s first novel is somewhat autobiographical. Told from the point of view of Robert Wells, this is the story of a young boy’s life from the sixth grade, when his parents divorce, to his going away to Berea College in Kentucky. Living with his mother, brother, and sister in Newfound, Tennessee, Wells experiences life in a close-knit Appalachian mountain community, including the usual family conflicts and tribulations. Miller is able to depict the community “vividly ... without ever rendering it quaint or representative.” He “distinctively” characterizes the people and creates a “setting resonant with rich traditions” (Bulletin, Nov. 1989). School Library Journal points to Miller’s obvious “love of language” that shapes this “lyrical memoir.... Unlike so many novels about Appalachia which rely on dialect and inclusion of folk stereotypes, Newfound is a collection of careful and gentle portraits of people and events drawn against the beauties of the Appalachian countryside” (Oct. 1989). The Horn Book Guide describes it as an “impressionistic novel” whose “skeletal plotline” depicts Appalachian people and life ( July 1989).

Miller, Raymond H. Jaromir Jagr. San Diego, CA: Kidhaven, 2003. 3–4 A biography of the Pittsburgh Penguins ice hockey player from Czechoslovakia.

Miller, Sarah Elizabeth Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller. New York: Atheneum, 2007. 5–9 Told from Annie Sullivan’s point of view, this fictional account of Sullivan’s first encounter with Helen Keller exceeds the usual biographical fare to “delve into the hearts and minds” of the people in Helen Keller’s life, “creating realistic, believable characters” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Aug. 1, 2007). Ac-

cording to Kirkus Reviews, Miller “nails her audience” in a book that focuses on a few weeks in Keller’s and Sullivan’s relationship ( June 1, 2006). This is “compelling reading even for those familiar with the Keller/ Sullivan experience” (School Library Journal, July 2007).

Mills, Lauren The Rag Coat, illus. by author. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991. K–3 In an author’s note, Mills acknowledges Dolly Parton’s song “Coat of Many Colors” as an inspiration for this book about Minna, a little girl who has no coat. With her father dead of black lung disease, and no money in the house, the Quilting Mothers of the community make Minna a patchwork coat, which she proudly wears to school. Mills’s characterization of Minna “walks a fine line between the Little Match Girl and Pollyanna,” though the familiar plot is “sturdy.” The final transformation of the children from taunting to accepting is too abrupt to be realistic, and “Minna seems noble to the point of martyrdom.” The illustrations are out of sync with the depictions of “Appalachian poverty” in the text (Bulletin, Jan. 1992). The Horn Book Guide agrees that the setting is “strong,” and judges the “nostalgic story” to be “well matched” by the illustrations (1991). Booklist points out that this story “celebrates community,” as do many books about Appalachia. Mills’s illustrations show “extraordinary depth” in a “clear and moving” tale that echoes the biblical Joseph and his “coat of many colors” (Oct. 15, 1991).

Mills, Patricia Until the Cows Come Home, illus. by author. New York: North-South, 1993. 4–6 Patricia Mills’s photo essay is composed of “[e]xquisite, hand-colored photographs” that convey a “nostalgic look” to this tribute to rural life in a time gone by. Each page carries a single line of text, resulting in a “satisfying visual experience” (School Library Journal, May 1993). Set where the Appalachian mountains bleed into lowlands on the border of West Virginia and Maryland, the book engenders a “pleasant sense of stillness and harmony” (Five Owls, Mar./Apr. 1993).

Milnes, Gerald Granny Will Your Dog Bite and Other Mountain Rhymes, illus. by Kimberly Bulcken Root. New York: Knopf, 1990; Little Rock, AR: August, 1999. K–2 Milnes’s collection consists of approximately 50 West Virginia folk rhymes and riddles, many of which children will easily recognize as variants of traditional Mother Goose rhymes. The picture book is also available with an accompanying cassette that features Milnes playing banjo and fiddle and vocals by Homer Fleming and nine-year-old Sonja

Monsell • 183 Bird. Root’s illustrations lend “a rural flavor,” adding value to the “quirky, down-home, regional fare” (Bulletin, Dec. 1990). Publishers Weekly notes that no one rhyme or illustration stands out; rather, the collection is noteworthy as a “cumulative portrait of a hardy, proud people and their rich, idiosyncratic and often heroic appreciation of life” (Nov. 16, 1990). The Horn Book Guide laments the absence of the printed music, and says the book will not be attractive to a wide audience. On the other hand, the illustrations “catch the flavor and spirit” of the West Virginia and Appalachian hill people (Spring 1990). Contains an index.

79 and his niece Sara Jean is an adult, he finally gets his barber shop and stays up all night cutting hair. The Bulletin praises the book because it avoids the pitfall that often sinks historical fiction for young readers: They “bathe in nostalgia that subverts their history, but this book is honest” about the poverty and Jim Crow laws (Sept. 1993). Booklist chooses to praise another feature of the book, the illustrations. They are its “real strength.” They extend the story adding a “homey” quality (Sept. 1, 1993). The Horn Book Guide considers Mitchell’s book a “warm portrait” of “a dream deferred” (1993).

Milton, Hilary H.

Molzahn, Arlene Bourgeois

Mayday! Mayday! New York: Watts, 1979.

Randy Moss. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2002.

5–7 After a small airplane crashes on a mountainside near Birmingham, Alabama, two children must make their way down the mountain on a January night to get help for the survivors.

3–4 Included in the Sports Heroes series, this biography of West Virginia native and professional football player Randy Moss is intended for beginning readers.

Mitchell, Betsy

Monjo, F. N.

Journey to the Bottomless Pit: The Story of Stephen Bishop and Mammoth Cave. New York: Viking, 2004

Indian Summer, illus. by Anita Lobel. New York: Harper and Row, 1968.

4–8 This fictionalized account of Stephen Bishop, a Kentucky slave, is based on the few available factual tidbits about one of the earliest and youngest (age 17) explorers and tour guides of Mammoth Cave. According to School Library Journal, the book could be used for pre- or post-visits to Mammoth Cave (Dec. 2004). The Horn Book Guide considers the book “useful,” in spite of its “stiff ” narrative (Apr. 1, 2005). Booklist notes that Mitchell “cites no sources” for Bishop’s life or the history of slavery that she weaves into the text (Nov. 1, 2004). Kirkus Reviews agrees that Mitchell has added to the “skimpy historical record with invented dialogue and details,” but lauds the title because it “effectively raises the profile” of a black man who is largely ignored in American history (Oct. 1, 2005). The Bulletin offers the least favorable review. “The bland fictionalized dialogue recalls the bad old days of old-fashioned series biography, and the absence of any source information raises questions about the representation of Bishop’s viewpoints and opinions.” On the other hand, the book presents the life of a man heretofore largely ignored ( Jan. 2005). Includes a timeline and Afterword.

Mitchell, Margaree King Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, illus. by James Ransome. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1993. K–4 Told from the point of view of Sara Jean, this North Mississippi story of Depression-era poverty and segregation is ultimately about dreams, generosity, and love. Uncle Jed is a black barber who travels on horseback from house to house in Holly Springs. He saves his pennies, hoping to own his own barber shop, but life and a failed bank intervene. When he is

K–3 Indian Summer tells the story of two boys in pioneer Kentucky whose father is away fighting in the Revolutionary War. The children recognize that the hooting owls they hear are not birds but Indians warning their family, who has time to prepare and protect itself. Library Journal praises Lobel’s “excellent pictures” and the text, which is more realistic than many “juvenile book reductions” where Indians “miraculously become dearest friends” of the settlers (Nov. 15, 1968).

Monroe, Judy Jesse Owens: Track-and-Field Champion. Mankato, MN: Capstone, 2005. K–3 Monroe’s biography of Alabama native and Olympic champion Jesse Owens, a title in the Fact Finders series, includes a bibliography and index.

Monsell, Helen A. Young Stonewall. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1942. 4–8 This title in the Boyhood of Famous Americans series shows a young Stonewall Jackson to be “a lively and lovable character.” Monsell uses “[s]imple words [and] simple sentences” to create text that would be suitable for “remedial reading” in middle-school grades (Library Journal, Oct. 15, 1942). This title was reprinted in 1953 and 1961 under two different titles, each having a different illustrator [see below].

Young Stonewall: Tom Jackson, illus. by Charles John. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1953. 4–8 An illustrated reissue of the 1942 Monsell title, Young Stonewall, as part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series.

184 • Montgomery

Tom Jackson, Young Stonewall, illus. by Maurice Rawson. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill, 1961.

dramatic” (Bulletin, June 1970). Includes a bibliography, index, selected discography, and a list of songs written by Smith.

4–8 A newly illustrated reissue of the 1953 Monsell title, Young Stonewall: Tom Jackson, as part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series.

Moore, Heidi

Montgomery, Elizabeth Rider William C. Handy: Father of the Blues, illus. by David Hodges. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1968. 3–4 Montgomery presents a “clear, fictionized” biography of the man who composed “Saint Louis Blues” and is known as the father of the blues. Born in Florence, Alabama, he endured segregation, rose to become one of America’s most celebrated black musicians, and lived to the age of 84. “Episodes of race prejudice ... are related within the context of the narrative and do not obstruct the story line; and the warm, two-colored illustrations enliven the story” (Library Journal, May 1969).

Mooney, Booth Sam Houston, illus. by George Roth. Chicago: Follett, 1966. 4–6 According to Library Journal, “This fictionized biography is written down and rather poorly done, at that.” Its minor flaws are unfortunate and make it of lesser quality and appeal than William Johnson’s Sam Houston, The Tallest Texan (1953) and Six Feet Six, by Bessie and Marquis James (1931) (Library Journal, Feb. 15, 1967).

Mooney, James Cherokee Animal Tales. Edited by George F. Scheer, illus. by Robert Frankenberg. New York: Holiday, 1968; Tulsa, OK: Council Oak, 1992. 4–7 These 13 Cherokee stories are adapted for children from James Mooney’s Myths of the Cherokee, originally published in 1900. Includes a good introduction to Cherokee history. “Pleasant, standard fare” (Horn Book Guide, Fall 1992).

Moore, Carman Somebody’s Angel Child: The Story of Bessie Smith. New York: Crowell, 1969. 4–7 Written by Carman Moore, a black musician, this biography of Bessie Smith, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is “dramatic and sad — a blues story.” It tells the story of Smith’s childhood as an orphan, when she was already singing, and her hard life as an adult, both its ups and downs. She was known as “Empress of the Blues” but died as a penniless alcoholic prior to her 40th birthday. The inclusion of lyrics doesn’t quite work but may be attractive to some readers. The “writing is honest, the story inherently

Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Chicago: Heinemann, 2004. 2–4 A title in the American Lives series, this easy reader biography follows the series format, which features “large print; two-page, easy-to-read chapters; very limited facts; and a picture on every page.” It includes facsimiles of primary source documents, but these are considered “primarily fillers.” This biography contains little information that is not already available in reference books and other biographies (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 2004). Contains both blackand-white and full-color photographs, illustrations, maps, and a timeline.

Moore, Jim Super Bowl IX: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings, January 12, 1975, New Orleans Tulane Stadium. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 1983. 3–6 Describes the winning performance of the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Super Bowl victory over the Minnesota Vikings in 1975.

Moore, MariJo The Cherokee Little People: A Native American Tale, illus. by Emma Shaw-Smith. Cherokee, NC: Cherokee, 2000. K–2 This 16-page, small paperback in the Rigby Literacy series is a Cherokee version of the folk motif best known as the Grimms’ “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” Tooni and Polly, a Cherokee couple, raise such a flourishing crop of corn that they cannot harvest it without help. During the night, the Cherokee Little People harvest the corn. Out of gratitude, the couple makes little moccasins and cornbread, which they leave under a big pine tree. Colorful illustrations in the folk art tradition are appropriate to the spare, simple text and add sufficient detail to attract interest from beginning readers. (RH)

The First Fire: A Traditional Native American Tale, illus. by Anthony Chee Emerson. Barrington, IL: Rigby, 2000. 1–2 This book relates the tale of how the Cherokee acquired fire. After several animals fail in their attempts to bring fire to the earth, the little water spider succeeds.

The Ice Man: A Traditional Native American Tale, illus. by Yoshi Miyake. Crystal Lake, IL: Rigby, 2000. 1–2 While burning fall leaves, the Cherokee allow the fire to spread beyond their control. Little

Moore • 185 Squirrel and Young Deer go to the land of the Ice Man, who sends rain and hail to extinguish the fire.

Moore, Robin The Bread Sister of Sinking Creek. New York: Lippincott, 1990. 5–7 This story of 14-year-old Maggie Callahan and her adventures in 1776 Pennsylvania is not well received by reviewers. Maggie leaves Philadelphia, hoping to join her Aunt Franny in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, Franny has left for Ohio, and Maggie must fend for herself. She earns money by baking bread, using her family’s recipe and filling the role of “Bread Sister” left vacant by her aunt. She lives for a time with the McGrew family, but then runs away to find Franny, incredibly surviving wilderness and disaster. The Horn Book Guide considers the “seriously flawed” book an “amateurish mishmash” attached to a “weak” structure (Fall 1990). The Bulletin suggests that “Moore seems so intent on showing Maggie’s resourcefulness, courage, and diligence that he loses perspective on realistic behavior.” His use of dialect is “awkward,” and the “too-busy” story is flawed (Sept. 1990). Kirkus Reviews labels Moore’s book anachronistic because he attaches “modern feminist ideals” to Maggie and writes “without much thought to accuracy” (Apr. 15, 1990). Publishers Weekly, on the other hand, says Moore “expertly blends” the adventure of Maggie’s situation with the “earthy process of bread baking. Maggie emerges as a down-to-earth, sensible girl with a streak of wildness that readers will find irresistible” (Apr. 13, 1990).

The Cherry Tree Buck and Other Stories, illus. by Kees deKiefte. New York: Knopf, 1995. 3–5 Moore, a professional writer and storyteller, follows his 1994 success (When the Moon Is Full) with this collection of six “nostalgic” stories from his childhood in central Pennsylvania mountain country. The tall tales feature his and his grandfather’s adventures with animals who have mysterious powers. Humor and exaggeration, along with Moore’s “straightforward style, short sentences, and accessible large print,” make the tales attractive to children. The stories are complemented by deKiefte’s illustrations (School Library Journal, June 1, 1995). Booklist agrees that the “combination of animals, environmentalism, and the supernatural” make this a good book for children (Apr. 15, 1995). The Bulletin praises Moore’s “wry tone” and knowledge of animals ( July/Aug. 1995). The Horn Book Guide notes that the prose is sometimes “flat,” but the tales are “generally engaging” (Fall 1995). Adult readers will recognize traditional folk patterns and motifs in the stories.

Maggie Among the Seneca. New York: Lippincott, 1990. 5–8 This sequel to The Bread Sister of Sinking Creek (1990) continues the tale of Maggie Callahan, age

16, who is captured by the Seneca in central Pennsylvania during the summer of 1778. She assimilates into their tribe, marries a Seneca, and gives birth to his child. At the end, she makes her way back to her aunt’s tavern on the Allegheny River. According to School Library Journal, “So many things happen to Maggie that there is little space for anything else, and her strength through all of these adversities borders on the unbelievable.” Characterization is weak and the “prose is flawed.” While the reading level is appropriate to middle grades, “many of the events will be lost on them, or will be beyond their emotional ken” (Oct. 1990). On the other hand, Social Education listed this title among Notable 1990 Children’s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies, calling it a “respectful portrayal of Native American culture” (Apr./May 1991).

Up the Frozen River, illus. by William Sauts Bock. Springhouse, PA: Groundhog, 1993. 5–8 In this conclusion to the Bread Sister trilogy, Maggie returns with Jake Logan to the burnedout Seneca village to search for her child, Hoot Owl, who was taken from her by the mysterious Seneca Ragpicker in the second volume.

When the Moon Is Full: Supernatural Stories from the Old Pennsylvania Mountains. New York: Knopf, 1994. 5–7 Moore’s collection of six “spooky” tales, most of which feature animals, is “beautifully written and quietly chilling (Kirkus Reviews, Dec. 15, 1994). The “down-home style” and idioms “lend an air of authenticity even as readers understand that they cannot possibly be true.” In all, the tales may attract the reluctant or slow reader (School Library Journal, Dec. 1, 1994). According to Booklist, “Moore puts flesh on folktale bones” to produce “unsensationalized” stories of the bizarre and supernatural. This collection offers “a welcome alternative to mass-market horror stories” ( Jan. 15, 1995). The Horn Book Guide considers these “haunting, rustic” tales that dissolve the “distinctions” between human and animal (Spring 1994). Contains an Afterword that explains the source of the tales.

Moore, Ruth Nulton Mystery at Indian Rocks, illus. by Magi Bond. Scottdale, PA: Herald, 1981. 6–8 Betty Jo Simpson and her father, Clint, have for a decade lived under a cloud of suspicion in the community of Back Mountain. When the payroll was stolen from Walker Lumber Company, Clint Simpson was accused of the theft and fired. But their lives take a turn for the better when they get summer jobs at Pioneer Village, a craft and heritage center in the West Virginia Mountains. On her first day at work, Betty Jo discovers that Hal Turner, one of her Lumberton High classmates, is also working at Pioneer Village, and the two of them quickly become caught up in a mystery involving a rock shelter on her fa-

186 • Moriarty ther’s property, which adjoins Pioneer Village. A series of predictable events, including two thefts, results in a predictable solution, including the clearing of Clint’s name. By the end of the summer, Betty Jo and her father are on the road toward a new life, and Hal has declared that Betty Jo will be his “best girl” during the oncoming year at Lumberton. A formulaic story with little to recommend it, the novel may appeal to mystery enthusiasts; otherwise, readers should look for more substantive fiction. (RH)

Morris, Gilbert

Peace Treaty, illus. by Marvin Espe. Scottdale, PA: Herald, 1977.

Hugo L. Black: Justice for All. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2001.

5–8 Held captive by Indians near Fort Duquesne, a young Moravian boy uses his faith in God to promote peace. “The elements of early pioneer and Indian life add some interest, but the heavy sectarian message ... restricts its audience” (School Library Journal, Apr. 1978).

Wilderness Journey, illus. by Allan Eitzen. Scottdale, PA: Herald, 1979. 4–6 This easy-to-read piece of historical fiction is based on the true story from Moore’s husband’s family. James and John Graham, from Northern Ireland, are left to travel alone from Philadelphia, across the Alleghenies, to Pittsburgh, when their father dies at sea and their mother goes ahead to establish a home and a living. “Lovingly researched details, authentic minor characters, and a plot that carries readers rapidly to the end makes this a good choice” for readers who like historical fiction about pioneer life (School Library Journal, Apr. 1980).

Moriarty, J. T. Davy Crockett: Frontier Hero. New York: Rosen, 2003. 4–8 This title in the Primary Sources of Famous People in American History series surveys the life of the American frontiersman who became a member of Congress and died trying to defend the Alamo.

Morris, Ann Grandma Lois Remembers: An African-American Family Story, illus. by Peter Linenthal. Brookfield, CT: Millbrook, 2002. K–3 Grandma Lois lives in Queens, New York, but grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, probably in the 1920s (no specific date is given). In this photo-essay, she tells her grandson what it was like to grow up in the South, mentioning segregation and hard times, but she never states or implies any negativity. The Horn Book Guide notes that a few of the photographs are “blurred” and the use of multiple font sizes is “confusing”; nevertheless, the book presents a “personalized” look at cultural heritage (Fall 2002). Like the other titles in the What Was It Like, Grandma? series, this book includes a recipe, an activity, and the words to a song —“Amazing Grace.”

The Soldier Boy’s Discovery. Chicago: Moody, 1996. 5–7 From the Bonnets and Bugles series, Christian writer Gilbert Morris sets this story in Maryland during the Battle of Antietam. Fifteen-yearold Jeff Majors, a drummer in the Confederate Army, learns valuable life lessons.

Morris, Roz 5–8 This title in the Alabama Roots Biography series covers the life of Supreme Court Justice Hugo LaFayette Black.

Julia Tutwiler: Alabama Crusader. Birmingham, AL: Seacoast, 2000. 5–8 Morris presents a biography of Julia Tutwiler, native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, who is known for her educational and prison reforms. A title in the Alabama Roots Biography series.

Moseley, Elizabeth R. Davy Crockett: Hero of the Wild Frontier, illus. by Thomas Beecham. Champaign, IL: Garrard, 1967. 2–5 A Discovery Book, this biography of Crockett is more factual and has more believable dialogue than the typical Bobbs-Merrill biography for the same age group (see Aileen Wells Parks’s Davy Crockett: Young Rifleman, 1949). It details Davy’s difficulties with his father, his running away from home, and the fact that he became interested in learning to read and write only when he was rejected by a girl who married a teacher. His marriages, his inability to stick to farming, and his attitude toward the “murdering Red Sticks” (41) are all accurately portrayed, as are his political and financial ventures. The book essentially ends when Crockett disagrees with President Jackson’s plan to move the Indians west of the Mississippi and suffers political defeat as a consequence. The last chapter glosses over his trip to Texas and briefly details the loss to Santa Anna, but it ends in predictable style emphasizing that he died at the Alamo with “Old Betsy” by his side. The Horn Book Guide judges this volume’s “style, content, and/or illustration” to be “unacceptable” (Sept. 1, 1991). (RH)

Moser, Barry Good and Perfect Gifts: An Illustrated Retelling of O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” illus. by author. Boston: Little, Brown, 1997. 3–6 O. Henry’s classic short story “The Gift of the Magi” has been told and retold in many versions, including a Disney animated Christmas cartoon featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. In Moser’s version, which is set in modern-day Appalachia, Rebecca

Mullins • 187 sells her prized quilt to buy a tool chest for Fenton, her husband, and he sells his tools to buy her a chest for the quilt. The couple lives in a trailer, and work at typical middle-class jobs: He is a carpenter and an auto mechanic; she is a waitress and hairdresser. Booklist says Moser’s text is somewhat “heavy-handed,” but the “realistic, sepia-tone illustrations capture the wonder of the Christmas story in ordinary life” (Sept. 1, 1997). According to Horn Book, Moser is true to the “spirit of the original” story, and his illustrations “have a homespun quality” (Mar. 1998). Kirkus Reviews agrees that Moser “retains both the sweetness and the irony” of the original tale, but the names of the characters and his attempt at dialect “are overdone to the point of caricature.” The illustrations, on the other hand, are “masterly” (Sept. 1, 1997). School Library Journal finds the opening scene highly flawed, but the story redeems itself in the end, and the illustrations emphasize “the rustic setting.” Ultimately, however, this is a book for adults, not children (Oct. 1, 1997).

readers wonder whether the events can, indeed, take place in their worlds (Mar. 1, 1994). The Horn Book Guide notes the dialect and the illustrations, which are “compelling” in their “use of light and dark” (Fall 1994).

Polly Vaughn: A Traditional British Ballad, illus. by author. Boston: Little, Brown, 1992.

1–3 Moss has brought to life for children a little-known sports story about a remarkable woman, Jackie Mitchell, who pitched for the Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lookouts. On April 2, 1931, Mitchell struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees in an exhibition game in Chattanooga. According to Booklist, this is a “powerful read-aloud,” and “Payne has well and truly captured the tone with his wonderful pictures” that are reminiscent of Thomas Hart Benton. Booklist asks, “How come we didn’t know about her?” ( Jan. 1, 2004). While Moss “indulges in some minor fictionalizing,” the story has the “air of an experience remembered” and is well illustrated by Payne (School Library Journal, Feb. 2004). Kirkus Reviews is critical of Moss’s decision to relegate important information (Mitchell was later banned from baseball) to an author’s note instead of weaving it into the story ( Jan. 15, 2004). The Bulletin points out that there are unanswered questions: How did Mitchell, a girl, come to be signed by the Lookouts? Why was she, at age eight, coached by Dazzy Vance, the star pitcher for the Dodgers? (Mar. 2004). All, including the Horn Book Guide, praise Payne’s illustrations. They are “expressive, sculptural renderings” (Fall 2004).

4–up This is a story about feuding families, which School Library Journal compares with other literary feuds, such as the Montagues and Capulets or the Hatfields and McCoys. In this case, it’s the Randalls and Vaughns, but the feud is centuries old. As Moser’s Afterword explains, the source is a folk ballad that comes from the British Isles, “Molly Bawn.” “Moser fleshes out an Appalachian ballad with full characters and a vivid setting,” but the dialect is “cloying.” As usual, the illustrations win higher praise than the text; they are “typical of Moser’s impeccable style” ( July 1992). Booklist says that while the subject matter may be “the stuff of tabloids,” the illustrations depict “no stereotypes.” They render the “jurors, the small-town ‘characters,’ in all “their narrowness, their hypocrisy, and their need.” Its one flaw is that the ballad loses something when it is “recast in prose” (Mar. 1, 1992). The Horn Book Guide notes the somewhat didactic message about guns and hunting but praises Moser’s “splendidly illustrated” book (1992).

Tucker Pfeffercorn: An Old Story Retold, illus. by author. Boston: Little, Brown, 1994. 1–3 As in his Polly Vaughn (1992), Barry Moser retells another classic folktale —“Rumpelstiltskin.” In this version, Bessie Grace Kinzalow must guess the name Tucker Pfeffercorn or her daughter, Claretta, will be murdered by the evil Hezekiah Sweatt. In a lengthy review, the Bulletin describes Bessie Grace as an “angel” straight out of a country music lyric and compares Sweatt with Carson McCullers’ “grotesques.” “By putting a European folktale into an American context, old roots in new soil, Moser surprises our expectations—that’s not supposed to happen here—so we see the story and the setting each in a new light” ( June 1994.) Booklist takes a similar view; the “colloquial voice” and the familiar look of the characters make

Moses, Will Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend, illus. by author. New York: Philomel, 2001. 4–6 In this fictionalized biography, Moses (a direct descendant of artist Grandma Moses) portrays the legendary John Chapman with an “appealing folkart style [and] thoughtful prose” (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2001).

Moss, Marissa Mighty Jackie: The Strike Out Queen, illus. by C. F. Payne. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004.

Mounts, Willard The Rugged Southern Appalachia: Early Settlement, Early Feuds, Strikes, Drugs, Poverty, Schools, Beauty, 1700–Present. Denver, CO: Ginwill, 1997. 3–up This history of the Appalachian region includes maps, photographs, a bibliography, and index.

Mullins, Norman D. Mountain Boy: The Adventures of Orion Saddler. Chapmanville, WV: Woodland, 2004.

188 • Munzer 3–7 This is a fairly typical city-kid-gets-sentto-the-country story, with the usual conflicts, embarrassments, and coming-of-age triumphs. Orion Saddler is the Ohio city kid who gets sent for a summer to live with his grandparents, Poppy John and Mammaw Saddler, on their West Virginia farm. “Sophisticated students may think Orion’s early school behavior is fairly innocuous, and some may find the ending a bit preachy.” In all, however, this is a “nicely flowing adventure of a unique summer” that will attract young readers (KLIATT, Sept. 2004).

Munzer, Martha E. Valley of Vision: The TVA Years. New York: Knopf, 1969. 6–up In a review of Valley of Vision, the New York Times laments that the details of history “are too often petty and inaccurate reflections of their times.” But this observation cannot be applied to Munzer’s work because she “has been faithful to her subject and its era.” Munzer gives an accurate history of the TVA, including its origin in the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, not Franklin D. Roosevelt. She acknowledges that the “‘Hill People’” looked upon it with distrust, “suspicion and fear” because it displaced 13,500 families and flooded 610,000 acres in five states. Munzer defends the TVA, saying that it provided employment and food and “quickly changed fear into hope and finally into complete acceptance.... Here is an example of how constructive effort can be employed in changing society for the better. Solutions are possible when men of vision such as the Pinchots, Norrises, the Hugo Blacks, the Morgans and the Lilienthals dare to dream impossible dreams. Our times offer the same kind of challenge” (New York Times, Aug. 3, 1969). Even in 1969, this perspective would have been challenged; in the 21st century, the book provides a perfect example of how political and social viewpoints gain and lose favor. (RH)

Murdico, Suzanne J. Mario Lemieux. Austin, TX: Raintree SteckVaughn, 1998. 4–6 This title in the Overcoming the Odds series traces the ice hockey career of the Pittsburgh Penguins star, Mario Lemieux, and discusses the challenge he faced in his battle against Hodgkin’s disease. Includes a bibliography and index.

Murphy, Rita Harmony. New York: Delacorte, 2002. 5–up Murphy sets this piece of magical realism in the Hamlin Mountains of northeast Tennessee, where the main character’s, Harmony’s, back yard adjoins three states: Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. The story goes that one August evening she fell — as a star — through the roof of the chicken coop belonging to Felix McGuillicuddy and his wife Net-

tie Mae, who is part Cherokee, a midwife, raises chickens, and teaches Harmony about the magic of nature and the need to protect it. Harmony discovers that she has special powers, a gift that she fears because it makes her an outsider. “This touching story combines the trials and tribulations of growing up with the problems of having extrasensory perception.... A wonderful story of a teen who is coming to terms with being different and learning to accept her gift” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2002). Murphy’s first novel is written in “sweet, sharp language as clear as the scent of pine” (Booklist, Sept. 15, 2002). Murphy depicts a “palpable sense of place” and “a supporting cast of full-blooded, eccentric mountain people” (Publishers Weekly, Sept. 23, 2002). Kirkus Reviews agrees that “Murphy has created a magical story written with a light, lyrical touch, always rooted in the particulars of the mountain setting” (Sept. 1, 2002).

Murray, Marguerite A Peaceable Warrior. New York: Atheneum, 1986. 6–8 Rod and Julie Patterson usually vacation at the beach, but this year they go to a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fortunately, their friends, the Kendricks, are ensconced in a neighboring cabin, so the four young people explore and take their ease. Their vacation is clouded by Copperhead, a criminal suspected of unlawful disposal of toxic waste. Rod, a typical young boy, susceptible to angst and conflict with his father, captures Copperhead and comes to terms with life’s incongruities. Murray’s “story sometimes moves slowly but does have a taut finish. Rod is well characterized, but some secondary characters are not.” In spite of these flaws, Rod’s dilemma concerning nonviolence will spark good discussions (Booklist, Aug. 1986).

Musgrave, Florence Oh, Sarah, illus. by Robert Candy. New York: Ariel, 1953. 5–up Musgrave’s story is somewhat autobiographical and modeled after her childhood as the daughter of a Methodist minister. Sarah is a “refreshingly candid young heroine,” though somewhat “rebellious” and resentful of the expectation that she conform. She also resents her seeming poverty and the orphaned twin cousins that her parents bring into the home. Sarah’s humor, her personal growth, and her struggles will be attractive to young female readers (Horn Book, June 1953).

Robert E. New York: Hastings, 1957. 5–up Robert, age 10, has spent his life in the Appalachian mountains. When he goes to the Midwest with his grandfather and mother, he is “proud, reserved, and given to fighting” as he adjusts to a new world and new people. School Library Journal considers this book to be “hard reading” for its intended age

Naden • 189 range and questions whether Robert’s difficulties, which are not presented through the typical “adventure and sport” frames, will be attractive to young boys. “Not recommended” ( July, 1957).

Sarah Hastings. New York: Hastings, 1960. 5–up This sequel to Oh, Sarah is set in a 1917 coal-mining town, Mountain City, when Sarah is 15 and beginning to be interested in boys. Musgrave capably shapes the story about prejudice toward a German family and balances it with the daily life of the community. “An authentic flavor and lively action recommend this for girls who enjoy stories of yesterday” (Horn Book, Oct. 1960).

Musick, Ruth Ann Coffin Hollow and Other Ghost Tales. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1977. 6–up This title offers 96 tales that were collected by Musick’s students prior to her death in 1974. Most of the stories are from West Virginia, though a few come from southwestern Pennsylvania. “Unfortunately, Coffin Hollow has a number of shortcomings of which anyone seriously interested in legendry should be aware. First of all, the tales are presented in a vacuum.... Another problem is that all the stories are literary production, and they read like short stories. The voices of the folk narrators fade away under the compositional skills of the student-collector.... Finally, comparative notes about the tales are limited.” In spite of these flaws, the book will be useful to readers searching for tales of the supernatural (Journal of American Folklore, Jan. 1980).

Green Hills of Magic: West Virginia Folktales from Europe. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1970. 6–up Choice compares this collection to those of Richard Chase, Leonard Roberts, Marie Campbell, and Vance Randolph. The volume illustrates the great ethnic diversity of folktales in Appalachia, as well as “the rich variety of contemporary American narrative traditions.” Indexes of tale types and motifs, along with background on informants, make the collection particularly useful to researchers (Dec. 1970).

The Telltale Lilac Bush and Other West Virginia Ghost Tales. Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 1965. 6–up These West Virginia ghost tales were collected “over a period of 18 years.” Musick has provided notes on motifs, along with background on the informants (Antiquarian Bookman, May 1965).

Myers, Elisabeth P.

is considered “well researched,” and compares favorably with Coit’s 1965 biography as well as Andrist’s and Schlesinger’s 1963 work (School Library Journal, June 15, 1971). A title in the President series, the book contains a bibliography and index.

Angel of Appalachia: Martha Berry. New York: Messner, 1968. 6–9 Rebecca Caudill begins her New York Times review of this biographical novel with a quotation from Thomas Berry, Martha Berry’s father: “Think no little thoughts.” This maxim is indicative of the “big” results of Martha Berry’s life and work, and Myers’ “account ... of Miss Berry’s ingenuity, daring and pluck” will be attractive to children. Caudill also feels that Myers’ book is timely because of the 1960s “national interest focused on Appalachia and its problems.” She does fault the use of dialect, however, saying that it is “more nearly that of the uneducated among both white and black of the Deep South than of the mountaineer” (Apr. 21, 1968). Library Journal also finds flaws: “The first four chapters, which deal with Miss Berry’s youth, are weakened considerably by the fictionizing and the insertion of cumbersome dialect simulating the speech of the Georgia Highlanders both white and Negro. Characterizations lack depth so that Martha seems a curiously wooden individual.” Myers does a better job depicting Berry as an adult, and young readers will be captivated by her integrity and courage (Mar. 15, 1968). Contains an index.

Myers, Walter Dean The Journal of Biddy Owens: The Negro Leagues. New York: Scholastic, 2001. 4–9 This title in the My Name is America series is the fictional journal of Biddy Owens, age 17, who is a gofer and player for the Birmingham Black Barons in 1948. Myers’ book is considered “solid,” though the voice of the journal is more conscious of the racial tensions than is consistent with the atmosphere of 1948. On the other hand, “this is not too intrusive and is quickly overshadowed by Biddy’s agreeable voice.” Myers presents the full “historical context” of the Negro Leagues, “fully realized characters, great baseball action, and trademark Myers humor” (Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 2001). The Bulletin finds Owens’ voice to be “honest but not overly reflective” ( July/Aug. 2001). Booklist points out that this is more than one boy’s story; it is the story of Southern prejudice against black ballplayers (Feb. 15, 2001). “Myers presents the excitement and promise of professional black baseball against a backdrop of Jim Crow laws” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Aug. 2001). A historical note and archival photographs of the Black Barons are appended.

Andrew Jackson. Chicago: Reilly and Lee, 1970.

Naden, Corinne J., and Rose Blue

7–9 This biography of “Old Hickory” is considered to be a “highly readable, thorough account,” inviting readers to “love or hate him” as they will. It

3–7 A title in Raintree’s African-American Biographies series, Naden provides a satisfactory look

Condoleezza Rice. Chicago: Raintree, 2006.

190 • Naylor at Rice’s early years, but the text is described as “choppy” and guilty of “simplifying complex events” (Horn Book, Apr. 1, 2006). Contains photographs, glossary, timeline, reading list, and index.

John Henry: Steel-Driving Man, illus. by Bert Dodson. Mahwah, NJ: Troll, 1980. 1–4 Naden’s contribution to the Folk Tales of America series follows the series template, which is described as having “much ... that pleases.” The paper, the binding, and the cost are plusses, and though Dodson’s illustrations are “well drafted, ... they do not really extend” the story. Otherwise, the series can claim “mixed success”: “Some of the language difficulties come from weaknesses that no successful storyteller can afford, especially the tendency to explain what is better left unexplained. The intrusion of literalism very much weakens the retelling of these tales” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1980).

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds Boys Against Girls. New York: Delacorte, 1994. 4–6 This third title in Naylor’s humorous comedy series about the feuding West Virginia Malloy sisters and Hatford brothers centers on the abaguchie, a large creature that several people have supposedly glimpsed but not fully seen. It eats small animals but, more importantly, provides good fodder for the pranks, tricks, and scare tactics that are the core of this series. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Wally Hatford and Caroline Malloy. “Naylor mixes in some real suspense with the farce and the folklore,” all of which ends with a Thanksgiving feast (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1994). Given the similarity to the first two books, this plot is “predictable” and “lacks development.” On the other hand, the energy of the feud and Naylor’s “ever-lively” prose make for a pretty good read (Bulletin, Nov. 1994).

Boys in Control. New York: Delacorte, 2003. 3–6 The ninth title in the Hatford-Malloy series finds the boys and girls cooperating yet still feuding. Eddie Malloy, a girl, and Jake Hatford are on the Buckman Badgers sixth-grade baseball team. As they prepare for the championship game, Jake helps Eddie practice, and Wally and Caroline both help with the community yard sale. The feud rekindles, however, when embarrassing pictures of the Hatford boys surface and blackmail ensues. An additional subplot “provides suspense but strains credulity.” On the other hand, “this is a fast-paced read, and fans of the series will welcome it.” The baseball action will attract sports readers, and it is a plus to have a girl featured as a player (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2003).

The Boys Return. New York: Delacorte, 2001. 3–6 Title number seven in the Buckman, West Virginia, series about the feuding Hatfords and Malloys involves the five Benson brothers who return to Buckman for a visit with the Hatfords. The addition

of five more boys complicates the Malloy sisters’ plots against the Hatford boys and adds a boy-girl romantic attraction. As with the other titles, all rise to the challenge of providing practical jokes and plots, this time a scheme to catch a cougar that is on the loose. “Readers will wish they could have this much fun with their neighbors and friends.” While no title in the series is dependent on another, they are “more fun” if read in sequence (School Library Journal, Oct. 2001). The Horn Book Guide recommends the title and says that Naylor maintains the “humor and excitement” that readers have come to expect (Spring 2002).

The Boys Start the War. New York: Delacorte, 1993. 3–6 This title is the first in the series about the four Hatford boys and the three Malloy girls, who live in Buckman, West Virginia. The Hatfords are native West Virginians, but the Malloys are outsiders from Ohio. The two sets of siblings engage in a feud, drawn strictly on gender lines, that includes ruses, tricks, pranks, and slapstick humor. The Bulletin describes Naylor as a “versatile author” who has created a “rambunctious tale” involving “ferocious” battles and “obstreperous humor.” Everything from stolen underwear to feigned death seasons a fast-paced plot (Apr. 26, 1993). Publishers Weekly describes the book as a “blithe and boisterous romp through the middle-grade gender wars.” Naylor provides a “smooth regional accent” for this novel, which also promotes “strong family values” and “wholesome, if stock, characterizations” (Apr. 26, 1993). According to Booklist, this story does not carry the “anguish” of Naylor’s Alice books (Feb. 15, 1993).

The Girls Get Even. New York: Delacorte, 1993. 3–6 This sequel to The Boys Start the War presents “the same joyful combination of farce, embarrassment, and vulgar insult” as the Malloy-Hatford feud continues. Some of the humor lags because the plot is slightly repetitious of the first in the series, but “Naylor captures the way kids play, especially the intensity about enemies,” which is extended by the plot reversals and attempts to get even. The parents, of course, are clueless, a feature that is most attractive to child readers (Booklist, Aug. 1993). The Bulletin agrees that the plot “lacks a satisfying structure” because there is “no beginning, middle, or end. Feuds are like that,” perhaps (Nov. 1993). The ALAN Review describes this installment as a “short, funny book” with a “lighthearted and humorous” tone (Spring 1994).

The Girls’ Revenge. New York: Delacorte, 1998. 3–5 The feud continues in this fourth installment in the series about the Hatford boys and the Malloy girls. This story involves Christmas and the fear that both Caroline and Wally may fail fourth grade. “Introduce middle readers to all the books so that they can enjoy the feud in its entirety” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1998). The Horn Book Guide deems the nar-

Naylor • 191 rative “humorous” and argues that the “moments of rapprochement add interest” (Spring 1999).

Girls Rule! New York: Delacorte, 2004. 3–6 The tenth title in the series about the feuding Hadfords and Malloys is set in June. As in previous titles, they cooperate briefly (on a car-wash fundraiser), but the lure of war is too strong for a truce to last long. There is also the question of whether the Malloys will move back to Ohio or stay in Buckman, a question that inspires the children toward even higher hijinks. “With its likable characters and descriptions of school and family life, the novel will satisfy series fans, and new readers will be able to join in on the fun” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2004). Booklist is critical of one plot device that features a class assignment, which trips up Naylor “on the old stereotype of an Africa with Tarzan types swinging in the jungle.” In spite of this flaw, children will “grab” this book (Dec. 1, 2004).

The Girls Take Over. New York: Delacorte, 2002. 3–6 Volume number eight in the feuding Hatford-Malloy series involves a message-in-a-bottle plot and yet another “drama-queen” episode where Caroline falls into the river. In this title, sixth-graders Eddie Malloy, a girl, and Jake Hatford both try out for the baseball team, and fourth-graders Caroline and Wally face off in a spelling bee. The book can stand alone but is also an “entertaining addition to the series” (School Library Journal, Sept. 1, 2002). According to Booklist, Naylor “takes friends-and-enemies fun beyond formula” in this addition to the series, which is characterized by “a strong sense of the small West Virginia town” of Buckman, where it is set (Sept. 15, 2002). In spite of its “few dull spots early on” and the myriad “characters to keep track of,” this installment will be “ambrosia” to readers hooked on the series (Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2002).

Josie’s Troubles, illus. by Shelley Matheis. New York: Atheneum, 1992. 3–7 Set in Webster Springs, West Virginia, this is the story of Josephine and her best friend, Sara Prescott, typical little girls who get into trouble without meaning to. Their trouble includes a disastrous plan to earn money by caring for plants and pets, as well as their struggle to maintain a friendship. Publishers Weekly praises Naylor’s “adroit” handling of “humor and intrigue,” as well as her “[d]eft characterization and lively narration” (Aug. 17, 1992). Booklist finds this to be a “pleasant reworking of a familiar story,” seasoned with much humor (Sept. 1, 1992). In spite of Naylor’s unfortunate tendency to elevate and defer to physicians, the book is a good read (RH).

Night Cry. New York: Atheneum, 1984. 4–8 During the summer following eighth grade, Ellen’s natural self confidence begins to wane because her world is changing. She is afraid of Sleet,

the horse that caused her brother’s death a year back. She misses her father, who is on the road much of the time. Even the kudzu around her north Mississippi home is stifling. But when called upon to intervene in a kidnapping, Ellen finds the strength and presence of mind to rescue a child. “The dialogue is enriched by the backwoods dialect” and the setting is “integral” to the plot (Horn Book, June 1984).

Sang Spell. New York: Atheneum, 1998. 6–up Josh Vardy, a high-school junior, is orphaned when his mother dies in an automobile accident, and so he runs away from his Boston home, hoping to hitchhike to Dallas. Along the way, he is beaten, robbed, and abandoned beside the road, where he is rescued by a woman who takes him by wagon to a mythical, mystical community in the Appalachian mountains called Canara. There he finds himself trapped in a mysterious community of Melungeons, which Naylor describes as a mixed race of Portuguese and Indian. They live an isolated life, cultivating and harvesting ginseng. Canara has the feel of a secret, dystopian Brigadoon, tethered to the cycles of the moon, from which Josh eventually manages to escape. Of course, Josh is forced into self analysis and eventually comes to understand more about himself, his past, and his future. Most reviewers, unfortunately, “buy into” Naylor’s depiction of the Melungeons, who are a real people living in Tennessee (RH). The Horn Book praises her for revealing this “little-known piece of American history.” Though Naylor’s “ambitious melding of history, fantasy, mystery, and psychology” is a bit unwieldy, the “intriguing setting and dilemma” are sufficient (Nov./Dec. 1998). KLIATT finds the book to be an “atmospheric, suspenseful read,” propelled by Naylor’s skill in creating the “odd, enchanted world of Canara” ( Jan. 1999). Voice of Youth Advocates concurs that Naylor has given us a “memorable story” and a “believable character” in Josh. “The reader is aware that Canara’s people will live on as they hover between their world and the world as we know it” (Feb. 1999). Booklist praises the novel as a “masterfully crafted tale of mystery, magic, and madness,” which provides a “rare glimpse of a nearly forgotten episode in our history” (Sept. 15, 1998). The Bulletin is alone in its negative assessment of the book. While Naylor has rendered the setting “realistically tangible,” the “psychological realities” are vague. Characters are “flat and undifferentiated” and the “logistics” of certain features, such as buildings, that appear and recede “lack logic and clarity.” The “pacing” is “uneven,” and too many questions are left hanging ( Jan. 1999). Historians, sociologists, anthropologists, and other scholars of Melungeon history will find the story laughable, and one wonders what the Melungeon community itself thinks of it. Ironically, Naylor has chosen the name of an actual Melungeon community — Vardy, near Sneedville, Tennessee — as the surname for her main character (RH).

192 • Naylor

Saving Shiloh. New York: Atheneum, 1997. 4–8 The final installment in Naylor’s boyloves-dog trilogy about Marty and Shiloh focuses not so much on the dog as on its original “nemesis,” Judd Travers. Judd has begun to soften and to engage with the community, so when he is accused of murder and robbery, Marty comes to his defense. Naylor provides “complex” characterization and “moral dilemmas,” as well as a more grown up Marty. The book is infused with the same “heart” as the first two in the trilogy, though the conclusion is “a bit pat,” if “satisfyingly, emotionally right” (Bulletin, Sept. 1997). Booklist points out that Marty demonstrates “exemplary patience and compassion” toward Travers and lauds Naylor’s “intriguing plot” and “gripping” ending — a “masterfully written conclusion to a sterling trilogy” (Sept. 1, 1997). The Horn Book Guide considers the plot “lackadaisical,” though the “writing has its customary ease and generosity” (1997).

Send No Blessings. New York: Atheneum, 1990. 7–up This novel invokes an often-used theme in Appalachian fiction: A young girl who is bright and eager to learn but burdened with parenting her younger siblings vows to escape poverty and hardship and make a good life for herself. Beth, age 15, has mothered her younger siblings, the “blessings,” for as long as she can remember. When she falls for the older Harless Prather, she must choose between the life she has dreamed of and the one that beckons her through the love of this good man. Though she may have to leave her native West Virginia, Beth is determined to avoid a life like the one she shares with her parents and seven other children in a trailer. “Rarely do we find a female rite-of-passage story of such quality.” This is a story that “may help young women reevaluate their own goals” (English Journal, Sept. 1991). The Horn Book Guide describes Naylor’s novel as a “beautifully written story” that emphasizes the “importance of choice,” no matter what the age (Spring 1990).

Shiloh. New York: Atheneum, 1991. 4–6 This Newbery-Award-winning novel is the first of the Shiloh trilogy about Marty Preston (age 11), the beagle he loves, and his struggling family. Set in Friendly, West Virginia, the story has a no-nonsense attitude toward hunting and the place of animals. Nevertheless, Marty rescues the abused Shiloh from Judd Travers and hides him from his father, who is not favorably disposed to keeping a pet. Naylor depicts the “complex nature of moral action” as Marty deals with his family, Travers, and Shiloh. The “suspenseful plot” and “memorable characterizations” will not be impeded by the “mild dialect” (Bulletin, Oct. 1991). According to Booklist, Naylor presents a “moving and powerful look” at human nature, including the “shades of gray” that highlight “most of life’s dilemmas” (Dec. 1, 1991). The Five Owls cites John Gardner’s observation in The Art of Fiction that “vivid de-

tail is the life blood of fiction” and concludes that Shiloh, then, “teems with life.” Marty’s first-person narrative provides the internal, emotional detail that forms the core of the dilemma, and his “West Virginia dialect richly seasons the true-to-life dialogue” ( Jan./Feb. 1992). Though most reviews of this awardwinning book are laudatory, the New York Times Book Review questions whether it really deserved the Newbery Medal for 1992: “Surely there must have been a book more important than this agreeable but slight story” (May 10, 1992).

Shiloh Season. New York: Atheneum, 1996. 6–up This second title in the Shiloh trilogy begins well; Marty has possession of the dog. Unfortunately, his ownership is tenuous, as the recalcitrant Judd Travers reclaims his dog. There is humor and pathos in Marty’s determination to coax goodness out of Judd. “Naylor has a fine hand with the nuances and complexities of her characters,” showing that Judd, like all people, may be redeemable (Bulletin, Dec. 1996). Booklist points to the “taut” suspense and the “authentic West Virginia dialect” as qualities that help make this book “compelling” (Nov. 15, 1996). The Horn Book Guide agrees that the “tension is well paced” and the depiction of the Preston family adds “comfort and contrast” (1996). Publishers Weekly considers the novel somewhat flawed in the “labored” conflicts, though they are overcome by Marty’s devotion to the dog and his fear for its safety. This review also singles out the scene where Marty’s teacher explains to him the difference between dialect and standard English ( July 1, 1996).

A Spy among the Girls. New York: Delacorte, 2000. 3–6 The sixth volume in the Hatford-Malloy series, set in West Virginia, resurrects the abaguchie that featured so prominently in volume three, but it also explores a relatively new topic for the feuding boys and girls—love. Hand-holding and jealousy lead to the usual chaos and shenanigans, though all is resolved in the end. Fans of the series will enjoy this “lighthearted, fast-paced” addition (School Library Journal, Sept. 2000). Kirkus Reviews considers this a “terrific sequel” (Aug. 15, 2000), and Booklist deems it “another page-turner in this humorous series” (Sept. 1, 2000).

A Traitor among the Boys. New York: Delacorte, 1999. 4–6 The fifth installment in Naylor’s series about the feuding Hatford boys and Malloy Girls (set in West Virginia) begins with a New Year’s resolution that the Malloy girls must honor the Hatford boys’ rules. This declaration sets in motion a typical series of pranks, though there is the introduction of romance between Josh and Beth, which flowers in the sixth installment. Naylor delivers “high-flying humor” in this “refreshing series” (Booklist, Sept. 1, 1999).

Noble • 193

Who Won the War? New York: Random, 2006. 4–7 The pranks continue in volume number 12 of Naylor’s boy/girl battle series. The Malloy girls learn they are returning to Ohio, but before the move a power failure in Ohio causes their family to move in with the Hatfords. The boys and girls explore an abandoned coal mine and team up to help solve a mystery. Who Won the War? is “lighthearted [and] lively” (Voice of Youth Advocates, Oct. 1, 2006) with “well developed” characters (School Library Journal, Sept. 2006).

Wrestle the Mountain. Chicago: Follett, 1971. 5–9 School Library Journal considers this title a “below-average regional novel.” Jed Jefferson, age 11, comes from five generations of West Virginia coal miners, but he wants to become a wood carver. His teacher praises his work, which is featured, to great success, at the Tin Creek Crafts. “Characters fall in and out of focus during the episodic plot, and each is drawn to stereotype specifications,” which include a mining accident and a feud. The work of Rebecca Caudill and Lois Lenski “more authentically portray[s] the people and the region” (School Library Journal, Mar. 15, 1972).

Nazel, Joseph Ida B. Wells. Los Angeles: Melrose Square, 1995. 6–up A title in the Melrose Square Black American series.

Nelson, Kristi The Chamique Holdsclaw Story. New York: Scholastic, 2000. 3–6 This title in the Fast Breaks series presents a biography of basketball’s superstar who played for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols.

Newcombe, Jack Six Days to Saturday. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1974. 5–8 The New York Times considers this book to be “a recruiting brochure” for the Penn State football program. It treats the “players as nameless objects,” while showing preparations during a typical week prior to Saturday’s game day. While “the quality of prose and art and production ... is far superior” to most sports books for children, it exemplifies the weaknesses of the genre: “It’s like letting Tony the Tiger and Cap’n Crunch feed the children every morning” (Nov. 3, 1974).

Newman, Gerald, and Eleanor Newman Martha Graham: Founder of Modern Dance. New York: Scholastic, 1998. 6–9 The Newmans’ chronicle of choreographer Martha Graham does not measure up to Freedman’s Martha Graham: A Dancer’s Life (1998), but this title

is intended for middle school students. Noting that the Freedman book is “more sophisticated with adult appeal,” Booklist contends that the Newmans’ biography is “accurate ... and lively, especially when the authors quote liberally from Graham herself ” ( Jan. 1, 1999).

Neyland, James Booker T. Washington: Educator. Los Angeles: Melrose Square, 1992. 4–6 A title in the Melrose Square Black American series.

Nicholson, Lois P. Booker T. Washington. Philadelphia: Chelsea, 1997. 4–7 School Library Journal considers Nicholson’s biography of the man who created Tuskegee Institute of Alabama to be a “readable introduction” that is “well written” in a “straightforward, chronological narrative.” Its six chapters provide ample details about Washington’s life, but the lack of citations is a flaw. Additionally, the list of suggested further reading includes only Chelsea House titles, other than Washington’s own books (School Library Journal, Oct. 1997). Includes a glossary, chronology, suggested further reading, and an index. Reissued under a different title in 2001 [see below].

Booker T. Washington: A Modern Moses. New York: Chelsea, 2001. 4–6

A reissue of the 1997 title [see above].

Helen Keller: Humanitarian. New York: Chelsea, 1996. 7–9 School Library Journal considers this biography of Keller to be an “attractive, well-researched” volume, though it presents little new information. Nicholson uses direct quotations and details to good effect, and the style is “properly pedagogical” ( Jan. 1, 1996). Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.

Nicolay, Helen Andrew Jackson, the Fighting President. New York: Century, 1929. 6–up Though 335 pages long, this 1929 biography of Andrew Jackson is a juvenile book intended for boys. The Saturday Review of Literature praises Nicolay’s “dignified, but animated” style as a cut above the typical fare of the day for young readers. Her biography of “the fiery Andy” is objective and fair, and she “pays her readers the compliment” of delivering “something more than a colorful panorama” (Nov. 16, 1929).

Noble, Iris Nellie Bly, First Woman Reporter. New York: Messner, 1956. 7–up Noble presents the story of Nellie Bly, pioneering journalist who in the late 1800s wrote

194 • Nobleman “blistering articles” to reveal appalling conditions in slums, factories, and mental health institutions (New York Times, Apr. 29, 1956).

Nobleman, Marc Tyler The Johnstown Flood. Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point, 2006. 4–7 This title in the We the People series explores the causes of the 1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Flood when the dam on the Little Conemaugh River failed.

Nolan, Han When We Were Saints. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, 2003. 6–up In this novel, Nolan explores a 14-yearold boy’s search for spiritual meaning and faith, a rare topic in Appalachian fiction. When Archie Caswell’s curmudgeonly, pious grandfather dies, he pronounces the boy a “saint” and sets Archie on a quest that involves the “beautiful and enigmatic” Clare, who influences him toward becoming a religious “ecstatic” like her. Nolan has crafted a “powerfully written novel” that describes the “intensity” of religious experience, though the plot may seem “overlong to some” (School Library Journal, Nov. 1, 2003). The Horn Book finds it “exceptionally grounded and refreshingly open.” Even scenes such as Archie’s “spiritual awakening” on a mountain top on their farm in Appalachia are “believably wrought.” Clare is “compellingly complex,” and both she and Archie are “true seekers” (Horn Book, Jan./Feb. 2004). Nolan handles well the “gray area between dedication and fanaticism” to create a novel that will “hold readers rapt” (Publishers Weekly, Oct. 20, 2003). According to Booklist, “mysticism intersects madness” in this “unsettling, compelling story” that explores the “thin line” between “religiosity” and “mental illness.” Though there are “logistical problems ... that compromise credulity,” this story is “mostly a fable” (Oct. 1, 2003). Kirkus Reviews agrees that the “notion of a 21st-century saint ... is a fascinating one,” but Archie’s ambivalence is “tedious,” and his “revelation” about Clare “smacks not a little of deus ex machina.” In brief, Nolan has invoked a “narrative strategy” that is “more than a little frustrating” (Oct. 1, 2003).

Nolan, Jeannette Covert Andrew Jackson, illus. by Lee James. New York: Messner, 1949. 6–9 Nolan “captures the turbulent, ‘self-made’ personality” of Andrew Jackson, beginning when he was nine, in this “slightly fictionalized biography,” considered a “supplement” to Helen Nicolay’s biography Andrew Jackson, the Fighting President (Library Journal, May 1, 1949).

Belle Boyd: Secret Agent. New York: Messner, 1967.

7–9 Belle Boyd was a young, beautiful Confederate spy whose biography is fictionalized to create a true, teenage, war heroine. Her “spying exploits” are “attributed” to her zest for “excitement and fame” more than to “love of country.” The main action takes place in Martinsburg, Virginia, now West Virginia (School Library Journal, Nov. 15, 1967).

John Brown. New York: Messner, 1950. 7–up This “powerful story of religious zeal carried to fantastical ends” offers a superb “character study” of John Brown and a good overview of the days prior to the Civil War. “Dramatic story well written” (Library Journal, Nov. 1950).

Norman, Gertrude Johnny Appleseed. New York: Putnam, 1960. K–3 This See and Read Biography may fill a “remedial need, but treatment is too superficial” for it to be of much value otherwise (School Library Journal, Jan. 1961).

Norrell, Robert J. We Want Jobs!: A Story of the Great Depression, illus. by Jan Naimo Jones. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1993. 4–6 Set in Pittsburgh during the Depression, this is the story of an unemployed steel worker and his family. Based on an interview with John Waskowitz in 1974.

Nuwer, Hank The Legend of Jesse Owens. New York: Franklin Watts, 1998. 5–9 Nuwer presents a “well-balanced” biography of Alabama native and Olympic star Jesse Owens (School Library Journal, Jan. 1999), exploring Owens’s personal life, athletic accomplishments, and career, which results in a “broad portrait” (Horn Book Guide, Spring 1999). However, the “densely detailed biography occasionally sags under the weight of redundancy” (Booklist, Jan. 1, 1999). Included in the Impact Biographies series, the title includes related websites, source notes, a list of books for additional reading, and an index.

O’Connor, Barbara Beethoven in Paradise. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1997. 5–8 Martin Pittman loves music, all kinds of music, from classical to country, and he has talent, but his boorish father, Ed, has a mean attitude toward the 12-year-old’s musical interests. Martin lives with his parents in the Paradise Trailer Park in Six Mile, South Carolina, near Greenville, among a cast of unusual characters, including the rotund, middle-aged Wylene, who gives him a violin. Predictably, his father destroys the instrument, prompting Martin to stand

O’Dell • 195 against Ed and assert his own claim on life. O’Connor’s first novel “sparkles with richly drawn characters — emotionally guarded and tart-tongued, but deeply humane” (Bulletin, May 1997). According to Booklist, “the power of this novel is in the hardscrabble portrait of the people and the place, the harshness and sorrow and affection.” Another positive aspect is that there is “no reverence about the music.” O’Connor lets Martin experience it fully “in the dirt and gravel of the trailer park” (Booklist, Apr. 15, 1997).

Me and Rupert Goody. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1999. 4–7 O’Connor’s second novel, set in the North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains, is about Jennalee Helton, age 11, who considers her chaotic, poor home life to be pure hell. To escape, she spends most of her time at Beauregard Goody’s general store. Known to the community as Uncle Beau, he listens and supports Jennalee. She depends on the order of his world and the sense of belonging she feels while in it. When Rupert Goody, a black, mentally-challenged young man, comes into their lives, claiming to be Uncle Beau’s son, Jennalee must deal with her fear, resentment, and hatred. Booklist considers the ending to be “Flannery O’Connorish” but emphasizes that the core of the story is “the capacity for love in the human heart” (Nov. 1, 1999). In Jennalee, the author has drawn “an amazingly realistic and multidimensional character with whom readers will empathize, even when she is behaving badly.” She has a “fresh and authentic child’s voice.” The “very real, down-home sense of place” makes for an “absorbing story peopled with carefully drawn and memorable characters” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1999). Place is one of the strengths of the book. O’Connor has “lovingly” created an Appalachian community that is “insular but not narrowminded,” and Rupert’s disposition is “sunny” but “never buffoonish” (Bulletin, Oct. 1999). The Horn Book Guide deems the novel a “gracefully written” twist on the old “sibling-rivalry” plot motif (Spring 2000).

Moonpie and Ivy. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2001. 5–7 O’Connor’s story about two neglected if not abandoned children echoes Katherine Paterson’s The Great Gilly Hopkins and Ruth White’s Belle Prater’s Boy in its theme of children who are abandoned by adults, find stable homes, and then must leave them. Pearl’s mother leaves her with Aunt Ivy in her Georgia countryside farmhouse. There she meets an odd child, Moonpie, who lives with his dying grandmother, Mama Nell. Aunt Ivy has enough love for both children, but she makes it clear to Pearl, age 12, that her mother will return for her and Pearl will have to go. “Even though this may not be what is best for the girl, readers are left with the sense that because of her time with Moonpie and Ivy, Pearl has gained the inner resources she needs to deal with her

mother.” O’Connon’s setting is “fully realized through gentle and descriptive prose,” and the “style is moody and Southern, much like Pearl herself ” (School Library Journal, May 1, 2001). Unlike many children’s books, this one has “no happy ending and no message, just the heartrending drama” of Pearl’s situation (Booklist, May 1, 2001). From Mama Nell and others in the community, Pearl gains a sense of her mother’s character and the reasons for it. From O’Connor’s “gritty descriptions,” readers learn that “neither the people nor the place need be perfect” to give these children the support they need (Horn Book, May/June 2001). According to Kirkus Reviews, “The squalor of poverty is rendered without sentimentality,” as are the “shrewd observations” about the “tangles of human relationships” (Feb. 1, 2001). Even the “ambiguous” ending cannot mar the hopefulness of the book (Publishers Weekly, Jan. 22, 2001).

Taking Care of Moses. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004. 4–7 Randall Mackey, age 11, lives in Foley, South Carolina. One night, he sees a young black mother of six children abandon her baby on the steps of the Rock of Ages Baptist Church. If Randall tells his secret, he will only add to the conflict and controversy in the community, which is inflaming blackwhite relationships surrounding baby “Moses,” as he is named. “Randall’s reluctance and indecision are a little drawn out,” but in general the story is “funny and touching,” showing “how barriers between the races can be broken down by simple friendliness.” Other strengths of the novel are the “earthy humor” and good dialogue, which is “right on target” (School Library Journal, Oct. 1, 2004). O’Connor’s “suspenseful clue-filled story line” and its “ethical dilemma” will keep readers’ attention to the end (Kirkus Reviews, Oct. 1, 2004). The Horn Book compares the plot motif to another biblical tale, in addition to the obvious Moses story: the tale of King Solomon, who must identify the true mother of a child. The “narrative resolutely avoids easy answers” in this “subtle, boy’s-eyeview” of racial conflict in a small South Carolina town (Nov./Dec. 2004). Booklist praises this title for its “memorable, convincing portrayals of interracial friendships and spats” (Aug. 1, 2004).

O’Dell, Scott Journey to Jericho, illus. by Leonard Weisgard. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 1969. 1–5 David’s mother teaches school, his father mines coal, and his Grandma May is known for her watermelon pickles. They live in Big Loop, West Virginia, where generations of their family have worked in the coal mines. David, age nine, likes to explore the dangerous mine shafts, disobeys the admonition to stay clear of them, and nearly loses his life. This episode is followed by a mining disaster that prompts David’s parents to move to northern California, where

196 • Ogburn his father gets a job in the timbering business. The journey from West Virginia to California wouldn’t be complete without a jar of Grandma May’s watermelon pickles. O’Dell’s book is a “quiet, beautifully told but fragmentary story, somewhat disappointing to readers” who might have expected more depth, though Weisgard’s illustrations are “effective” (Horn Book, Apr. 1970).

Ogburn, Charlton Winespring Mountain. New York: Morrow, 1973. 7–up Winespring Mountain is the setting for Ogburn’s tale of Sedgwick “Wick” Carter, a highschool senior who forges a check in his father’s name and, for punishment, is sent to work in the West Virginia coal mines. While there, he falls in love with Letty, who is blind, and gets caught up in a strip-mining controversy involving the coal company of which his father is president. Though “caught between two worlds,” Wick ultimately sides with the Appalachian mountaineers against his father in an attempt to save Winespring Mountain from the bulldozer. Ogburn, a well-established nature writer, honors the “natural wilderness of Appalachia” and emphasizes the “economic exploitation” of the mountaineers, who have been called “America’s ‘living ancestors’”; their devotion to “freedom has kept them in their hills despite degradation and adversity” (Horn Book, Oct. 1973).

O’Kelley, Mattie Lou Circus!, illus. by author. Boston: Atlantic Monthly, 1986. K–2 Through her folk art and a first-person narrative, O’Kelley documents the excitement and anticipation of a circus coming to town. The folk art may be more attractive to adults than children, “although both should enjoy the vitality and color of the circus scenes” (Bulletin, Feb. 1987).

From the Hills of Georgia, illus. by author. Boston: Little, Brown, 1983. 2–4 The Bulletin compares O’Kelley’s folk art with Grandma Moses’ work: Both are self-taught. The “naïve ... wonderfully detailed” paintings are supported by brief descriptive text about life in the Georgia hills. “Homespun-stylized, the paintings are fresh and distinctive in style; the minimal text is terse and direct, giving a picture of a rural childhood and the bustling life of a big farm family” (Bulletin, Jan. 1984).

Mattie Lou O’Kelley: Folk Artist. Boston: Little, Brown, 1989. 5–up This adult title will be attractive to researchers of any age who are interested in regional art, in general, and in O’Kelley, who wa