Classic Twain satirical humor, it idealizes a time lost without crossing over into the cliche. What it lacks in a cohesive plot, it makes up for in the light and quick reading nature of its fairly independent and anecdotal chapters. Its not Huck Finn, but Life on the Mississsippi is a most gratifying read that inspires readers both to travel some great water and to laugh out loud in manner that all-to-aware-of-itself modern humorous prose cannot achieve.

This book gives one a good idea about what the SNCC had to endure during the 1960's. Specifically the Summer Project in 1964 is addressed. I enjoyed reading the book. Finished it in one day. What I miss, however, is what impact the changes in the civil rights status for blacks in Mississippi had on the psychy of the white community. What happened to the racist ideology? How did those people deal with the changes that were finally implemented in the state of Mississippi?

Rolston writes of the experience of the ordinary Civil War soldier in a manner both compelling and informative. I found it hard to put the book down! By interweaving some of the clearest descriptions of major battles I've read with the fascinating story of Rolston's own quest to discover the story and resting place of a Confederate veteran near his home in Rhode Island, he becomes a character in the continuing of history of the Civil War. Rolston easily conveys the tragedy, the irony, and the terrible beauty wrapped up in a time in American history when men held honor dear enough to die for.

This book is hard to put down. Foote's characters are so detailed and fascinting that I found my self totally drawn into the story --even though some of the characters are completely unlikeable and almost pathetic in their selfishness. Foote tells the story of two families affected by the same man (a virtual con-man, who sees himself only as ambitious -- and justified in everything he does). The book was written almost 50 years ago, but it still reads like a modern character study. I'll admit that some of the historical references where too obscure for me, but the characterizations are timeless.

We enjoyed the way this book took us on a journey through time. "Mark Twain and the Queens of the Mississippi" carried us from the village of Cahokia to our modern time. We were intrigued by the historical details given in the form of graphs, charts, diagrams, and factual information. Harness vividly outlined the advances in our technology. We liked the realistic descriptions given in the book. The detailed descriptions did tend to slow down the reader's attention at times. It was rather emotional reading about tragedies that have happened in our countries history. These events may be disturbing to some readers. The pictures in the book were realistic, artistic, breathtaking, disturbing, and colorful. The artwork contributed powerful meaning to the story. The illustrations helped readers understand the details and language of the story. We recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about the Mississippi River, steamboats, or Mark Twain. Mrs. Scott's 7th period sixth grade reading class rates this book with 4 stars. Please read this book and enjoy the wonderful illustrations.

A few months ago, I was assigned a school state project on Mississippi. I went to my local library and found this book. As I read through it, I found the book giving great facts on physical features, habitat, history, recent problems, famous people and a tour through the state. The book also gives quick facts and interesting facts. I found this book very interesting that I started reading about all 50 states! Today, half way through I write this review. I tell all today these books are very interesting if you want to learn about America or if you have a school project.

Wow--this is a gripping tale about poverty, racial prejudice and social injustice rampant in the rural South during the Depression. In 20 short chapters author Robinet depicts the inherited evils of the era, wherein sharecropping was merely a legitimized form of Slavery. Ethical question: are we justified to use any means to ensure our physical and economic survival? Why play fair and abide by humanitarian rules, when the enemy is brutally corrupt and ruthlessly embittered? How far must familial honor dictate the suffering of its members?

For Shortening Bread Jackson's 12th birthday, he wants to give his large family the gift they most desire: his daddy's freedom from the harsh chain gang, for a crime he did not commit. But there was no justice to be had for sharecropping Blacks who bucked the system in a mangy widespot in the road called Sleepy Corners. This psychological flyspeck on a shabby map was home to a few rich folks who wielded the power to keep a disenfranchised race enslaved into the 20th century. Running scared and desperate to make an example of those who protested inhumane treatment--those who defied the ancient social system--the sherrif and landowners unite to retain their petty dictatorship.

But young Shortening Bread is clever beyond his years and all his older brothers combined. He has a dream and knows it is up to him to realize it for them all. He uses his wits and knowledge of human nature to start a rumor about an FBI agent coming to release his daddy from the chain gang. Can a mere kid defy social convention and actually deliver a white man intent on justice, who will free Rufus Jackson at high noon on Wednesday? Sherrif Clark doesn't take kindly to being made a fool of in his own domain, or being maniuplated by Blacks. If this scheme can be pulled off, will their lives be worth anything afterwards?

Can a white boy befriend a black boy, defying generations of strict protocol, in an area policed by the Klan? They may not play together or even shake hands, not say thank you for helping save a life. This riveting tale of interracial cooperation to achieve an underground form of justice will hold the interest of grades 4-10. But all conscientious adults should read this book and never forget our dark past of shame, so that such atrocities do not occur again. Black History revived!

The excellent Cornerstones of Freedom series provides more information about key events and people in American History book than students or teachers will find in their textbooks. The scope of the series has expanded as evidenced by this particular volume, which actually came out the year after "The Mississippi Flood of 1993." This book offers stories about the places flooded and the people affect during what was the worst flood in U.S. history. The book is filled with photographs of flooded homes and businesses as well as people trying to fight the river and help each other survive. I was surprised they did not include some of the satellite photos I remember showing the Mississippi before and during the flood; even from space the difference in the river was astonishing. Karin Luisa Badt provides a nice cross-section of what happened along the 2,340 miles of the river. Also, because the book came out so soon afterwards, young readers will not find complete statistics on all the damage caused by the flood.

Sanna Baker does a marvelous job describing a part of the Mississippi River few people ever hear or know about. Baker's description makes you feel as if you are actually traveling with her on her journey. The illustrations bring Baker's story to life. The book is also a good source of factual information and Indian folklore. a wonderful resource for Social Studies teachers!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was easy to follow and kept my attention. The characters were beleivable and easy to relate to. I liked the fact that I was following the author along the Missippi and felt like I was actually there experiencing the events and learning about the river too. The book was funny at times and I found myself chuckling. The author has a nack for writing. I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a MUST READ.