Proud: The story of James Brown.

Lankford, Ronald D., Jr.  Proud: The story of James Brown.  Morgan Reynolds   2014  128  $29.00  ISBN 978-1-59935-3746  jr/sr  series: Modern Music Masters  Biography  E-BN 

James Brown was born in Barnwell, South Carolina, but was raised in Augusta, Georgia, and it was from there that he entered the world of music.  His first instrument was a harmonica his father gave him. Later he learned to play other instruments from local musicians.  He was musically gifted, and church played an important part in his life because of the music and religious teaching.

 
Poverty also played an important part in his life, and he encountered trouble as he entered his teens, until his music became the most important part of his life.  James Brown broke into the music world and he was exceptional, but his music was also different from anything ever heard in the world of white people.  His music broke the color barrier and opened the door for soul music.
 

His live recording of his concert at the Apollo Theater in 1962 in Harlem, New York, was a ground breaker and surpassed any expectations in the music world.  The album sold millions of copies, and it is now listed number 25 on the list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

This is a surprising biography, well written and inspiring.  It is a “must read” and should be an important part of any African-American history curriculum.     

Other titles in the series Modern Music Masters include Leonard Bernstein and American Music, Say It With Music: The Story of Irving Berlin, Uh Huh!: The Story of Ray Charles, Reggae Poet: The Story of Bob Marley, and Spin: The Story of Michael Jackson.  If all the biographies are written as well as the James Brown story, it will be a “must” to have them in the library.  This book in particular should be part of the African-American history collection.   

Summary: A child born in poverty rises to become a man who revolutionizes the music world while contributing to the Civil Rights Movement through his songs and concerts.

James Brown, 1933-2006.                                     –Magna Diaz

Measurement

Cunningham, Kevin.  Measurement.  Morgan Reynolds     2013  64p  $27.45  ISBN 978-1-59935-398-2  ms/hs  series: The Biography of Numbers Nonfiction  E-BN

This book is a wonderful presentation, filled with colorful illustrations, of how measurement systems developed and why they were needed.  Covering everything from ancient civilizations through contemporary efforts to standardize measurements worldwide, this book is engaging for the casual reader and filled with facts for the student researcher.  It includes short biographies of famous people who influenced the progress toward standardization of measurements, a timeline, a glossary, lists for further reading and an index. Cunningham traces the history of measurement and the impact of commerce and government on standardizing units of measure.  He notes the reluctance of the United States to follow the metric system, and holding out as only one of three countries in the world to use a different measurement system.  Students might find it interesting that standardization was finalized less than 60 years ago, with the adoption of the International System of Units to denote a common basis for measuring distance, mass, time, temperature, light, electric current, and chemical units.  Outstanding!

The reviewer’s only concern is the title of the first chapter, “The Cun and the Cubit,” which will leave readers scrambling to other sources to find the definition of “cun,” as the word does not appear in the book.     

The Biography of Numbers consists of four titles written in an engaging style with colorful illustrations, providing a quick history of mathematics and the use of numbers.  They include brief biographies, practical applications of numbers, and timelines. Gr. 6-12.   

Summary: Provides the history of the development of systems to measure volume, length, and weight; why standardization of weights and measures is needed; and why it has involved such a long and difficult process to establish.  Colorfully illustrated. Gr. 6-12. 

Measurement, History of Science                       --Lois McNicol

Numerals

Cunningham, Kevin.  Numerals.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p     $27.45  ISBN 978-1-59935-396-8  ms/hs  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN

This book tells the history of counting and the visual representation of numbers through centuries and various cultures.  It’s an engaging volume that will provide even the well-read reader with new facts related to numbers. The student will become quickly engaged in reading about this usually dull, dry topic because the text is extremely well written, with just enough fact interspersed within the historical context of the need for a system of counting that would allow people to go from zero to millions and beyond, and would facilitate calculation using simple and complex math concepts. It is also a fascinating look at the way written language preceded the written representation of how much and how many.  By bringing in current examples from banking, calculation devices, calendars, and the building of large structures, Cunningham shows us that we take for granted the things that ancient civilizations struggled to explain and calculate.  The description of the advances made by ancient civilizations in the realm of mathematics make this book a perfect supplement for ancient history classes and studies of India and the Middle East.  Colorful illustrations and examples of ancient writings help keep the reader focused.  Outstanding short history of numbers.           

The Biography of Numbers consists of four titles written in an engaging style with colorful illustrations.  A quick history of mathematics and the use of numbers.  Famous people who developed concepts, practical applications of numbers, and a timeline.  Gr. 6-12.   

History of Mathematics, History of Numbers            --Lois McNicol

Pi

Cunningham, Kevin.  Pi.  Morgan Reynolds  2013  64p   27.45 978-1-59935-394-4  elem/ms  series: The Biography of Numbers  Nonfiction  E-BN       

The author has written a well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of pi.  In 1680 B.C., pi was first discovered in Sumer.  Knowledge of pi’s properties developed slowly until recently, when mathematicians utilized the computer.
The inclusion of photographs, several lists on where to obtain more information, and a glossary/index makes this book a useful research tool.  The inclusion of web sites for youngsters is also important in school classrooms today.  Up-to-date photographs further enhance the information in the book.

The flow and balance of the text and full-color visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for young and reluctant readers.

This book is one in the Biography of Numbers series.  The series consists of four books at this time.  The general theme of the series is mathematics.  The books are Pi, Zero, Measurement, and Numerals.     

Summary: A well documented account of the history, growth, and discoveries of Pi from 1680 until modern day.          

Mathematics                                           --Linda McNeil