Nonfiction wasn't as strong in the categories of nature and science this year, but we found some history and biographies that are outstanding in terms of clarity of writing, presentation, and offering fresh takes on topics for today's readers.
ADLER, David A. Frederick Douglass: A Noble Life. Holiday House. Tr $18.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2056-8. Gr 7 Up-Born a slave, and separated from his mother at a young age, Douglass was raised on plantations owned by people both cruel and caring. But freedom was never far from his mind and, once he achieved it, he became an eloquent spokesperson for the rights of others. A commanding biography enhanced by well-chosen black-and-white photos and reproductions. (Sept.)
ARONSON, Marc & Marina Budhos. Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science. Clarion. Tr $20. ISBN 978-0-618-57492-6. Gr 8 Up-This wide-ranging narrative looks at the bitter realities behind the growth, harvesting, and refining of sugar cane, including its role in driving the Atlantic slave trade and the displacement and brutalization of millions of people. Songs, oral histories, and archival photos and reproductions help to bring the history to life. (Oct.)
BARTOLETTI, Susan Campbell. They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group. Houghton Harcourt. Tr. $19. ISBN 978-0-618-44033-7. Gr 7-10-A lucid and gripping account of the white supremacist organization that originated in the post-Civil War South, set in the context of the times. Carefully researched and documented, the narrative is supported by innumerable first-person accounts and archival images that add immediacy. (Aug.)
FREEDMAN, Russell. The War to End All Wars: World War I. Clarion. Tr $22. ISBN 978-0-547-02686-2. Gr 7 Up-While historians continue to debate the causes of the First World War, there is no disagreement that it ushered in an era of modern warfare with weapons capable of mass destruction and death. Black-and-white archival photographs chronicle a conflict that left 20 million dead and a future war unthinkable, but not unlikely. (June)
GREENBERG, Jan & Sandra Jordan. Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. illus. by Brian Floca. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk./Flash Point. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-338-0. Gr 2-6-This dynamic picture book presents the story of the collaborative genius behind the classic ballet. Dance lovers will be intrigued by the poetic narrative and bold watercolors, while readers interested in learning more about Graham and her fellow artists-composer Aaron Copland and set designer Isamu Noguchi-will appreciate the impressive back matter. (Aug.)
KRULL, Kathleen. Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything. illus. by Robert Byrd. Viking. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01114-8. Gr 3-6-Distinguished watercolor-and-ink art details the splendors of an empire expanded by a man described as a brilliant military leader; a fierce but often tolerant ruler; a patron of the arts and sciences; and a sponsor of vast public projects and lavish displays of pageantry. (Oct.)
MCCARTHY, Meghan. Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum. illus. by author. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. RTE $15.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-7970-8. Gr 2-4-Setting the stage in 1920s Philadelphia, McCarthy reveals how Walter Diemer, a candy company accountant who "knew lots about math but not much about gum," managed to take charge of concocting this kid-favorite creation. Sparkling text and effervescent artwork make this true tale of persistence and passion a confection worth chewing on. (May)
NYE, Naomi Shihab, sel. Time You Let Me In: 25 Poets Under 25. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-189637-8; PLB $17.89. ISBN 978-0-06-189638-5. Gr 9 Up-In an evocative introduction, Nye likens reading these poems to arriving at the "breath of ages," that coming-of-age place on the cusp of adulthood, timeless in its hope, humor, intelligence, passions, and complications. A sampling of poems from each of these spellbinding young voices will bring readers there, too. (Feb.)
SHEINKIN, Steve. The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery. Roaring Brook/Flash Point. Tr $18.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-486-8. Gr 7 Up-What made this general in the Continental Army known for his courage and loyalty betray the compatriots he fought so long aside? In this absorbing and enlightening narrative, Sheinkin recounts the life and times of a man whose name today is synonymous with the word "traitor." (Nov.)
SIDMAN, Joyce. Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors. illus. by Beckie Prange. Houghton Harcourt. RTE $17. ISBN 978-0-618-71719-4. Gr 1-5-From ancient organisms (single-celled bacteria) to relative newcomers (humans), this book showcases the resiliency and majesty of 14 commonplace species, presented in order of their appearance on Earth. Watercolor-tinted linocut spreads pair a beguiling poem with a fact-filled paragraph, shedding light on each familiar life form's defining characteristics, amazing adaptability, and evolutionary longevity. (Mar.)
SMITH, Charles R., Jr. Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson. illus. by Shane W. Evans. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-473-8. Gr 2-5-Fighting came naturally to Johnson: in the ring where he became the first African-American heavyweight champ, and outside it, where he sparred with Jim Crow. Smith's impassioned staccato verses echo the rhythm of the boxer's jabs, while Evans's bold images capture the fearless defiance that defined the man. (July)
STONE, Tanya Lee. The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie: A Doll's History and Her Impact on Us. Viking. Tr $19.99. ISBN 978-0-670-01187-2. Gr 6 Up-Immensely readable and chock-full of entertaining photos, this narrative incorporates social history, a study of post-World War II entrepreneurial spirit and advertising, a biography of a farsighted toy manufacturer, and the voices of generations of fervent admirers and detractors. For a doll that sat for months on warehouse shelves before beginning her ascent as an American icon, she's come a long way. (Oct.)
VOAKE, Steve. Insect Detective. illus. by Charlotte Voake. Candlewick. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-4447-5. K-Gr 3-Amble through woods where wasps can be heard scraping and ground beetles in jewel-like colors are waiting to be discovered. Notes in hand-lettered print add precious details about the creatures encountered while delicate pen-and-watercolor illustrations encourage the kind of close observation that yields rewards on outdoor excursions. (June)
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