Introduction: My Story, Our Story
Chapter One: Why a Different Mirror?
Chapter Two: Removing the “Savages”
Chapter Three: The Hidden Origins of Slavery
Chapter Four: The Road to the Reservation
Chapter Five: Life in Slavery
Chapter Six: The Flight from Ireland
Chapter Seven: The War Against Mexico
Chapter Eight: From China to Gold Mountain
Chapter Nine: Dealing with the Indians
Chapter Ten: The Japanese and “Money Trees”
Chapter Eleven: Jews are Pushed from Russia
Chapter Twelve: Up from Mexico
Chapter Thirteen: Blacks Arrive in Northern Cities
Chapter Fourteen: World War II and America’s Ethics Problem
Chapter Fifteen: Calls for Change
Chapter Sixteen: New Waves of Newcomers
Chapter Seventeen: “We Will All Be Minorites”
Notes
Glossary
Index
RONALD TAKAKI (1939-2009) was recognized as one of the foremost
scholarsof American ethnic history and diversity. He is the author
of the multipleaward-winning books Strangers from a Distant Shore-
A History of AsianAmericans and A Different Mirror- A History of
Multicultural America.
REBECCASTEFOFFspecializes in writing nonfiction for young readers,
with a focus on scientific, historical, and literary subjects. She
previously explored the subject of evolution inCharles Darwin and
the Evolution Revolution(Oxford University Press, 1996) and the
four-volume seriesHumans- An Evolutionary History(Marshall
Cavendish Benchmark, 2010). Stefoff has also written on
exploration, forensic investigation, and archaeology, among other
topics. In addition to writing her own books, Stefoff has adapted
several important nonfiction works for young audiences-A Young
People's History of the United States, based on Howard Zinn's
bestselling classic of progressive history; Before Columbus- The
Americas in 1491, based on Charles C. Mann's ground-breaking new
look at the archaeology of the pre-Columbian Americas; andA
Different Mirror for Young People, based on a major work of
scholarship by ethnic historian Ronald Takaki.
“[A Different Mirror is] a splendid achievement, a bold and
refreshing new approach to our national history. The research is
meticulous, the writing powerful and eloquent, with what can only
be called an epic sweep across time and cultures.” —Howard Zinn
“This 375-page book would be an excellent way to include
multi-ethnic materials in the classroom as a way to ensure that
your students see their unique identities reflected in their
coursework.” —Skipping Stones
“A Different Mirror advances a truly humane sense of American
possibility.” —Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
"The 'mirror' that Ronald Takaki holds up to the United States
reflects a multicultural history of oppression and exploitation,
but also struggle, solidarity, and community. In the most profound
sense, this is a people's history of our country. Takaki shows what
has torn us apart, yet what knits us together. This young people's
version of A Different Mirror will introduce a new generation to
Takaki's pathbreaking scholarship." —Bill Bigelow, curriculum
editor, Rethinking Schools, and co-director, Zinn Education Project
Gr 6 Up-This established adult classic of multiculturalism has been pared down for a younger audience. Stefoff, who previously adapted Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States (Longman, 1980), takes a crack at Takaki's look at America and its people. Focusing on a variety of groups-Jews, Chinese, Japanese, Africans, Irish, Mexicans, Afghans, Vietnamese, and more-this volume tells America's story through the millions of people who came here seeking the Land of Opportunity only to find low wages, pitiable living conditions, and bigotry at every turn. Yet Takaki keeps bitterness at bay, writing with hope and conviction about the many opportunities for young Americans to make change in a country where, soon enough, "we all will be minorities." Stefoff adds a few nice touches-the short stories of individuals ending each chapter definitely make the content more relatable-but many young people would be better off sticking with Takaki's original text.-Sam Bloom, Blue Ash Library, Cincinnati, OH (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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