Micklos, John Jr. Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I.

Micklos, John Jr.  Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I. Capstone Publishers   2017  32p   $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-3348-5 ms/hs Nonfiction E-BNS

In writing this very exciting book about a topic unfamiliar to many, author John Micklos accomplished the following: he organized his data impeccably, he provided new vocabulary on the page the word occurred, he shone a light on the highlights of an amazing group of soldiers with text that reads like a narrative piece instead of nonfiction, and he executed the layout with valuable support photos, text boxes and lists of primary-source materials that, all combined, propel the reader forward. Micklos provides a learning experience for readers and students of social studies and social issues by first demonstrating the need for a black regiment.  What follows is a brief examination of the struggles in the U.S. with prejudice as well as the struggles of black units to gain respect in the military.  Next, Micklos shows how the 15th Regiment became the 369th Infantry Regiment in France.  The French did not display the prejudices of the Americans, and under French tutelage, the men quickly grew in ability, reputation and fierceness.  They became heroes as much for their bravery as for their ability.  Instrumental in pushing Germany to end the war, they gained the nickname “hellfighters.” 

The final two chapters show the group returning to the U.S. to a parade where a million or so spectators welcomed them, as was befitting a group of heroes. They helped to change the course of history, yet it would take 45 more years to achieve the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The book ends with a glossary of all new vocabulary words, a short list of resources to consult, and an index.  Books about breaking barriers and making contributions to a cause should all be of this caliber.

They can either BE the lesson or support a broader lesson in a variety of curricula.     

The Military Heroes series includes books about the buffalo soldiers, the Harlem Hellfighters, the Tuskegee Airmen and others.  Characterized by exciting narrative and primary-source materials, they prove to be excellent resources as much for their organization as for their layout and extra features like text boxes, glossaries and reading lists.   

Summary: The contributions of the Harlem Hell-Fighters during WWI are enumerated in this volume, which teaches readers basic information about the cause of the war, the need for more troops and the struggles that the men faced both at home and abroad.  The men quickly gained status as fighters to reckon with.     

World War I, Black History                                  --Martha Squaresky

Micklos, John Jr. Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I.

Micklos, John Jr. Harlem Hellfighters: African-American Heroes in WW I. Capstone Publishers     2017  32p   $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-3348-5 elem/ms  Nonfiction  VG-BNS        

Upper-level elementary students who are interested in learning about World War I will appreciate this new title in the Fact Finders: Military Heroes series.  Written in an easy-to-comprehend fashion, this book will furnish students with a better understanding of World War I and this very special special unit from “The 15th New York Voluntary Infantry Regiment.”  Students will learn that the 15th regiment faced many challenges, including racial discrimination.  The 15th Regiment fought for equality, as they knew that they were a fearless unit ready to fight the war on the front lines.  When the group finally had the opportunity to be trained to fight on the front lines in World War I, they were renamed the “369th Infantry Regiment” after weeks of training with the French army.  When the war ended, this infantry regiment returned to the United States as heroes and became known as the “hellfighters” because they had helped to win the bloody war.  Even though this group of men were treated honorably during the homecoming celebrations, African Americans were still discriminated against until passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, religion, or sex. 

The author includes black-and-white period photographs, interesting facts, a glossary of terms, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound, critical thinking questions using the Common Core, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 186781).

As of this review, six titles have been published in the new series Military Heroes.  Each title features a group or unit in the United States Armed Force that stands out among the rest.    

Summary: "When World War I began, it seemed unlikely that a unit such as the Harlem Hellfighters would ever be formed. Given their nickname by their German foes who admired their bravery, the Harlem Hellfighters were members of the 369th, an all-black regiment. The 369th played key roles in critical battles and helped secure an Allied victory. Infographics, sidebars, and fact boxes bring the experiences of these brave military men to life.”

World War I, African American soldiers-20th Century History.  --Charleen Forba-MacCain

Micklos, John Jr. Exploring the Pennsylvania Colony.

Micklos, John Jr.  Exploring the Pennsylvania Colony.  Capstone Publishers  2017  48p     $23.99  ISBN 978-1-5157-2232-8     elem/ms  Series: Exploring the 13 Colonies.  Nonfiction  VG-BNS                       

This well written, brief book provides aspects of the development of the Pennsylvania Colony, beginning with an overview of the 13 colonies. It continues by providing information about the new colony, relations with the Native Americans, growth and expansion, daily life, Declaration of Independence from England and the choosing of the capital. Descriptions are provided in a succinct manner and a lower reading level that will not intimidate young readers. It also treats the colony’s relations with the Native Americans with accuracy and sensitivity that will not disturb young readers.

In addition to the well-written text the book has visual appeal. Each double-page spread provides graphics and shading reminiscent of colonial times. Each page also includes a full-color illustration and/or photograph that enhances and clarifies the text. A text box at the bottom of the page defines highlighted glossary words so that the reader is not required to flip back and forth from a main glossary for definitions. Also included are thought-provoking “Critical Thinking with Primary Sources” boxes related to the Common Core. Brief biographies of important persons of the time and photographs of primary sources also add to the engagement and succinct informative properties of this book.

The book concludes with a timeline, full glossary, additional Common Core thinking questions, additional information sources, source notes and a comprehensive index, making this a good beginning research resource for young readers.
           

This is one book in the highly acclaimed Smithsonian series. There are currently 42 titles in the series covering a variety of subjects.     

Summary: This book examines life in Colonial Pennsylvania, beginning with an overview of the 13 colonies that is followed by information about the new colony, relations between the colonists and the Native Americans, growth and expansion, daily life, Declaration of Independence from England and the choosing of the capital.          

Pennsylvania Colony                                                                                       --Virginia McGarvey

Jennifer Hudson.

Micklos, John.  Jennifer Hudson.  Enslow  2014  104p  $26.60      ISBN 978-0-7660-4233-9    ms/hs  series: African American Icons  Biography  E-BN

Jennifer Hudson always knew she wanted to sing.  With the support of family and friends, that is exactly what she has been able to do with her life.  Information on her childhood and teen years is insightful, showing the importance of her staying grounded as she grew into fame.  The behind-the-scenes look at American Idol provides insight into the auditioning process and the life of a contestant.  Her success after losing on American Idol is shown to be due to her perseverance and belief that life is good.  Her personal life, including her love of fiance Otunga, her weight loss, and the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew are all detailed. This book will satisfy the Jennifer Hudson fan as well as those who need information for reports on successful young musicians/actors or young black Americans.  There are no photographs, just solid information on her life. Included are a timeline, source notes, an index, a glossary and lists for further reading. 

The series African American Icons consists of numerous titles on successful black Americans who are well known to the public, many of them entertainers.  There is solid information on their lives and successes, but no photographs.  Each volume includes a timeline, source notes, an index, and a glossary. Gr 6-12.

Summary: From her childhood, through American Idol, to Dreamgirls, to motherhood, the life of Jennifer Hudson is presented with all its ups and downs. Behind the scenes information on American Idol provides insight into the contest. Grades 6-12.           

Jennifer Hudson                                       --Lois McNicol

Micklos, John, Jr. Making of the U.S. from Thirteen Colonies.

Micklos, John, Jr.  Making of the U.S. from Thirteen Colonies.    Enslow  2013  48p  $18.00  ISBN 978-0-7660-4133-2      elm/ms  series: American Revolution Through Primary Sources VG   

In this book, upper-elementary and middle-school students are introduced to Great Britain’s thirteen colonies and how they stretched from Massachusetts to Georgia.  Students learn that sometimes these colonies got along, and at other times they did not.  While the thirteen colonies had differences among themselves, they were all a part of the British Empire.  Students discover how early governments worked, as well as what led to the British and American colonists’ battles, which ultimately led to the American Revolution.  Written in a story format, this book provides students with a better understanding of how the United States won its independence.  Within each individual state, Americans did not initially want any central government, but because they endured hard times, the states knew that they must come up with something central to help fix their problems.  The Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise, and the Bill of Rights were then in play as the states tried to build a more perfect union.  The Electoral College was created to select the president with each state represented fairly. 

Students gain a great deal of knowledge through the primary-source documents that are included to help them gain a better understanding of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States.  The author includes colorful graphics, a timeline of events, dates of ratification, maps, proof sheets, portrait reprints, documents, chapter notes, a glossary of terms, a list of books and Internet addresses, and an index.      Each title in this series of six (as of this review) presents personal accounts of American men and women in battle and on the home front.  These titles contain songs, speeches, poetry, newspaper accounts, and photos that reflect the broader culture of the time.

American Revolution                                   --Charleen Forba-Mayer