I like the look in Muhammad Ali's eyes on the cover of this Journey to Freedom series from The African American Library, but I cannot believe they actually used a picture of a the champ with a mustache. I mean, obviously he had one at one point, but nobody who thinks of Muhammad Ali thinks "mustache."

Clay Latimer has to not only tell the story of how Cassius Clay became the heavyweight boxing champion and the most famous person in the world as Muhammad Ali, but also covers important key issues in the champ's life like the Nation of Islam, refusing induction into the military during the Vietnam War, and Parkinson's disease. However, for the most part Latimer focuses more on the biographical details than really attempting to explain the complex psychology of Ali or his symbolism in the United States. When I think of Ali I always remember a Public Service Announcement he did, about the same time he was having fun making commercials for Raid, in which he was urging people to help with some children's cause. I do not remember the specific cause, but I do remember Ali telling viewers how if you helped "then you'll be the greatest." I always had the sense that THIS was the real Muhammad Ali and that the rest was a carefully constructed facade that served a multitude of purposes. Basically, I would like young readers to get a sense of both that complexity and the real man behind it, and in that regard this juvenile biography really only skims the surface and provides the basic events and issues of his life. But understanding Muhammad Ali will have to come later with a more adult version of his life.

The Journey to Freedom series educates children about the achievements and contributions of America's noted African American leaders, inventors, educators, scientists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and sports figures. Other volumes in the series are devoted to figures such as Colin Powell, Benjamin Banneker, Mary McLeod Bethune, George Washington Carver, Jesse Jackson, and Leontyne Price. There are also volumes on specific topics from the Emancipation Proclamation to the March on Washington.

This book was very interesting. Offered new insight into the life of a slave and in a region not known for large slave population, Missouri. Quick read, too.

This book made me have nightmares for weeks!! The suspense killed me, literally! I stayed up until 10:30pm reading this book. Then I couldn't get to sleep! Read this book if you want the scariest, grossiest adventure you've ever had.....

This book is a good activity reference for students who are learning how to complete therapeutic activities. It explains what you will need to complete the activity, how to complete the activity, and what precautions (if any) that you must follow. I used the blank and very detailed activity analysis form that was included in this book many times in my therapeutic media classes. I was glad that the book had an example of a completed activity analysis form so that I could learn how to complete one properly. I also liked the many illustrations/drawings that were in this book. They helped me to learn how to complete the activity when the written instructions just didn't seem to sink in.

Written in 1854 and published the next year,this book is fascinating in providing personal sketches of distinguished Americans Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson,Henry Clay and John Randolph with many references to other prominent men who were their contemporaries. The author's
analysis is interesting not only in the spirited description of the individuals profiled but in his comparison of each of them with their political antagonists. The unique perspective he brings a man whose life overlapped some of these figures is worth a read for history or politics buffs. His admiration and defense of some he buttresses with argument. His passion is clear.
His oratorical style is typical of the time yet conveys a vivid impression of his subjects, and reminds one of a time before soundbites and simple words geared to a mass audience.

Pipe Clay and Drill: John J. Pershing, the Classic American Soldier by Richard Goldhurst is an interesting and informative biography of John J. Pershing. In general this text provides and accurate and objective account on Pershing's life and the changing world around him but in some areas I was disappointed. To say that this book is purely a biography would be misleading. I was hoping to read a book that would focus on Pershing as a person but this book was more about the political situations and wars that Pershing had taken part in. My disappointment does not reflect poorly on the author but it should be stated that this account is less about Pershing's humanity than I had hoped. Still a very good and informative read.

This is a great book about the history of Mata Ortiz with many wonderful photos of the artists and their work. Not as complete as the 'many faces' book, but WELL worth the price. Some of the same pots from this book can be seen in 3D at www.ortizpots.com. Having lived in Mata Ortiz, i've seen many publications, few as well made as this one.

I love informational picture books, and this one is the real McCoy! All about Elijah McCoy, the son of fugitive slaves, his many inventions and how he came up with some of his ideas. His best known invention was an automatic oil cup for trains, a cup often poorly duplicated by others, so buyers would ask for "the real McCoy". The vivid illustraions beautifully detail the story. I work in an elementary school library and I've sent this book home with kids whose parents have thanked me for introducing this inventive man and his achievements to their families.

At the beginning of the school year at Cresswell High, 10th-grader Lisa Enright and her boyfriend (Skip Masters) join the debating team--she as the recording secretary, and he as the replacement for one of the debate members. Not long after joining, though, Skip is murdered during a hazing prank. With the help of one of the group's leading speakers (Donna Forsi), Lisa tries to uncover the truth about her boyfriend's death.

"Resolved: You're Dead" isn't the best book I've read by Nicholas Adams, but at least it's short (153 pages). About three-fourths of the way into the book, though, the identity of the killer is revealed, leaving very little suspense after that. Most readers will be able to guess the ending, too. But if you like Nicholas Adams and/or the Horror High series, then you might like this book. R. L. Stine fans will probably like Horror High, as well.

Mr. Blair once again comes through in his in-depth analysis of the US Army Airborne during the Second World War. Especially illuminating is his exposure of LTC Reuben Tucker as THE outstanding wartime regimental commander of the not only the US Army, but of the entire US military. This book is plain and simply a good read. I recommend it to anyone who is serious about military history and battle command.