Marty Rhodes Figley is the author of sixteen books, mostly about her favorite subject--remarkable people from our country's past. She earned her B.A. in American Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Marty, whose two children are grown, lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, Paul, and their Airedale terrier, Scarlett. Craig Orback is a freelance children's book illustrator living in the Northwest and received his B.F.A. in illustration from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1998. He has illustrated Nature's Paintbox, The Can Man, Keeping The Promise: A Torah's Journey, and other award-winning children's books. He teaches children's book illustration and oil painting at several local colleges. In his free time he enjoys painting landscapes and sharing his books with kids during school and library visits.
Gr 2-4-Washington describes the burning of the White House as seen through the eyes of President Madison's slave, 15-year-old Paul Jennings. The account unfolds chronologically during August and September 1814. A brief, vague explanation for the presence of British soldiers is given. Dialogue, thoughts, and other events are compiled from cited, primary sources written by Jennings; French John, the head servant; and First Lady Dolley Madison. Notable for telling a historical event from the viewpoint of a slave, the book fails to show the nature of slavery objectively. Whereas the afterword reveals that Dolley Madison sold Jennings after her husband's death, the story's illustrations depict Jennings as equal to employee French John rather than as property. Jennings wears fine clothes, speaks freely to the First Lady, and appears to have unlimited access to the President's home. In contrast, Juneteenth shows the relief of slaves in Galveston, TX, when freedom was proclaimed, emphasizing that slaves were not ordinary workers but forced laborers. The description of slavery is brave in its honesty, difficult to read but necessary to understand. The Civil War and President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation are also included, but the emphasis remains on the news of freedom--it traveled slowly, was heard with disbelief, and was celebrated on June 19, 1865, with picnics, song, and parades. The book concludes by describing modern Juneteenth celebrations and remembrances across the country. Realistic paintings in vibrant colors illustrate these easy readers.-Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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