Good Conversation! A Talk with Russell Freedman
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Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools -- School Library Journal, 3/20/2008
Good Conversation! A Talk with Russell Freedman. video or DVD. 21 min. Tim Podell Prods. (goodconversations.com). 2007. ISBN 1-58543-043-8. $59.98.
Gr 5 Up–Tim Podell interviews the Newbery-winning nonfiction author, Russell Freedman, in Riverside Park near his home in New York City. A series of nostalgic childhood photos introduce Freedman before viewers meet the white-haired historian on his home turf. He talks of the challenge of striking a balance between being honest and forthright in his presentations without quashing the faith or ideals of his young readers. While he strives to provide a fair and balanced account of events in his novels, he explains that his books are informed by his point of view, without which they would be nothing more than bland texts. Podell asks Freedman to share his most surprising discoveries as well as his saddest moments. The author explains the close relationship that develops when he writes about his subjects, and how sad it is when they die. He speaks of Lincoln: A Photobiography (Clarion, 1987), the book that won the Newbery in 1988, as well as The Voice That Changed a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights (Clarion, 2004) and Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery (Clarion, 1993). In front of the Fireman’s Monument, Podell questions whether a book on 9/11 might be a possibility, but the response is negative, “It’s too soon. The dust hasn’t settled yet.” A glimpse into his home office reveals a desk and a computer, surrounded by rows and rows of bookcases filled with books, dolls, and artifacts from his travels to research his books. As to how he chooses his subjects, he simply picks people and events about which he wishes to learn more. Podell’s final question should prompt much discussion: If Freedman could invite any five historic figures to dinner, who would they be? His answer may prompt viewers to do some research of their own, or to create their own guest lists.
