Tag Archives: History

The Great Escape

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Thomas, M.J. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: The Great Escape- Book 3. Nashville, TN: WorthyKids/ Ideals. 2018.

SUMMARY:
Traveling to Ancient Egypt to witness the Exodus, Peter, Mary and their faithful companion dog Hank, find themselves on a treasure hunt for scrolls. Having only 14 days to find the missing ancient scrolls or being stuck in Egypt forever, Peter, Mary and Hank must work together in the past time period to discover the secret. Journeying through a desert, befriending the Pharaoh’s daughter, understanding the plagues, and learning biblical history and truths in the process, The Great Escape provides a captivating, honest and exploratory experience in a beginning chapter book.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Book 3 in The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series, this newest addition, The Great Escape, continued the adventures, imagination and success of the previous two books in the same series. Geared towards ages 6-9 year olds (grades 1-3), this starting chapter series is Biblically accurate, immersive in history, and has relatable characters and interesting events. Perfect for the intended audience, the series would also work well as a Bible lesson in Sunday school, a study section for elementary school, or personal time either reading aloud or beginning to read on own. I appreciated the suggested further reference to the Bible at the end of the book. Hopefully, more books in this series will follow shortly.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Great Escape from Worthy Publishing for my honest review*

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The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Moore, Johnny Ray (author). Wummer, Amy (illustrator). The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. Nashville, TN: Worthy Ideal Kids. 2016.

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SUMMARY:
Born in 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King, Jr. was the son of a preacher and a school teacher. Exceling in school, Martin liked to learn, and do as other children his age did. Unfortunately, he wasn’t allowed to due to his color. When grown, Martin Luther King, Jr. became a preacher and spoke with over 200,000 people about his dream of not being judged by skin color. As a result, everyone is welcome to dream and live their dreams, regardless of color.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Packaged in a chubby board book, The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. is friendly in verse and charming in illustrations. With important words highlighted in the text, colorful pictures throughout, and a sturdy design, this book not only teaches an important message about the contributions made in history but is very child friendly. Perfect to share with young children or as a beginner reader, it is timely as we celebrate Black History Month. I look forward to many more in the series, highlighting all people.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. from Worthy Publishing for my honest review*

Long May She Wave

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Hinrichs, Kit. Hirasuna, Delphine. USA: Potter Style. 2016.

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SUMMARY:
In a cute, stylish little box containing 100 postcards around the American flag theme, Long May She Wave celebrates memorabilia from the Stars and Stripes collection of Kit and Linda Hinrichs. With astounding photographs of the American flag depicted on several one of a kind objects created by citizens of the United States, the pictures include a folding fan, WWI sailor, a Pearl Harbor remembrance, and a cigar wrapper flag among many others. With a 50 piece set to keep and one to share, history buffs and art collectors are sure to embrace this postcard collection of the American flag based on a previously published book by the same authors…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Though not a huge history fan, I did enjoy the beautiful postcards on quality paper, perfect for sharing with friends and family who would like them. With a brief description of the item included on each card, the photographs are well done, showing great detail along with bright color. Packed into a storage box representing a thick book, the classic pieces are both interesting and patriotic. Such a neat way to bring their previous book alive.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Long May She Wave from Blogging For Books for my honest review*

Bandelier National Monument

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Secord, Paul R. Bandelier National Monument: Images of America. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. 2016.

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SUMMARY:
Through many black and white images, photographs and sketches, author Paul Secord presents the history, archeology and anthropology of Bandelier National Monument.  Found just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, the history of the area and people are explained and linked to the present day ruins. With precious ancestral preservation, named for anthropologist Adolph Bandelier, Bandelier National Monument received national recognition in 1916. Depicting the social environments of Native Americans, the book also shares pictures of the cave dwellings, area topography, tourist experiences and visitors. Part of the Images of America series which celebrates history across the country, this latest addition truly educates and inspires…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having visited, experienced and researched Bandelier National Monument, I was thrilled to see this newest book in the series. Loaded with interesting, relevant and unique history, tidbits, pictures and people, I devoured this book cover to cover. Perfect for anyone visiting the area, a school library or a history buff, Bandelier National Monument was outstanding. Planning on keeping this book for my own collection yet also sharing with family, I also hope to discover other books by this author.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Bandelier National Monument from The History Press for my honest review*

Madison Food

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Fromm, Nichole. Rasmus, Jonmichael. Madison Food: A History Of Capital Cuisine. Charleston, SC: American Palate. 2015.

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SUMMARY:
A useful and resourceful book on the history of Madison cuisine, Madison Food is a well-written, well-researched and well-enjoyed book on food found in the capital city of Wisconsin. From shacks to fine restaurants and every place in-between, authors Nichole Fromm and Jonmichael Rasmus provide a foodie tour of Madison, Wisconsin. Intriguing history, amusing stories, interesting antidotes, delicious suggestions and driving directions all fuse together for a delectable book. Full color pictures, black and white vintage photographs and appendices of eateries grouped by various categories complete the piece.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
For anyone spending a day or merely passing through Madison, Wisconsin, Madison Food is definitely a book to have on-hand. With plenty of available food choices from bakeries, delis, restaurants and markets, ranging from quick, historical, contemporary and cultural, the city of Madison offers something for everyone. Not only did I learn a bit of history within a capital city, I also gleaned some interesting, tasty places to try for lunch. Hopefully part of a series, I certainly will watch for similar types of books while traveling.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Madison Food from The History Press for my honest review*

Murder in Wauwatosa

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Hoffman, Paul. Murder in Wauwatosa: The Mysterious Death of Buddy Schumacher. Charleston, SC: The History Press. 2012.

SUMMARY:
murderinwauwatosaIn a quiet suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, friends and family mourned the passing of Buddy Schumacher, a local boy found dead. Heading to the Menomonee River which was flooded each summer by the city fire department for use as a swimming hole, Buddy Schumacher did not make it there. Filled with tons of relevant history, interesting tidbits, neighboring accounts and speculative notions, Murder in Wauwatosa is a well-written, real-life murder mystery, perhaps finally leading to a conclusion of what truly happened to Buddy Schumacher in 1925…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Full of year-applicable pictures, current photos, pertinent accounts, intriguing history and great story-telling, author Paul Hoffman shares his personal interest in this quaint little city of Wauwatosa. With possible motives, traveling vagabonds, passing trains, neighborhood children and curious residents, Murder in Wauwatosa draws attention and concern to an alarming local crime. Updated to the present, this story is captivating, especially due to the style of writing. Definitely engaging.

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Murder in Wauwatosa from The History Press for my honest review*

Forgotten Tales of New Mexico

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Dornan, Ellen. Forgotten Tales of New Mexico. Charleston, SC: The History Press. 2012.

SUMMARY:
forgottentalesofnewmexicoFolklore? Truth? Legend? In the book, Forgotten Tales of New Mexico, many tales are shared whether forgotten, stretched, ignored or embellished over the years. Who knew the famous Route 66 had been rerouted? Or, that Governor Perez had been beheaded over wine and tobacco taxes? Or, even that freed slave Cathay Williams passed her physical exam as William Cathay to join the U.S.Army? Relating such antics concerning poisonous politics, traitors, scoundrels, smugglers, witches, strange alliances, wartime and puzzling places, author Ellen Dornan uses her love of New Mexico combined with her creative interactive maps to detail the tales found within this book. Fun and interesting knowledge abounds!

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having already visited New Mexico with another trip scheduled, this eclectic little book of New Mexico tales was perfectly planned. Categorized into similar topics and further divided into a few page-length sections of each anecdote, it is reader-friendly as a straight-through read or skip-around topic browse. Definitely fun for history buffs, New Mexico fans, avid travelers, and me! A necessity in my suitcase on my next trip to the South.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Forgotten Tales of New Mexico from The History Press for my honest review*

Hidden History of Milwaukee

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Tanzilo, Robert. Hidden History of Milwaukee. Charleston, SC: The History Press. 2014.

SUMMARY:
hiddenhistoryofmilwaukeeTouring behind the scenes of many famous landmarks in Milwaukee, author Robert Tanzilo (of OnMilwaukee.com) shares many secrets of this old German-heritage city. An old Milwaukee brewery, a basement indoor running track at Juneau High School, the famous Wisconsin Gas flame, the Soldiers’ Home near Miller Park (home of the Brewers baseball team), the Dome of the Basilica of St. Josaphat and the Pabst Theatre are just a few of the many monuments visited in the book, Hidden History of Milwaukee. Full of interesting information, older black-and-white pictures and personal accounts of the author’s excursions, it makes a visit to the city even more informative and enjoyable.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Reading books on the history of a city can be so engrossing and educational, especially when it includes behind-the-scenes pictures and information not always available to the general public. A wonderful way to “visit” a place, sometimes the information leads to further investigation and even more knowledge gained. This book would make a great tour-guide to the city of Milwaukee, especially if read before the trip. One of the several books in the Hidden History series, I plan on reading the others now as well.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Hidden History of Milwaukee from The History Press for my honest review*

The Girl From The Train

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Joubert, Irma. The Girl From The Train. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishing. 2015.

SUMMARY:
thegirlfromthetrainJumping from a train bound for Auschwitz, six-year old Gretl Schmidt can only hope for the same safe result while searching for her sister, mother and grandmother. Realizing she will be alone, Gretl stays with Jakob Kowalski, a young adult Polish student and member of the Home Army, who planted the bomb that killed her relations. After a few years, Jakob sends Gretl to South Africa where she must hide her heritage from her loving adopted family. Reconnecting many years later, Jakob and Gretl soon realize that continents cannot keep hearts separated…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
From the novel’s description, I knew I was in for an emotionally heart-tugging read. Full of history, politics, romance, sentiment, heartache, and tension, The Girl From The Train illicits empathy, compassion and remorse in this international bestseller by author Irma Joubert. Well-written with fast-paced sections mingled with slower-paced passages, I think the writing style worked very well for the genre of this story. Definitely an author I will read again.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The Girl From The Train from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

Manchester Firefighting

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Pearson, Steve. Manchester Firefighting: A Pictorial History. Charleston, SC: The History Press. 2010.

SUMMARY:
FirefightingAs a fourth-generation firefighter and fire department historian, author Steve Pearson shares his vast knowledge and interest in the history and progression of Manchester (New Hampshire) firefighting. Horses, steam, tankers, and trucks all were part of the evolution of firefighting in this intriguing pictorial account. Full of black-and-white photographs on each page with descriptive summaries included, Manchester Firefighting is like visiting an actual museum…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Having recently visited a firefighting museum with my soon-to-be-firefighter son, this book was a perfect match! The pictures and accompanying explanations were so interesting and thought-provoking…to consider waiting for the fire message to be relayed, the horses to be hitched, and the wagons to be filled, what a process! The difference in the trucks (as well as the breathing apparatuses) is astonishing yet heroic at any time in history.  Informative, interesting, inspirational and intuitive describe the experiences associated with this historical book. So well done!

RATING:
5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Manchester Firefighting from The History Press for my honest review*