Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was a woman ahead of her time. Even as a child, she believed that girls were the equal of boys. Although she wasn't allowed to go to school, she read every book she could get her hands on and expressed her opinion on everything. She married John Adams who wasn't afraid of a woman with brains. While John was away starting the new country, Abigail ran their farm and handled their business affairs. She wrote many letters about their children and the concerns of everyday people, but always reminded him that women should be able to go to school, vote, and own property. You'll enjoy reading about this very independent woman.

Reviewed by: hap

Date read: 1/28/2011

ISBN-10: 1575055589

ISBN-13: 9781575055589

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Philbrick brings to life the tale of how, in 1820, the 'Essex' was rammed by an enraged sperm whale, and sunk in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 039923795X

ISBN-13: 9780399237959

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Before there was 'WICKED,' there was L. Frank Baum. Lyman (no one called him that) had a happy childhood, growing up on a lovely estate called Rose Lawn, where tutors from England were brought to teach the rather frail boy. He often entertained himself with imaginative stories, full of adventure and fantasy. When he grew up, he had four sons, and found that he loved nothing better than to invent and tell them stories. He took careful note of what they enjoyed: unexpected danger, clever escapes, and resourceful heroes. He also noted what they disliked: too long descriptions of nature, goody-goody characters, or tales in which the girls always had to be rescued. Finally, his mother-in-law encouraged him to write the best loved ones down. When The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published in 1900, it was considered the first 'American' children's novel. He is best known for his 14 Oz books.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-10: 0375832165

ISBN-13: 9780375832161

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In 1587, a group of brave English men, women, and children set off to make a new colony in America. This was the first attempt by families, not soldiers, to tame the new world. The colonists were ill-prepared to settle the wild land. They didn't have enough supplies to build the houses, or grow the crops they would need. It was decided that John White would return to England to gather everything they would need to make their colony successful. Unfortunately, on the way back to America, John's ship was attacked, and the supplies were stolen. He was not able to return to Roanoke until 1590. Upon his arrival, he was dismayed to find the colony deserted. No one knows what happened to the people left in Roanoke which is a mystery from history.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/14/2009

ISBN-13: 9780823954735

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Robert Frost had a difficult life. From his childhood through his adulthood, he had a constant struggle with shyness and depression. Books and poems that he wrote are mentioned in this book, but it is mostly about his life and thoughts. There are black and white photographs and research sidebars that help interpret the text. This is a good choice for students who would like to know more about Robert Frost.

Reviewed by: cjones

Date read: 2/14/2011

ISBN-10: 0766026272

ISBN-13: 9780766026278

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